Court of Appeal Judge Aggrey Muchelule has urged Kenyans to prioritize Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, emphasizing their role in reducing the staggering backlog of cases within Kenya's judicial system. Speaking during a public lecture at Kisii University, the judge highlighted that the judiciary's 1,000 staff members are tasked with addressing disputes involving 55 million citizens, leading to unavoidable delays. 'We are stretched thin, and without adequate resources, we cannot meet the demands of a growing population,' he stated, underscoring the need for ADR methods like mediation and arbitration to supplement traditional court processes.
Muchelule's remarks came amid broader discussions on judicial efficiency, with the judge advocating for increased funding from the National Treasury to address infrastructure and personnel shortages. He also acknowledged the critical role of legal education in shaping a competent judiciary, praising Kisii University's School of Law for producing top-tier graduates who have excelled in national and international moot court competitions. 'This institution has consistently demonstrated excellence, and I encourage its students to maintain high standards as future legal professionals,' he said, vowing continued collaboration with the university to strengthen judicial training programs.
The event, hosted by Kisii University, provided a platform for dialogue on key legal issues, including judicial independence and the implementation of ADR frameworks. Attendees included law students, legal practitioners, and representatives from the judiciary, who engaged in discussions on modernizing dispute resolution mechanisms. The lecture underscored the growing recognition of ADR as a viable solution to Kenya's chronic court congestion, aligning with global trends toward more accessible and efficient legal processes.
The call for ADR adoption reflects broader public-interest concerns about the accessibility and timeliness of justice in Kenya. With the judiciary facing persistent resource constraints, experts argue that expanding ADR could significantly improve case resolution rates while reducing the financial and emotional burdens on litigants. The initiative also aligns with the government's efforts to enhance judicial reforms, as outlined in the 2010 Constitution, which emphasizes the rule of law and equitable access to justice.