The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called for urgent reforms to modernise family law and address challenges brought about by globalisation, with its president, Faith Odhiamb,o warning that current frameworks remain outdated in a rapidly changing world.

In a statement shared during the International Family Law Symposium, posted by LSK president on her official X account on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, Odhiambo said the conversations brought together both regional and global voices to tackle pressing concerns facing families whose lives now stretch beyond borders.

“Yesterday’s International Family Law Symposium, hosted by Law Society of Kenya with regional and global partners, brought together leading voices to confront an urgent truth: while families now increasingly live and connect across borders, family law remains confined within local boundaries,” she stated.

She explained that families living across different jurisdictions face unique challenges that are not addressed by local laws, creating gaps in justice and protection.

Pressing challenges in family law

Odhiambo outlined some of the most urgent issues confronting families across nations.

“We explored pressing challenges: cross-border custody disputes, child abduction, international adoption and the need for enforceable dispute resolution mechanisms that transcend jurisdictions,” she said.

She emphasised that family law cannot remain confined to statutes or technical courtroom battles but must instead focus on protecting the most vulnerable.

“These conversations underscored that family law is not only about statutes and courtrooms, but about safeguarding dignity, protecting children and ensuring justice reaches the heart of our communities,” she added.

Her remarks highlight the struggles faced by parents, children, and families entangled in cross-border legal disputes, many of whom suffer emotional and financial strain when cases are prolonged or unresolved.

Call for modernisation and compassion

Odhiambo said legal practitioners and institutions must take responsibility for shaping a system that reflects modern realities.

“As practitioners, we must modernise our frameworks, strengthen cross-border cooperation and keep compassion at the centre of family justice,” she urged.

She also expressed gratitude to regional and international partners who supported the symposium.

“Grateful to the International Academy of Family Lawyers, the East Africa Law Society, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association, the Judiciary of Kenya and all who made this dialogue possible,” Odhiambo said.

Her statement reinforces LSK’s push for reforms that safeguard children, protect families, and ensure justice systems work across borders at a time when migration and globalisation continue to reshape family structures.