News & Analysis

The ESG Reporting Frameworks Applicable in Kenya

Published

8 months ago

March 4, 2024

Admin

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) and Promoting Rule of Law for Sustainable Development (Glenwood, Nairobi, January 2024)*

Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) has emerged as arguably the most important tool of corporate governance in the current era. It acknowledges the environmental, social and governance concerns faced by corporations and seeks to integrate these concerns in corporate decision making in order to promote sustainable, responsible and ethical investments. There is need for organizations to continue embracing ESG in order to promote corporate sustainability. Embracing ESG as a pillar of sustainable development is an ideal whose time has come.

There are various ESG reporting frameworks applicable in Kenya. These include the Capital Markets Authority, the Nairobi Stock Exchange ESG Reporting Framework, the United Nations Global Compact, various investment groups, the Carbon Disclosure Programme (CDP) and industry level reporting requirements like those imposed by the Central Bank of Kenya touching on the operations of licensed Banks. The basics of each of these ESG reporting requirements and how listed companies in Kenya comply with them is discussed here below: –

Nairobi Securities Exchange ESG Reporting

The Nairobi Securities Exchange has developed an ESG Disclosure Manual to guide listed companies in Kenya on ESG reporting. The Manual (ESG Manual) provides that ESG reporting should be on a materiality basis. In financial reporting, materiality is the threshold for influencing the economic decisions of those using an Organisation’s financial statements. A similar concept is also important in ESG reporting. In ESG reporting, “materiality is the principle that determines which relevant topics are sufficiently important that it is essential to report on them.” It is necessary to undertake materiality analysis because not all ESG topics are of equal importance to an organization and an ESG report has to reflect their relative priority of the various topics. The ESG Manual proposes mandatory ESG disclosures for NSE listed companies to help achieve comparability and to facilitate compliance with the CMA Code, relevant international treaties, ESG standards and local regulations

The Capital Markets Authority ESG Requirements

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA) published the Code of Corporate Governance Practices for Issuers of Securities to the Public in 2015. It requires listed companies to explain in their annual reports how they have applied the recommendations contained in the Code. Within the Code, the CMA also provides examples of topics that the Boards of listed companies should treat as material. The ESG Manual gives guidelines on how the ESG reporting approach suggested in it can be used to meet the reporting requirements of the CMA code.

These include by identifying the CMA as a key stakeholder for listed companies within the situational analysis and stakeholder engagement phases. Second, it involves analysing the CMA’s expectations of the organisation and the reporting requirements contained in the CMA Code. Third, complying with the CMA code under the ESG Manual means including disclosures requirements on the Code as part of the assessed material ESG topics for disclosure. These have been proposed as a mandatory disclosure topic for all listed companies, that is, governance under general disclosure topics.

In addition, it takes generating content on the organisation’s performance around these topics using the guide proposed in this manual and reference to the GRI Standards on governance disclosures. It also entails submitting extracts or the full ESG report discussing performance on these indicators to the CMA within the agreed timelines with the CMA. In this case, the ESG report should be published within the reporting timelines required for CMA submissions.

Applicable Investor Groups ESG Reporting Requirements

As a way of managing assessed environmental and social risk in debt and equity investments, some institutional investors typically require the implementation of an environmental and social management system. Thus, depending on the assessed risk profile, beneficiary organisations are required to report at least annually on performance on several pre-identified environmental and social performance metrics. Through such reporting process, investors should be able to develop content around the organisation’s approach to these topics and demonstrate performance during the reporting period.

It is noteworthy that environmental and social risk management is one of the mandatory ESG topics proposed for all listed companies. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability is one example of ESG indicators and metrics that investors commonly refer to when evaluating investments.

United Nations Global Compact

There are more than 200 Organisations in Kenya, including some listed companies, that are participants of the Global Compact Network Kenya, the local arm of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The UNGC has developed a set of 10 principles that organisations can voluntarily adopt and integrate into their own strategies and operations. These principles cover four issue areas including Human Rights, Labour, Environment and Anticorruption. In turn, the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact is a key guideline in that regard.

The UNGC encourages participants to self-assess, prepare, and submit a Communication on Progress report to the UNGC on their performance around these four topical areas. According to the UNGC, the Communication on Progress report should be fully integrated into a company’s main stakeholder communications, most often the annual or sustainability report.

By developing an annual ESG report discussing organisational performance around these topics, listed companies can submit an extract of the ESG report to fulfil the requirements of the annual Communication on Progress report submissions to the UNGC. Further, applying the Global Reporting Initiative standards ensures compliance to the Communication on Progress reporting requirements. Organisations can also refer to the UNGC guidance document on Using GRI’s Guidelines to Create a CoP.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

The CDP is a non-profit charity helps in promoting transparency in environmental reporting by cities and companies around the world. Signatory companies provide performance data on climate change, water security and deforestation on a self-disclosure basis. This self-reported data is then used by investors and other stakeholders to make informed data driven decisions with regards to the reporting company’s environmental impacts. For example, investors can use data in the CDP database to calculate the carbon intensity of their portfolio.

Investors can also select entities that demonstrate climate resilience by evidenced implementation of strategies that future proof their organisations against climate related polices and regulations. There is need to consider that the CDP and GRI use common metrics on reporting on carbon emissions. ESG reporting can be used to collect and report data to the CDP. Organisations can select any or all the disclosure topics as part of their materiality assessment exercise and build reporting content within the ESG report that meets the CDP self-disclosure requirements.

Industry level ESG Reporting

Certain industry groups in Kenya have developed voluntary ESG related guidelines for consideration by member organisations. For example, in the banking sector in Kenya, the Kenya Bankers Association, the trade association for banks in Kenya, has developed the Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) industry principles for the banking sector. Further, recently the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) has developed Guidance on Climate Related Risk Management for the banking sector. The aim of the Guidance is to sensitize the banking sector on mitigation of climate-related risks and harnessing of opportunities. It also offers guidance on the development and implementation of appropriate climate-related strategies and policies.

Given the current trajectory of ESG and emphasis placed by investors on ESG integration, it is expected that more trade associations and industry groupings in Kenya will develop specific ESG guidelines for adoption by their members. Industry guidelines provide relevant insights on ESG issues impacting the industry and listed companies can refer to such guidelines when identifying material ESG topics for disclosure using the framework proposed in this manual.

This is an extract from Kenya’s First ESG Law Book: Embracing Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) tenets for Sustainable Development” (Glenwood, Nairobi, July 2023) 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

Adams, C.A., Alhamood, A., He, X., Tian, J., Wang, L. and Wang, Y. (2021) The Double-Materiality Concept: Application and Issues, published by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as a White Paper, Available at: https://www.globalreporting.org/media/jrbntbyv/griwhitepaper-publications.pdf (accessed on 21/07/2022)

Capital Markets Authority., Code of Corporate Governance Practices for Issuers of Securities to the Public in 2015, Legal Notice No. 1420.

Cedric.R., ‘Accountability of Multinational Corporations for Human Rights Abuses.” Utrecht Law Review 14.2 (2018): 1-5.’

CFI, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), Available at: https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/esg-environmental-socialgovernance/ (accessed on 21/07/2022).

Create Research, “Passive Investing 2021: Rise of the social pillar of ESG,” Available at: https://cdn.efundresearch.com/files/RcfPdrQdAaVI9tiBgrgLq4baO7Wciz6eepZTODEO.pdf (accessed on 21/07/2022).

De Francesco. A.J., ‘The impact of sustainability on the investment environment.’ Journal of European Real Estate Research (2008).

Erkens. D.H, et al Corporate governance in the 2007–2008 financial crisis: Evidence from financial institutions worldwide.” Journal of corporate finance 18.2 (2012): 389-411.

European Commission ‘Guidelines on Non-Financial Reporting’, available at https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/non-financial-reporting-guidelines_en (accessed on 21/07/2022).

Fonseca.A et al., ‘Sustainability reporting among mining corporations: a constructive critique of the GRI approach.” Journal of cleaner production 84 (2014): 70- 83.’

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Mariarosaria. S & Scarpato. D ‘Sustainable Consumption: How Does Social Media Affect Food Choices?’ Journal of Cleaner Production 277 (2020): 124036.

Martin.C et al., ‘Corporate governance and the 2008–09 Financial Crisis.” Corporate Governance: An International Review 19.5 (2011): 399-404.

Muigua. K., ‘What are the Material Issues for ESG Reporting in Kenya?’ available at https://thelawyer.africa/2022/06/05/material-issues-for-esg-reporting-in-kenya/ (accessed on 21/07/2022).

Muigua.K., ‘Introduction to ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) available at https://thelawyer.africa/2022/02/04/esg-environmental-social-and-governance/ (accessed on 22/07/2022).

Nairobi Securities Exchange, ‘ESG Disclosures Guidance Manual’, available at https://sseinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/NSE-ESG-Disclosures-Guidance.pdf (accessed on 21/07/2022).

Norton Rose Fulbright, “Environmental, Social and Governance,” Available at: https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en/services/203f40d1/environmental-social-andgovernance-esg (accessed on 21/07/2022).

OECD (2021), ESG Investing and Climate Transition: Market Practices, Issues and Policy Considerations, OECD Paris, https://www.oecd.org/finance/ESG-investing-andclimatetransition-Market-practices-issues-and-policy-considerations.pdf (accessed on 21/07/2022).

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Ruth.J., ‘The Convergence of Financial and ESG Materiality: Taking Sustainability Mainstream.” American Business Law Journal 56.3 (2019): 645-702.’

Standard Chartered Singapore, “The S in ESG,” Available at: https://www.sc.com/sg/wealth/insights/the-s-in-esg/ (accessed on 21/07/2022).

Stuart. L.G et al., ‘Firms and social responsibility: A review of ESG and CSR research in corporate finance.’ Journal of Corporate Finance 66 (2021): 101889.

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News & Analysis

What is Carbon Markets?

Published

4 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

6 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

7 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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