Hon. Chief Justice visit Isiolo Law Court
We have launched several key justice initiatives in Isiolo County, including the Isiolo High Court, 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.
These initiatives reflect our commitment to bringing justice closer to the people through a multi-door approach to justice. For years, the region now known as the Northern Frontier District, which includes Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, and Isiolo counties, lacked formal court systems. It was only in 2012 that the Judiciary established the first High Court in Garissa.With the launch of the Isiolo High Court, we continue to address this historical exclusion by expanding access to judicial services for all Kenyans, regardless of their geographic location. Isiolo holds special significance in our effort to mainstream Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) as a legitimate avenue for dispute resolution. It was the first county where AJS was piloted in 2012, and its success informed the development of the AJS Policy.
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. 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. Lastly, the inauguration of the Isiolo Court Annexed Mediation Centre underscores our 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. We encourage the residents of Isiolo to embrace these initiatives for a more harmonious society.
