03/08/2026
UPDATE
CHIEF JUSTICE MARTHA KOOME UNVEILS BOMET ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK TO EXPAND ACCESS TO JUSTICE
Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched a comprehensive Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) framework for Bomet County, reaffirming the Judiciary's commitment to making justice more accessible, affordable and people-centred through community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
Speaking during the launch of the Bomet County Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) County Action Plan, the Bomet County AJS Model, the Bomet AJS Suite, and the Bomet and Sotik AJS Registries, Justice Koome described the initiatives as major milestones in Kenya's justice transformation agenda under the Judiciary's Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) vision.
She emphasized that justice should not be measured by the location of courtrooms but by every person's ability to obtain fair, timely and dignified resolution of disputes.
According to the Chief Justice, the Judiciary's multi-door approach recognizes that while courts remain the guardians of the Constitution, mediation, dialogue, reconciliation and restorative justice offer effective and culturally appropriate avenues for resolving disputes.
Justice Koome noted that the Constitution recognizes Alternative Justice Systems as legitimate mechanisms for resolving disputes, provided they comply with the Bill of Rights and the rule of law. She stressed that strengthening AJS is intended to complement—not replace—the formal court system by offering citizens additional pathways to resolve conflicts peacefully and efficiently.
The Chief Justice said the Bomet County AJS Action Plan was developed through an inclusive, evidence-based process that examined the county's justice needs.
A Justice Needs Survey identified land, succession and boundary disputes as the most common conflicts while also revealing strong public confidence in community-based justice mechanisms and the need for stronger links with the formal justice system.
She explained that the Bomet County AJS Model creates a coordinated justice ecosystem bringing together community elders, religious leaders, accredited mediators, public institutions, civil society organizations and the Judiciary to deliver fair, efficient and sustainable dispute resolution.
Justice Koome further stated that the Bomet AJS Suite and the Bomet and Sotik AJS Registries will institutionalize Alternative Justice Systems by serving as centres for coordination, referrals, documentation, public engagement and continuous learning, while promoting accountability, consistency and public confidence.
She, however, cautioned that Alternative Justice Systems must always operate within constitutional safeguards and should never be used to handle serious criminal offences such as sexual violence and defilement, which must remain within the formal criminal justice system.
The Chief Justice commended the Bomet Court Users Committee, the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of the Alternative Justice Systems Policy chaired by Joel Ngugi, the County Government of Bomet, development partners, religious and cultural leaders, civil society organizations and other stakeholders for their collaboration in implementing the initiative.
Justice Koome also reaffirmed the Judiciary's commitment to working with county governments to expand judicial infrastructure and establish more court stations in underserved areas, bringing judicial services closer to citizens.
She urged residents to embrace Alternative Justice Systems where appropriate and actively participate in Court Users Committees, saying collaboration between the Judiciary, government institutions and communities is essential in building an accessible, inclusive and responsive justice system.
The launch marks another significant step in the Judiciary's efforts to strengthen peaceful coexistence, improve access to justice and uphold the constitutional promise of fair, inclusive and responsive justice for all Kenyans.
