As more Kenyans embrace non-litigious methods of dispute resolution for their affordability, efficiency, and confidentiality, a new agreement to advance Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in East Africa has been signed.
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Mount Kenya University (MKU), the Centre for International and Development Law (CIDLAW), the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Kenya (CIArb), and the ILI – South African Centre for Excellence (ILI-SACE) seeks to foster a dynamic framework for investment arbitration, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance, and broader ADR training.
Under the agreement, MKU, through CIDLAW, will provide academic infrastructure and access to its extensive student body, CIArb will contribute its internationally recognized arbitration expertise and global networks, while ILI-SACE will bring world-class standards in arbitration and ESG compliance training.
“This partnership is about building capacity, nurturing innovation in legal practice, and promoting justice through practical, world-class learning programs,” said MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi during the MOU signing at the institution’s Thika campus.
Jaganyi emphasized that the initiative will transform ADR training across the region by combining academic, professional, and international best practices.
Among others the key initiatives under the MOU include a joint arbitration training and certification, with CIArb offering discounted entry-level courses and ILI-SACE delivering advanced modules and organization of high-profile public lectures and discussions on emerging legal themes such as investment arbitration.
Other areas will be collaborative research on critical areas including ESG compliance, mediation in public-private partnerships, and the role of arbitration in Kenya’s trade ecosystem which will lead to scholarly publications and policy briefs.
It will also involve the enrichment of MKU’s law curriculum through guest lectures, masterclasses, and mentorship programs and development of CPD-accredited (Continuing Professional Development) programs for legal and corporate professionals across East and Southern Africa.
Swithin Munyantwali, Vice Chairman of ILI-SACE, commended the initiative, noting that it will equip East Africa’s legal and professional community with globally relevant tools in dispute resolution.
Former attorney general and renowned legal scholar Prof. Githu Muigai, who served as keynote speaker, underscored the importance of intra-African trade and dispute resolution mechanisms, stating, “The African Continental Free Trade Area demands that Africans trade, invest, and resolve disputes among themselves.”
His sentiments were echoed by Njeri Wachira, Deputy Solicitor General in the International Law Division, and Jacqueline Waihenya, Chairperson of CIArb-Kenya, who both called on law students and professionals to seize the growing opportunities within ADR.
“This marks a significant milestone for MKU and all of us who have partnered to make it happen. Our goal is to reshape the legal landscape in East Africa by empowering the next generation of legal practitioners with cutting-edge skills in arbitration and sustainable governance,” noted Waihenya.
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