Stakeholders raise alarm over shortage of mediators in Kenya

Stakeholders in the justice sector have raised concern over the shortage of professional mediators in Kenya, warning that the growing demand for mediation services far outweighs the available capacity.

Despite a population of over 50 million, the country has only about 2,000 registered mediators, even as mediation continues to gain traction through the Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) programme established by the Judiciary to ease case backlogs and promote out-of-court settlements.

Speaking at Mount Kenya University (MKU) during the graduation of 27 Certified Professional Mediators (CPM) trained by the university’s Institute of International and Development Law (IIDLAW) in partnership with the Suluhu Mediation Centre, sector players called for deliberate efforts to bridge the mediator deficit.

MKU IIDLAW Director Judy Ngayu said the training of new mediators is vital in addressing the shortage, noting that many cases dragging in courts could be efficiently resolved through mediation.

“The shortage of mediators remains a major challenge. That’s why MKU, through IIDLAW, is committed to expanding training opportunities to strengthen mediation practice in the country,” she said.

Ngayu added that IIDLAW’s partnership with Suluhu Mediation Centre will enhance the programme to include specialised courses such as commercial and domestic violence mediation, offered through in-person, virtual and blended formats accredited by the Judiciary.

Senior Resident Magistrate Adelaide Sisenda, one of the graduates, said mediation plays a critical role in easing the burden on courts by resolving disputes related to family, succession, commercial and corporate matters.

“Our courts are overwhelmed with cases that could be settled through mediation, which promotes amicable solutions without damaging relationships,” she noted.

Sisenda further urged the government to establish a national Mediation Act to provide a unified legal framework for standardising the profession and to scale up public awareness on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms.

Suluhu Mediation Centre Director Maina Migwi echoed the call, emphasising the need for a structured approach to expand Kenya’s mediation ecosystem.

“We must strengthen institutional frameworks, create public awareness and establish standard training and accreditation systems in partnership with academic institutions like MKU,” he said.

FIDA-Kenya Chairperson Christine Kungu, who presided over the event, highlighted the importance of mediation in enhancing access to justice, especially for women and girls.

“Mediation offers a faster, fairer, and more harmonious path to justice,” she said, urging practitioners to uphold integrity and adhere to the Mediators’ Code of Conduct.

The stakeholders agreed that scaling up mediator training and public sensitisation will not only ease the Judiciary’s workload but also foster a culture of dialogue and reconciliation across communities.