CJ Martha Koome Launches Mediation Initiative to Combat Court Backlog
Chief Justice Martha Koome has introduced a new initiative to address Kenya's court backlog by partnering with churches for mediation services. The program, starting with a pilot mediation centre in Nakuru in collaboration with the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), will be expanded across all 47 counties. This innovative approach aims to resolve disputes outside the courtroom, enhancing judicial efficiency and community peace.
Nairobi, Kenya – August 22, 2024 – Chief Justice Martha Koome, the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at alleviating the persistent issue of court backlog. Announced today, the initiative will see the judiciary collaborate with religious institutions, specifically churches, to provide mediation services for certain disputes, thus reducing the caseload in Kenyan courts.
During her address, CJ Koome detailed how this new approach will work. The mediation process will involve disputes being resolved outside the traditional court system through the intervention of churches, which will offer mediation services. This strategy is designed to address cases that do not necessarily require judicial intervention, thereby easing the strain on the judiciary.
Court-Annexed Mediation Centre in Nakuru
A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a court-annexed mediation centre in Nakuru. This centre is the result of a collaboration between the judiciary and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK). The Nakuru centre will serve as a pilot model for the new approach, demonstrating how mediation can effectively complement the formal judicial process.
CJ Koome revealed that the success of this pilot will inform the replication of similar mediation centres across Kenya’s 47 counties. This widespread implementation is expected to provide accessible mediation services to communities throughout the country, enhancing the overall efficiency of the judiciary.
Addressing Case Backlog and Enhancing Access to Justice
The initiative is a direct response to the significant backlog of cases that has long plagued Kenya’s court system. By diverting certain disputes away from the formal court process and into community-based mediation, the initiative aims to expedite the resolution of cases, reduce waiting times, and improve access to justice.
The mediation services provided by churches will be designed to address various types of disputes, offering a more informal and potentially less adversarial resolution process. This approach aligns with CJ Koome’s vision of a more responsive and community-oriented judiciary.
The Role of the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)
The NCCK’s involvement in the mediation initiative is a testament to the important role that religious institutions play in Kenyan society. By partnering with the judiciary, the NCCK will help facilitate mediation sessions, leveraging its extensive network and community trust to resolve disputes effectively.
CJ Koome emphasized that the partnership with the NCCK represents a model of collaboration between the judiciary and civil society. This partnership will not only support the judiciary in managing case volumes but also reinforce the role of religious institutions in fostering peace and reconciliation within communities.
Future Prospects and Implementation
Following the establishment of the Nakuru mediation centre, the judiciary plans to roll out similar centres across all counties. This phased approach will ensure that the mediation model is tailored to the needs of different communities while maintaining high standards of conflict resolution.
Training programs for church leaders and mediators will be an essential part of the rollout, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle disputes effectively. The judiciary will oversee these programs to ensure consistency and quality in mediation practices.
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