The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Ciarb) Kenya Branch, together with senior leadership from Ciarb London, yesterday paid a courtesy visit to the Patron of the Kenya Branch, Hon. Lady Chief Justice Martha K. Koome, EGH, FCIArb.
The delegation from Ciarb London comprised Ms. Helen Waters, Director of Corporate Services, and Mr. Jonathan Moles, Director of Governance and Professional Standards. They were accompanied by Directors of the Ciarb Kenya Branch Led by Our Chair, Prof. Wyne Kenneth, C.Arb for a high-level engagement focused on strengthening collaboration in the advancement of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Access to Justice in Kenya.
The meeting provided an opportunity for meaningful discussions on deepening institutional partnerships, fostering greater synergy between key justice sector stakeholders, and expanding the role of ADR and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in enhancing access to justice for all Kenyans.
Speaking during the engagement, the Vice Chairperson of Ciarb Kenya, David Njoroge, FCIArb, who has been a strong advocate of Alternative Justice Systems, emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between ADR and AJS. He noted that the two approaches complement one another and play a critical role in ensuring that justice is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all citizens, regardless of their background or location.
He further reaffirmed the Kenya Branch’s commitment to working closely with the Judiciary and other stakeholders to promote people-centred justice and expand the reach of dispute resolution mechanisms across the country.
Hon. Lady Chief Justice Martha Koome welcomed the delegation and reiterated the Judiciary’s unwavering support for both ADR and AJS initiatives. She noted that the Judiciary has consistently championed the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and remains committed to strengthening frameworks that enhance access to justice while reducing the burden on conventional court processes.
The Chief Justice observed that the Judiciary’s track record demonstrates its continued support for ADR and AJS and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration with institutions such as Ciarb Kenya will further advance the administration of justice in the country.
Ms. Helen Waters commended the significant impact that Ciarb Kenya has had within the Judiciary and the broader dispute resolution landscape. She highlighted the strong relationship between the Institute and the Kenyan Judiciary, noting that six of the seven judges serving in the superior courts’ leadership structures are Fellows of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb).
She observed that this reflects the growing influence and credibility of ADR within Kenya’s justice system and affirmed that Ciarb Kenya is on the right path in working closely with the Judiciary to advance effective and efficient dispute resolution.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ciarb London, Ciarb Kenya, and the Judiciary to strengthening dispute resolution systems, promoting institutional collaboration, and ensuring that justice remains accessible to all.
As Kenya continues to champion innovative approaches to dispute resolution, partnerships between the Judiciary and professional institutions such as Ciarb remain critical in building a more inclusive, efficient, and people-centred justice system.
