Isiolo High Court and Alternative Justice Systems officially Launched

Isiolo, 

Thursday, 12 September, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Chief Justice Martha Koome has officially launched the Isiolo High Court and the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms at the court. on Thursday, 12 September, 2024 In Isiolo County. 

This development is monumental for residents of these regions, who have long been dependent on the high courts of Meru and Nyeri for justice. 

The launch of the Isiolo High Court not only brings justice closer to home but also promises faster resolution of cases, reducing the backlog and delays that have long plagued the legal system. 

For years, residents of Isiolo and neighboring counties have endured the hardships of traveling long distances to seek justice, often incurring significant costs in both time and money. 

The establishment of a high court in Isiolo will now ease this burden, allowing local residents easier access to justice, speeding up legal processes, and empowering communities to resolve disputes more efficiently. 

This court will handle a wide range of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family cases, thereby enhancing the overall judicial infrastructure of the region.

The launch of the Isiolo High Court will not only serve the local population but will also extend its services to Marsabit, Moyale, and Garissa counties, offering a judicial lifeline to these underserved regions.

The Garissa High court was only established in 2012 after long calls for acess to Justice in the North Rift region. 

The initiative also adresses the historical exclusion by expanding access to judicial services for all Kenyans, regardless of their geographic location.

Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, who hosted Chief Justice Koome at the launch, hailed this achievement as a leap forward in governance and accountability. 

During the event, he also highlighted ongoing mega projects spearheaded by the County Government, emphasizing his administration’s focus on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. These projects are set to position Isiolo as a model of progress in northern Kenya.

Additionally, the inclusion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms within the court will offer an even faster, more cost-effective, and amicable way of settling disputes.

ADR has proven to be an effective tool for reducing the court’s caseload while fostering reconciliation among conflicting parties. This approach is especially relevant for communities in arid and semi-arid regions like Isiolo, where traditional dispute resolution methods have always played a role in maintaining peace.

“Through the Isiolo AJS County Action Plan and Model, the residents of Isiolo have taken ownership of their justice needs, resolving disputes by drawing from traditional systems that have long fostered social harmony and peace. AJS mechanisms not only address conflict resolution but also promote reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.”CJ Koome noted. 

Isiolo is the first county where AJS was piloted in 2012, and its success informed the development of the AJS Policy.

The Judiciary also launched the Isiolo County AJS County Action Plan and Model, the Isiolo AJS Suite, the Code of Conduct for AJS Practitioners, the Guidelines for the Use of the AJS Suite, and the Isiolo Court Annexed Mediation Centre. 

The Code of Conduct for AJS Practitioners ensures the highest standards of integrity, impartiality, and respect for human rights in AJS proceedings. This guarantees the credibility of elders serving as AJS practitioners and assures the public of their adherence to ethical standards.

The Guidelines for the Use of AJS Suites provide a transparent framework for AJS proceedings, ensuring accessibility while preserving community heritage. Similarly, the Isiolo AJS Suite will not only serve as a hub for dispute resolution but also as a cultural center where people can learn about local conflict resolution practices.

Meanwhile, the inauguration of the Isiolo Court Annexed Mediation Centre underscores Judicial commitment to mediation as a key pillar of the Judiciary’s multi-door approach.

Like AJS, mediation empowers communities to resolve disputes through cooperation and mutual understanding, establishing it as a trusted method of conflict resolution. 

Koome encouraged the residents of Isiolo to embrace these initiatives for a more harmonious society.