CIArb Kenya unveils new leadership: Prof Kenneth Wyne Mutuma as Chair and Evelyne W Kimani as Acting CEO

The recent appointment as Chair of Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma C.Arb, FCIArb, a distinguished legal scholar and passionate ADR advocate, signals a new chapter of strategic growth, deeper regional integration, and continued promotion of excellence in ADR, says the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Branch. 

An accomplished chartered arbitrator, professional mediator, certified secretary, and governance auditor, Professor Wyne has made outstanding contributions to the fields of ADR, international law, and corporate governance, and brings over 23 years of exceptional legal and academic experience to his new role, effective June 2025.

In one of his first duties as new Chair, Wyne represented CIArb Kenya last Thursday at a one day conference in Kigali, Rwanda, themed “Africa & International Arbitration: Untold Stories” that was co-hosted by the International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) and the Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC). 

Wyne serves as an arbitrator at KIAC, as well as on panels at other prestigious arbitral forums across Africa and internationally, including the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration, the London Court of International Arbitration, Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa ,Lusaka International Arbitration Centre, and Dispute Resolution Panel of the AAK. 

He takes the baton from outgoing Chair Jacqueline Waihenya C.Arb, FCIArb, who last month became a Director of ICC Kenya. “Serving as Chair has been one of the greatest honours of my professional journey,” said Waihenya, noting the “opportunity to advance the cause of dispute resolution, foster regional collaboration, and support the next generation of practitioners across Kenya and Africa.”

The Managing Director of multi-faceted medium sized Nairobi law firm Wyne and Associates, as well as a longtime Senior Lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law, Wyne boasts an illustrious academic and professional journey. He was honored as the Law Teacher of the Year in 2024, and has authored several respected volumes on international law, ADR, and corporate governance.

“His interdisciplinary background, combining law and architecture, brings a unique perspective to conflict resolution, particularly in construction and infrastructure disputes,” said CIArb Kenya when introducing him as their new Chair.

CIArb Kenya has also announced arbitrator, CPA and financial analyst Evelyne W. Kimani, MCIArb as its new Acting CEO. Kimani has served the Institute in various roles for 11 years, most recently as Business Development & Marketing Manager.

“She has consistently demonstrated strategic insight, unwavering commitment, and a deep passion for advancing ADR and promoting access to justice,” said CIArb Kenya when announcing the leadership transition yesterday. “Her appointment signals a dynamic new chapter for CIArb Kenya, one defined by innovation, growth, and strengthened engagement with our members and stakeholders.”

Kimani takes up her leadership role from Chebett Koske MCIArb, who has led the Institute as CEO for nine years, and whose term comes an end on 30th June 2025.

“We look forward to a future of continued progress and collaboration during this transition period, as we work together to elevate standards, expand our reach, and shape the future of dispute resolution across the region,” said CIArb Kenya.