UoN emerges top during this year’s Moot Court Competition

Aerial view of University of Nairobi (UoN), November 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is the winner of the 10th edition of the All-Kenyan Moot Court Competition (AKMCC).

Mr Njapit Joseph and Ms Yvonee Sarande from UoN emerged the best in the contest, which saw the university grab its’ first-ever win. 

The annual competition, conceptualised, in 2013, and hosted by the Kenyatta University School of Law (KUSOL), brings together all Kenyan Law Schools.

Speaking at the finals held at the KUSOL Parklands Campus, on Friday, AKMCC President, Alex Assenga said the competition provides a platform for Law students to discuss various issues.

“The competition enables us to deliberate on matters concerning local contemporary issues ranging from human rights abuse, the elections, human-wildlife conflict, among others,” said Mr Assenga.

Strathmore University, which comprised of students, Shamia Muchesia and Cherry Makena, came in second. Shamia Muchesia was crowned Best Overall Student.

The University of Nairobi managed to beat 12 universities including Moi University, Mount Kenya University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Egerton University and Kabarak University.

Other universities that participated include Kisii University, Riara University, University of Embu, African Nazarene University and Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA). The competition was held from March 21-25.

Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wainaina said for nine years, the annual exercise has provided a platform for Law students in Kenya and legal practitioners to converge annually and share expertise in the legal discourse on contemporary legal issues in Kenya.

Wainaina said this year’s theme ‘Electoral Justice and Democracy Ensuring Electoral Credibility and Adherence to the Rule of law’ resonates with Kenya’s history in the electoral fields and the present circumstances ahead of this year’s elections.

Speaking when he opened the competition, former Attorney General Professor Githu Muigai called out the Judiciary for erratic judicial jurisprudence. He urged the judiciary to give stability to electoral laws and protect the integrity of the judicial order.