What to Expect from the AJS Conference at ADR Week 2025
As the pursuit of accessible, inclusive, and culturally responsive justice systems continues to shape Kenya’s legal landscape, this year’s Alternative Justice System (AJS) Conference at ADR Week 2025 promises to be a turning point. It brings together practitioners, community leaders, policymakers, academics, and justice sector stakeholders to reflect, learn, and co-create solutions that place people do not process at the heart of justice.
From revitalizing indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms to integrating AJS into national development goals, this conference will explore how community-centered justice can transform lives, restore peace, and promote sustainable development.
Here’s what to look forward to:
1. Building Capacity: Standardizing and Strengthening AJS Practitioners
AJS is only as strong as the people who carry it forward. This session explores:
- The need for clear guidelines, ethical standards, and certification pathways for AJS practitioners
- Capacity-building initiatives across counties and communities
- Bridging the gap between informal and formal justice systems
Expect practical recommendations and training models aimed at professionalizing AJS while preserving its community roots.
2. Justice for All: Empowering Women and Vulnerable Groups Through AJS
Too often, marginalized groups are left out of justice systems. This conversation will focus on how AJS can be a tool for empowerment and inclusion:
- Gender-responsive practices in community dispute resolution
- Protecting the rights of children, persons with disabilities, and minority groups
- Challenging harmful traditional norms while preserving positive customs
This session will highlight real stories and successful models from across Kenya.
3. From Conflict to Consensus: Revitalizing AJS for Post-Conflict Peacebuilding
In regions recovering from intercommunal violence or political unrest, AJS mechanisms can restore trust and rebuild relationships. This panel will examine:
- The role of elders, religious leaders, and cultural institutions in peacebuilding
- Integrating AJS in transitional justice and reconciliation efforts
- Supporting AJS through policy, funding, and partnerships with civil society
Learn how AJS can contribute to durable peace in both rural and urban communities.
4. Mediating Markets: Using AJS to Resolve SME and Cooperative Conflicts
Disputes within small businesses, cooperatives, and informal markets often go unresolved or escalate unnecessarily. This session explores:
- How AJS can support fair and efficient conflict resolution in the economic sector
- The role of local chambers, Saccos, and cooperatives in adopting AJS
- Case studies on business-focused community mediation
This is a must-attend for entrepreneurs, cooperative leaders, and economic development actors.
5. Bridging Boundaries: Community Mediation for Land and Resource Conflicts
Land remains one of the most contentious issues in Kenya. This discussion dives into:
- How traditional justice actors can mediate land disputes more effectively
- Promoting community ownership, transparency, and sustainability
- Collaborative models between AJS structures, land tribunals, and government agencies
This session will provide practical strategies for addressing land-related tensions while preserving harmony.
Why Attend the AJS Conference?
– Engage with national and county AJS leaders
– Learn from grassroots success stories
– Share insights on policy, practice, and innovation
– Contribute to the ongoing development of Kenya’s AJS Policy Framework
– Connect with fellow practitioners and advocates committed to people-centered justice
