News & Analysis

Comparison of African Court and Commission with other Regional Human Rights Courts and Commissions

Published

3 years ago

December 10, 2021

Admin

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 African Court of Justice and Human Rights (as already renamed but still operating under the name African Court of Human and People’s Rights as it winds up) has the mandate to decide cases on the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul Charter) and its Protocol, and also any other relevant human rights instrument ratified by the Member State concerned. This unique mandate is not directly matched by either of the Court’s regional counterparts: The European Court of Human Rights or the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights are the two bodies established by the Organization of American States to monitor human rights in the Americas. The European Court of Human Rights is established under the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Article 106 of the Charter of the Organization of American States (A41) establishes the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, whose principal function is to promote the observance and protection of human rights and to serve as a consultative organ of the Organization in these matters. Specifically, in the exercise of its mandate, the Commission has the following functions and powers: to develop an awareness of human rights among the peoples of America; and to make recommendations to the governments of the member states, when it considers such action advisable, for the adoption of progressive measures in favor of human rights within the framework of their domestic law and constitutional provisions as well as appropriate measures to further the observance of those rights.

Further, the Commission has mandate to prepare such studies or reports as it considers advisable in the performance of its duties and to request the governments of the member states to supply it with information on the measures adopted by them in matters of human right. The Commission is also to respond, through the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States, to inquiries made by the member states on matters related to human rights and, within the limits of its possibilities, to provide those states with the advisory services they request. In addition, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights is required to take action on petitions and other communications pursuant to its authority under the provisions of Articles 44 through 51 of this Convention; and to submit an annual report to the General Assembly of the Organization of American States.

On the other hand, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights is the judicial organ of the Inter-American human rights system. The American Court has a mandate that is more limited than that of the Commission because the Court may only decide cases brought against the Organization of American States (OAS) Member States that have specifically accepted the Court’s contentious jurisdiction. Unlike the African Court, for the American Court to hear any such case, the cases must first be processed by the Commission. Further, only States parties and the Commission may refer contentious cases to the Court closing out individual parties and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) whose role in actualizing the jurisdiction the African Court has proven indispensable.

The European Court of Human Rights

The European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms establishes the European Court of Human Rights to ensure the observance of the engagements undertaken by the High Contracting Parties in the Convention and the Protocols thereto. The jurisdiction of the Court extends to all matters concerning the interpretation and application of the Convention and the protocols thereto which are referred to it as provided in Articles 33, 34, 46 and 47. In addition, the Court may, at the request of the Committee of Ministers, give advisory opinions on legal questions concerning the interpretation of the Convention and the protocols thereto. However, such opinions must not deal with any question relating to the content or scope of the rights or freedoms defined in Section I of the Convention and the protocols thereto, or with any other question which the Court or the Committee of Ministers might have to consider in consequence of any such proceedings as could be instituted in accordance with the Convention.

The Convention provides that ‘any High Contracting Party may refer to the Court any alleged breach of the provisions of the Convention and the protocols thereto by another High Contracting Party’. Of significant relevance is the provision that ‘the Court may receive applications from any person, non-governmental organization or group of individuals claiming to be the victim of a violation by one of the High Contracting Parties of the rights set forth in the Convention or the protocols thereto. The High Contracting Parties undertake not to hinder in any way the effective exercise of this right’. While the Convention provides that the Court may only deal with the matter after all domestic remedies have been exhausted, according to the generally recognised rules of international law, and within a period of six months from the date on which the final decision was taken, the European Court practice departs from the African Court’s approach that requires that the concerned party state must have made a declaration to allow its individual citizens or NGOs to directly access the Court. The European Court goes further to make a provision to the effect that the High Contracting Parties must undertake not to hinder in any way the effective exercise of this right of individuals’ and NGOs’ direct access to the Court.

Way Forward on the Future of the African Court and Commission

As the African Court establishes its jurisprudence, it may require revisiting the emerging issues of the extent of its jurisdiction by consideration and a balancing of the scope of rights as intended by the drafters of the Charter with those protected by other human rights treaties. In addition, there is a need for the African Union Member States to revisit the Protocol and the Charter especially in the case of the requirement for countries to make declarations allowing individuals and NGOs to have direct access to the African Court as a way of showing their commitment to fight human rights violations in the Continent. They need to borrow a leaf from the European Union’s approach to the same. The current approach that allows states to opt in and out of making such declarations is arguably self-defeating in achieving the mandate of the African Charter and Protocol on protecting the human rights of Africans. The Court must be allowed to build its jurisprudence and legacy on comprehensive protection of human rights in the continent without fear of sabotage or reprisal from the member states.

The jurisdiction of the African Commission may also need to be reconsidered by either giving it prosecutorial powers over certain cases or by making it part of the African Court’s human rights division in order to ensure that all their decisions can be enforced against member states. While the Commission has played a significant role in exposing instances of human rights violations in many African States, reparation for such victims will remain a dream as long as direct access to the Court is hampered and the Commission’s role is reduced to that of making recommendations. If the African continent is to shed the longstanding tag of impunity and violation of human rights, then the above concerns must urgently be addressed.

*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., “African Court of Justice and Human Rights: Emerging Jurisprudence,” Available at: http://kmco.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/African-Court-on-Human-and-Peoples-Rights-Emerging-Jurisprudence-Kariuki-Muigua-June-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.

References

African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, “African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” https://en.african-court.org/ (accessed 09 December 2021).

African Union, Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights, 1 July 2008.

African Union, ‘Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights’ https://au.int/en/treaties/protocol-statute-african-court-justice-and-human-rights (accessed 09 December 2021).

Africa Union, ‘List of Countries Which Have Signed, Ratified/Acceded to the Protocol on the Statute of the African Court Of Justice And Human Rights’< https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/36396-slprotocol_on_the_statute_of_the_african_court_of_justice_and_human_rights.pdf> (accessed 09 December 2021).

African Union, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul Charter), adopted June 27, 1981, OAU Doc. CAB/LEG/67/3 rev. 5, 21 I.L.M. 58 (1982), entered into force Oct. 21, 1986.

Ally Rajabu and Others v. United Republic of Tanzania, Available at: https://www.african-court.org/en/images/Cases/Judgment/Judgment_Summary_ Application_007-2015-Ally_Rajabu_and_ Others_v_Tanzania_Final.pdf (accessed 09 December 2021).

American Convention on Human Rights, Adopted at the Inter-American Specialized Conference on Human Rights, San José, Costa Rica, 22 November 1969.

Chacha v Tanzania (admissibility) (2014) 1 AfCLR 398; See also Application Number 001/2012.

Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms as amended by Protocols No. 11 and No. 14, European Treaty Series-No. 5, Rome, 4.XI.1950.

De Silva, N., ‘Individual and NGO Access to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights: The Latest Blow from Tanzania’ (EJIL: Talk!, 16 December 2019) https://www.ejiltalk.org/individual-and-ngo-access-to-the-african-court-on-human-and-peoples-rights-the-latest-blow-from-tanzania/ (accessed 09 December 2021).

Femi Falana v African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (jurisdiction) (2015) 1 AfCLR 499.

Fleshman, M., “Human Rights Move up on Africa’s Agenda,” Africa Renewal, Available at: https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/july-2004/human-rights-move-africas-agenda (accessed 09 December 2021).

Fombad, C.M. and Nwauche, E., “Africa’s Imperial Presidents: Immunity, Impunity and Accountability,” African Journal of Legal Studies Volume 5 Issue 2 (2012), https://brill.com/view/journals/ajls/5/2/article-p91_1.xml?language=en (accessed 09 December 2021).

Frank David Omary and Others v United Republic of Tanzania and Application Number 003/2012.

International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), “The Subject Matter Jurisdiction of the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights” 24 June 2020; Available at: https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/ MENA-Arab-Court-Memo-Monageng-Advocacy-2015-ENG.pdf (accessed 09 December 2021).

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International Federation of Human Rights, “Rwanda’s Withdrawal of Its Special Declaration to the African Court: Setback for the Protection of Human Rights,” https://www.fidh.org/en/region/Africa/rwanda/ joint-civil-society-statement-on-rwanda-s-withdrawal-of-its-article (accessed 09 December 2021).

International Justice Resource Center, “Rwanda Withdraws Access to African Court for Individuals and NGOs,” https://ijrcenter.org/2016/03/14/rwanda-withdraws-access-to-african-court-for-individuals-and-ngos/ (accessed 09 December 2021).

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Juma, D. “Access to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights: A Case of the Poacher Turned Gamekeeper?.” Available at SSRN 1391482 (2007).

Michelot Yogogombaye v The Republic of Senegal, Application No 001/2008, Available: http://www.worldcourts.com/acthpr/eng/decisions/2009.12.15_Yogogombaye_v_Senegal.htm (accessed 09 December 2021).

Ogbeidi, M. “Political leadership and corruption in Nigeria since 1960: A socioeconomic analysis.” Journal of Nigeria studies 1, no. 2 (2012), Available at: < http://www.unh.edu/nigerianstudies/articles/ Issue2/Political_leadership.pdf> (accessed 09 December 2021).

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Peter Joseph Chacha v United Republic of Tanzania; Thomas v Tanzania (merits) (2015) 1 AfCLR 465.

Ssenyonjo, M., ‘Responding to Human Rights Violations in Africa in: International Human Rights Law Review Volume 7 Issue 1 (2018)’ https://brill.com/view/journals/hrlr/7/1/article-p1_1.xml?language=en (accessed 09 December 2021).

Umuhoza v Rwanda (003/2014) [2018] AfCHPR 21; (24 November 2017).

Wachira, G.M., “African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights: Ten years on and still no justice,” London: Minority Rights Group International, 2008, Available: https://minorityrights.org/wp-content/uploads/old-site-downloads/download-540-African-Court-on-Human-and-Peoples-Rights-Ten-years-on-and-still-no-justice.pdf (accessed 09 December 2021).

Viljoen, F., “Understanding and overcoming challenges in accessing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.” (2018), p. 2. Available at: https://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/ 65342/ Viljoen_Understanding_2018.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed (accessed 09 December 2021).

Yakaré-Oulé, N., Reventlow, J. & Rosa Curling, ‘The Unique Jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and People’s Rights: Protection of Human Rights Beyond the African Charter | Emory University School of Law | Atlanta, GA’ (Emory University School of Law) accessed 24 June 2020.

Zouapet, KA.,‘“Victim of Its Commitment … You, Passerby, a Tear to the Proclaimed Virtue”: Should the Epitaph of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Be Prepared? – EJIL: Talk!’ https://www.ejiltalk.org/victim-of-its-commitment-you-passerby-a-tear-to-the-proclaimed-virtue-should-the-epitaph-of-the-african-court-on-human-and-peoples-rights-be-prepared/ (accessed 09 December 2021).

Zimmermann, A., “Current Challenges Facing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Konrad Adenauer Stiftung., 2010 < https://www.kas.de/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=1933766c-dbe1-d244-ef61- 47dcb64ce9bb&groupId=252038> (accessed 09 December 2021).

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News & Analysis

Brief Overview of Kenyan Bankruptcy Law

Published

4 weeks ago

February 20, 2025

Kiragu Wathuta & Company Advocates

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

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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.

We provide value-added service in consonance with each individual client’s needs. For our clients, their interests are paramount and the client is our number one priority.

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.

News & Analysis

What is Carbon Markets?

Published

8 months ago

July 8, 2024

MMA Advocates LLP

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;

A Government establishes a limit on the total amount of greenhouse gas emission/pollution is allowed within its geographical limits;
A grant, say permissions are created and distributed to eligible participants. This allowance represents the right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gas;
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.
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.
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.

MMA Advocates LLP

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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.

News & Analysis

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

Published

11 months ago

April 28, 2024

Kariuki Muigua & Company

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

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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.