The Kenyan Judiciary has officially launched the Kisii Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Centre at the Kisii Law Courts.

Designed to make conflict resolution more accessible, affordable, and peaceful, the centre marks a major shift toward community-centered justice for local residents.

The launch event was presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome and attended by prominent leaders, including Kisii Governor Simba Arati, Judicial Service Commission (JSC) representatives, Judiciary officials, legal professionals, and local elders.

Governor Arati hailed the establishment of the centre as a historic moment for the region, commending Chief Justice Koome for her drive to democratize access to justice.

“This is indeed a landmark event,” Governor Arati stated adding that, “As the County Government, we will continue to play a significant role in promoting justice and peace in our county.”

Chief Justice Koome emphasized that modernizing the legal framework requires both technology and collaboration.

She noted that expanding court infrastructure and bringing services closer to citizens depends heavily on cross-sector partnerships, including support from Members of Parliament through National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF) initiatives.

Anchored in the constitution

Recognized under Article 159 of the Kenyan Constitution, Alternative Justice Systems prioritize mediation, reconciliation, and traditional dispute resolution methods.

Key leaders at the event highlighted how AJS transforms traditional legal pathways, Everlyne Olwande (JSC Commissioner) emphasized that AJS is a essential constitutional pathway, noting that “justice must not only be done but also be experienced by our people.”

On her part, the Chief Registrar of the judiciary Winfridah Boyani expressed gratitude to the Kisii County Government and the Law Society of Kenya for their crucial role in building sustainable justice networks.

Prof Joel Ngugi, Chairperson, National Steering Committee on AJS Implementation, captured the spirit of the initiative by remarking, “Today we are respecting the past and opening a new way of delivering justice… Justice begins where people listen to one another instead of fighting.”