The Centre and The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Sign an MoU to Promote Mediation as an Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism

The Registrar/CEO Mr Lawrence M. Ngugi and KEPSA CEO Ms Carole Kariuki, on 27^th September 2022 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU seeks to provide a general framework to govern cooperation between the two institutions, towards promoting sensitization of mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism in resolving commercial disputes.

The MoU further seeks to leverage the on the Centre’s hearing facilities and infrastructure where private mediations can be conducted. The agreement also includes the creation of a fast-tracked mechanism where the Private Mediation Settlement Agreements reached by the Centre will be recognized and enforced by the courts.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Ms Kariuki acknowledged that this is a milestone for KEPSA Members and it would greatly serve the business community in resolving commercial disputes using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The Registrar/CEO, on his part, noted that there are spaces for SMEs that have long been left out when it comes to alternative dispute resolution.  He also invited KEPSA Members to be part of the training on mediation, arbitration and adjudication offered by NCIA.

He further noted that there's a growing market within the region, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Francophone community where there's a need to tap into the advisory opportunity in dispute resolution.

Ms Kariuki concluded by noting that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be pivotal in accessing the new market opportunities and urged the Centre to keep reaching out to KEPSA and its members on new areas of opportunities in order to collectively enhance the growth of East African Community. KEPSA members have been urged to be part of the conversations regarding the AfCFTA dispute resolution Protocol.