News & Analysis

Court Annexed Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Kenyan Context

Published

3 years ago

January 15, 2022

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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*

Introduction Court annexed ADR arises where after parties have presented their case to court, the same is referred by the court to one of the ADR mechanisms for resolution. Prior to the enactment of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Kenya did not have a comprehensive framework for the application of ADR in the resolution of disputes. Recently, the role of ADR in the expeditious resolution of disputes has been recognized and the gamut of legislation that has been passed hitherto makes specific reference to the use of ADR mechanisms to enhance access to justice and reduce backlogs in courts. Recognizing ADR as a one of the main conflict resolution mechanisms in Kenya is thus encouraging. The status of ADR has been elevated and its applicability to a wide array of disputes will thus be seen in the near future. In the ensuing discussion I will assess court annexed ADR in light of the current legal framework.

Provisions of the Constitution on ADR

Under article 159 of the Constitution, it is provided that alternative forms of dispute resolution including reconciliation, mediation, arbitration and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms shall all be promoted as long as they do not contravene the Bill of Rights and are not repugnant to justice or inconsistent with the Constitution or any written law. The scope for the application of ADR has also been extensively widened by the constitution with Article 189 (4) stating that national laws shall provide for the procedures to be followed in settling intergovernmental disputes by alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including negotiation, mediation and arbitration. These are the key provisions that form the constitutional basis for the application of ADR in dispute resolution in Kenya, whose import is that ADR can apply to all disputes and hence broadening the applicability of ADR. It is also a clear manifestation of the acceptance of ADR as a means of conflict resolution in all disputes.

Provisions of the Civil Procedure Act on ADR

There are numerous provisions under the Civil Procedure Act, Cap 21, Laws of Kenya, on the use of ADR in conflict management. In July 2009, Parliament passed a raft of proposals for amendment to the Civil Procedure Act to introduce ADR. There were proposed amendments to sections 1 and 81 of the Civil Procedure Act which have so far been enacted into law. The upshot of these provisions is that, once the necessary practice notes and/or directions are issued, the practice of court-annexed mediation may take off in Kenya. Section 1A (1) of the Civil Procedure Act provides that the overriding objective of the Act is to facilitate the just, expeditious, proportionate and affordable resolution of civil disputes governed by the Act.

The judiciary is enjoined to exercise its powers and interpretation of the civil procedure to give effect to the overriding objective. In effect, this implies that the court in its interpretation of laws and issuance of orders will ensure that the civil procedure shall, as far as possible, not be used to inflict injustice or delay the proceedings and thus minimize the litigation costs for the parties. This provision can also serve as a basis for the court to employ rules of procedure that provide for use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms, to ensure that they serve the ends of the overriding objective.

Court-Annexed Arbitration

Court-annexed arbitration can arise as a result of the application of the Arbitration Act (As Amended in 2009) and also under supervision of the court under the Civil Procedure Act. Under the Civil Procedure Act, the courts involvement in the arbitral process is specifically provided for in Section 59 and Order 46 of the Civil Procedure Rules, 2010. Section 59 of the Act provides for references of issues to arbitration, which references are to be governed in a manner provided for by the rules. Order 46 rule 1 provides that; “Where in any suit all the parties interested who are not under disability agree that any matter in difference between them in such suit shall be referred to arbitration, they may, at any time before judgment is pronounced, apply to the court for an order of reference.”

Under Order 46 Rule 2, the arbitrator is to be appointed in a manner that the parties have agreed upon. However, where no arbitrator or umpire (under rule 4) has been appointed the court under rule 5 may, on application by the party who gave the notice to the other to appoint, and after giving the other party an opportunity of being heard, appoint an arbitrator or umpire, or make an order superseding the arbitration and in such case the court shall proceed with the suit. Where an award has been made pursuant to arbitration under the Rules, rule 10 requires that that the persons who made it shall sign it, date it and cause it to be filed in court within 14 days together with any depositions and documents which have been taken and proved before them.

A court has the power to modify or correct an award under rule 14 if it is imperfect or contains an obvious error, if a part of the award is upon a matter not referred to arbitration or if it contains a clerical mistake or error from an accidental slip or omission. The court also has power to remit an award for reconsideration by the arbitrator under rule 15. Rule 18 provides that the court shall, upon due notice to the other parties, enter judgment according to the award and upon such that judgment a decree shall follow thereof. No appeal shall lie from such decree except in so far as the decree is in excess of, or not in accordance with the award.

Order 46 rule 20 of the Civil Procedure Rules provides that; “Nothing under this Order may be construed as precluding the court from adopting and implementing, of its own motion or at the request of the parties, any other appropriate means of dispute resolution (including mediation) for the attainment of the overriding objective envisaged under sections 1A and 1B of the Act.” Order 46 Rule 20 read together with Sections 1A and 1B of the Civil Procedure Act therefore obligates the court to employ ADR mechanisms to facilitate the just, expeditious, proportionate and affordable resolution of all civil disputes governed by the Act. Court-annexed ADR will thus go a long way in tackling the problem relating to backlog of cases, enhance access to justice, and result in the expeditious resolution of disputes and lower costs.

Under Order 46 rule 20 (2) it is provided that a court may adopt any ADR mechanism for the dispute and may issue appropriate orders or directions to facilitate the use of that mechanism. Judges will thus need to be adeptly trained on ADR mechanisms so as to be in a position to issue directions and orders in relation to the particular mechanism and that will lead to the attainment of the overriding objective under sections 1A and 1B of the Act.

Mediation and other ADR

The clamor to introduce court-annexed mediation has borne fruit and is now evident under section 81 (2) (ff) of the Civil Procedure Act, as amended by the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2009. Section 81 (2) (ff) provides for the selection of mediators and the hearing of matters referred to mediation under this Act. Thus, parties who have presented their cases to court may have their matter referred to mediation by the court for resolution.

The Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act amended sections 2 and 59 of the Civil Procedure Act to provide for mediation of disputes. Section 2 of the Civil Procedure Act has been amended to define mediation as an informal and non-adversarial process where an impartial mediator encourages and facilitates the resolution of a dispute between two or more parties, but does not include attempts made by a judge to settle a dispute within the course of judicial proceedings. This definition depicts mediation in the political process but then the context within which mediation is to take place makes the whole process legal. Section 59 of the Civil Procedure Act has also been amended to introduce the aspect of mediation of cases as an aid to the streamlining of the court process. This will involve the establishment of a Mediation Accreditation Committee to be appointed by the Chief Justice which will determine the criteria for the certification of mediators, propose rules for the certification of mediators, maintain a register of qualified mediators, enforce such code of ethics for mediators as may be prescribed and set up appropriate training programmes for mediators.

The law requires the court either at the request of the parties, where it deems appropriate to do so or where the law provides so, to refer a dispute presented before it to mediation. Where a dispute is referred to mediation under subsection (1), the parties thereto shall select for that purpose a mediator whose name appears in the mediation register maintained by the Mediation Accreditation Committee. Such reference is, however, is to be conducted in accordance with the mediation rules. Section 59B (4) provides that an agreement between the parties to a dispute as a result of mediation under this part shall be recorded in writing and registered with the court giving direction under sub section (1), and shall be enforceable as if it were a judgment of that court. No appeal shall lie against an agreement referred to in subsection (4).

Under Section 59C, a suit may be referred to any other method of dispute resolution where the parties agree or where the court considers the case suitable for referral. Under Section 59C (2), any other method of alternative dispute resolution shall be governed by such procedure as the parties themselves agree to or as the Court may, in its discretion, order. Any settlement arising from a suit referred to any other alternative dispute resolution method by the Court or agreement of the parties shall be enforceable as a judgment of the Court. No appeal shall lie in respect of any judgment entered under this section.13 Further, all agreements entered into with the assistance of qualified mediators shall be in writing and may be registered and enforced by the Court. Pursuant to Order 46 rule 20 (3) it is only after a court-mandated mediation fails that the court shall set the matter down for hearing and determination.

The aforesaid provisions of the Civil Procedure Act are not, in my view, really introducing mediation per se, but merely setting up a legal process where a court can coerce parties to mediate and the outcome of the mediation taken back to court for ratification. These provisions introduced a mediation process which is formal and annexed to the procedures governing the conduct of cases in the high court. Informal mediation which may not require the use of writing is not provided for. The codification of mediation rules in the Civil Procedure Act merely reflect the concept of mediation as viewed from a westerner’s perspective and not in the traditional, political and informal perspective.

Challenges and Opportunities for Court Annexed ADR

Despite the strides made in coming up with a framework for the use of ADR in Kenya, there still are certain challenges in the effective application of the same to enhance access to justice, reduce backlogs and expedite dispute resolution. These challenges relate to lack of capacity in terms insufficient personnel who can handle disputes using ADR mechanisms and lack of understanding on the working of some mechanisms such as mediation. Equally, parties may lose their autonomy when ADR is court-mandated; the fundamental quality of mediation, that is, its voluntary nature, is interfered with through the court order calling for mediation; enforcement of mediated agreements entered into with the assistance of unqualified mediators is excluded; the lack of a reimbursement system for legal fees and other expenses is likely to make litigants resistant to mediation as it implies extra costs to the litigants and there is no provision of taxation of costs even where a mediated agreement is reached.

Mediation in the legal process is temporal and may not deal with the negative elements of the underlying inter-disputant-relationship. Mediation also risks being a court process because even after the parties have negotiated and even reached a solution to the conflict, they nevertheless have to go back to court for enforcement of the mediated agreement. Power imbalances in mediation may cause one party to dominate the process with the result that the outcome largely reflects that party’s needs and interest and may also affect the legitimacy of the process itself. The effective operationalisation of the Arbitration law and court supervised ADR faces challenges as there is an overlap of some provisions. Moreover, the public have not been fully made aware of ADR methods of conflict management and their usefulness. Nevertheless, the adoption of ADR may have the effect of lowering the costs of accessing justice as ADR mechanisms are cheaper compared with the court process. Some ADR methods such as negotiation and mediation address underlying psychological dimensions which cannot be addressed in courts and hence where ADR mechanisms are utilized, the dispute may not flare up again.

Conclusion

There is now in place a comprehensive legal framework governing ADR in Kenya. With the passage of the constitution of Kenya 2010, ADR has now been explicitly recognized by Kenyan law. ADR mechanisms can now be effectively applied in resolving a wide range of commercial disputes, family disputes and natural resource based conflicts, among others thus easing access to justice. It is essential that in the application of ADR and to achieve a just and expeditious resolution of disputes, the Bill of rights as enshrined in the constitution must at all times be kept in mind and upheld. The future of Alternative Dispute Resolution in Kenya is bright and really promising in bringing about a society where disputes are disposed of more expeditiously and at lower costs, without having to resort to judicial settlements.

*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 ADR Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 (CIArb Kenya): Muigua, K., Court Annexed ADR in the Kenyan Context, Available at: http://kmco.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Court-Annexed-ADR.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 2022.

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News & Analysis

What is Carbon Markets?

Published

5 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

7 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.

News & Analysis

Way Forward in Applying Collaborative Approaches Towards Conflict Management

Published

8 months ago

March 24, 2024

Kariuki Muigua & Company

By Hon. Prof. Kariuki Muigua, OGW, PhD, C.Arb, FCIArb is a Professor of Environmental Law and Dispute Resolution at the University of Nairobi, Member of Permanent Court of Arbitration, Leading Environmental Law Scholar, Respected Sustainable Development Policy Advisor, Top Natural Resources Lawyer, Highly-Regarded Dispute Resolution Expert and Awardee of the Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) of Kenya by H.E. the President of Republic of Kenya. He is the Academic Champion of ADR 2024, the African ADR Practitioner of the Year 2022, the African Arbitrator of the Year 2022, ADR Practitioner of the Year in Kenya 2021, CIArb (Kenya) Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 and ADR Publisher of the Year 2021 and Author of the Kenya’s First ESG Book: Embracing Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) tenets for Sustainable Development” (Glenwood, Nairobi, July 2023) and Kenya’s First Two Climate Change Law Book: Combating Climate Change for Sustainability (Glenwood, Nairobi, October 2023), Achieving Climate Justice for Development (Glenwood, Nairobi, October 2023), Promoting Rule of Law for Sustainable Development (Glenwood, Nairobi, January 2024) and Actualizing the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment (Glenwood, Nairobi, March 2024)*

It is necessary to embrace and utilize collaborative approaches in managing conflicts. These techniques include mediation, negotiation, and facilitation. These mechanisms are effective in managing conflicts since they encourage parties to embrace and address disagreements through empathy and listening towards mutually beneficial solutions. Collaborative approaches also have the potential to preserve relationships, build trust, and promote long term positive change. They also ensure a win-win solution is found so that everyone is satisfied which creates the condition for peace and sustainability. These approaches are therefore ideal in managing conflicts. It is therefore important to embrace collaborative approaches in order to ensure effective management of conflicts.

In addition, it is necessary for third parties including mediators and facilitators to develop their skills and techniques in order to enhance the effectiveness of collaborative approaches towards conflict management. For example, it has correctly been observed that mediators and facilitators should listen actively and empathetically in order to assist parties to collaborate towards managing their dispute. Therefore, when a dispute arises, the first step should involve listening to all parties involved with an open mind and without judgment. This should entail active listening, which means paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues and acknowledging the emotions and perceptions involved.

It has been observed that by listening empathetically, a third party such as a mediator of facilitator can understand each person’s perspective and start to build a foundation for resolving the conflict through collaboration. In addition, while collaborating towards conflict management, it is necessary to encourage and help parties to focus on interests and not positions. It has been pointed out that focusing positions can result in a standstill which can delay or even defeat the conflict management process. However, by identifying and addressing the underlying interests parties can find common ground and collaborate towards coming up with creative solutions towards their conflict.

Mediators and facilitators should also assist parties to look for areas of agreement or shared goals. Identifying a common ground can build momentum and create a positive environment for resolving the conflict. Further, in order to ensure the effectiveness of collaborative approaches in conflict management, it is necessary to build strong collaboration. It has been asserted that strong collaboration can be achieved by establishing a shared purpose, cultivating trust among parties, encouraging active participation by all parties, and promoting effective communication.

Strong collaboration enables parties to develop trust between and among themselves and strengthen communication channels between the various parties. It also helps to generate inclusive solutions that arise from wider stakeholders’ views. Therefore while applying collaborative approaches, it is necessary for parties to foster strong collaboration by identifying common goals, building trust, ensuring that all stakeholders are involved, and communicating effectively in order to come up with win-win outcomes.

Finally, while embracing collaborative approaches in conflict management, it is necessary for parties to consider seeking help from third parties if need arises. For example, negotiation is always the first point of call whenever a conflict arises whereby parties attempt to manage their conflict without the involvement of third parties. It has been described as the most effective collaborative approach towards conflict management since it starts with an understanding by both parties that they must search for solutions that satisfy everyone.

It enables parties to a dispute to come together to openly discuss the issue causing tension, actively listen to each other, and come up with mutually satisfactory solutions. However, it has been correctly observed that negotiation may fail especially if the conflict is particularly complex or involves multiple parties due to challenges in collaborating. In such circumstances, where negotiation fails, parties should consider resorting to other collaborative approaches such as mediation and facilitation where they attempt to manage the conflict with the help of a third party. A mediator or facilitator can assist parties to collaborate and continue with the negotiations and ultimately break the deadlock.

*This is an extract from Kenya’s First Clean and Healthy Environment Book: Actualizing the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment (Glenwood, Nairobi, January 2024) by Hon. Prof. Kariuki Muigua, OGW, PhD, Professor of Environmental Law and Dispute Resolution, Senior Advocate of Kenya, Chartered Arbitrator, Kenya’s ADR Practitioner of the Year 2021 (Nairobi Legal Awards), ADR Lifetime Achievement Award 2021 (CIArb Kenya), African Arbitrator of the Year 2022, Africa ADR Practitioner of the Year 2022, Member of National Environment Tribunal (NET) Emeritus (2017 to 2023) and Member of Permanent Court of Arbitration nominated by Republic of Kenya and Academic Champion of ADR 2024. Prof. Kariuki Muigua is a foremost Environmental Law and Natural Resources Lawyer and Scholar, Sustainable Development Advocate and Conflict Management Expert in Kenya. Prof. Kariuki Muigua teaches Environmental Law and Dispute resolution at the University of Nairobi School of Law, The Center for Advanced Studies in Environmental Law and Policy (CASELAP) and Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies. He has published numerous books and articles on Environmental Law, Environmental Justice Conflict Management, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Sustainable Development. Prof. Muigua is also a Chartered Arbitrator, an Accredited Mediator, the Managing Partner of Kariuki Muigua & Co. Advocates and Africa Trustee Emeritus of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators 2019-2022. Prof. Muigua is a 2023 recipient of President of the Republic of Kenya Order of Grand Warrior (OGW) Award for his service to the Nation as a Distinguished Expert, Academic and Scholar in Dispute Resolution and recognized among the top 5 leading lawyers and dispute resolution experts in Band 1 in Kenya by the Chambers Global Guide 2024 and was listed in the Inaugural THE LAWYER AFRICA Litigation Hall of Fame 2023 as one of the Top 50 Most Distinguished Litigation Lawyers in Kenya and the Top Arbitrator in Kenya in 2023.

References

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Bercovitch. J., ‘Mediation Success or Failure: A Search for the Elusive Criteria.’ Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol. 7, p 289.

Bloomfield. D., ‘Towards Complementarity in Conflict Management: Resolution and Settlement in Northern Ireland,’ Journal of Peace Research., Volume 32, Issue 2.

Burrell. B., ‘The Five Conflict Styles’ Available at https://web.mit.edu/collaboration/mainsite/ modules/module1/1.11.5.html (Accessed on 01/03/2024).

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