Young Arbiters Conference

CIArb Chairman, Ms. Jacqueline Waihenya, Congratulates the President Paula Kilusi, esteemed board & members of The Young Arbiters Society – UON Chapter for successfully organizing the 2nd Annual Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Branch Young Arbiters Conference convened at the historic Taifa Hall on 22nd March 2024.


CIArb congratulations to YAS for the outstanding success of this ADR Symposium, themed “Securing the Future of Arbitration: A Solution for Africa by Africans.”

This Symposium was more than just an event; it was a testament to the collaborative spirit, vision, and expertise of our young arbiters whose commitment to advancing ADR in Kenya & Africa is truly commendable and inspiring. They demonstrated remarkable leadership.

I would like to express a special acknowledgment to our Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama for his unwavering support and leadership in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation within the University of Nairobi and also acknowledge the invaluable guidance and mentorship provided by the Dean of the Faculty of Law UON, both if whom were represented by Associate Dean Dr JACKSON BETT, and the Patron of the Young Arbiters Society Dr. Wyne Kenneth. I also recognise esteemed faculty members from the various institutions of higher learning represented at the Symposium. Your unwavering support, wisdom, and expertise have played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents and aspirations of the Young Arbiters Societies in Kenya. Your mentorship has been instrumental in nurturing the talents and potential of our youth, empowering them to take on leadership roles and organize such impactful events.

As an institution, CIArb Kenya is committed to championing the youth and their involvement in ADR. We recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation of ADR practitioners and providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed. Rest assured, we will continue to provide mentorship, training, and opportunities for young arbiters to thrive and excel in their careers.

Special commendations are also due to the Young Members Group, whose enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication have been integral to the success of the Symposium. James Ngotho Kariuki LL.M, FCIArb., Akoth Aluoch, MCIArb and Samantha Masengeli , MCIArb your contributions are shaping the future of arbitration in Africa, and we are proud to collaborate with you and support YMG endeavors.

Finally, I express my gratitude to John Ohaga SC CArb FCIArb and SC Charles Kanjama who graced the Symposium and shared their invaluable insights as keynote speakers. Your wisdom and experience enriched the discussions and inspired all participants.

Congratulations once again to everyone involved in making this Symposium a resounding success! Your collective efforts and commitment to advancing ADR are making a meaningful difference in our community, continent, and beyond.

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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) â€” 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 â€“ 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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