Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) School of Law, in partnership with the Strathmore Dispute Resolution Centre (SDRC), hosted a 40-hour mediation training at its Karen Campus from September 4–10, 2025.
The training comes against a backdrop of too many disputes that often end up in lengthy court battles, hence the need for a faster, fairer, cost-effective alternatives to litigation that mediation readily offers.
The mediation training program introduced participants to the mediation process, the drafting of private mediation agreements, and other essential aspects of dispute resolution.
Unlike litigation or arbitration, mediation is a voluntary and confidential process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Once signed, such agreements become legally binding.
Kenya’s judicial system is increasingly embracing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), with mediation gaining ground for its efficiency, affordability, and flexibility compared to traditional court processes.
Director of SDRC, Dr. Melissa Muindi, described the training as a vital initiative aimed at equipping young aspiring lawyers particularly the Karen Campus law students with essential mediation skills.
She emphasized that the program had been carefully fine-tuned to meet market demands, ensuring law graduates are not only academically prepared, but also practically ready for the evolving dispute resolution landscape.
Dr. Muindi noted that the partnership with JKUAT Karen Campus had been instrumental in the program’s success, stressing the importance of such partnerships in advancing ADR education and practice in Kenya.
“This training provides students with crucial knowledge and practical insight into ADR, particularly mediation, which is increasingly becoming an integral part of today’s legal practice,” said Dr. Muindi.
JKUAT Karen Campus Principal, Prof. Hellen Mberia, commended the School of Law and the Project Lead, Ms. Muthoni Mwangi, for spearheading the initiative.
“In a world where conflicts, disagreements, and misunderstandings are common, finding an effective way to solve disputes is important. Empowering our staff and students with such a skill is timely, given its growing demand in the legal field,” Prof. Mberia said.
She noted that the program aligns with JKUAT’s vision of global excellence in training, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, positioning the university as a hub for mediation and capacity-building.
Prof. Mberia expressed gratitude to the sponsors, Prof. Kariuki Muigua of Kariuki Muigua & Co. Advocates, and Mohammed Muigai LLP, for their generous support towards actualizing the training.
Over the week, participants explored the full spectrum of mediation within the ADR spectrum, including its principles, Kenya’s legal framework, the role of a mediator, conflict analysis, preparation, and process. The training also featured roleplay demonstrations and a practical assessment, allowing participants to apply their skills in simulated real-life scenarios.
The Dean, School of Law, Dr. Stephen Aminga, urged participants to approach the training with seriousness, describing it as a strong foundation for future careers in ADR that balance both legal expertise and ethical responsibility.
Evah Wanjiru Mwangi, a fourth-year law student, described the training as both inspiring and a valuable pathway toward building a career in mediation.
