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NAIROBI, Kenya – Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), emphasized the growing importance of mediation in Africa’s legal landscape at the 2024 Africa Mediation Symposium. Held to explore advancements in mediation, the symposium focused on enhancing legislative frameworks that support mediation as an accessible and efficient avenue for justice across the continent.
Speaking on her experience at the event, Odhiambo underscored the need to strengthen mediation within Africa’s legal systems. “The discussion was focused on advancing mediation practices in the African landscape. We considered the legislative framework underpinning mediation as an accessible and efficient means of accessing justice and settling disputes,” she stated. Odhiambo highlighted LSK’s commitment to supporting policies that promote out-of-court settlements as a viable alternative to traditional litigation.
The Law Society of Kenya is actively working to integrate mediation into the mainstream legal practice by educating lawyers on its value and sensitizing the public to its benefits. “It is our mission to ensure that every lawyer understands that their role is not only to litigate but also to facilitate healing and resolution,” she added.
The LSK has introduced initiatives to ensure that its members are equipped with mediation skills and has advocated for policies that encourage resolving disputes outside of court. By supporting these methods, the LSK aims to make legal processes more accessible, affordable, and efficient for Kenyans.
The Africa Mediation Symposium highlighted the increasing recognition of mediation across the continent as a powerful tool for justice, conflict resolution, and healing. With the backing of organizations like the Law Society of Kenya, mediation is steadily becoming a preferred method for resolving disputes, offering a path that is both efficient and supportive of community harmony.
