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

The MoU further seeks to leverage the NCIA Mediation Centre infrastructure where private mediations will be conducted. The agreement also includes the creation of a fast-tracked mechanism where the Private Mediation Settlement Agreements reached by NCIA 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.

Mr Ngugi, 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.

Mr Ngugi 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 NCIA 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.