Mediator training in universities to bridge justice through dialogue

Education stakeholders urged to collaborate with justice sectors to strengthen mediation as an alternative path to justice, as a dispute resolution mechanism.

The Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), Christine Kungu, said mediation has proven to be a transformative tool, especially for women and

marginalized communities who often find litigation costly and intimidating.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 27 Certified Professional Mediators (CPMs) at Mount Kenya University (MKU), Kungu said that despite a population exceeding 50

million, Kenya has only about 2,000 registered mediators, a number far below what the country needs.

“Mediation is not just about resolving disputes; it is about restoring relationships and empowering communities to find their own solutions,” said Kungu.

The shortage, she said, has been exposed by the success of the Judiciary’s Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) program, which has helped clear thousands of backlog cases while

promoting dialogue and harmony among disputing parties.

Mount Kenya University, through its Institute of International and Development Law (IIDLAW) in partnership with the Suluhu Mediation Center, has stepped up efforts to bridge this

gap by producing professional mediators capable of serving in communities, courts, and workplaces.

“We have seen the efficiency and fairness of mediation where parties wish to preserve unity rather than deepen divisions. Integrity and impartiality are the foundation of this

profession. As you begin your practice, remember that justice is built on trust,” Kungu said, urging new graduates to uphold ethical standards.

Judy Ngayu, the Director of IIDLAW, said MKU had deliberately made  mediation a central part of its legal and social sciences curriculum.

“We have a national shortage of mediators, yet our courts are burdened with thousands of cases that could be resolved outside litigation. That is why MKU embarked on training

mediators who can serve in communities, workplaces, and courts,” she explained.

Ngayu added that the partnership with Suluhu Mediation Center would expand access to training through certification programs and specialized workshops in commercial, family,

and domestic mediation.

Ferd Moyomba, the Training Coordinator at IIDLAW, said the institute offers flexible learning models in-person, virtual, and blended to reach professionals across the country.

“Some of our programs lead to accreditation recognized by the Judiciary of Kenya. We want mediators who are not only academically qualified but also practically equipped to

facilitate dialogue where it matters most,” he said.

Among the graduates was Senior Resident Magistrate Adelaide Sisenda, who described mediation as indispensable to Kenya’s justice system.

“Our courts are overwhelmed with disputes that can be resolved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Mediation allows parties to settle matters amicably while preserving

social ties and reducing emotional and financial strain,” Sisenda said.

She called for the enactment of a National Mediation Act to unify training, accreditation, and professional standards in Kenya.

Suluhu Mediation Center Director Maina Migwi echoed the need for collaboration and consistency.

“We must develop common training standards and strengthen cooperation between the Judiciary, academia, and professional bodies,” he said.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has previously commended universities like MKU for aligning academic training with national development priorities.

“This initiative speaks directly to the government’s commitment to retooling higher education towards practical, problem-solving skills,” said Ogamba.

“As we implement the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), institutions must integrate conflict resolution

and mediation as vital social competencies.”

Principal Secretary for TVET, Dr. Esther Muoria, added that mediation training reflects Kenya’s shift toward skill-based education that values critical thinking, civic responsibility, and dialogue.

“The program is a strong model of how universities can anchor national priorities in their academic curricula,” she said.

She said, as Kenya continues to pursue justice through dialogue, MKU’s investment in mediator training represents a defining shift one where education and justice unite to build a

more harmonious and cohesive society.