Alternative Dispute Resolution Key - Governor Malombe Says as Kitui Rolls out Court Annexed Mediation

Kitui Governor H.E. Dr. Julius Malombe has termed alternative dispute resolution as significant milestone in promoting the constitutional mandate of dispute settlement.

Speaking during the roll out of the court annexed mediation ceremony at the Kitui Law Courts today, Governor Malombe said the national and county governments are called to cooperate and consult in service delivery noting they are inter-dependent in the discharge of their functions.

The county boss highlighted the county government’s support to aid the judiciary in efforts to have more courts put up by allocating a two acre parcel of land at Manyenyoni, to have at least one court at each subcounty by acquiring land through the county ministry of land, alleviate water supply challenges by installing tanks at the Kitui and Mwingi Law courts and augmenting the existing court infrastructure by constructing a county court whose plans are underway.

“The county court is born out of the MOU between the judiciary and the CoG signed in 2016. The objective being among other things to have a forum where the enforcement county legislation is prioritized “. He said.

Further, the county chief praised the court annexed mediation as key in ensuring the results of judicial processes are individually and socially just, elevate the role of disputing parties in finding solutions, entrenching the culture of amicable resolution of disputes and strengthening trust and confidence in the judicial system.

On his part, Kitui High Court Judge Hon Robert Limo said the court annexed mediation will promote win-win resolution of dispute between parties.

He added that the court will review the details of cases filed and determine whether they are suitable for referral or mediation. Parties may also request to have their case considered for mediation.

“Court Annexed Mediation will also be instrumental in mitigating the cases backlog menace in our courts as parties will be able to resolve their matter within sixty days,” added Justice Limo.

He further acknowledged the county government for the continued support to the judiciary in Kitui County terming it crucial in their bid to offer effective judicial services to the residents.