AI IN ARBITRATION:WHAT’S NEW,WHATS NEXT.

The Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) and Jus Mundi recently hosted a webinar titled AI in Arbitration: What’s New, What’s Next. Panelists who included Ms. Aisha Abdalla,Ms. Jackie Oyuyo, Ms. Emily Hay and NCIA Registrar and CEO Dr. Henry Murigi explored practical insights on AI tool evaluation,implementation strategies and proven applications, and the opportunities as well asthe risks and challenges of working with artificial intelligence in international arbitration. Mr. Babou Diankha of Jus Mundi moderated the Session.

In his introduction, Dr. Murigi informed participants that the Centre and Jus Mundi share a longstanding and strategic partnership built on a common vision that includes advancing research, enhancing access to information, and deepening discourse around the growth of arbitration globally. Over time, this collaboration has enabled both institutions to exchange ideas, strengthen professional networks, and explore innovative pathways to expand the use of arbitration and ADR.
Earlier this year, he noted that the Centre had the privilege of participating in a Jus Mundi–organized event in Paris France, where discussions centered on the evolving role of arbitral institutions. That engagement sparked further dialogue on how our partnership could be broadened to deliver even greater value to the arbitration community. Jus Mundi remains a vital partner for NCIA, particularly in our mandate to disseminate knowledge and promote thought leadership in arbitration and ADR. The NCIA Journal is published through Jus Mundi, ensuring global reach and accessibility. Their extensive online repository of research and data continues to support NCIA’s mission of fostering informed practice and scholarship.

We are equally energized by the opportunity to engage in emerging themes shaping the future of dispute resolution, including the transformative impact of artificial intelligence. Jus Mundi’s AI-driven tools and technological innovations offer significant potential for practitioners, users, and institutions seeking to enhance efficiency and elevate service delivery in arbitration.
‘At the Centre , we operate not only within Kenya’s legal and economic landscape but also as part of the broader international arbitration community. This dual positioning requires us to remain continually attuned to global developments, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence’ noted Dr. Murigi. He added that Kenya’s recently launched National AI Strategy 2025–2030 provided a timely and forward-looking framework that aligns closely with our institutional priorities. Kenya’s legal infrastructure offers a strong foundation—one that gives us the confidence to engage with emerging technologies while maintaining clarity, compliance, and ethical integrity, he added.
He observed that Kenya’s Constitution, along with key legislation such as the Data Protection Act and cybercrime laws, provides the guardrails necessary to ensure that the integration of AI within arbitration remains responsible and within the bounds of established legal standards. At the same time, he noted that the Centre recognizes that arbitration exists within a global ecosystem where international policy developments continue to shape expectations around technology, data use, and institutional accountability. He assured participants that the Centre is committed to staying at the forefront of these conversations noting that the Centre is actively leveraging global and national policy insights to strengthen its case management services and enhance the efficiency, security, and responsiveness of our processes. ‘Nearly all our administrative functions have now transitioned to digital platforms, significantly improving the speed and reliability of data access and enabling us to meet the growing demands of users who expect modern, technology-enabled service delivery’ noted Dr. Murigi.
Beyond internal transformation, he noted that the Centre is also focused on empowering the Centre’s accredited arbitrators and mediators. ‘As the landscape shifts, it is essential that practitioners understand the implications of AI and are equipped to incorporate emerging tools into their work’ noted Dr. Murigi. Hed noted that the Centre is investing in awareness creation, capacity-building, and collaborative dialogue to ensure that the entire ADR community benefits from the opportunities that AI presents. He concluded by noting that in this evolving environment, the Centre remains dedicated to innovation anchored in ethics, legality, and global best practice, ensuring that arbitration services in Kenya are modern, resilient, and internationally competitive.