The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb), Kenya Branch convened a high-level Court & ADR Roundtable, bringing together members of the Judiciary, arbitrators, mediators, advocates and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioners to examine the evolving relationship between the courts and ADR.
The roundtable provided an important platform for candid dialogue on how courts and ADR practitioners can work more closely together to strengthen access to justice and improve the efficiency, integrity and effectiveness of dispute resolution in Kenya.
The discussions focused on a range of issues shaping the ADR landscape in Kenya, including court-annexed mediation, conciliation, arbitration costs, professional conduct, case management, mediator accreditation and the need for greater efficiency in dispute resolution processes.
Participants reflected on the progress made in integrating ADR within Kenya’s justice system while also identifying areas that require continued attention, collaboration and investment.
A key message emerged from the discussions: ADR must deliver on its promise of confidentiality, expediency and efficient access to justice.
For ADR to realise its full potential, practitioners, institutions and the Judiciary must continue to work together to strengthen standards, build professional capacity and promote confidence in ADR processes.
The roundtable reaffirmed the importance of stronger collaboration between the Judiciary, CIArb Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), among other stakeholders in the justice sector.
Enhanced training and sensitisation, particularly on mediation and conciliation, remain critical to ensuring that legal practitioners, businesses and members of the public understand the value and appropriate use of ADR.
There is also a need for continued investment in the systems, skills and institutional frameworks that support effective dispute resolution. By strengthening these foundations, Kenya can create an ADR environment that is trusted, accessible and responsive to the needs of its users.
As Kenya continues to position Nairobi as a regional hub for commercial dispute resolution, the importance of an efficient and reliable justice system cannot be overstated.
A strong ADR framework can contribute significantly to creating a more predictable environment for businesses and investors while providing parties with effective alternatives for resolving disputes.
The Court & ADR Roundtable therefore represented more than a discussion on current challenges. It was an opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to building a justice system that is more efficient, accessible, professional and investment-ready.
The dialogue highlighted the value of continued engagement among the Judiciary, ADR practitioners, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Through collaboration, innovation and sustained investment in ADR, Kenya can strengthen its dispute resolution ecosystem and enhance access to justice for citizens, businesses and investors alike.
The discussions concluded with a clear recognition that the future of dispute resolution depends on partnership and collective action.
Ciarb Kenya remains committed to supporting the growth of professional ADR practice and to working alongside the Judiciary, LSK and other stakeholders to advance a dispute resolution system that is efficient, credible and accessible to all.
Together, we can build a justice system that works better.
CIArb Kenya Branch Chairman FCS Jaqueline Waihenya expresses her deepest gratitude to all the valued partners, fellows, and members who attended the significant event of celebrating 40 Years of Excellence
Sometimes, professional partnerships feel less like partnerships and more like family. That was certainly the spirit of today’s engagement between FIDA Kenya and Ciarb Kenya, where two organisations united by
Research, Development and Innovation Assistant Murithi Antony is the Research, Development and Innovation Assistant at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), Kenya Branch, where he leads the Branch’s research, knowledge
The countdown is on! Only 08 days remain before the Early Bird registration deadline for the TAKUKA 2026 Conference. If you have been waiting for the right moment to secure
