KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Hon. Lady Justice Martha Koome, EGH
Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya & President of the Supreme Court of Kenya
Chief Justice Martha K. Koome assumed office on May 21, 2021, as the 15th Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya and the 3rd President of the Supreme Court. She is a trailblazer, being the first woman to hold this position in Kenya’s history.
Before her appointment, Chief Justice Koome served as a senior Judge of Appeal, overseeing the Criminal Division and chairing committees responsible for introducing innovative case management strategies and standardizing registry operations at the Court of Appeal.
Her judicial career began in 2003 as a High Court Judge, during which she held leadership roles in various divisions and locations. Prior to her judgeship, she practiced law for fifteen years, specializing in conveyancing, commercial law, civil and criminal litigation, and family law.
Beyond her legal career, Chief Justice Koome has been actively involved in community service and championed children’s and family rights. She played pivotal roles in various legal and human rights organizations, such as the Law Society of Kenya, East African Law Society, and Federation of Women Lawyers Kenya Chapter (FIDA Kenya). She also contributed significantly to the 2010 Constitution of Kenya and received recognition from the United Nations as an eminent Human and Children’s rights defender.
Chief Justice Koome holds an LLB degree from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, and an LLM from the University of London. Her career exemplifies a commitment to justice, equality, and advocacy for the marginalized.
Hon. J.B.N. Muturi, EGH
Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya
The Rt. Hon. Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi is a distinguished lawyer, seasoned politician and businessman. He holds a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi. He worked in the Kenyan Judiciary from 1982 – 1997 and retired at the level of a Principal Magistrate. While in the Judiciary, he served as the Chairperson of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA).
He served as a Member of the National Assembly representing Siakago Constituency from 1999 to 2007. He also served as the Chairperson of the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy from 2011 to 2013. Thereafter, he was elected as the 7th Speaker of the National Assembly since independence and the first since the general elections under the 2010 Constitution. He held this position until August 2022, following his re-election in 2017.
Some of the highlights of his 22 years of experience in politics include:
a) Speaker of the Kenya National Assembly/Chairman of the parliamentary Service
Commission (2013-2022)
b) President of the Africa Parliamentarians’ Network Against Corruption (2018-2021)
c) Nominated by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (Africa Region) as a
Member of the Expert Committee on CPA Status Representing Africa Region (Jan 2017 to
2022)
d) President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Region (July 2014 –
August 2016)
e) Member, Representing East Africa to the standing committee of the Conference of the
Speakers and presiding officers of Commonwealth Parliaments (2014-2016)
f) Chairperson of the East Africa Community (EAC) Bureau of Speakers (2014-2015)
g) Chairperson, House Business Committee (March 2013 to 2022)
h) Chairperson, Select Committee on Appointments (March 2013 to 2022)
i) Chairperson, Committee on Powers and Privileges (March 2013 to 2022)
j) Chairman of the Centre for Multi-Party Democracy (CMD) (April 2011 to 2013)
k) National Organizing Secretary of Kenya African National Union (2008 – 2012)
l) Chairman, Public Investments Committee (2003 – 2007) (longest serving in Kenya
Parliament’s history then)
m) Opposition Chief Whip (2003 – 2007)
n) Member of Parliament for Siakago Constituency for two consecutive terms from 1999
to 2007. He initiated several development projects that are outstanding to date especially in the education, health and road sectors.
He also served in other crucial Parliamentary Memberships as follows:
a) Member of the House Business Committee, 2003 – 2007
b) Constitutional Review Conference at Bomas of Kenya (2003 - 2005)
c) Member of the Select Committee on Constitutional Review (1999 – 2004)
d) Member of the Africa Parliamentarians Network against Corruption (1999 - 2007)
e) Member of Parliamentary Network on the World Bank (PNoWB)
During his tenure as the Speaker, Hon. Muturi issued key rulings and guidelines to the House that have shaped the operations of not just the legislature but the other arms of Government. The rulings have ensured the smooth running of the National Assembly and full implementation of the constitutional mandate of the House. He is also credited with the introduction of paperless operations in the National Assembly, overseeing the construction of additional facilities for use by Members and staff of Parliament, and overseeing the splitting of House Committees for greater specialization and efficiency.
Through the Parliamentary Service Commission, Hon. Muturi also ensured the appropriate resourcing of Committees including specialized manpower comprising of Clerk Assistants supported by dedicated Legal Counsels, Research Officers, Media Relations Officers as well as Hansard Reporters. Hon. Muturi was nominated by His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, PHD, CGH, President & Commander in Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, to serve as the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya on 27th September 2022. The National Assembly approved his appointment 26th October, 2022 and he took his oath of office as the Attorney General on 27th October 2022.
Hon. Muturi draws satisfaction from decades of community service through helping the needy to find jobs and educational opportunities and pushing for development projects through donors, non-governmental organizations and government agencies. He is married with three children.
Speakers
Prof. Githu Muigai, Egh, Sc
Chartered Arbitrator Llb (Hons), Llm (Col.) Phd
Prof. Githu Muigai, SC, C. Arb, is a highly esteemed Nairobi-based Arbitrator with over 35 years of experience in domestic and international arbitral proceedings. He holds an LLB and a PhD from the University of Nairobi, an LLM from Columbia University Law School, and a Diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law. He’s a Chartered Arbitrator of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) in the UK and Kenya, a member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and part of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) panel.
Currently, Prof. Muigai serves as the Vice President of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) African User’s Council. He’s a member of various global institutions, including the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Africa Arbitration Association (AAA), Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC), and the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA).
Prof. Muigai’s extensive experience spans various arbitration rules, such as PCA Rules, ICSID Rules, ICC Rules, UNCITRAL Rules, LCIA Rules, CIArb Rules, and NCIA Rules. Recognized as Kenya’s foremost Arbitrator by The Lawyer Africa, he’s known for his exceptional expertise and has served as both President of arbitral tribunals and as a sole arbitrator, as well as acting as counsel in international arbitral proceedings
Lawrence Muiruri N
CEO/Registrar, NCIA
Lawrence Muiruri Ngugi is the Registrar/Board Secretary, Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration. As CEO he leads the Secretariat of the Centre.
He is also an arbitrator and accredited mediator, member of the International Council of Commercial Arbitration (ICCA), member of Kenya’s representatives to the UNCITRAL Working Group II Arbitration & Conciliation (involved in discussions which culminated in the Convention on Transparency in Investor-State Arbitration) and UNCITRAL Working Group III Online Dispute Resolution amongst other appointments.
Aisha Abdallah
Partner, ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna
Aisha Abdallah is a Partner at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna where she heads the regional Dispute Resolution department based at the Nairobi Head Office. Aisha has substantial experience in complex, high-value cross-border disputes. Her practice focuses on commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on anticorruption, economic crime and international arbitration. Aisha also takes up other leadership roles, including being the patron of the firm’s pro bono program and a board director at the ALN Academy.
Aisha is dual-qualified as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Solicitor of England and Wales. She is rated and recognised by both Chambers Global and Legal 500 for her work. She is the first female and second African lawyer to be admitted to the International Association for Defence Counsel, an invitation-only group of distinguished litigation counsel.
Karim Mahmoud
Partner, Hadef & Partners, Dubai
Karim is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution team at Hadef & Partners in Dubai.
A US qualified attorney, Karim is a Part II qualified Practitioner with the DIFC Courts and advocates regularly before arbitration tribunals.
Karim acts for multinational and local entities regarding all manner of disputes in the local UAE Courts, arbitration proceedings, and the DIFC Courts. His practice includes a broad range of commercial matters with particular experience in shareholder, commercial agency, banking, and real estate disputes.
Karim’s white collar practice regularly advises on cross border disputes for both state and non-state entities encompassing corporate fraud, assert tracing, freezing and recovery, extradition, and mutual judicial cooperation, including issues relating to foreign judgments and Interpol notices.
He graduate of Rutgers University in New Jersey and Brooklyn Law School in New York. Karim is a member of the ABA, AIJA and is admitted to the New Jersey and New York State Bars.
Emilia Onyema
Independent Arbitrator
Emilia Onyema is an independent arbitrator with experience as presiding, co and sole arbitrator, and acts as legal expert witness in international arbitration. She is a Professor of International Commercial Law at SOAS University of London where she teaches international commercial arbitration, international investment law and commercial law in a global context.
She is qualified to practice law in Nigeria, as a Solicitor in England & Wales, and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She convenes the SOAS Arbitration in Africa conference series, leads the SOAS Arbitration in Africa biennial survey research project, co-authored the African Promise and conceived this counsel in arbitration training project.
Datuk Sundra Rajoo
Director, Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC)
Datuk Sundra Rajoo is the current Director of the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and President of the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR). He is a Certified International ADR Practitioner (AIADR) and Chartered Arbitrator. He played an active role in transforming the AIAC into a sought-after arbitration centre in the Asian region where the AIAC’s caseload grew massively from a mere 22 arbitration cases in 2010 to an accumulative total of 2761 arbitration, adjudication and mediation cases in 2019.
He was also the past President of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (2016) and past Chairman of the Asian Domain Name Dispute Resolution Centre (ADNDRC). He has a number of tertiary degrees in law, architecture and town planning with Hon LLD. He is the Founding President of the Sports Law Association of Malaysia, Founding President of the Society of Construction Law, Malaysia and the Malaysian Society of Adjudicators; and Past President of the Asia Pacific Regional Arbitration Grouping (APRAG).
Datuk Sundra is an Advocate & Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya, Registered Professional Architect, Registered Town Planner, and Fellow of the Royal Institution of Surveyors. He has had over 310 appointments in international and domestic arbitrations across numerous international arbitral institutions.
He was an Adjunct Professor, Law Faculty of University of Malaya, past Visiting Professor at the Faculty of Built Environment, University of Technology and the Law Faculty, National University of Malaysia. He was a pioneer member in the Monetary Penalty Review Committee set up under the Malaysian Financial Services Act 2013 for two terms. Datuk Sundra is a former Deputy Chairman of the Adjudicatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee by the FIFA Council.
Datuk Sundra has authored, co-authored and edited Law, Practice and Procedure of Arbitration, 2nd Ed, 2016, Lexis Nexis (LN); Arbitration in Malaysia: A Practical Guide, 2016, (S&M); Construction Law in Malaysia, 2012, S&M; The Malaysian Arbitration Act 2005 (Amended 2011) – An Annotation, 2013, LN; The PAM 2006 Form, 2010, LN; The Arbitration Act 2005 – UNCITRAL Model Law as Applied in Malaysia, 2007, S&M; The Malaysian Standard Form of Building Contract (The PAM 1998 Form), 1999, Malayan Law Journal.
In 2015, he was conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Laws from the Leeds Beckett University, UK. He recently published the Law, Practice and Procedure of Arbitration in India (Thomson Reuters) and Standard Form of Building Contracts Compared (LexisNexis).
John Ohaga, SC
Managing Partner, TripleOKlaw LLP, Advocates
John Ohaga is the Managing Partner in the leading firm TripleOKlaw LLP, Advocates. He is an inspirational leader and mentor as well as widely recognized for his exemplary work and expertise in dispute resolution. He is a Senior Counsel and was named Kenya’s Lawyer of the Year in 2020 in the 3rd Edition of Nairobi Legal Awards in December 2020. He has previously won the Pupil Master of the Year in 2019 as recognition of his commitment to mentoring young lawyers. He was declared Arbitrator of the year 2022 by the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch).
John holds an LLM in International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London and is a Chartered Arbitrator. He has been featured as one of the Top 50 Arbitrators in Africa by the Legal 500: Arbitration Powerlist and the Africa Arbitration Academy. He is also recognized by Chambers Global (https://chambers.com/rankings) and Legal 500 (https://legal500.com) as one of the leading arbitrators in Kenya. Chambers Global has described him as as ‘a very very fine lawyer’ particularly in the area of alternative dispute resolution…’very strong on arbitration’ and ‘a top lawyer without any doubt’.
John was declared the 2010, 2016 and 2017 winner for Kenya in the category of litigation by the International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice Awards (www.clientchoiceawards.com). Clients who voted for him described him as ‘..one of the foremost litigators in the country’ and “…an absolutely superb disputes lawyer’.
In addition, John is also an Accredited Mediator and is a member of the Mediation Accreditation Committee established under the Civil Procedure Act; he is also the Chairman of the Sports Disputes Tribunal which is established under the Sports Act, 2013 and also chairs the National Committee on the Formulation of the ADR Policy for Kenya. John has recently been nominated by the Republic of Kenya to the ICSID Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators as well as to the ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR.
John is a trustee of the Mpesa Foundation and sits on the Board of the Mpesa Academy. He also sits on the board of several other companies.
Barbara Kilei
Country Manager, IDLO Uganda.
Barbara is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, MCIArb, Mediator, and a member of Women in ADR Kenya (WADR). Currently serving as the Country Manager of the International Law Development Organisation (IDLO) in Uganda. She previously served as a Legal Specialist for IDLO in Kenya where she contributed to several commercial justice sector reforms such as the automation of the Commercial and Tax Division of the Kenyan Judiciary, the drafting of the National ADR policy, and the publication of the Case Digest on ADR by the National Council for Law Reporting.
During her time as a Senior State Counsel at the Office of the Attorney General in Kenya, she represented the Government in diverse commercial matters before the High Courts, Tribunals, and ADR Panels. She also served as the Team Lead of- the Case Management Department at the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) and contributed significantly to its operationalisation and drafting of the Arbitration and Mediation (2015) Rules of NCIA.
James Holden
Partner, White & Case
James Holden is a partner in the Dispute Resolution group in the London office of White & Case, whose practice focuses on international arbitration, with an emphasis on East Africa. James advises clients in complex disputes and acts as an advocate in international arbitrations. He has broad experience across a number of sectors, including infrastructure, power, and oil and gas, and has particular expertise in construction and engineering disputes. His approach is to gain a deep understanding of the technical issues that are central to the dispute and to use this to develop innovative strategies to deliver clients' commercial goals.
James has acted as counsel in arbitrations around the world and under the rules of all major arbitral institutions. He also has experience of Dispute Adjudication Boards and a broad range of litigation in the English Courts, including anti-suit injunctions in support of arbitration and enforcement proceedings.
Kananu Mutea
Partner, Gikera & Vadgama Advocates
Kananu is a Partner heading the dispute resolution and risk advisory team at Gikera & Vadgama Advocates. She specializes in advising on risk avoidance and mitigation in company restructuring, commercial contracts, financial arrangements, and property disputes.
She is an alumni of The Kenya High School and Nagpur University, India. Kananu is a trained arbitrator, mediator, and negotiator. Kananu has had work experience at in London with well-regarded firms: White & Case, Slaughter & May and Stephenson Harwood.
She is a Board Member of the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration, she serves as a National Committee Member for International Lawyers for Africa, she is on the African Global Advisory Council for International Trademarks Association, she is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, an accredited mediator on the roll of Strathmore Dispute Resolution Centre.
Khurram Khan
Partner, ALN UAE | Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota
Khurram is a Partner within the Dispute Resolution team at ALN UAE | Anjarwalla Collins & Haidermota. Khurram is a US-qualified international arbitration specialist based in Dubai. He has more than 12 years of experience at major international firms, including Baker Botts, KWM, and Addleshaw Goddard. Khurram has significant experience in construction and infrastructure disputes, complex commercial matters, shareholder disputes, and disputes concerning manufacturing and technology.
His experience as arbitration counsel includes ad-hoc and institutional proceedings under DIAC, LCIA, ICC, DIFC- LCIA, SCCA, SIAC, HKIAC, ICDR, AAA, SCAI, and UNCITRAL Rules. He also takes appointments as an arbitrator.
Eunice Lumallas
Founder & Chairperson, Women in ADR Partner, Lumallas, Achieng’ & Kavere Advocates
Eunice Lumallas is a highly respected litigator, renowned for her expertise in private client work, general litigation, and both domestic and international arbitration. Holding a Master’s in Public International Law from the University of Nairobi, an LL.B from Moi University, and a Kenya School of Law postgraduate Diploma, Eunice has a robust legal background.
With a career spanning roles at Mohammed Muigai Advocates, CFC Stanbic Bank (in debt management), and the Kenyan Parliament (as Head of Secretariat and Legal Counsel for the 10th Parliament’s Speaker), her experience is extensive. Eunice is deeply committed to gender and children’s issues, actively involved in organizations like the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
She’s a Fellow-level Arbitrator with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (K), a registered patent agent, Commissioner for Oaths, and Notary Public. Eunice also plays crucial roles in professional bodies like APSEA, representing the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Branch. Her expertise, dedication, and community involvement establish her prominence in the legal and governance spheres.
Mrinal Jain
Managing Director, International’s Economic Damages and Valuation Practice, India
Mrinal is a Managing Director and leads Secretariat International’s Economic Damages and Valuation Practice in India with the focus on quantification of damages, claims and losses involving complex economic, financial and valuation issues in international arbitration, litigation and investment treaty arbitration cases.
He has provided expert evidence on complex financial, economic, valuation, and damages issues in over 22 matters (SIAC, ICC, LCIA, HKIAC, AIAC, UNCTRAL and ICSID cases) and assisted clients in over 40 cases. He commenced his professional career with Ernst & Young in New York in 2007 and brings with him about 16 years of relevant experience. Mrinal is recognized as one of the leading expert witnesses in international arbitration by Who’s Who Legal’ s Arbitration 2019 to 2023 Lists and Thought Leader Arbitration Expert Witness 2021 to 2023 (https://whoswholegal.com/mrinal-jain).
He is a Member of SIAC - Users Council and appointed on the Board of Society of Construction Law – India. He is a member of AIAC Academy, Tutors Panel and appointed on the Steering Committee of Africa Energy Arbitration Forum, LACIAC. He is appointed on the AFSA (Arbitration Foundation of South Africa) Panel of Experts and KIAC (Kigali International Arbitration Centre, Rwanda) Panel of International Arbitrators. He is also appointed as an Advisor to ENERAP (Energy Related Arbitration Practitioners) and Energy Disputes Arbitration Centre (EDAC), Turkey. He serves on the Advisory Board of C.O.R.D (Centre for Online Resolution of Disputes) and Centre for Arbitration and Research, Maharashtra National Law University in India. He was awarded with All India Economics Merit Certificate in 2001 post which he graduated in Economics Honors from St. Stephen’s College (Delhi) in 2004 and pursued his major in Finance from Fordham University in New York in 2007. His detailed profile is available at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrinal-jain-530a672
Dr. Mariel Dimsey
Secretary-General, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre
Dr. Mariel Dimsey is Secretary-General of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre responsible for its international dispute resolution services and operations from Hong Kong, Seoul, and Shanghai. She is an international commercial and investment arbitration specialist.
Prior to joining the HKIAC, Mariel was a Partner at CMS and Co-Head of the global CMS International Arbitration Group. She has over 15 years’ experience acting as adviser and advocate in numerous international arbitrations. She has extensive experience in both common law and civil law disputes, including disputes involving Chinese parties, and has full professional fluency in German. She also sits regularly as arbitrator and has experience as arbitrator under the HKIAC, ICC, KCAB, and DIS Rules, and in ad hoc disputes. She is on the arbitrator panels of several institutions.
She is a past co-chair of the HK45 Committee, and a member of the WILHK Advisory Board. She is consistently ranked in both the regional and global editions of the leading legal directories.
Mariel has a Dr. iur. (summa cum laude) from the University of Basel, an LLM from the University of Cologne and an LLB/BA (Business German) from the University of Queensland. She is admitted to practice law in Australia and Hong Kong.
Ngo-Martins Okonmah
Partner, ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode
Ngo-Martins Okonmah is a Partner at ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode. He is a skilled litigator and arbitration lawyer with expertise in construction law, oil & gas, intellectual property, shipping and aviation law. He currently oversees the firm’s construction and engineering practice.
He has acted as counsel or arbitrator in international arbitration proceedings conducted under the UNCITRAL and ICC Rules governed by a variety of substantive laws and seated in jurisdictions such as Nigeria, London, Zurich and Miami, Florida. He has advised and represented clients in enforcing and recognising arbitral awards before Nigerian courts.
Ngo-Martins is active in several professional organisations and involved in wider efforts toward the development of construction law and arbitration in Africa, being the founder and executive director of Africa Construction Law initiative, a pan-African initiative set up to promote construction law within Africa; and a founding member and director of Africa Arbitration Academy, an initiative established to improve expertise and training of arbitration practitioners across Africa.
Usaje Mwambene
Honorary Secretary, The Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators (TIArb)
Mwambene is the Honorary Secretary of The Tanzania Institute of Arbitrators (TIArb), and also a member of the Governing Council of the said Institute (TIArb).
Mwambene is a Senior Legal Counsel at Tanzania National Roads Agency (TANROADS); with 10 years of Experience in the Legal field; and 8 years of experience in the Construction Industry. He is a qualified Advocate in Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. He is Accredited, and practicing as Arbitrator, Mediator, and Negotiator, in TANZANIA.
As an ADR practitioner, he is on the panel of Arbitrators of TIArb, National Construction Council (NCC), as well as the Tanzania International Arbitration Center (TIAC) in Tanzania. He is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) - London.
Mwambene has served in various Disputes Adjudication Boards (DABs) and done some complex Arbitration matters on behalf of TANROADS and the Government of TANZANIA. As a Negotiator, Mwambene has participated in Negotiations of multi-billion Contracts, representing TANROADS and the Government of Tanzania.
Victor Mugabe
Secretary General of Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC)
Since January 2021 to date, Victor MUGABE is the Secretary General of Kigali International Arbitration Centre (KIAC), the premier and sole arbitration Institution in Rwanda. In his Secretary General’s capacity, Victor serves as the head and Registrar of the Centre and supervises the administration of arbitration, mediation and other ADR cases filed at the Centre.
Prior to joining the Kigali International Arbitration Centre, Victor served as the Executive Director of the Rwanda Bar Association since April 2012 to December 2020 and the Coordinator of the Justice Sector Secretariat in the Ministry of Justice of Rwanda since 2010 to 2012.
In his past 16 years of professional career, Victor has significantly contributed to the Rwanda’s continued and unprecedent strategic transformation of Rwanda’s Justice Sector which started in 2003.
Victor is a lawyer with extensive experience in legal and institutional development, international arbitration and other Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms.
Luisa Cetina
DIRECTOR ALN KENYA | ANJARWALLA & KHANNA
Luisa Cetina is a Director at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna and a member of the Dispute Resolution and Forensics & Investigations teams. She focusses on complex investigations, international arbitration, complex commercial disputes, antitrust and white-collar crime. Luisa also co-heads the firm’s International Trade practice.
Luisa is admitted to the New York State Bar as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York. She earned BCL and LLB law degrees, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree, from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Gary Kitt
SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY, JS HELD
Gary Kitt, MSc, FRICS, FCIOB, FCIArb, MAE, a Senior Managing Director in Construction Advisory at JS Held, boasts 40+ years as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Chartered Builder, and Chartered Arbitrator. With a legal background from being called to the Bar in 2001, Gary’s last 25 years have seen him as a frequent expert witness on quantum issues in major disputes spanning industries like infrastructure, aviation, healthcare, oil and gas, process engineering, and shipbuilding. He’s testified globally in arbitration proceedings under diverse rules.
Before JS Held, Gary spent 11 years as a Partner at Arcadis LLP, leading their UK Contract Solutions team. His experience extends to dispute resolution, with over 200 appointments as an Adjudicator in the past two decades.
Reshma Oogorah
International Arbitrator & Legal Counsel
Reshma Oogorah is an international arbitrator and legal counsel with over a decade of experience in high-value and complex commercial disputes. She focusses on the construction, technology and energy sectors, and has represented clients in both common and civil law jurisdictions. She has sat as Sole and Presiding arbitrator and acted as counsel in adhoc arbitrations, and under most major arbitration rules
Throughout her career, Reshma has advised and represented clients in transactions and disputes worth up to US$25 billion.
Reshma is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), an elected committee member and Public Relations Officer of the CIArb UAE Branch, and General Editor of the Branch’s quarterly newsletter.
Ahmed Ibrahim
Independent Arbitrator, Mediator and Adjudicator
Ahmed Ibrahim, a dedicated independent arbitrator, mediator, and adjudicator, boasts extensive experience managing substantial disputes within major projects and transactions. His deep-seated understanding of Middle Eastern legal systems has been honed through vast involvement in civil law and common law jurisdictions.
Ahmed’s prowess is attested by peers and clients who laud him as a “talented, experienced, and reliable arbitration lawyer,” known for swiftly comprehending dispute issues and effectively articulating analyses. He’s a fixture in prominent arbitration rules like DIFC-LCIA, DIAC, ICC, LCIA, ADCCAC, Swiss Rules, and CRCICA. Notably, Ahmed has presided over 120 ad hoc and institutional arbitration cases as sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator, or tribunal chairman.
His adeptness shines in complex construction arbitration, underpinned by proactive momentum and adaptable strategy. His versatile expertise spans industries such as construction, insurance, real estate, international trade, energy, and more, covering MENA, Europe, and Asia-Pacific projects.
Diamana Diawara
Africa Director, Arbitration and ADR, ICC International Court of Arbitration, Paris
Diamana is the ICC Director for Dispute Resolution Services in Africa, starting in January 2021 after leading the ICC Court Secretariat’s case management team for five years, overseeing disputes in the Middle East, Africa, and Francophone Europe. As the Regional Director for Africa, her main focus is strengthening dispute resolution infrastructure on the continent. She achieves this by offering capacity-building opportunities to regional practitioners and promoting African participation in international arbitration.
Before joining the ICC Court, Diamana trained in Dentons’ Paris office and currently lectures at Montpellier University’s Diplôme Universitaire in Domestic and International Arbitration. She actively engages in professional networks, including leading the ICC Young Arbitrators and ADR Forum (YAAF) Africa Chapter, serving on the Paris Arbitration Week (PAW) board, and contributing to the OHADA group of the Comité français de l’arbitrage. Diamana also played a role as a former member of the IBA Arb40 Steering Committee and is a founding member of AfricArb. She holds master’s degrees in international business law from Paris 1 and Paris Nanterre Universities and completed the LLM Program at Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.
Dr. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma
Certified Secretary & Chartered Arbitrator
Dr. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma is a Certified Secretary, Chartered Arbitrator of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators as well as a Certified Professional Mediator. He is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya of over 22 years and a senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Law.
Dr. Mutuma holds several academic qualifications including a Doctorate and Masters in Law from the University of Cape Town as well as a law undergraduate degree from the University of Liverpool. He is also a qualified Architect having graduated with a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Nairobi. He has extensive senior management experience across local and international settings as well as practical knowledge of interdisciplinary issues.
Dr. Ken possesses a comprehensive understanding of the practice and procedures in ADR having acted as adjudicator, arbitrator and mediator in a wide range of disputes. He sits as a member of the Dispute Resolution Panel of the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) and also has vast experience in ADR training having engaged in the various participant training events as a trainer for the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya Branch).
Wangui Kaniaru
Partner, ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna
Wangui Kaniaru is a Partner at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna and a member of the Corporate department. Her practice primarily focuses on corporate law, where she advises acquiring firms and targets in commercial transactions, including structuring joint ventures in multiple jurisdictions, asset purchase acquisitions, disposals of businesses, share purchase acquisitions, which require due diligence investigations and group restructurings in regulated and unregulated industries. She also advises on ESG, telecommunications and data protection matters. She is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a Member of the New York State Bar.
Robert Wheal
Partner, Dispute Resolution Team, White & Case London
Robert Wheal is a partner in the Dispute Resolution group in the London office of White & Case, whose practice focuses on international arbitration and commercial litigation, with an emphasis on Africa.
Robert has handled a large number of substantial international commercial disputes for clients, including sovereigns, with a particular focus on disputes in the energy, finance and infrastructure sectors. He has a broad range of experience in the English Courts and substantial experience of ICC, LCIA and ad hoc arbitrations.
A Solicitor Advocate, Robert frequently acts as lead advocate on matters on which he is instructed and has represented clients in mediations and expert determinations as well as arbitrations.
Linda Kitur
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
Linda Kitur is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds a Masters in Law (LL.M) in International Economic Law from the University of Warwick, Bachelor of Laws degree from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Ms. Kitur’s experience spans over Five (5) years in legal practice; with a core specialty in Dispute Resolution; Arbitration, Litigation and Mediation, Research and Legal Advisory. She is a seasoned legal advisor on matters; investment & transnational corporations law, taxation of multi-jurisdictional businesses, general commercial law, construction, intellectual property, banking and debt and equity finance. She is currently involved in novel arbitral proceedings relating to construction and debt finance in excess of USD 100 million.
Linda is well versed and highly skilled with solving disputes, trial preparation, formulating and developing case strategies, writing persuasive case briefs and legal advisory. She believes that there is always a solution to a well-defined problem.
Nikhil Desai
Director, JMiles & Co. and Chair, ICC-Kenya ADR Commission
Nikhil is a Director at JMiles & Co. and specializes in domestic and international arbitration and fraud investigations. He has represented state and private entities in arbitrations before international tribunals under the auspices of ICSID, ICC, LCIA and FOSFA. He has recently led a team in training the Kenya Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC); the Attorney General’s Office in Ethiopia and the Government of Somalia on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
He has represented regulatory authorities in fraud and asset recovery investigations which have resulted successfully recovery actions in multiple jurisdictions. Nikhil is also Managing Partner at the Kenyan law firm Desai & Co. Advocates, which is a sister company of JMiles & Co., and which provides a wide range of Kenyan law advice and representation to clients
Nikhil is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and is the Chair of the ADR Commission of ICC – Kenya.
Hon. Gladys Boss Shollei, CBS
Deputy Speaker, National Assembly
Geoffrey Imende
Managing Partner, Mohammed Muigai LLP
Geoffrey Imende is Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenya Branch and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He is the Managing Partner of Mohammed Muigai LLP and has over 18 years of Post Qualification Experience. Mr. Imende holds an LLB from Moi University , a Diploma in law from the Kenya School of Law, and an LLM from the University of Nairobi.
Mr. Imende is involved in arbitration disputes both as an arbitrator and party representative. He is a Dispute Resolution Practitioner specialising in Constitutional and Administrative Law, Employment and Labour Relations, Public Procurement Law, Commercial Law, Media Law and Insurance and Banking Law.
In addition to the practice of law, Mr. Imende is a moderator at the Council of Legal Education which administers the bar examinations in Kenya.
Tabitha Raore
Senior Associate, Anjarwalla & Khanna LLP
Tabitha, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with nine years’ experience, worked as a Senior Associate at Anjarwalla & Khanna LLP, specializing in commercial law and disputes. She’s well-versed in local and international arbitration and litigation, representing clients before various legal bodies. Tabitha actively promotes arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, holding roles such as an Africa Representative for ICC’s Young Arbitrator’s and Alternative Dispute Resolution Forum, member of ICC Kenya’s Arbitration and ADR Commission, and Executive Committee Member of Women In ADR.
She’s also involved in educational programs, mentoring young lawyers and coaching university students in international legal competitions. Tabitha’s commitment to her field led her to complete the Africa Arbitration Academy Training Programme in London, and she continues to support the academy and Association of Young Arbitrators.
Dr. Wilfred A. Mutubwa
Ciarb Kenya Chair Emeritus, Principal Dr. Mutubwa Law
Dr. Wilfred A. Mutubwa, a Chartered Arbitrator (C. Arb) and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), chairs the CIArb-Kenya Branch. As an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with 16 years of experience, he holds LL.B (Honours), LL.M, and LL.D degrees, specializing in International Economic Law. Dr. Mutubwa is also an Accredited Mediator and a Court Member representing Kenya at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. He’s a Senior Lecturer at Mt. Kenya University, a course Director and Tutor in Arbitration and Mediation at CIArb-UK, and serves on various international arbitration panels. Notably, he was recognized as a top arbitrator in Africa, received awards as a rising arbitration personality, and earned accolades in 2021 and 2022 for his contributions to the field.
Steven P. Finizio
Partner, Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP
Steven Finizio is a partner in Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP. He has acted as counsel and arbitrator in commercial and treaty arbitrations in matters involving the laws of jurisdictions in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and the US.
He is a member of the LCIA Court. He has assisted in drafting new arbitration legislation and was part of the team that won a landmark decision in the first freedom of expression case in the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He is Professor of Practice at SOAS University London, and writes frequently on arbitration issues.
Samuel Eric Bayo
Managing Director, Sigma Immobili Ltd
Managing Director of Sigma Immobili Ltd., a professional consulting services company providing solutions in infrastructure and engineering. With over Eighteen (18) years of professional Experience in the Engineering and construction industry. Bayo has participated in contract administration, claims Management and dispute resolution for Engineering & controls projects for some landmark projects in Uganda.
Teresa Pearl Mugadza
Country Manager, International Development Law Organization, Kenya
Ms. Teresa Mugadza is IDLO’s Country Manager for Kenya. Ms Mugadza is a graduate of the Georgetown University Law School (with an LLM in International Legal Studies with Distinction and an LLB Hons from the University of Zimbabwe). Ms. Mugadza has vast experience as a legal and development practitioner, spanning more than 20 years.
Her professional experience encompasses legal and policy expertise; training and capacity building; research and impact assessment across the themes of governance [including anti-corruption interventions] human rights, gender equality, and women’s rights. She has contributed to the development of policy documents (e.g., Action Aid International’s Violence Against Girls in Schools Brief, Lesotho’s National Gender Policy), and legislation (Zimbabwe’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act) among others. Ms. Mugadza is a Common Purpose CSC Fellow (2017-2018), Women’s Leadership and Public Policy Fellowship/LAWA Fellow (2002-2003). In addition, Ms. Mugadza has also written and published on women’s rights and women’s movement building as well as governance and constitutional matters.
John Mbaluto, FCIArb
Deputy Managing Partner
John is the Deputy Managing Partner at Oraro & Company Advocates in the Dispute Resolution practice group, specialising in alternative dispute resolution and litigation. In his multifaceted career, John has served as a trusted advisor to both local and international clients, with a notable focus on nuanced domains including data protection law, employment and labour law, pension law, construction law, banking and commercial disputes, and constitutional law.
John’s nearly 15-year career has seen him get ranked as a ‘Leading Individual’ in Dispute Resolution by leading international legal directories such as Legal 500 in its 2023 edition, with clients commenting “I have worked with John Mbaluto…he is knowledgeable, competent and adds value on any matter. He is outstanding and makes time to discuss matters, provide updates and give proper guidance.”
Beyond his exceptional legal prowess, John takes immense pride in steering the firm’s publications committee, successfully overseeing the creation of 17 editions of the esteemed Oraro & Company Advocates’ flagship newsletter - Legal & Kenyan. John is also a professionally qualified Arbitrator in his own right having attained the rank of Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb). John holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom and a Post-graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Mélanie Laloum
Lead Economist, Global Policy, International Chamber of Commerce, Paris
Mélanie Laloum is the lead economist at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris. A native of France, Mélanie Laloum got her Master’s degree in Economics from the Sorbonne University in 2009. Before ICC, she worked as a macroeconomist for the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank on Latin American and West African countries. Currently, her work focuses on topics such as international trade, global taxation and carbon pricing.
Ps. Shadrack Mwadime EBS, MBS
Public Administrator
A senior level Public Administrator with 30 years experience offering leadership and coordinating government’s development projects in various districts across the nation. He demonstrated the capacity to mobilize resources and goodwill from various local stakeholders and spearhead a common development agenda.
He has excellent resource planning skills as demonstrated by the successful completion of various government projects in the work-stations assigned. Ability to foster peace initiatives by application of appropriate intelligence-gathering mechanisms and adopting multi-tiered negotiation approaches. Proven track record of discharging assigned responsibilities with commitment, diligence, and integrity which have earned him recognition and promotion through the ranks. Able to disseminate and implement government policies through careful planning and involvement of the local stakeholders.
He was a member of the Task Force on Provincial Administration Policy which stipulates Codeof Conduct and Terms and Conditions of service for Public Administrators. Chairman Vision 2030 District Implementation committee that coordinates all development stakeholders in the District.
Njeri Kariuki
Chartered Arbitrator & Accredited Mediator
Njeri Kariuki, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya since December 1988, specializes in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in Nairobi, Kenya. With titles such as Chartered Arbitrator and Accredited Mediator, Njeri is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a recognized Leading Individual by Chambers Global since 2014. She’s been nominated by the Government of Kenya to the Panel of Arbitrators at ICSID, represents Kenya at the ICC International Court of Arbitration, and is esteemed by the African Arbitration Academy as a top African arbitrator
Beyond awards, Njeri’s practice spans various legal areas, including arbitration, mediation, conveyancing, civil litigation, and certified secretarial work, both domestically and internationally. She’s a DRBF Member, a former Chair of a Dispute Adjudication Board for an international geothermal project, and tutors, trains, and assesses with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Njeri’s guiding principle: “Whatever you do, do it well.”
Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, EBS, CBS (Rtd) Judge
Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, CBS, EBS, a retired Trail Blazer Judge, holds numerous mediation and arbitration certifications, including Certified International Mediator (IMI), Chartered Mediator, and Accredited Mediator (MCIArb). Before her role as First Vice-President of the International Criminal Court at The Hague, she served as a Court of Appeal, High Court judge, and Magistrate, making her one of the first female appointees to these positions in Kenya.
Post-retirement, she transitioned her legal career to Alternative Dispute Resolution, conducting mediations in Kenya, FIDA-Kenya, and internationally. Currently, she participates in South Sudan’s Judicial Reform Committee and chairs the International Peace Congress in Nairobi, organized by Mediators Beyond Borders International. She is a member of various arbitration and mediation organizations, including the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London, and serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Western Cape-South Africa. Lady Justice Aluoch has received several prestigious awards and honors, including CBS, EBS, and the Trail Blazer Award.
Kevin Kinuthia
Senior Associate, Ashitiva Advocates LLP
Kevin is a Senior Associate at Ashitiva Advocates LLP, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over six (6) years’ experience in dispute resolution, with particular focus on commercial matters.
He has represented clients in arbitration proceedings on an array of disputes including, but not limited to, matters pertaining to construction, clearing and forwarding, and procurement. Kevin is part of the Ashitiva Team that is currently representing a public institution in arbitration proceedings involving complex matters of construction law.
Kevin is involved in advisory work on a wide range of legal matters. Notably, he is part of a Subcommittee of the Mombasa Law Society’s Committee on Admiralty and Maritime that is currently drafting the Admiralty Marshal’s Handbook which when adopted will be the first of its kind in Africa. The Handbook will greatly aid stakeholders in the blue economy sector navigate the often-complex legal regime that is admiralty and maritime law. Kevin also sits on the Law Society of Kenya’s Information and Communication Technology and Intellectual Property Committee (2022 – 2024) and was recently appointed to serve as a member of the Committee’s Subcommittee on Data Protection.
Catherine Gilfedder
Partner, Dentons, UK
Catherine is a partner at Dentons, specialising in international arbitration and public international law. Based in London, she has acted for corporate and state clients in high-value commercial and investment treaty disputes under all the major institutional rules.
Her sectoral experience includes energy, mining, technology and financial services matters across numerous jurisdictions, including representing Africa-based parties. She has previously worked in the international arbitration teams of major law firms in Paris. She is a solicitor-advocate and also has particular expertise in business and human rights issues and ESG risk management. She is ranked as a ‘Rising Star’ in international arbitration by The Legal 500.
Shai Wade
Partner, Head of International Arbitration, RPC International
Shai Wade specializes in international arbitration, focusing on intricate large-scale disputes, investment arbitration, and international law. His expertise spans Oil and Gas, Energy, IT, Telecoms, Engineering, Construction, international trade, and corporate disputes. He acts as arbitrator and counsel under major arbitration institutions’ rules like ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, ICSID, and diverse trade associations’ arbitration rules.
In his early career, he served as a staff attorney at the Claims Resolution Tribunal for Dormant Accounts in Switzerland. He later crafted arbitration procedures for the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims’ appeals process. He’s a sought-after speaker on international arbitration topics and conducts seminars on oil and gas dispute resolution.
Faith Macharia
Partner, ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna
Faith Macharia is a Partner with the Dispute Resolution department at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna. Her practice includes domestic, regional, and international representation of parties before different courts, tribunals, and other forums.
Faith has worked on various cross-border claims involving multiple jurisdictions and coordinating between different law firms. Her matters include complex commercial, trade, employment, shareholders, land, and tax disputes. She also advises on diverse employment issues and helps clients in enforcement proceedings of local and international arbitral awards in Kenya. Faith has also taken up the mentorship of various young lawyers providing opportunities for professional and personal development. Faith has been recognised and ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers Global.
Paul Ngotho HSC, FCIArb, C. Arb
Managing Partner, Ngotho Arbitration Chambers
Paul Ngotho, a dedicated arbitration practitioner and author, possesses an LL.M in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London. He serves as an accredited tutor and examiner for the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, specializing in International Arbitration courses. Additionally, Ngotho is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Nairobi, focusing on arbitration courses.
His vast experience includes arbitrating disputes in real estate, construction, engineering, shipping, and joint ventures, serving as a sole, wing, and presiding arbitrator. He has chaired a 5-person arbitral tribunal under Order 46 of the Civil Procedure Rules and is on the arbitrator panels of numerous Kenya, regional, and international arbitral institutions. Ngotho is a renowned speaker at arbitration conferences and has authored multiple books on the subject, with more in progress. Chambers & Partners 2020 Ranking described him as “...a very detailed person who is very passionate about anything that he does.” Contact him at ngothoprop@yahoo.com and visit www.ngotho.co.ke.
Lindsay Reimschussel
Senior Associate, CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, LLP
Lindsay is a Senior Associate at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang, LLP. Lindsay has extensive experience in dispute resolution, particularly with international arbitration. In addition to representing parties in commercial arbitrations, Lindsay has represented investors and states in arbitrations under the ICSID, ICSID Additional Facility, and UNCITRAL Rules. She regularly advises potential claimants on the relative merits of their claims and has provided advice to litigation funders on the relative merits of potential claims.
Collins Namachanja
Chartered Arbitrator & Accredited Mediator
Mr. Collins Namachanja is a distinguished legal professional holding an LLB Degree from the University of Nairobi and an LLM in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London. He boasts a wealth of qualifications, including being a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Arbitrators, Chartered Arbitrator, and Accredited Mediator.
His expertise extends to tutoring and training with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators in Kenya, where he serves as a certified Regional Pathway Leader, conducting training programs within Eastern and Southern Africa. Alongside his legal practice as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, he is the senior partner at Namachanja & Mbugua Advocates in Nairobi.
Mr. Namachanja has made significant contributions to the field of arbitration, serving as a pioneer Director on the Board of Directors of the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration from 2013 to 2021 and holding the position of Branch Vice-Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya) Branch from 2012 to 2015. His outstanding work has earned him recognition as one of the top 20 arbitrators in Kenya in 2022 and acknowledgment as a notable dispute resolver in Kenyan arbitration by Chambers and Partners in 2022.
Edith
Founder, Women in Arbitration Initiative
Edith is the founder of Women in Arbitration Initiative and an advocate of the High Court of Uganda with seven years of experience in the field of law. She possesses a strong academic background, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and an LLB (Hons) degree and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM).
Edith is also affiliated with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators UK as an Associate Member. She is an active member of various legal societies, including the Uganda Law Society, Kenya Law Society, and East African Law Society. Within the Uganda Law Society, she is engaged with the Arbitration and Construction clusters. Notably, Edith has taken on significant roles such as becoming the regional co-chair and an advisory board member for Young ITA at the Center for American and International Law. She is also a committee member for Alternative Dispute Resolution within the East African Law Society.
Georgiadis Khaseke
Partner, Mohammed Muigai LLP
Georgiadis is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenya Branch and an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He is a partner at Mohammed Muigai LLP and has over 14 years Post Qualification Experience. He holds a Master of Science (MSc.) degree in International Trade Policy and Law from Lund University, a Post-Graduate Diploma in International Trade and Trade Law from Trade Policy Training Centre in Africa (Trapca), a Bachelor of Laws degree from Moi University, and a Post- Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.
Khaseke has experience in Civil and Commercial litigation and also provides legal advisory services on commercial law and legislative drafting. Khaseke has expertise in arbitration matters, having an impressive record of successful arbitral awards in infrastructure and energy matters.
Sen. Arch. Sylvia M. Kasanga FCIArb
Founder & Managing Director of Sycum Solutions Company Limited
Sylvia is an esteemed mental health advocate, architect, and seasoned arbitrator with 20 years of experience in construction. She’s the Founder and Managing Director of Sycum Solutions Company Limited, an architectural and construction management firm in Nairobi, operating across East Africa. Sylvia’s significant contributions include her 2017 senatorial nomination, where she sponsored the Mental Health Amendment Act and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Bill. She also chaired the Senate Ad hoc committee during the Covid-19 crisis and was part of the investigation into the Solai Dam tragedy.
Sylvia actively promotes youth and women empowerment, community development, and public participation. She holds leadership positions in professional organizations and was recently appointed as Vice Chair for legal pending bills in Nairobi County and Thika Smart City committee in Kiambu County. Additionally, she serves as a director and Treasurer at the Board of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya and is a member of the UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Sylvia also chairs the Lukenya University Board of Trustees.
Albert Mukasa, FCIArb
Chairperson, Advocates Complaints Commission
Albert Mukasa is an Advocate of the Courts of Judicature in Uganda. He holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree with Honours from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in International Construction Contracts at the Universite’ Paris II PatheonAssas. He is an ICC YAAF Africa Representative, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and the Managing Partner at M&K Advocates.
Albert is also a Director at the African Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (ACEDR), a non-profit organization that promotes the effective and efficient use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms. He is an empanelled Arbitrator and Adjudicator with the International Centre for Arbitration and Mediation Kampala (ICAMEK) and the Centre for Arbitration and Dispute Resolution (CADER).
Noella Lubano
Partner, Oraro & Company Advocates
Noella is a Partner at Oraro & Company Advocates, specializing in dispute resolution and arbitration. With over 14 years of experience, she focuses on international arbitration, asset tracing and recovery, commercial litigation, labor disputes, shareholder conflicts, and insolvency & restructuring. Chambers Global 2023 ranks her in Dispute Resolution, with clients praising her diligence and client-centered approach.
She’s a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500’s 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 rankings, recognized for her responsiveness, research skills, and approachability. Noella is featured in The Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist: Africa 2023 and was named one of ‘Africa’s 30 Most Promising Arbitrators 2022’ by the Association of Young Arbitrators. Noella holds an LL.M. from the University of Cape Town, an LL.B. from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a post-graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She’s an accomplished speaker, sharing legal insights globally, including in the UK and Austria.
Shalabh Gupta
Charted Accountant
Shalabh Gupta is a chartered accountant, a certified business valuator, and a certified fraud examiner, specialising in financial, accounting and valuation issues in contentious matters, investigations, and challenging commercial situations. I have led, managed and consulted on over 100 engagements across commercial disputes, contentious valuation matters, forensic accounting reviews, matters involving the US FCPA/ UK Bribery Act, and fraud and corporate investigations for clients operating across various sectors and geographies. In all my roles, I have enabled clients resolve their most complex, unstructured problems and mitigate exposure to loss, fraud and other risks.
Michael Mandu
Deputy Director & Head, Bilateral Trade at the Directorate for International Trade in the State Department for Trade, Kenya
Jason Smit
Partner, Pinsent Masons Johannesburg Office
Jason is a Partner in Pinsent Masons, Johannesburg office and he has wide ranging commercial Alternative Dispute Resolution experience, having been involved in both administered and private arbitrations governed by the ICC, UNCITRAL.
In addition to that, Jason has also engaged in various bespoke domestic and regional arbitration provisions, before both single arbitrators and multiple arbitrator panels. Over and above, he has his energy and infrastructure focused practice and has historically represented both claimants and defendants in a range of commercial, contractual, company and bankruptcy law disputes.