In attendance were Justice David Majanja (Presiding Judge, Kisumu County) Justice Hellen Omondi (Presiding Judge Homa Bay County) and Dr. Linda Musumba who is the Vice Chair of the Task force on the implementation of Alternative Justice System. Other participants included elders and widows from Kisumu, Kericho, Kakamega, Migori, Siaya and Homa Bay counties, KELIN’s pro bono lawyers, Kisumu County officials and other like-minded civil society organizations.
The meeting provided an opportunity for all stakeholders working on women’s land, property and inheritance rights to network, share experiences and build a network to facilitate the implementation of traditional justice systems as a form of dispute resolution.
At the end of the two days, participants agreed that there is need to lobby for county governments to invest in infrastructure that supports cultural systems. Additionally, participants called for the establishment of a policy to develop clear guidelines on how to enforce the elders’ decisions, advocate and lobby for policies that promote Alternative Dispute Resolution.
“An activity such as this clearly falls under the mandate of the Judiciary. Through our Court users committee we have recognized that empowerment of women is a key factor in ensuring access to justice. For us the question is how women and other vulnerable groups take advantage of courts to enjoy the constitutional rights guaranteed by the constitution. Justice should be pro poor” Kisumu Presiding Judge, Hon. Justice David Majanja.
To contribute to the discussion and for live updates follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hashtag #intercountyforumTwitter: @KELINkenya
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya
For more information contact:
Onyango Ondeng, Programme Manager KELIN
Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)
Aga Khan Road, Milimani opposite Jalaram Academy
P.O Box 7708-40100 Kisumu
Tel +254790339965
Email: ondeng@kelinkenya.org
