West Pokot County is making strides in strengthening land governance following the successful completion of a three-day training on Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the European Union (EU).
The County Department of Lands, represented by the County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ms. Esther Chelimo, participated in the workshop alongside key land officers.
Anchored in Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya, Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) promote traditional and community-based approaches to resolving conflicts.
Integrating AJS into land adjudication and registration processes provides an inclusive, restorative model that enhances peaceful coexistence and supports sustainable land management.
According to an update from the County of West Pokot official social media platforms, the AJS training focused on equipping land officers with practical skills to integrate alternative dispute resolution methods into land adjudication and registration processes.
By adopting AJS approaches, such as mediation, dialogue, and community-led conflict resolution, West Pokot aims to reduce the backlog of land disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and enhance trust in land governance systems.
Land conflicts remain a critical challenge in pastoral and agricultural communities.
The introduction of AJS tools is expected to complement formal legal mechanisms, making dispute resolution more accessible, culturally sensitive, and efficient.
The participation of West Pokot County’s Lands Department highlights the county’s commitment to improving land governance and supporting community-centred approaches to conflict management.
With the support of FAO and the EU, the county is now better positioned to advance transparent, fair, and peaceful land administration for its residents.