Court of Appeal Judge and Chairperson of the National Steering Committee on Mediation, Justice Muchelule, has called on institutions of higher learning to adopt dialogue and internal mediation frameworks as effective mechanisms for addressing disputes.
This, he said, would prevent conflicts from escalating and offer a more structured, efficient, and accessible alternative to the formal justice system.
Speaking at the Jukwaa la Wasomi Mediation and Preventive Security Training held at the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies, Muchelule emphasized the critical role mediation plays in conflict resolution within academic institutions.
He explained that mediation, as an alternative dispute resolution process, complements the formal judicial system by offering quicker and more accessible solutions to conflicts.
Muchelule said universities and other higher learning institutions can save millions of shillings that would otherwise be spent on legal fees by fostering internal dialogue and adopting mediation practices.
She further highlighted the importance of training student leaders and university administrators as mediators, noting that these individuals are often the first responders during conflicts on campus.
The training implemented under the Jukwaa la Wasomi programme, aims to empower academic leaders with the necessary tools to resolve conflicts, foster cohesion, and promotes national values on campuses and within their communities.
Participants included vice chancellors, TVET principals, student leaders, deans of students, and chief security officers from public TVET institutions.
By the end of the programme, participants will graduate as Certified Professional Mediators, ready to champion institutional harmony and manage disputes in a constructive and sustainable manner.
The training was organized by the Universities and Colleges Students’ Peace Association of Kenya (UCSPAK), in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the Judiciary of Kenya, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and other security agencies.
Through this initiative, academic leaders are being trained to play a pivotal role in building a peaceful, united, and resilient society.
The programme continue equip them with the skills needed to manage disputes effectively, promote dialogue, and prevent conflicts from escalating into major issues.
According to the Judiciary, between 2016 and 2025, a total of 35,731 cases were referred to mediation nationwide, highlighting the increasing acceptance of mediation as a practical and efficient method for resolving disputes.
By Obegi Malack
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