The National Land Commission (NLC) has called on residents of Kajiado County to adopt Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) frameworks as a way of addressing persistent land conflicts.
Speaking in Kajiado Town, Commissioner Tiyah Galgalo said the mechanisms have already demonstrated success in the region, noting that out of 1,864 land dispute cases recorded in the past decade, 1,066 have been resolved through AJS and ADR. She explained that the approach has reduced the time and costs associated with lengthy court battles while fostering peaceful coexistence among communities.
“We encourage wananchi to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution instead of rushing to court. Court processes often take a long time and can be costly, yet through AJS and ADR we are able to resolve matters faster and in a more amicable way,” Galgalo said.
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According to Galgalo, most disputes revolve around leasehold titles, particularly issues of renewal, expiry, and ownership transitions. She added that the Commission plans to conduct visits across counties to engage stakeholders, streamline processes, and prevent future conflicts.
Galgalo emphasised that land disputes directly affect social cohesion, pointing out that land ownership touches on livelihoods, inheritance, and rights, making it a sensitive matter that requires careful handling.
Kajiado County Commissioner Michael Yator assured the NLC of the National Government Administration’s support in tackling land issues.
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He said the administration will continue working closely with agencies and community leaders to ensure disputes are resolved promptly and amicably.
Yator further announced that public schools, institutions, and government offices in the county will be issued with title deeds to secure their land against encroachment. He explained that proper documentation of public land will safeguard critical facilities, enhance service delivery, and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.
By Masaki Enock
