Ruto attends Africa Chief Justices’ Alternative Dispute Resolution Summit in Nairobi
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, June 19, 2026President William Ruto, on Friday, June 19, 2026, attended the Africa Chief Justices’ Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Summit in Nairobi, where he was welcomed by Chief Justice Martha Koome ahead of delivering the keynote address.
The summit brought together judicial leaders from across Africa to discuss the role of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in strengthening justice systems and accelerating economic development across the continent.
Speaking in his address at the summit, President Ruto has said that the future of justice in Africa must focus on people rather than processes, with institutions measured by their ability to hear citizens, resolve disputes fairly and restore dignity through timely outcomes.
“The future of justice in Africa must focus on people rather than processes,” Ruto said.
While welcoming the president to the forum, Chief Justice Martha Koome expressed gratitude for his presence and acceptance of the judiciary’s invitation to address the summit.
“Today, we are focusing on commercial justice and how we can accelerate development. Allow me, Your Excellency, to express my very sincere gratitude to you for graciously accepting our invitation to deliver the keynote address at this forum,” Koome said.
The chief justice noted that the president’s attendance underscored the importance of collaboration between different arms of government in advancing justice sector reforms.
Koome emphasised that transforming Kenya’s justice sector cannot be left solely to the judiciary, describing it as a collective constitutional responsibility requiring support from all branches of government.
“Your presence here today is a reminder that justice sector transformation is not only the responsibility of the judiciary alone. It is a shared national and constitutional endeavour that requires the support of all arms of government,” she stated.
Her remarks highlighted the need for closer cooperation between the executive, judiciary, and legislature in promoting access to justice and improving dispute resolution mechanisms.
Focus on Commercial Justice and Economic Growth
The Africa Chief Justices ADR Summit is centred on exploring how alternative dispute resolution can enhance commercial justice, reduce case backlogs, improve the business environment, and contribute to sustainable economic development.
Judicial leaders at the summit are expected to share experiences and best practices on integrating mediation, arbitration, and other ADR mechanisms into national justice systems to foster investment and strengthen the rule of law across Africa.
President Ruto’s keynote address is expected to outline Kenya’s commitment to judicial reforms and the role of efficient dispute resolution in driving economic transformation and regional competitiveness.