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Environmental Justice and Indigenous Knowledge in Sustainable Development Agenda

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By Dr. Kariuki Muigua, PhD (Leading Environmental Law Scholar, Policy Advisor, Natural Resources Lawyer and Dispute Resolution Expert from Kenya), Winner of Kenya’s ADR Practitioner of the Year 2021, ADR Publication of the Year 2021 and CIArb (Kenya) Lifetime Achievement Award 2021*

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals captures the states’ pledge to foster intercultural understanding, tolerance, mutual respect and an ethic of global citizenship and shared responsibility, and their acknowledgement of the natural and cultural diversity of the world and recognition that all cultures and civilizations can contribute to, and are crucial enablers of, sustainable development. The twin aspects of Environmental justice, namely, access to information and public participation, are crucial in tapping indigenous knowledge as a means to an end in the attainment of sustainable development agenda.

Environmental Justice and Access to Information

In order to contribute to the protection of the right of every person to live in an environment adequate to his or her health and well-being, there is need to guarantee the rights of access to information, public participation in decision-making, and access to justice in environmental matters. The Constitution guarantees the right of access to information held by the State, any other person and required for the exercise or protection of any right or fundamental freedom. It also obligates the State to publish and publicise any important information affecting the nation. Guaranteeing access to relevant information, is imperative in facilitating access to environmental justice and enabling the communities to give prior, informed consent in relation to exploitation of natural resources.

With regard to informed consent, ‘informed’ has been defined to mean that all information relating to the activity is provided to indigenous peoples and that the information is objective, accurate and presented in a manner or form that is understandable to indigenous peoples. Relevant information includes: the nature, size, pace, duration, reversibility and scope of any proposed project; the reason(s) or purpose of the project; the location of areas that will be affected; a preliminary assessment of the possible economic, social, cultural and environmental impacts, including potential risks and benefits; personnel likely to be involved in the implementation of the project; and procedures that the project may entail. This informed consent cannot therefore be given without first ensuring that the concerned communities have access to relevant information.

In Friends of Lake Turkana Trust v Attorney General & 2 others, the court was of the view that access to environmental information was a prerequisite to effective public participation in decision making and monitoring governmental and public sector activities on the environment. The Court, in Friends of Lake Turkana Trust case, also observed that Article 69(1) (d) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, placed an obligation on the state to encourage public participation in the management, protection and conservation of the environment. Public participation would only be possible where the public had access to information and was facilitated in terms of their reception of different views. Such community-based forums and Barazas can effectively facilitate this. Such public meetings should, as a matter of practice, be conducted in a manner that would ensure full and meaningful participation of all the concerned communities. Well conducted, these are viable forums through which access to environmental information can be realized and consequently enhance access to environmental justice.

Environmental Justice and Public Participation

Meaningful involvement of people in environmental matters requires effective access to decision making processes for all, and the ability in all communities to make informed decisions and take positive actions to produce environmental justice for themselves. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action states that all peoples have the right of self-determination. By virtue of that right, they freely determine their political status, and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development. This calls for free prior and informed consent from the affected communities in relation to exploitation of natural resources in their areas.

Free, prior and informed consent is a collective right of indigenous peoples to make decisions through their own freely chosen representatives and customary or other institutions and to give or withhold their consent prior to the approval by government, industry or other outside party of any project that may affect the lands, territories and resources that they customarily own, occupy or otherwise use. It is, thus, not a stand-alone right but an expression of a wider set of human rights protections that secure indigenous peoples’ rights to control their lives, livelihoods, lands and other rights and freedoms and which needs to be respected alongside other rights, including rights relating to self-governance, participation, representation, culture, identity, property and, crucially, lands and territories.

The Guidelines call for consultation and participation which entails engaging with and seeking the support of those who, having legitimate tenure rights, could be affected by decisions, prior to decisions being taken, and responding to their contributions; taking into consideration existing power imbalances between different parties and ensuring active, free, effective, meaningful and informed participation of individuals and groups in associated decision-making processes. The Constitution of Kenya provides that the objects of devolved government are, inter alia, to promote democratic and accountable exercise of power; to foster national unity by recognising diversity; to give powers of self-governance to the people and enhance their participation in the exercise of the powers of the State and in making decisions affecting them; to recognise the right of communities to manage their own affairs and to further their development; to protect and promote the interests and rights of minorities and marginalised communities; to promote social and economic development and the provision of proximate, easily accessible services throughout Kenya; to ensure equitable sharing of national and local resources throughout Kenya; and to facilitate the decentralisation of State organs, their functions and services, from the capital of Kenya.

The Constitution provides for participation of persons with disabilities, youth, minorities and marginalized groups, and older members of society, in governance and all other spheres of life. The foregoing provisions are important especially in relation to the provisions of the County Governments Act, which are to the effect that citizen participation in county governments shall be based upon the principles of, inter alia, timely access to information, data, documents, and other information relevant or related to policy formulation and implementation; reasonable access to the process of formulating and implementing policies, laws, and regulations; protection and promotion of the interest and rights of minorities, marginalized groups and communities; legal standing to interested or affected persons, organizations, and where pertinent, communities, to appeal from or, review decisions, or redress grievances, with particular emphasis on persons and traditionally marginalized communities, including women, the youth, and disadvantaged communities; reasonable balance in the roles and obligations of county governments and non-state actors in decision-making processes; promotion of public-private partnerships; and recognition and promotion of the reciprocal roles of non-state actors’ participation and governmental facilitation and oversight.

These provisions have an implication on natural resources management. It means that the devolved governments must not purport to make unilateral decisions especially with regard to the management of natural resources. They must recognize the centrality of people in natural resources management, since these resources have an impact on the economic, social, cultural and even spiritual lives of the diverse communities in Kenya. As such, they must ensure their active participation in coming up with legislative and policy measures to govern their management and utilisation for the benefit of all. They must also be alive to the fact that any negative impact on the environment directly affects these communities and ultimately has an adverse effect on the sustainable development agenda. The Constitution of Kenya requires Parliament to conduct its business in an open manner, and its sittings and those of its committees to be open to the public; and to facilitate public participation and involvement in the legislative and other business of Parliament and its committees.

The proposed law, The Natural Resources (Benefit Sharing) Bill, 2018, also seeks to have established by each affected local community a Local Benefit Sharing Forum comprising of five persons elected by the residents of the local community. Every affected local community is also to enter into a local community benefit sharing agreement with the respective county benefit sharing committee. Such local community benefit sharing agreement is to include non-monetary benefits that may accrue to the local community and the contribution of the affected organization in realizing the same. It is, therefore, imperative that such communities be involved in the whole process to enable them air their views on the same and where such negative effects are inevitable due to the nature of exploitation of the natural resources, their appreciation of such impact is the ultimate key to winning social acceptance of these projects.

Indeed, participation will bring the most benefit when the process is seen as fair, and processes are seen as more fair, if those who are affected have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way and their opinions are taken seriously. Indicators of procedural justice have been identified as: presence of local environmental groups, public participation or consultation on local developments and initiatives, access to information, and responsiveness by public bodies. Indeed, those affected by environmental problems must be included in the process of remedying those problems; that all citizens have a duty to engage in activism; and that in a democracy it is the people, not the government, that are ultimately responsible for fair use of the environment. Active and meaningful public participation, therefore, through such means as suggested in the indicators of procedural justice are important in enhancing community participation in realization of the sustainable development agenda.

*This is article is an extract from an article by Dr. Kariuki Muigua, PhD, Kenya’s ADR Practitioner of the Year 2021 (Nairobi Legal Awards), ADR Publisher of the Year 2021 and Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 (CIArb Kenya): Muigua, K., Revisiting the Place of Indigenous Knowledge in the Sustainable Development Agenda, Available at: http://kmco.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Revisiting-the-Place-of-Indigenous-Knowledge-in-the-Sustainable-Development-Agenda-Kariuki-Muigua-September-2020.pdf. Dr. Kariuki Muigua is Kenya’s foremost Environmental Law and Natural Resources Lawyer and Scholar, Sustainable Development Advocate and Conflict Management Expert. Dr. Kariuki Muigua is a Senior Lecturer of Environmental Law and Dispute resolution at the University of Nairobi School of Law and The Center for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP). He has published numerous books and articles on Environmental Law, Environmental Justice Conflict Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Sustainable Development. Dr. Muigua is also a Chartered Arbitrator, an Accredited Mediator, the Africa Trustee of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Managing Partner of Kariuki Muigua & Co. Advocates. Dr. Muigua is recognized as one of the leading lawyers and dispute resolution experts by the Chambers Global Guide 2021. 

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Amnesty Kenya, ‘Kenya: Indigenous Peoples Targeted as Forced Evictions Continue despite Government Promises’ https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/08/kenya-indigenous-peoples-targeted-as-forced-evictions-continue-despite-government-promises/ (accessed 16 July 2020).

Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, UN Doc. ECE/CEP/43.Adopted at the 4th UNECE Ministerial Conference, Aarhus, 25 June, 1998, UN Doc. ECE/CEP/43.

Berger, R., ‘Conflict over Natural Resources among Pastoralists in Northern Kenya: A Look at Recent Initiatives in Conflict Resolution’ (2003) 15 Journal of International Development 245.

Berkes, F., et. al., ‘Rediscovery of Traditional Ecological Knowledge as Adaptive Management,’ Ecological Applications, Vol. 10, No. 5., October 2000, pp. 1251-1262.

Breidlid, A., ‘Culture, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Development: A Critical View of Education in an African Context’ (2009) 29 International Journal of Educational Development 140.

Castro, A.P. & Ettenger, K., ‘Indigenous Knowledge and Conflict Management: Exploring Local Perspectives and Mechanisms for Dealing With Community Forestry Disputes,’ Paper Prepared for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, Community Forestry Unit, for the Global Electronic Conference on “Addressing Natural Resource Conflicts Through Community Forestry,” (FAO, January-April 1996). Available at http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/ac696e/ac696e09.htm [Accessed on 14/7/2020].

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Giorgia Magni, ‘Indigenous Knowledge and Implications for the Sustainable Development Agenda.’ (2017) 52 European Journal of Education 437, p.3, Available at:  https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/ pf0000245623> Accessed 17 July 2020.

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SGJN Senanayake, ‘Indigenous Knowledge as a Key to Sustainable Development’ (2006) 2 Journal of Agricultural Sciences–Sri Lanka accessed 16 July 2020. 5 Ibid. 6 United Nations General Assembly, Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Resolution adopted by the

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Brief Overview of Kenyan Bankruptcy Law

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Bankruptcy refers to the state where a debtor is unable to pay their debts when the debts become due. For a person to be bankrupt there must be an order by the court stating that they are unable to pay their debts.

Who can apply for a bankruptcy order?

Either the debtor or the debtor’s creditor(s) may apply to court for the issuance of bankruptcy Order.

What conditions must be met for the court to issue bankruptcy order?

Where the application for bankruptcy order is made by a debtor, they must satisfy the court that:

  • They are either domiciled in Kenya, personally present in Kenya or three years preceding the date of the application they have been ordinarily resident or carried business in Kenya.
  • Their debt meets the minimum prescribed threshold
  • They have not previously been adjudged bankrupt
  • They are not in the process of being adjudged bankrupt

When the application for bankruptcy order is made by creditor(s), they must satisfy the court that:

  • The debtor is either domiciled in Kenya, personally present in Kenya or three years preceding the date of the application they have been ordinarily resident or carried business in Kenya.
  • The debtor owes them a sum of money equal to or above the prescribed threshold
  • The debt is for a liquidated amount payable to the applicant creditor(s) either immediately or at some certain future time, and is unsecured
  • The debt is one that the debtor appears to be unable to pay or to have no reasonable prospect of being able to pay
  • There is no outstanding application to set aside a statutory demand in respect of the debt
  • They have given a notice of not less than twenty one days seeking payment of debt due immediately and the duration has lapsed without being paid
  • They obtained Judgment, served it on the debtor and after 21 days the decretal sum has not been paid
  • They have served on the debtor a demand requiring the debtor to establish to their satisfaction that there is a reasonable prospect that the debtor will be able to pay a debt payable in future, when it falls due and 21 days have lapsed without the demand being complied with or set aside.

Upon being satisfied that the above conditions have been met, the court issues a bankruptcy Order.

Can court issue a bankruptcy order on an application by secured creditors?

Court can make bankruptcy order on application by secured creditor(s) only when:

  • The application contains a statement by the person having the right to enforce the security that the creditor is willing, in the event of a bankruptcy order being made, to give up the security for the benefit of all the bankrupt’s creditors; OR,
  • The application is expressed not to be made in respect of the secured part of the debt and contains a statement by that person of the estimated value at the date of the application of the security for the secured part of the debt.

Under what circumstances can court dismiss an application for bankruptcy order?

The Court may dismiss an application if it is satisfied that either the debtor is able to pay all of the debtor’s debts; OR—

  • That the debtor has made an offer to secure or compound for a debt in respect of which the application is made
  • That the acceptance of that offer would have required the dismissal of the application; and
  • That the offer has been unreasonably refused.

What are the consequences of a Bankruptcy Order?

  • Where a trustee in bankruptcy has been appointed, the property of the bankrupt vests in the trustee. If no trustee has been appointed, the property of the bankrupt will vest in the Official Receiver to act as the interim trustee.
  • The bankrupt suffers all the disabilities of law for instance: they cannot run for elected positions, they can’t directors of a company, they can’t file suits in their own name, and they can’t enter into contracts.
  • No civil proceedings can be instituted or continued against the bankrupt once the order is made
  • The bankrupt has an obligation to provide a true and accurate account of all his assets, income and liabilities
  • The official receiver is entitled to recover assets that the bankrupt has transferred within two years immediately preceding the bankruptcy.
  • Does not extinguish debts of a bankrupt but only protects them from creditors commencing recovery proceedings without leave of court.

Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates was established in 2013 by Mr. Kiragu Wathuta, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya called to the bar in the year 2009. Our firm is run by an organized team of proffessionals who are highly skilled and widely exposed to diverse areas of law and the industry in general.

We have built a name for PROFESSIONALISM AND EXPERTISE in various disciplines of legal services including but not limited to civil and commercial litigation, conveyance and property matters as well as commercial and corporate law practice.

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Our Portfolio of Clients is drawn from Property Owners, Developers, Investors and Joint Ventures, Corporate Entities, Financial institutions, Parastatals, Manufacturing Companies, Mortgage Institutions as well as individuals. We continue to endear our services to reach beyond our borders.

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What is Carbon Markets?

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Written by Faith Nyambura Kabora, Advocate.

Carbon markets are a mechanism designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which are essentially gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to the negative impacts of climate change such as prolonged drought and rising of sea levels.

Carbon markets operate on the principle of putting a price on carbon emissions to create commercial/economic incentives for public and private entities to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in cleaner, sustainable practices.

Ideally, by putting a price on carbon, the carbon markets encourage sustainable environmental practices and help counties meet their emission reduction targets under international treaties, like the Paris Agreement, which Kenya is a signatory to. For a broader understanding, here is how a carbon market works;

  1. A Government establishes a limit on the total amount of greenhouse gas emission/pollution is allowed within its geographical limits;
  2. A grant, say permissions are created and distributed to eligible participants. This allowance represents the right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gas;
  3. The participants can then buy and sell the allowances. Ideally, those who reduce their emissions more efficiently sell their surplus allowance to those who find it more challenging to reduce the emissions. If a company pollutes a lot, they need to buy more permissions, and if they do not pollute as much, they can sell their extra permissions.
  4. Entities are required to hold enough allowances to cover their actual emissions. If they exceed allocated allowances, they face penalties or, as expounded above, they buy additional allowances. This is the part where compliance becomes mandatory for all the key players.
  5. The price of the allowances fluctuates based on supply and demands and reflects the cost of emitting greenhouse gases. It is essentially like paying for pollution.

A carbon market plays a pivotal role in advancing climate action and promoting sustainable practices by incentivizing companies to reconsider their pollution practices, which can result in financial consequences as pollution becomes a costly endeavor. In Kenya, the introduction of a Carbon Market is imperative as the world confronts the dire consequences of climate change. Furthermore, it offers a commercial opportunity for investors considering the growing demand for environmentally friendly and carbon neutral products and services.

As mentioned above, the Paris Agreement is one of the most important international treaties dedicated strengthen global response to the negative impact of climate change. Ultimately, the Agreement’s goal is to motivate countries to limit global emissions and more importantly, to hold them accountable for their actions around reducing their carbon footprints.

Kenya as a signatory to the Paris Agreement has made significant contributions towards fulfilling the obligations under the Paris Agreement of limiting global temperature. The Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023, nudges Kenya towards the realization of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement by introducing provisions and regulation of and participation in carbon markets.

As one of the top law firms in Nairobi, MMA Advocates is renowned for its proactive strategy and innovative legal lawyer advice. Our firm is committed to delivering strategic assistance that not only tackles current difficulties but also equips clients for future legal trends and advancements. As top lawyers in Nairobi Kenya, we take great satisfaction in our ability to combine in-depth legal knowledge with creative problem-solving. We keep a close eye on business trends and legal advancements to deliver timely guidance that enables our clients to make wise choices.

Our main goal as MMA Advocates is to establish long-lasting partnerships based on integrity, decency, and reliability. Since every client’s circumstance is unique, our best advocates in Kenya offer timely service and individualized attention at every stage of our collaboration. We make sure our clients are informed and empowered throughout their legal journey because we value openness and transparency in communication. In every case we take on, we are deeply committed to obtaining positive results and client satisfaction. This is just one aspect of our unwavering commitment to quality.

Whether you are a startup negotiating regulatory obstacles, an established corporation expanding, or a private citizen seeking legal assistance on personal problems, our Best Corporate Lawyers in Kenya are dedicated to becoming your legal partner. Our expertise include Commercial Litigation, Real Estate & Development, Fintech, Public Procurement (Public Private Partnerships), Project Finance, Public Law Litigation, Legal Audits & Compliance Advisory and Crisis Management.

We hope to arm you with the legal know-how and strategies needed to achieve your objectives. Our team enjoys taking on challenging legal matters with creativity and strategic understanding, protecting your rights and effectively achieving your goals. With a thorough comprehension of both regional laws and global norms, we are prepared to confidently and competently lead you through the complexities of corporate law.

In the intensely competitive legal arena, our tailored legal and strategic solutions distinguish us. We value depth over breadth, guaranteeing our clients our full dedication and unparalleled efficiency. Where many spread themselves wide, we narrow our focus to a select few of the most challenging cases. We tread the path less traveled.

To find out more about how MMA Advocates in Nairobi Kenya can help you with your legal issues, get in touch with us. With our team of committed professionals and our standing as one of the top law firms in Nairobi, we are well-positioned to offer outcomes that surpass expectations and guarantee your success in a legal environment that is always changing.

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Review: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Journal, Volume 12(3), 2024

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The Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Journal, Volume. 12, No.3, 2024 covers pertinent and emerging issues across all ADR mechanisms. This volume exposes our readers to a variety of salient topics and concerns in ADR including Building Peace in Africa, Public Policy as a Ground of Setting-Aside an Arbitral Award, Ethics, Integrity and Best Practice in Mediation, Accessing Justice in Kenya, Sports Arbitration, ESG Arbitration, Arbitration of Investor-State Dispute in Kenya, Article 159(2) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and issuance of interim measures by Arbitral Tribunals. The ADR Journal is a publication of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenya Branch. It provides a platform for scholarly debate and in-depth investigations into both theoretical and practical questions in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The journal is edited by Professor of Law at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Law Hon Prof. Kariuki Muigua, a distinguished law scholar, an accomplished mediator and arbitrator with a Ph.D. in law from the University of Nairobi and widespread training and experience in both international and national commercial arbitration and mediation. Prof. Muigua is a Fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb)- Kenya chapter and also a Chartered Arbitrator. He is a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague. He also serves as a member of the National Environment Tribunal. He has served as the Chartered Institute of Arbitrator’s (CIArb- UK) Regional Trustee for Africa from 2019 -2022.

In the paper “Building Peace in Africa through Alternative Dispute Resolution”  Hon. Prof. Kariuki Muigua critically discusses the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in peace building in Africa. The paper argues that ADR mechanisms can play a fundamental role in building peace in Africa. The paper further posits that ADR mechanisms are able to enhance sustainable peace in Africa due to their focus on reconciliation and restorative justice. It proposes solutions towards building peace in Africa through ADR.

In “the Emergence of the International Commercial Court: A Threat to Arbitration of Investor-State Dispute in Kenya” Marion Injendi Wasike and Dr. Kenneth W. Mutuma argue that the proliferation of international commercial courts, including their introduction in Kenya, necessitates a thorough analysis of their implications on arbitration’s role in investor-state disputes. By juxtaposing these emerging judicial entities against traditional arbitration paradigms, the discussion aims to unravel the complexities and potential shifts in dispute resolution preferences, highlighting the balance between innovation in legal adjudication and the sustenance of arbitration’s revered position in the international legal order.

Kamau Karori SC, MBS in “Striking a Balance: A Delicate Dance Between Sanctity and Scrutiny” notes that the continuing debate —between upholding the inviolability of arbitral awards and judicial intervention in cases of egregious injustice points to the need for delicate balancing between non-interference and the need to correct unmistakably unjust awards. The urgency of this discourse is informed by the need to prevent consumers or potential consumers of arbitration services opting to exclude arbitration clauses due to perceived deficiencies. The article seeks to navigate the genesis of the debate, delicately dissect the different perspectives, and draw comparisons with global practices.

The article “Reforming Kenya’s Law on Probation and Aftercare Services to Promote Alternative Dispute Resolution” by Michael Sang engages in a comprehensive exploration of Kenya’s Probation of Offenders Act within the context of the growing role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) principles in the nation’s criminal justice system. Drawing inspiration from international legal instruments such as “The Beijing Rules,” “Bangkok Rules,” and “Tokyo Rules,” the study evaluates the Act’s provisions, strengths, and limitations. It concludes with a call for thoughtful reforms that align Kenya’s criminal justice system with international standards, emphasizing a balanced and compassionate approach to justice.

The “Upholding Ethics, Integrity and Best Practice in Mediation” by Hon. Prof. Kariuki Muigua, OGW critically discusses the need for standardization of mediation practice in Kenya by adopting best practices. It examines some of the challenges facing mediation practice in Kenya. It is also explores measures adopted towards fostering best practices in mediation at both the global and national level. The paper further suggests recommendations aimed at upholding ethics, integrity and best practice in mediation. In “Exploring the Role of Mediation in Promoting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Fostering Economic Growth in Kenya” Atundo Wambare offers an in-depth analysis of the use of mediation in promoting the growth of small and medium enterprises (SME’s). He makes recommendations on how best mediation can be harnessed as a tool for economic growth in Kenya.

James Njuguna and Nyamboga George Nyanaro in “Compulsory Resolution or Autonomy Erosion? The Debate on Mandatory Sports Arbitration delve into the contentious issue of mandatory sports arbitration, questioning its role as a potential future pathway for dispute resolution. Their research examines the implications of compulsory arbitration on athletes’ autonomy, juxtaposing it with the benefits of expedited dispute resolution.

Paul Ngotho in “Constitution of Kenya 2010 Article 159.2.(c): Ancestry, Anatomy, Efficacy & Legacy” traces the rather odd origin and everlasting effect of the often-cited Article 159.2.(c) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. It acknowledges the central role played by two members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Branch, quietly and privately, away from the mainstream constitution making process. One of them chairman of the Branch, the other the Minister of Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs.

David Onsare in “Navigating The ESG Maze: Emerging Trends in Arbitration and Corporate Accountability” embarks on a timely exploration of the dynamic interplay between Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors and arbitration, a field gaining critical importance in the realm of corporate accountability. By offering a comprehensive view of the complexities and practical implications of ESG in arbitration, the article serves as a crucial guide for legal professionals navigating the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility and arbitration. In “Public Policy as a Ground of Setting-Aside an Arbitral Award: Musings on the Centurion Engineers Civil Appeal Judgment”

Ibrahim Kitoo argues a case for upholding of public policy as a ground for the nonrecognition, non-enforcement and setting aside of an arbitral award in cases where to recognise and enforce such awards proves to be a clear violation of the law and against the public good. Juvenalis Ngowi in “Arbitral Tribunals: Do they have the power to issue interim measures during the proceedings?” discusses the powers of the Arbitral Tribunal to grant such orders and examines some procedural rules which empower arbitrators to issue such orders, the scope of those powers, and the factors to be considered when granting interim measures in the arbitral proceedings.

In “Examining the Efficacy of Mediation as A Tool for Accessing Justice in Kenya: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Perspectives” Murithi Antony undertakes a thorough examination of mediation as a form of ADR in the Kenyan context. He identifies opportunities arising from the integration of mediation into the country’s legal system and explores barriers impeding its widespread adoption. The article concludes with a resounding call to action for all stakeholders to champion the use of mediation collaboratively and proactively, given its proven efficacy in dispute resolution.

Kariuki Muigua & Company Advocates is a Top-Tier Kenyan law firm situated at the heart of Nairobi city in Kenya. We are a broad-based practice with a reputation for offering a full range of quality services to our domestic and international clients.

At KM&CO, we take pride in offering personalized attention to our diverse clientele. Our practice aspires to offer efficient and cost-effective legal solutions that meet our esteemed clients’ needs in a timely and competent manner.

KM&CO was founded in 1993 by the current senior Advocate, Dr. Kariuki Muigua. It is based in the Central Business District of Nairobi at the Pioneer Assurance House located opposite 7th August Bomb Blast Memorial Park enjoying the convenience of close proximity to major financial, commercial and governmental institutions.

We are open for consultations with our clients worldwide; we have lawyers on standby for 24 hours to cover diverse time zones that impact on our global clients.

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