Office of the Attorney General has launched a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to fast-track the resolution of over 11,000 land and environment-related disputes pending in court, with the aim of safeguarding citizens’ property rights, unblocking stalled development projects, and reinforcing the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking during the launch at Sheria House Nairobi, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor shed light the far-reaching effects of prolonged land disputes on economic growth, investment and access to justice.

“Prolonged, indefinite and unresolved land disputes have adversely impacted both national and county development agendas, while also undermining proprietary rights of private citizens,” she said.

The attorney general underlined recent findings from a legal audit by her office, which revealed that land and environment related disputes involving government agencies constitute a significant share of unresolved court cases hindering critical infrastructure development, deterring investment and affecting livelihoods nationwide.

“These disputes are not just legal matters, they are development bottlenecks hence disrupting livelihoods, increasing the cost of doing business and threatening the government’s economic transformation agenda,” Oduor said.

The RRI committee, which consists of private legal practitioners and state counsels from the Office of the Attorney General with secretariat support from the same office, will prioritise fast-tracking suitable cases, promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and recommend legal and policy reforms. The committee is expected to hold first meeting on June 3, 2025.

This initiative is anchored in the Office of the Attorney General’s 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, which prioritises access to justice, constitutional implementation, and legal backing for national priorities.

Ms Oduor also announced plans to establish a human rights training chamber to build the capacity of police officers in upholding legal procedures and rights.

“We want to train our officers on their individual and corporate responsibilities, especially in command and control. Democracy is all about process and we must use due process,” she pointed out.

The AG called for nationwide backing of the Rapid Results Initiative, emphasising its significance as a public interest undertaking aimed at unlocking the full potential of the country’s land and natural resources to drive national prosperity.

“We shall work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the judiciary, ministry of lands and affected communities to ensure justice is delivered efficiently and equitably,” Oduor said.

James Kihara, an advocate observed that the goal is to reduce the backlog pending in courts from over 11,000 cases to under 1,000.

“Some of these cases date back to the 1990s and should never have ended up in court. Boundary disputes, for instance, are better handled administratively by surveyors. These cases are consuming precious judicial time,” he said

He also noted that the State is often financially exposed due to unnecessary litigation and emphasised the need to embrace ADR mechanisms that have already proven effective in reducing caseloads.

The RRI is expected to not only decongest courts but also enhance land governance, secure property rights, and restore investor confidence across the country.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naif Rashid