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‘Bold step forward’ for African dispute resolution as new Handbook on Arbitration in Kenya launched
During the Law Society of Kenya’s annual conference 2025, a landmark practical guide on arbitration was launched. Edited by Professors Kenneth Wyne Mutuma and Githu Muigai, and with a glittering array of contributors, the new book is a ‘definitive statement on arbitration in Africa’
The publication of a brand new handbook affirms Kenya’s commitment to arbitration as a pathway to justice, and positions the country as a growing hub for regional and international dispute resolution, says co-editor Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma FCIArb, the new Chair of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch).
“This practical guide is tailored for practitioners engaged in arbitration and offers a comprehensive exploration of Kenya’s legal framework, types of arbitral proceedings, institutional rules, enforcement mechanisms, and the evolving impact of technology,” says Mutuma, Managing Director of Wyne and Associates, and a longtime Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. “The book engages deeply with key instruments including the Arbitration Act, the Constitution of Kenya, the New York Convention, the ICSID Convention, and the UNCITRAL Model Law.”
Co-edited by Mutuma and Professor Githu Muigai SC FCIArb, the Senior Partner at Mohammed Muigai LLP and a former Attorney General of Kenya, the Handbook on Arbitration in Kenya is “an authoritative text that unpacks the frameworks, processes, and the fast-evolving role of arbitration both locally and globally”.
Considered a powerful contribution to Kenya’s dispute resolution landscape, the landmark publication was officially launched during the Law Society of Kenya’s annual conference on Friday. Professor David Kariuki Muigua, one of the contributors, calls the new handbook “a must-have for all ADR practitioners”.
The Handbook brings together the collective wisdom of Africa’s leading arbitration minds including Justice Aaron Ringera, Kamau Karori SC, Jackie Oyuyo, John Ohaga SC, Noella Lubano, David Onsare FCIArb, past CIArb Kenya Chair Jacqueline Waihenya, Geoffrey Imende FCIArb, and Jotham Okome Arwa, alongside the editors.
An accomplished ADR practitioner, Mutuma has almost a quarter century of experience. He serves on panels at key arbitral forums across Africa and internationally, including Nairobi, Lusaka, and Kigali international arbitration centres, the London Court of International Arbitration, and Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Muigai has over 36 years’ experience in handling arbitral proceedings domestically, regionally, and internationally under ICSID Rules, UNCITRAL Rules, the CIArb London and CIArb Kenya Rules, NCIA Rules, and under the New York Convention.
“I also acknowledge with sincere appreciation the efforts of our chapter contributors, Sarah W. Nashati ACIArb, Andrew Derrick, Anne Cheloti, Kennedy Omondi, and George Nyanaro Nyamboga, as well as the editorial team, whose dedication and collaborative spirit enriched the quality and substance of this Handbook,” said Mutuma, on social media, yesterday. “We are grateful to our publishers, LawAfrica Publishing Ltd, for their support in bringing this important work to life.”
The new publication is more than a handbook, says Mohammed Muigai LLP.
“It is a definitive statement on arbitration in Africa - a convergence of knowledge, experience, and conviction, shaping the future of dispute resolution for generations to come… We proudly celebrate not only the editors and contributors, but also the co-authors, researchers, and all who worked diligently behind the scenes to bring this invaluable resource to life. This is indeed a proud moment for Kenya’s legal fraternity, and a bold step forward for arbitration in Africa.”