Thursday 13th April 2023 – Stakeholders have been encouraged to continue championing mediation as an effective dispute resolution mechanism, not just within the banking sector but across all sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the opening of the 2023 edition of the Mediation Summit, Chief Justice Martha Koome said it is crucial to continue investing in the development of mediation both as an integral part of the legal system and as a tool for fostering social economic and inclusive development.
‘’To achieve this, I urge the court annexed mediation stakeholder working group to embrace public awareness and education on mediation’’, said Chief Justice Koome, adding that it is essential that citizens understand the benefits of mediation and know how to access the services.
The sentiments were echoed by Kenya Bankers Association Chairman Mr. John Gachora, who noted that banks, clients, partners and the wider Kenyan public continue to embrace mediation in dispute resolution.
‘’The special attention on mediation by the banking industry during this summit aims to enhance the uptake of mediation as the best option in resolving disputes by all. We only seek to lead the way and have other sectors follow suit’’, said Mr. Gachora, adding that collective efforts and an integrated approach will help entrench mediation in the banking industry and all other sectors of the economy in resolving business disputes.
Other speakers at the conference themed ‘’Banking and Mediation— Leading the Way’’ included Central Bank of Kenya Governor Dr. Patrick Njoroge, Court of Appeal Judge Justice Fred Ochieng, Strathmore University Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Justice Ann Claire Williams (RET) US Court of Appeals, Judiciary Chief Registra Anne Amadi, and Law Society of Kenya President Eric Theuri.
The event will close tomorrow with discussions on the implementation of alternative justice systems (facilitated by Judge of Appeal Justice (Prof.) Joel Ngugi) and perspectives on mediation in Kenya and Rwanda.
About Kenya Bankers Association
KBA (www.kba.co.ke) was founded on 16th July 1962. Today, KBA is the financial sector’s leading advocacy group and banking industry umbrella body that represents total assets in excess of USD 60 billion. KBA has evolved and broadened its function to include advocacy on behalf of the banking industry, and championing financial sector development through strategic projects such as the launch of the industry’s first P2P digital payments platform PesaLink. In line with the Government’s policy on public-private partnerships, KBA and Central Bank of Kenya have implemented key projects such as modernization of the National Payments System through the Automated Clearing House, implementing the Real Time Gross Settlement System (RTGS), and the Kenya Credit Information Sharing Initiative. The KBA members are comprised of commercial banks and deposit taking microfinance banks.
Media Contacts:
Christine Onyango
Director, Communications and Public Affairs
Email: conyango@kba.co.ke
Phone: 0711562910
