info@ajsmashinani.org +254 745 496 054
Alternative Justice System
Mashinani Initiative Kenya

A just, peaceful, and cohesive society

Empowering communities through culturally grounded, people-centered justice systems.

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Community discussion

Who We Are

Alternative Justice System Mashinani Initiative Kenya ("Mashinani" means "grassroots" in Kiswahili, reflecting our bottom-up approach.)

We are a Public Benefits Organization registered under the Public Benefit Organizations Act of 2013 (Registration Number: NGO-ZZFY-PP), established in 2022 with headquarters in Nakuru City.

Learn More About Us

Our Strategic Objectives

Enhance Community Access to Justice

Equip rural communities with local, affordable, and culturally relevant justice pathways

Strengthen Traditional Justice Mechanisms

Identify, document, and legitimize customary dispute resolution practices

Influence Policy & Legal Reform

Advocate for integration of AJS into county and national justice frameworks

Build Capacity of Local Actors

Train elders, religious leaders, youth, and women as mediators and justice facilitators

Our AJS-MIK Process Flow

1
📋
Intake

Complaint lodged at community justice center, chief's office, or referred by court

2
🔍
Assessment

Parties' consent verified; suitability for AJS-MIK determined

3
🤝
Mediation/Conciliation

Neutral AJS-MIK facilitator conducts dialogue

4
📝
Agreement

Settlement recorded and signed by all parties

5
✓
Validation

Local committee or court validates settlement if needed

6
📊
Monitoring

Implementation followed up by community liaison or AJS-MIK officer

Types of Disputes Suitable for AJS-MIK

Land and boundary disputes • Family and matrimonial issues • Minor assault and criminal offences (with victim consent) • Debts and civil disputes • Customary law-related cases

View Detailed Process

Our Programmatic Areas

Community Justice Forums (Barazas)

Facilitate regular public forums for dispute resolution and civic education

Customary Law Mapping

Research and document existing practices in each locality for cultural accuracy

Training & Certification of AJS Practitioners

Develop and deliver training in mediation, record keeping, gender sensitivity, and referral pathways

Legal & Policy Engagement

Work with the Judiciary, NCAJ, and county assemblies to support legislation recognizing AJS

Community Voices

"AJS-MIK helped resolve our land dispute that had lasted for 10 years. Today, our community is at peace. The traditional approach respected our customs while ensuring fairness for all."

Chief Wanjiku Community Elder, Nakuru

"As a young woman, I never thought I'd have a voice in community matters. AJS changed that by including youth and women in mediation processes. Now I help resolve conflicts in my village."

Amina Hassan Youth Representative, Isiolo

"The training I received as a community mediator transformed my ability to help my neighbors. Cases that would have taken years in court are now resolved in weeks with lasting solutions."

John Mwangi Certified Mediator, Nakuru County

Where We Work

Our Presence in Nakuru County

While our headquarters are in Nakuru City, we actively work across various locations within Nakuru County to implement community-based justice systems. Our work extends to both urban and rural areas where traditional justice mechanisms are most needed.

Nakuru Town East

Community Justice Centers in Bondeni, Kivumbini, and Flamingo

Focus: Urban dispute resolution

Njoro Sub-County

Working with local elders in Mau Narok and Nessuit

Focus: Land boundary disputes

Naivasha Sub-County

Fishermen communities around Lake Naivasha

Focus: Resource conflict resolution

Gilgil Sub-County

Partnership with local administrators in Elementaita and Eburru

Focus: Family and matrimonial cases

Headquarters Address: Nakuru City, Kenya

Contact Person: Michael Mwaura Muchai

Phone: +254 722 250 373 / +254 745 496 054

Email: info@ajsmashinani.org

Registered Public Benefits Organization under PBO Act 2013 | Registration Number: NGO-ZZFY-PP

Our Key Strategic Partners

Judiciary of Kenya (AJS Secretariat)
Government Partner

Collaborating to integrate traditional justice systems with formal legal frameworks

National Council for Administration of Justice (NCAJ)
Legal Institution

Partnership for legal reforms and justice administration

County Governments
Local Government

Working with county administrations to implement grassroots justice programs

Kenya Land Alliance (KLA)
Civil Society

Collaborating on land rights and conflict resolution initiatives

Directorate of Criminal Investigation
Government Agency

Partnership on minor criminal offences resolution

Office of the Public Prosecutor & Attorney General Office
Government Legal

Collaboration on legal framework development

Also partnering with: County/Subcounty commissioners, ACC, Chiefs and Assistant-Chiefs, Traditional Elders' Councils, CSOs and NGOs working on Legal Aid, Human Rights & Gender

View All Partners

Help us build justice from the grassroots.

Join our mission to create accessible, culturally grounded justice systems that empower communities and promote sustainable peace.

Contact Us

Phone

+254 722 250 373

+254 745 496 054

Available: Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM

Email

info@ajsmashinani.org

Response within 24 hours

Headquarters

Nakuru City, Kenya

Registered PBO: NGO-ZZFY-PP

Get in Touch

Send us a message and we'll respond as soon as possible

Our Values

Justice and fairness • Cultural respect • Participation and inclusion • Transparency & accountability

Cross-Cutting Themes: Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) • Restorative Justice • Human Rights-Based Approach • Indigenous Knowledge Preservation • Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)