NAIROBI, Kenya – The Judiciary has unlocked Sh68.9 billion back into Kenya’s economy through its court-annexed mediation programme, Chief Justice Martha Koome revealed on Thursday.
Speaking during an open day at Mathari Primary School in Nairobi, Koome said the alternative dispute resolution mechanism has helped resolve 91 per cent of the 26,991 cases referred to mediation since its launch in 2016.
“These cases have unlocked more than Sh68.9 billion into the economy, demonstrating the economic and social value of this approach,” said the CJ.
Koome hailed mediation as a faster, less adversarial and cost-effective tool for resolving disputes, especially in land and environment matters, which often spark conflict among families and communities.
“Mediation focuses not only on legal rights but also on restoring relationships and addressing the root causes of conflict,” she said.
In 2023 alone, 870 cases were referred to mediation, with 820 successfully resolved—a 94 per cent success rate.
Between January and June 2024, 311 out of 400 referred cases were settled, further underlining the programme’s effectiveness.
There are currently 1,893 accredited mediators in Kenya, with over 1,100 actively engaged, including 1,179 working within the Environment and Land Court.
Koome announced plans to expand mediation services from 62 to 77 court stations, targeting counties such as Lamu, Kwale, Samburu, Wajir, Mandera and Taita Taveta.
She also called on community leaders, religious institutions, youth groups and women’s organisations to champion mediation as a peaceful conflict resolution tool.
“We need ambassadors of mediation who can encourage those in conflict to seek resolution through dialogue,” she urged.
The CJ emphasised that a well-functioning mediation framework not only promotes access to justice but also enhances economic productivity and social cohesion.
Today, I had the privilege of attending the Milimani Environment and Land Court (ELC) Mediation Open Day at Mathari Primary School, where I engaged with the local community.During this event, we explored mediation as a key solution for resolving land and environmental disputes.
