The Judiciary has injected Sh68.9 billion back into the economy through its court-annexed mediation programme.
Chief Justice Martha Koome said that the programme, designed to offer an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, has proven highly effective.
She said at least 26,991 cases have been referred to mediation since its launch, with an impressive 91.3 percent resolution rate.
“Since its inception in 2016, at least 26,991 cases have been referred to mediation. Of these, 24,464 have been concluded, demonstrating an impressive 91.33 per cent success rate,” Koome noted.
She explained the huge impact of these successful mediations: “These cases have unlocked over Sh68.9 billion for the economy, providing a clear indication of the tangible socio-economic benefits of mediation. This is not just about resolving conflicts; it is about revitalizing communities and fostering economic growth.”
She spoke on Wednesday at the 3rd Annual Mediation Summit on Land Use and Climate Change Disputes.
The summit was also attended by Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Alice Wahome, who echoed CJ Koome’s remarks, confirming that land disputes in the country remain a significant challenge.
The Chief Justice said that the Court-Annexed Mediation Programme has expanded to 62 court stations, with 15 more in the implementation phase. Court Annexed mediation is operational in 41 counties, leaving only six counties such as Lamu, Kwale, Samburu, Wajir, Mandera and Taita-Taveta.
She called upon community leaders, including chiefs, religious leaders, youth groups and women’s organisations to champion mediation efforts.
Koome further stated that the Environment and Land Court has since achieved a 94.25 per cent resolution rate in 2023 releasing Sh1 billion to the economy between 2023 and 2024 through mediation.
She emphasised that mediation is proving to be an effective and less adversarial method of dispute resolution.
She encouraged Kenyans to embrace it, particularly in land disputes, which have historically strained relationships among families, neighbours and communities, sometimes leading to violence.
During the summit, CJ Koome, however, acknowledged the growing tensions between development, land use, and climate change in country, particularly in rural and resource-dependent communities.
The summit, was held under the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice and Promoting a More Cohesive Society Through the Use of Mediation in the Resolution of Disputes Relating to Land, Land Use, and Climate Change in Kenya.”
It brought together leaders, mediators, and advocates to explore ways to address the challenges of land disputes, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change.
CJ Koome urged stakeholders in the land and environment sectors to involve local communities in decision-making processes regarding climate change projects to ensure environmental justice and resolve conflicts surrounding land use.
“Let us continue to champion mediation as a tool for healing historical wounds, promoting environmental justice, and building a more cohesive society. Through mediation, we can secure peace and justice over our most contested yet vital resource land and create a legacy of resilience in the face of climate change,” Koome said.
Wahome disclosed that during Tuesday’s Cabinet committee meeting, Attorney General Dorcas Odour revealed that over 14,000 land cases are pending.
