Chief Justice David Maraga. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Chief Justice David Maraga has urged Kenyans to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Justice Maraga said elders should address family and land matters.
Speaking in Isiolo County, the CJ said such resolutions will ensure unity and friendship among close family members as opposed to the enmity that arises when one party wins a court case with the other losing.
Justice Maraga said research had shown that alternative dispute resolution mechanism works better and as opposed to the enmity that arises when one party wins a court case with the other losing.
The Chief Justice however cautioned members of public against using the same mechanisms to resolve cases like child rape or other criminal matters.
Justice Maraga was in Isiolo to preside over a ground-breaking ceremony for construction of Isiolo High Court buildings projected to be completed by October 2018.
He said the Judiciary is keen to establish a High Court in every county and at least a magistrate’s court in each of the 290 sub counties across the country.
In Isiolo, the Judiciary will consider building permanent courts in Garbatulla and Merti, which are currently served by mobile courts.
Isiolo County governor Godana Doyo said that the new high court will greatly improve access to justice, enabling the residents to have their matters resolved within their county as opposed to going all the way to Meru.
Doyo said his government was willing not only to donate the land but also avail some existing buildings for setting up permanent courts as funds for construction of new courts are awaited.