The Judiciary has initiated a court annexed Mediation (CAM) process in Kiambu County. This alternative justice system is meant to reduce court case backlog.
The former Chief Justice David Maraga adopted mediation in 2016 as an alternative to helping to end cases that had remained unresolved for five years or more.
Mediation and Accreditation Committee chairperson High Court Judge George Odunga accompanied by a team of judicial officers launched the programme dubbed ‘a solution by you, for you’ at the Kiambu laws court grounds
Justice Odunga, who spoke at the launch, urged Kenyans not to ignore the local dispute arbitration process to resolve civil cases. It is cost-effective and quick.
“The Judiciary has so far accredited about 1000 mediators in the country, therefore we are now rolling out CAM in all areas we have sufficient number of mediators,”said Odunga
The judge stated that mediators are multi-talented and have been properly trained to handle all types civil cases. They are therefore easy to work with
“The mediators are not only lawyers but they also include religious leaders, bankers, teachers, psychologists,” added Odunga.
Judge Mary Kasango of Kiambu High Court said that the CAM process should be widely known to litigants. Mediation can become a future tool in case resolution if it is well understood
“In Kiambu High Court we have a huge backlog of cases, however last year we were given an additional judge but the work is still overwhelming hence the need for an alternative resolution process,” said Kasango
She urged Kiambu residents not to hesitate to use the court annexed mediation process, arguing that it will save them time and money.
“The court still plays a part in the mediation process as the agreement is adopted by court as judgement,” said Lady Justice Kasango
Kiambu Chief Magistrate Emily Ominde on her part decried the high number of cases related to family disputes that could be easily resolved through the mediation process.
Ominde also explained that mediation can help in the pursuit of justice for Kenyans. People can adopt their own decision rather than being imposed by the court.
“In some cases people just want people to listen to them,” she added.
By Grace Naishoo
Source: kenyanews
