ADR Sensitization Symposium: Mastering Dispute Resolution in East Africa’s Key Growth Sectors

We are excited to invite you to the ADR Sensitization Symposium: Mastering Dispute Resolution in East Africa’s Key Growth Sectors. This landmark event, a collaborative initiative between CIArb Kenya and the East Africa Law Society, is designed to provide legal practitioners with practical insights into mastering Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) techniques in the rapidly evolving sectors of East Africa’s economy.

Taking place on 28th February 2025 from 2pm, this symposium will address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the region’s key growth sectors, focusing on how ADR methods can be effectively leveraged to resolve disputes and ensure seamless business operations.

Key Highlights:

  • Gain expert knowledge on the application of ADR in sectors like infrastructure, trade, energy, and technology.
  • Learn practical approaches to managing disputes that arise in these critical sectors.
  • Network with leading professionals in the legal and business communities across East Africa.

Whether you’re a seasoned legal practitioner or just starting your career, this event is tailored to equip you with the skills and tools necessary to navigate and resolve disputes efficiently in the context of East Africa’s dynamic economic landscape.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your professional expertise and connect with key industry leaders.

Register now and be part of this essential discussion on the future of dispute resolution in East Africa!

For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/EALS-MDR-WEBINAR.

We look forward to seeing you at the symposium!

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ROUNDTABLE REPORT: Alternative Dispute Resolution for Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya

1. Background and Context  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of Kenya’s economy,  contributing approximately 33% of GDP and employing over 80% of the workforce outside  the agricultural sector. Despite this significance, SMEs remain disproportionately exposed  to commercial disputes that are costly, protracted, and frequently unresolved through  formal judicial channels.  The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Kenya Branch convened a multi-stakeholder  roundtable to interrogate the landscape of dispute resolution for SMEs, assess the efficacy  of existing mechanisms, and identify entry points for scalable Alternative Dispute  Resolution (ADR) interventions. The roundtable convened representatives from the Micro  and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA), the Judiciary, the Kenya National Chamber of  Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), the financial sector, the insurance industry, and the  youth entrepreneurship ecosystem.  This report summarises the deliberations and perspectives presented by each  stakeholder group, and distills shared conclusions, identified gaps, and proposed areas of  partnership.  2. Micro and Small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) — Perspective  Presenters: Maureen Gachogo- Registrar.                       :Agnes Thiong’o- Senior legal officer.  2.1 Nature and Typology of Disputes in the SME Sector  MSEA’s frontline engagement with the SME ecosystem reveals that disputes within this  sector are diverse in character and frequently multi-layered. The Authority identified three  principal categories of disputes commonly encountered:  •Governance disputes: These arise within SME structures, particularly cooperatives,  chamas, and registered business associations, where disagreements over  leadership, profit-sharing, decision-making authority, and member obligations  create internal fractures. Such disputes, if unresolved, often result in enterprise  dissolution or significant productive loss.  •Resource disputes – Land use: A recurring category of disputes involves access to  and use of land for business operations. These disputes frequently involve 

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