CJ Koome launches Africa's first autonomous community justice centre

CJ Koome launches Africa's first autonomous community justice centre in Nakuru. [Courtesy]

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for a new era in justice with the launch of the first autonomous community justice centre.

The Alternative Justice System (AJS) Centre, situated in Nakuru, marks an important milestone, being the first of its kind in Africa.

Speaking during the launch, Koome said the centre seeks to foster a just social order, prioritising reconciliation and peaceful co-existence within communities.

"In establishing this centre, you are empowering people to champion justice by utilising their dispute resolution agency, thus promoting peace and cohesion among our people and communities," said Koome.

The launch is in line with the 3rd Annual National Conference on Alternative Justice Systems which is underway at Kabarak University in Nakuru.

Chief Justice Martha Koome welcomed by Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor Prof Henry Kiplagat for the Alternative Justice System's (AJS) Third Annual Conference. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The four-day event aims to propel people-centred justice in the country by engaging, expanding, and re-tooling AJS.

AJS represents both a philosophical concept and a practical approach to justice, centred on citizens' needs.

It seeks to offer diverse dispute resolution mechanisms, including traditional methods, facilitating mediation between victims and offenders to reach mutually acceptable agreements.