Principal Judge Launches Two-Week Mediation Drive for 500 Land Cases

The Principal Judge, Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has officially launched the “Land Settlement Fortnight,” a two-week initiative designed to tackle the significant backlog of land disputes at the High Court’s Land Division. The exercise, which commenced recently, brings together judicial officers, mediators, lawyers, and litigants, focusing on resolving more than 500 pending land cases through alternative dispute resolution.

Justice Abodo highlighted the critical situation at the Land Division, noting that as of March 31, 2026, the total pending caseload stood at 7,279 cases, with a substantial backlog of 3,294 cases, representing 45.2% of the total workload. She emphasized that unresolved land disputes have profound implications, hindering economic development, deterring investment, and eroding public confidence in the justice system.

The “Land Settlement Fortnight” is structured under the Judicature (Court Annexed Mediation) Rules, 2026, a framework that mandates mediation within a 60-day timeline and ensures settlement agreements are enforceable as court orders. Justice Abodo underscored that prolonged litigation often leads to financial exhaustion and strained relationships, advocating for a shift towards constructive problem-solving.

She urged judicial officers nationwide to actively identify and refer suitable cases, especially older ones, for mediation. Lawyers were also encouraged to embrace mediation, guiding their clients toward cost-effective and timely resolutions rather than protracted legal battles. The initiative aims to address systemic challenges within the Land Division, including staffing shortages and case management inefficiencies.

Justice Andrew Khaukha, Executive Director of the Judicial Training Institute, affirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to integrating Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods. He stated that “up to 99 per cent of civil cases can be settled through mediation if parties are willing to engage in the process,” underscoring its effectiveness in reducing court burdens and providing faster, cheaper, and less adversarial justice, particularly for land-related matters.