Rooted in Sustainability: Nairobi Arbitration Week 2025 Shines on the Global Stage

By Sarah Mutheu Wambua

NAIROBI, KENYA — For five electrifying days in March, Nairobi pulsed with legal intellect, global connections, and the shared vision of a greener, more resilient future for arbitration. Nairobi Arbitration Week 2025 (NAW2025), held from March 17–21, brought together leading minds in law, governance, energy, and technology under the bold theme: “The Future Resilience of Arbitration: Rooted in Sustainability.”

Hosted by the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) in collaboration with CIArb Kenya, this year’s edition was nothing short of a landmark event—an intellectual feast brimming with debate, networking, innovation, and actionable solutions for Africa’s place in the global dispute resolution landscape.

DAY ONE: Greening the Gavel – Sustainable Arbitration Practices

Opening day set the tone with pomp, purpose, and powerful keynote addresses. In a deeply symbolic start, Solicitor General Hon. Shadrack Mose graced the opening session alongside heavyweights like Mr. Daniel Mainda, CEO of NIFCA,  Dr. Henry K. Murigi, Registrar/CEO of NCIA, Faith Odhiambo, President of the law Society of Kenya, Jacqueline Oyuyo, Chairperson of NCIA and Jacqueline Waihenya Chairperson of the Ciarb Kenya Branch.

Programme Directors John Ohaga SC, C.Arb, FCIArb, and Dr. (Arch) Sylvia Kasanga, FCIArb masterfully guided the audience through a day focused on aligning arbitration with global sustainability goals. Panels tackled the practicalities of integrating green growth into dispute resolution, with standout contributions from Michelle Porter Wright (Baker McKenzie), Kamau Karori SC (DLA Piper Africa), and Joanne Lau (HKIAC).

From thought-provoking insights on environmental clauses to gritty discussions on investment disputes in energy and mining, this day made one thing clear: arbitration must evolve—or be left behind.

DAY TWO: Cracking the Code – Arbitration in the Technology Sector

If Day One was about going green, Day Two was about going digital.

With technology as the day’s subtheme, discussions buzzed around blockchain, smart contracts, AI, and even the impact of virtual reality (VR) in transforming how evidence is presented in arbitration. Delegates were wowed by speakers like Kate Beretta and Jonathan Barnes (Bowmans South Africa) and local tech champions Victoria Kariithi and Felix Okoth (mTek Services).

Perhaps most electrifying was the general counsel session featuring Annemarie Mecca (Google SSA) and Wangechi Gichuki (Safaricom)—a no-holds-barred conversation on arbitration’s readiness to resolve cross-border telco and IP disputes in an era of hyperconnectivity.

DAY THREE: Power Talks – Arbitration in the Energy Sector

Energy took center stage on Wednesday, starting with the HKIAC’s Asia-Africa Arbitration Breakfast, bridging continents and jurisdictions in pursuit of mutual economic interests.

From solar to nuclear, the panels unpacked Africa’s energy promise—and the legal landmines that threaten it. Dr. Victoria Nalule, CS Justus Wabuyabo, and Beatrice Chebelyon (KenGen) didn’t mince words about the complexity of aligning mega infrastructure projects with sustainability, cost, and policy.

The day closed with a glamorous cocktail session titled “Beyond the Dispute”, where Claire Davidson (DRD Partnership) and Oliver Stern (Kroll London) challenged the audience to view arbitration not as an end—but as part of a client’s strategic ecosystem.

DAY FOUR: Global Standards, Local Seats – CIArb Kenya’s 9th International Conference

Thursday was CIArb Kenya’s moment in the spotlight—and it delivered.

Led by Jacqueline Waihenya, the 9th edition of the CIArb International Arbitration Conference brought global gravitas to Nairobi. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Wahab, CIArb President, and Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome, EGH underscored the judiciary’s central role in upholding ethical, robust arbitration practices.

Panels navigated everything from the ethics of local arbitration seats to the true cost of pathological arbitration clauses. Prof. Githu Muigai SC, Kamau Karori SC, and Dr. Chikwendu Madumere energized the debate with unmatched wit and wisdom.

The day ended with a Fireside Chat—“Beyond 2025: Where Arbitration in Africa Goes Next”—a bold, forward-facing discussion featuring David Kaggwa (CIArb Uganda) and Madeline Kimei (TIArb President), among others.

DAY FIVE: The Future Resilience of Arbitration

Friday was for the future.

It kicked off with the high-stakes Universities Moot Court Final, where rising stars of arbitration showcased dazzling advocacy. After a fiercely competitive final round, Africa Nazarene University emerged victorious as the overall winners, with Kabarak University securing 1st runners-up and Egerton University taking 2nd runners-up. The sheer talent and preparation of the students left the audience in awe and assured everyone that the next generation of arbitrators is ready to lead.

The conversation then turned to tech and rules, with Biko Angwenyi, Ms. Balla Galma (PCA), and Georgiadis Khaseke exploring how arbitration rules must adapt to emerging realities.

In a bold closing debate—“This House holds that the role of Arbitration in Sustainability-related Disputes is Transient”—participants like James Holden (White & Case London) and Sheila Mammet (OAG-K) pushed boundaries and forced the audience to reimagine arbitration’s place in a rapidly shifting world.

The week ended with a festive Gala Dinner themed Rooted in Sustainability, capping off an unforgettable convergence of ideas, influence, and innovation.

A New Benchmark for Arbitration in Africa

Nairobi Arbitration Week 2025 wasn’t just a conference. It was a statement. A declaration that Africa is not just participating in the global arbitration conversation—it’s shaping it.

With over 100 speakers, 5 packed days, cutting-edge topics, and a thriving community of practitioners, NAW2025 has cemented Nairobi’s place as a premier arbitration hub. And as the curtain closed, one thing was crystal clear:

The future of arbitration is green, digital, inclusive—and it’s rooted right here in Nairobi.