Five Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) law students have demonstrated exceptional skill and poise by qualifying to represent the University at the prestigious Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
The team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing runners-up during the highly competitive national contest held at Mount Kenya University Parklands Law Campus.
The students, Dennis Kaboro, Sewe James Phillip Goroh, Clarice Neema Naseka, Tatiana Bett Cherono, and Mike Marc Kipchirchir, all third-year students at JKUAT’s Karen Law Campus advanced to the global stage after ranking among the top performers in national rounds that drew leading universities into one of the world’s most rigorous legal simulations.
Participating in the moot court for the first time, the team showcased exceptional written and oral advocacy skills. They placed second overall for Best Memorial Submissions, while members also ranked among the competition’s top oralists.
Sewe James Phillip Goroh delivered an outstanding performance, placing second overall among oralists, followed by Dennis Kaboro in fourth place, Clarice Neema Naseka in sixth place, and Mike Marc Kipchirchir in fourteenth place, reflecting the team’s overall strength in advocacy.
“Finishing as runners-up reflects not just our hard work, but the power of teamwork and consistency in achieving excellence,” said Sewe. He further added, “as we gear up for the international rounds in Washington D.C. this March, we hope to bring the same dedication, and may our story serve as an inspiration for future students.”
Organized by the International Law Students Association, the Jessup competition attracts approximately 700 law schools from over 100 countries, making it the largest moot court contest globally. The event simulates disputes between sovereign states before the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The international rounds are scheduled to take place from 28 March to 4 April 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Washington, D.C., where the JKUAT team will compete on the global stage.
Meanwhile, three other JKUAT law students Tracy Mbaya, John Charles, and Allan Mwangi participated in the National Qualifier Rounds for the Stetson International Environmental Law Moot Court Competition.
The team emerged as second runners-up in the national finals, held virtually on 14–15 January 2026 at African Nazarene University, earning the opportunity to proceed to the international rounds at Stetson University, Florida, USA.
In addition to their overall placement, the trio received multiple accolades, including Best Memorial, Best Applicant Team, Best Respondent Team, with John Charles also recognized as Best Orator.
Allan Mwangi said their success reflected not only their teamwork but also the strategic approach and analytical skills honed during the competition.
“Each award demonstrates the depth of preparation and the practical application of what we’ve learned in law school,” he noted.
Dr. Dennis Ndambo, Senior Lecturer and moot competition coordinator at JKUAT Karen campus, described the students’ achievement as remarkable, considering this was JKUAT’s first participation in the Philip C. Jessup competition.
He lauded the students’ determination, discipline, and commitment to rigorous preparation, emphasizing that their performance sets a high standard for future participants and reflects positively on the University’s growing prominence in international legal competitions.
The JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, commended the students’ achievement, highlighting that their success not only showcases the talent and dedication of JKUAT students but also strengthens the University’s reputation on the global academic stage.
The Vice Chancellor urged the students to continue mentoring future teams, ensuring that JKUAT’s presence and competitiveness in international moot competitions remain strong and enduring.
Mooting is a critical element of the LLB curriculum, fostering skills such as advocacy, critical thinking, and legal research. In addition, the Council of Legal Education requires that LLB students participate in at least one international moot court competition every year, ensuring that they are prepared to compete at the highest levels.