The Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration (NCIA) is advancing efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution in Kenya by focusing on training county staff in arbitration and mediation.

On Tuesday, NCIA paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the County Attorney, where they explored potential areas of collaboration.

The primary goal of the meeting was to discuss training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of county staff in Arbitration and Mediation, with a broader focus on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).

This initiative targets key departments, including the Office of the County Attorney, Lands, Roads, Public Service, Environment, and the County Public Service Board. The aim is to empower these staff members to handle disputes more efficiently outside the formal judicial system.

Leading the NCIA team was David Wambua, who met with Loice Kebenei and other senior officials from the County Attorney’s office. They highlighted the significant advantages of ADR methods such as Arbitration and Mediation, including cost and time savings, as well as the ability to reduce the backlog of court cases.

The anticipated impact of this training for Uasin Gishu County is substantial. By employing alternative methods to resolve disputes, the county government can mitigate the number of legal cases filed, fostering improved relationships between the government and its citizens. This approach also projects a positive image of the county’s commitment to efficient, amicable solutions.

Advocate Kenneth Mutai from the County Attorney’s office underscored the importance of the training, emphasizing how litigation often leads to win-lose outcomes, whereas Arbitration and Mediation seek mutually satisfactory resolutions.

He noted that this collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening the relationship between NCIA and the County Government, promoting peace and cooperation through ADR.