News & Analysis

Book Review: Achieving Climate Justice for Development

Published

1 year ago

October 16, 2023

Admin

By James Njuguna, LL.M (Advocate), Lecturer of Law at University of Embu Faculty of Law.

The idea of Climate Justice is significant for the entire world since it seeks to achieve an agenda that links the struggle for a prosperous safe future for all with a fight against inequalities and exclusion. The book “Achieving Climate Justice for Development” is informed by the need to achieve climate justice as a prerequisite for sustainable development. It explores the idea of climate justice and discusses the efficacy of the measures adopted towards achieving climate justice for development. The book not only adds to the already existing debates in this area but also offers solutions for achieving climate justice for development. The discussion also explores the global and regional approaches to achieving climate justice for development. This book is aimed at the students, general practitioners, researchers, decision-makers and academics, among others, interested in keeping themselves updated in the study and practice Climate Justice for Development. This book is a companion to the compilation of peer-reviewed articles and published book chapters by Dr. Kariuki Muigua, PhD titled “Combating Climate Change for Sustainability.”

The author of the book, Dr. Kariuki Muigua, PhD is the Africa’s leading Environmental Lawyer, Environmental, Social and Governance Scholar, Climate Change Expert and leading Alternative Dispute Resolution, Conflict Management and Climate Justice Guru. Dr. Kariuki Muigua is Senior Advocate of Kenya, a 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 Arbitration Awards) and Africa ADR Practitioner of the Year 2022 (African Arbitration Association), Member of Permanent Court of Arbitration nominated by Republic of Kenya and Member of National Environment Tribunal (NET). 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).

Chapter One offers an introduction to climate change and climate justice. The author notes that Climate change mitigation has taken centre stage in many development plans and activities around the world due to the disastrous effects that climate change has had not only on economies but also on people’s livelihoods. He adds that Kenya has not been left behind, either in mitigation measures or in suffering the effects of this change. It has been acknowledged that if the world is to achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals, then much more needs to be done in a coordinated way that not only focuses on all sectors of the economy but also brings all stakeholders on board. Hence, the book adds to the existing literature on this topic with a focus on Kenya and its diverse topics are useful not only to environmental law researchers and students but also to policymakers in their efforts towards mitigating climate change and building a climate resilient economy for the current and future generations.

Chapter Two discusses Climate Change and Sustainability and underscores that achieving environmental sustainability has become a pertinent concern in the wake of global environmental challenges. These problems include global warming, loss of biodiversity, pollution, deforestation, ocean acidification, food and water insecurity, soil degradation and depletion of natural resources through overfishing, unsustainable mining among others. According to the author, these environmental problems have been worsened by the threat of climate change which is the most defining challenge of our time. The impacts of climate change such as warmer temperatures, intense droughts, water scarcity, severe wild fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms and declining biodiversity are being witnessed across the world. These environmental problems, including climate change affect environmental sustainability by affecting natural ecosystems as evidenced by loss of biodiversity and depletion of natural resources.

Chapter Three deals with the legal and institutional framework on Climate Justice in Kenya. The concept of Climate Justice has emerged to deal with the justice concerns brought about by climate change. Climate Justice seeks to address the causes and impacts of climate change in a manner that recognizes and fosters the rights and concerns of vulnerable people, communities and countries. The chapter seeks to critically discuss the legal and institutional framework necessary for promoting Climate Justice in Kenya. It is worth pointing out that responding to climate change requires involvement of all stakeholders. Further, the chapter conceptualizes Climate Justice and analyzes its enabling legal framework at the global, regional and national levels.

Chapter Four addresses entrenching Gender in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development envisages a world of universal respect for human rights and human dignity, the rule of law, justice, equality, and non-discrimination, among others. This calls for the concerted efforts of all players if all this is to be achieved. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets that seek to build on the Millennium Development Goals to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and are integrated and indivisible and balance the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social and environmental.

Chapter Five deals with Climate Justice and Environmental Conflicts. Over the years, there has been an appreciation of the impact that climate may have in economic results, as well as rising public concern about climate change. The term “climate” refers to observations of climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and water availability, as well as climate indices that serve as proxy measures for these variables. While climatic circumstances do not generate conflict on their own, they can modify the environment under which particular social interactions take place, potentially altering the risk of conflict. The environmental principle of polluter pays, which holds that polluters should be held accountable for destroying the environment, justifies the concept of resolving climate change disputes through restorative dispute management approaches. The chapter critically discusses the place of Climate Change in the rise and trends in environmental conflicts.

Chapter Six of the book deals with tapping into Africa’s Blue Economy: Challenges and Promises. Blue Economy is defined as a ‘sustainable ocean-based economic model that is largely dependent on coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, but one that employs environmentally-sound and innovative infrastructure, technologies and practices, including institutional and financing arrangements, for meeting the goals. The chapter critically discusses the concept of blue economy in Africa. It explores the problems and promises of Blue Economy in Africa. The chapter further recommends the way forward towards fostering Africa’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Development.

Chapter Seven is about embracing Green Economy for Climate Change Mitigation. The author notes that during the Africa Climate Summit, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 4th to 6th September 2023, African Heads of State and Government committed to advance green industrialization across the Continent by prioritizing energy-intense industries to trigger a virtuous cycle of renewable energy deployment and economic activity, with a special emphasis on adding value to Africa’s natural endowments. The chapter critically examines actualization of Africa’s green dream. It explores the progress made towards greening economies in Africa. The chapter further discusses opportunities and challenges facing the attainment of green growth in Africa. It also suggests recommendations towards actualizing Africa’s green dream for Sustainable Development.

Chapter Eight discusses the concept of sustainability audit as a means of increasing the percentage of businesses that comply with environmental regulations in Kenya. The author explores the topic of environmental compliance by corporations, discusses the challenges that are associated with it, and argues that a sustainability audit is one of the approaches that may be used to address these difficulties. The framework known as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) serves as the foundation for the discussion. The chapter also critically discusses the concept of greenwashing as a strategy used by the corporate world to create the impression that they are compliant with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) while hiding the true level of compliance, through marketing, and makes recommendations on how to address the same.

Chapter Nine is dedicated to Application of Science, Technology and Innovation to Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience. The chapter discusses the role of science, technology and innovation in fostering Sustainable Development. It has been argued that science, technology and innovation are vital tools in promoting Sustainable Development. The United Nations Development Programme further acknowledges that creativity, knowhow, technology and financial resources from all of society is necessary to achieve the SDGs in every context. The chapter critically examines ways through which science, technology and innovation can promote Sustainable Development. It argues a case for embracing science, technology and innovation in addressing climate change in order to accelerate the attainment of Sustainable Development across the globe.

Chapter Ten deals with Climate Change Litigation, in particular the Role of Law, Lawyers and Courts in Climate Change Mitigation. The Chapter discusses the concept of climate change litigation and how these challenges can be overcome, especially in the context of Kenya. It posits that while the current trend of climate litigation may not have yet gained significant traction in Kenya, it is anticipated that this will change in due course. This shift is expected to occur as a growing number of individuals become cognizant of their environmental rights and develop higher expectations from the government and other stakeholders in terms of their response to the impacts of climate change on their livelihoods. In the pursuit of achieving sustainable development, the author argues that the promotion of climate litigation in Kenya might serve as a substantial element in effectively tackling this global predicament.

Chapter Eleven is on Climate Financing in Africa. It has been observed that finance plays a vital role in the climate agenda by enhancing the mitigation and adaptation capabilities of countries especially in the developing world. This chapter explores the concept of climate finance and its role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. It defines climate finance and discusses some of the national, regional and global efforts towards embracing this idea. The chapter critically examines the efficacy of climate finance as a tool of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It further examines the problems inherent in the idea of climate finance. The chapter concludes by proposing reforms towards unlocking climate finance at the national, regional and global levels in order to foster development.

Chapter Twelve tackles some of the contemporary issues in climate justice. The author notes that since GHG emissions are transboundary by nature, global warming is indeed global, and the climate system is shared at the planetary level, meaning we are all affected by climate change phenomena. The emitter and/or beneficiary of GHG emissions is not necessarily the party most affected by such emissions and climate disruption. This has deep implications in terms of the behaviour to be expected from States. In particular, all States must act decisively in order to curb GHG emissions and, in so doing, avoid crossing a dangerous threshold of climate disruption, but also why one State alone is a simple and helpless bystander. Therefore, climate change is the ultimate example of a problem requiring global cooperation between all States. In that context, the chapter highlights some of the contemporary issues on various sectors that arise from the quest for climate justice.

Chapter Thirteen offers conclusion and way forward and not only rehashes the theme of the book but also discusses the need for promoting low carbon development in the country. So far, there have been efforts to foster Climate Justice through measures such as adoption of the principles of Climate Justice in laws and policies, climate funding and climate litigation. However, in the wake of continued climate injustices, there is need to foster Climate Justice through promoting public participation and access to information, giving voice to women, youth and person with disabilities in climate action, increasing climate funding to developing countries, complying with NDCs especially for developed countries and enhancing climate litigation. Through these measures, the ideal of Climate Justice will be fostered at the national, regional and global levels in the quest towards Sustainable Development.

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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

+254 020-2210281 | admin@kmco.co.ke | Website | + posts

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.

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Muigua. K., ‘Resolving Conflicts through Mediation in Kenya.’ Glenwood Publishers Limited, 2nd Edition., 2017.

Quain. S., ‘The Advantages & Disadvantages of Collaborating Conflict Management’ Available at https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantagesdisadvantages-collaborating-conflict-management-36052.html (Accessed on 01/03/2024).

Samuel. A., ‘Is the Collaborative Style of Conflict Management the Best Approach?’ Available at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/collaborative-style-conflictmanagement-best-approach-samuel-ansah (Accessed on 01/03/2024).

United Nations., ‘Land and Conflict’ Available at https://www.un.org/en/landnatural-resources-conflict/pdfs/GN_ExeS_Land%20and%20Conflict.pdf (Accessed on 01/03/2024).

Weiss. J., & Hughes. J., ‘Want Collaboration?: Accept—and Actively Manage— Conflict’ Available at https://hbr.org/2005/03/want-collaboration-accept-andactively-manage-conflict (Accessed on 01/03/2024).

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