News & Analysis

Role of Science and Technology in Environmental Management in Kenya

Published

3 years ago

March 18, 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 Publisher of the Year 2021 and CIArb (Kenya) Lifetime Achievement Award 2021*

It has been argued that science and technology can provide effective solutions to most, if not all, environmental problems facing the world. In the context of environmental management, environmental science studies the mechanisms and processes underlying our interactions with the natural environment whereas environmental technology allows application of such knowledge through actions geared towards environmental protection and conservation. Technology not only refers to machines and equipment, but also includes the knowledge, abilities, skills, processes and systems necessary to facilitate environmental conservation and protection. To this extent, technology has been classified as soft technology which entails information, training, research and capacity building and hard technology comprising of equipment.

Science and technology have resulted in many environmental problems but can also be key to addressing environmental concerns such climate change, waste management and environmental degradation. It has been described as a double edged sword capable of both doing and undoing environmental damage. Most environmental challenges such as global warming and climate change can be attributed to technological innovations since they are majorly caused by industrial pollution and fuel emissions from motor vehicles. Addressing these environmental concerns requires the input of science and technology through measures such as reducing greenhouse gases, conserving biological diversity, providing clean energy and expanding the adoption of green technologies for climate change mitigation.

Environmental management and decision making in Kenya is governed by laws, regulations, and policies. Due to the shortcomings of such laws, regulations and policies, there is need for these processes to be informed by scientific evidence. Indeed, science has the ability to remedy the shortcomings of laws and regulations through effective solutions tailor made to specific problems. The outbreak and spread of the Covid-19 pandemic is a clear example. Whereas countries have applied laws such as lock downs, curfews, quarantine and travel restrictions, spread of the virus still continues and the most effective solution to the pandemic would be through scientific knowledge and research to discover a cure and a viable vaccine. In the context of environmental management, there is need to link law and science in order to ensure effective environmental management.

In Kenya, the Constitution obligates the state to recognize the role of science and indigenous technologies in the development of the nation. To this effect, strides have been made towards the use of science and technology in environmental management. The ban on the manufacture, importation, supply, distribution and use of plastic bags and the subsequent adoption of woven bags has helped to curb environmental pollution. However, more needs to be done to integrate the use of science and technology in environmental management in Kenya. Adoption of cleaner technologies in such areas as transport, energy production and food production can be an effective preventive measure. Scientific knowledge is also useful in helping the citizenry adopt healthy lifestyles for a better, cleaner and healthier environment.

Some of the measures that can be adopted towards integrating the use of science and technology in environmental management in Kenya include:

(a) Industrial Waste Treatment

In Kenya, most of the waste discharged from industries is not treated before recycling or disposal. This poses health risks and causes damage to the environment since such waste is often discharged into water sources. Consequently, the industries involved in pollution have found themselves at war with environment entities including the National Environment Management Authority. Some of the measures that have taken by NEMA include closure of industries allegedly engaged in these acts. However, with recent reports of industrial pollution of river sources such as the Nairobi River, questions still linger on the effectiveness of measures adopted in dealing with this challenge.

Industrial pollution is a global problem which is not alien to Kenya. Scientific measures that have been adopted to deal with industrial waste include use of materials such as zeolites, geopolymers, activated carbons and nanomaterials due to their characteristics such as ion exchange capacity, adsorption and photocatalytic action. However, use of science and technology in industrial waste treatment has not been fully appreciated in Kenya. NEMA acknowledges that waste treatment technologies have not been fully embraced in the country which can be attributed to a number of factors such as lack of awareness and knowledge of such technologies; inadequate funding; limited technical competence and slow adoption of modern technological options. There is need for the use of science and technology in industrial waste management in order to enhance environmental management and protection.

(b) Adoption of Green and Clean Technologies

Green technology is an umbrella term that refers to the use of science and technology to create products and processes that are environmentally friendly for sustainable development. Clean technology refers to products or services that improve operational performance while reducing costs, energy consumption, waste or negative effects on the environment. These technologies can be used to protect the environment and in some instances repair damage done in the past. They provide the best eco-friendly option to ensure future sustainability. Such technologies include recycling of waste and use of renewable sources of energy solar, wind and geothermal energy.

Kenya has made some significant strides towards the adoption of green and clean technologies especially in the area of renewable energy. The country has been ranked as the largest producer of renewable energy in Africa with 70% of its electricity generation coming from renewable sources such as geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar sources. The government through the National Environment Management Authority imposed a ban on plastic carrier bags which has led to the use of eco-friendly non-woven bags. Such measures are to be lauded since they offer significant promise in the country’s endeavour towards green and clean technologies. There is however need for more measures towards this endeavour such as the adoption of agricultural methods and technologies that are eco-friendly as opposed to the polluting and dangerous chemicals.

(c) Climate Change Mitigation

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFFCC) defines climate change as change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activities which alter the composition of the global atmosphere and which are in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods. Climate change has become a global concern in the 21st century and has been a dominant subject in political and scientific discussions. It is majorly caused by human activities that lead to atmospheric concentration of green-house gases such as burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and increase in carbon dioxide levels. In order to curb this problem, nations under the Paris Agreement have come together under a common cause to undertake ambitious measures aimed at aimed at combating climate change and adapting to its effects. The Agreement is aimed at holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in recognition that this would significantly reduce the risks and impacts of climate change.

The Agreement recognises the role of science in climate change mitigation and calls upon states to adopt a country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory and fully transparent approach guided by the best available science and, as appropriate, traditional knowledge, knowledge of indigenous peoples and local knowledge systems (emphasis added). Kenya like the rest of the world is faced with the threat of climate change. The Kenya National Adaptation Plan acknowledges the role of science, technology and innovations matched to local needs and risks towards climate change mitigation. It proposes thoughtful prioritisation of research funding and policy to encourage innovation that will grow Kenya’s knowledge-based economy, building resilience through climate-compatible development whilst also encouraging the expansion of technology and expertise exports. The country should be more proactive in adoption of technological and scientific measures aimed at curbing climate change such as the use of clean energy sources.

*This article is an extract from the Article: “Utilising Science and Technology for Environmental Management in Kenya,” Journal of Conflict Management and Sustainable Development Volume 8(2), p. 172 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). Dr. Kariuki Muigua is a foremost Environmental Law and Natural Resources Lawyer and Scholar, Sustainable Development Advocate and Conflict Management Expert in Kenya. 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 among the top 5 leading lawyers and dispute resolution experts in Kenya by the Chambers Global Guide 2022.

References

Ali, M., Model of Green Technology Adaptation in Small and Medium –Sized Tannery Industry, Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 12 (4), 2017 68 Kenton. W., Green Tech, available at https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/green_tech.asp (accessed on 29/03/2020).

De Luca. P et al, Industrial Waste Treatment by ETS-10 Ion Exchanger Material, available at https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/11/11/2316 (accessed on 28/03/2020).

Huesemann. M.H., ‘Can Pollution Problems Be Effectively Solved by Environmental Science and Technology? An Analysis of Critical Limitations, Ecological Economics, Volume 37, Issue 2, May 2001, pg 271-287.

Human Rights Dimension of Covid-19 Response, available at https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/19/human-rights-dimensions-covid-19-response (accessed on 03/04/2020).

Juma. C., ‘Exponential Innovation and Human Rights: Implications for Science and Technology Diplomacy’, Science, Technology and Globalization, February, 2018.

Kamau. J., How Nairobi River Lost Pollution Battle, Daily Nation, Monday, August 19, 2019.

Moore. J.W et al, Towards Linking Environmental Law and Science, available at https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/facets-2017-0106 (accessed on 01/04/2020)

Muigua.K., Reconceptualising the Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment in Kenya, available at http://kmco.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Right-To-Clean-And-Healthy-Environment-In-Kenya.docx-7th-september-2015.pdf (accessed on 04/04/2020).

Muigua. K., Nurturing Our Environment for Sustainable Development, Glenwood Publishers Limited, 2016.

National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Report on an Inquiry Into Complaints of Environmental Pollution, available at http://www.parliament.go.ke/sites/default/files/2019- 09/LDK%20REPORT_compressed.pdf, accessed on 28/03/2020.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Green Initiatives in Kenya, available at http://nema.go.ke/images/Docs/Media%20centre/Brochures/Green%20Economy%2 0Booklet.pdf (accessed on 29/03/2020).

National Environment Management Authority, ‘The National Solid Waste Management Strategy’, available at http://www.nema.go.ke/images/Docs/Media%20centre/Publication/National%20Soli d%20Waste%20Management%20Strategy%20.pdf, accessed on 28/03/2020.

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Factories Closed, Owners Arrested for Polluting Environment, available at http://www.nema.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=298:facto ries-closed-owners-arrested-for-polluting-environment&catid=10:news-andevents&Itemid=454 (accessed on 06/04/2020).

National Environment Management Authority, 2 years on: Say no to plastic bags, available at http://www.nema.go.ke/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=296&cati d=2&Itemid=451 (Accessed on 20/03/2020).

Nichols. M.R., ‘How Technology Can Save the Environment’ available at https://born2invest.com/articles/technology-save-environment/ (accessed on 03/04/2020).

Owusu. P.A., & Asumadu-Sarkodie. S, A Review of Renewable Energy Sources, Sustainability Issues and Climate Change Mitigation, available at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/23311916.2016.1167990?needAccess =true (accessed on 30/03/2020).

Srinivas. H., ‘Introduction: Technology and Environment’ available at http://www.gdrc.org/techtran/introduction.html (accessed on 18/03/2020).

Voulvoulis.N., & Burgman.M.A., The Contrasting Roles of Science and Technology in Environmental Challenges, Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, Volume 49, 2019, issue 12.

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Wen-Hsiang, K.,The Role of Science in Environmental Protection: Is the Development of Environmental Law Toward More Protective and Productive Way, or Distorted to Inequality, Through the Involvement of Science? (2009). APSA 2009 Toronto Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1450811(accessed on 03/04/2020).

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News & Analysis

Brief Overview of Kenyan Bankruptcy Law

Published

19 hours 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.

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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

10 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.