MPs briefed on treaty establishing global mediation body as Kenya considers ratification
By Francis Muli, June 2, 2026The National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee has been briefed on a proposed treaty that would see Kenya ratify the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), an international body designed to promote mediation as a preferred method of resolving disputes between states, businesses and individuals across borders.
The committee, chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech, received a briefing from officials from the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs on the objectives, key provisions and implications of the Convention, as Parliament begins considering whether Kenya should formally ratify the agreement.
According to a memorandum submitted to Parliament by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on April 28, 2026, the proposed organization is founded on the recognition of mediation as an effective, non-adversarial and practical mechanism for resolving disputes in the international arena.
The memorandum states that member states of IOMed would have jurisdiction to facilitate mediation in disputes involving two or more states, disputes between a state and nationals of another country, as well as international commercial disputes involving private parties.
“IOMed Member States will have jurisdiction to resolve mediation disputes involving two or more States, a State and a national of another State and International Commercial Dispute between private parties,” reads part of the memorandum.
The Ministry argues that the organization would complement existing international dispute resolution mechanisms by offering an alternative avenue for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
“The IOMed will advance and promote use of mediation, and would be a useful complement to existing international dispute settlement mechanisms, by filling the critical gap in international dispute resolution through mediation as a method of dispute settlement,” the memorandum states.
Negotiations on the Convention began in 2023 and were concluded in October 2024. The Convention establishing IOMed was formally signed on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
Kenya is among 37 countries that have signed the Convention so far, reflecting growing international support for mediation as a tool for conflict prevention and resolution.
If approved by the National Assembly, Kenya will be bound by the Convention’s provisions under international law. This means the country would not be able to rely on domestic legislation as justification for failing to meet obligations arising from the treaty once it is ratified.
The government says ratifying the Convention would strengthen Kenya’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, enhance the country’s role in international diplomacy and align it with emerging global frameworks that encourage mediation as a cost-effective and cooperative alternative to litigation and arbitration.
As part of the ratification process, the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee is expected to conduct public participation and engage relevant stakeholders to gather views on the treaty before compiling and tabling its report in the National Assembly for debate and consideration.
The committee’s recommendations will play a key role in determining whether Kenya joins other signatory nations in formally adopting the Convention and becoming part of the proposed international mediation framework.