The Judiciary will train councils of elders across the country to help in settling disputes.
Judicial Service Commission Vice Chairperson Margaret Kobia stated that the move is aimed at reducing the backlog of cases in courts.
She said that the judiciary will train the council of elders to boost their knowledge in dispute resolution.
Speaking at the Thika Children’s Court on Friday when she met with the Court Users Committee (CUC), Kobia added that Chief Justice has already launched a manual that has included the council of elders in the judiciary team as an alternative body to settle disputes.
Kobia said some cases that have fewer complications can be solved by the council of elders without necessarily going through the Kenyan courts; a move that will enhance courts efficiency in handling cases.
She said the courts have been blamed for holding cases for very long periods.
"Some cases especially touching on land disputes have been pending in courts for a period of more than five years, yet elders are best placed to solve them since they have the historical background of various communities in their region," she said.
She was accompanied by Judicial Service Commissioners Emily Ominde and Winnie Guchu.
Ominde noted that the judiciary is determined in enhancing the better administration of justice while urging the elders council to work hand in hand with the Judiciary.