Dispute resolution made easier
The Judiciary has set up a registry at the Kisumu Law Courts that will handle cases targeted for mediation.
The Court Annexed Mediation (CAM) Registry was officially opened by the High Court Principle Judge, Lady Justice Lydia Achode, in an event attended by members of the Judicial Service commission (JSC), Mediation Taskforce, stakeholders, staff and members of the public, among other guests.
The registry comes as a relief to the people of Kisumu who now have an alternative mechanism in addition to courts, to solve disputes.
Speaking at Kisumu Law Courts, Justice Achode said that the leadership of Kisumu Law Courts wants the cases to be heard in real time adding that the ease of doing business index will continue to rise if seen to have better dispute resolution mechanisms.
Justice Aggrey Muchelule who represented the JSC said that the Judiciary is commanded to promote alternative means of dispute resolution and therefore there is need for public participation and stakeholder’s engagement to make mediation successful.
Kisumu Presiding Judge Justice Fred Ochieng urged Kenyans to try the mediation process saying this will reduce the case backlog in courts.
’’We want to do mediation to help the people of Kenya ‘‘Judge Ochieng said.
The idea was welcomed by the Governor of Kisumu who was represented and also the Law society of Kenya Kisumu chapter through its chairperson Mr Bruce Odeny.
Mediation will be carried out by accredited mediators and resolution of matters will be done within 60 days. The process enables clients to sort out matters by themselves and if parties fail to reach an agreement, the matter goes back to the normal court process.
Principal Judge Justice Lydiah Achode speaks during the launch of the Court Annexed Mediation (CAM) Registry at Kisumu Law Courts.
Kisumu High Court Presiding Judge Justice Fred Ochieng addressing guests during the launch of the Court Annexed Mediation (CAM) Registry in Kisumu.
From left – Right: Lawyer Richard Onsongo, Hon. Achode, Hon. Pauline Mbulikah, Deputy Registrar High court , Hon. Judy Omange, Registrar high court and other stakeholders interact after opening the mediation registry.
Front Row. left – Right: Chief Magistrate Hon. Julius Ng’arng’ar, High Court Principal Judge Justice Lydiah Achode, JSC member Judge Justice Aggrey Muchelule and Registrar of High court Hon Judy Omange during launch of Court Annexed Mediation registry in Kisumu.
The newly opened mediation registry at Kisumu Law Courts.