Top law students from sixteen Kenyan universities faced off at the Supreme Court on Thursday in the 2nd Annual Moot Court Competition, debating complex issues at the intersection of technology, human rights, and refugee protection.
Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the final round, joined by Justices Isaac Lenaola, William Ouko, and international jurists from Belgium, Greece, and the Philippines.
The final contest featured teams from Africa Nazarene University and Kabarak University, concluding three days of rigorous preliminary, quarter-final, and semi-final rounds.
Students presented arguments on Human Rights Law, Administrative Law, Refugee Law, and Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the growing relevance of emerging technologies in legal processes, including data governance, surveillance, and refugee status determination.
CJ Koome emphasized the significance of the competition in fostering Kenya’s next generation of lawyers.
“The Moot Court Competition allows students to engage with real-world legal challenges and develop courtroom skills that are essential for the future of our profession,” she said.
The event also aligns with the upcoming 14th World Conference of the International Association of Refugee and Migration Judges in Nairobi, highlighting Kenya’s role as a hub for discussions on forced displacement, migration, and refugee rights.
By integrating artificial intelligence into case scenarios, the competition introduced students to the ethical and procedural dilemmas facing courts globally.
Organized as part of the Supreme Court’s mentorship and public engagement initiative, the annual moot aims to demystify judicial processes and strengthen the link between academic legal training and practical courtroom experience.
Participants were praised for their discipline, analytical skills, and advocacy, demonstrating Kenya’s growing pool of competent legal professionals.
Legal scholars and practitioners attending the finals noted the competition’s role in shaping well-rounded lawyers capable of addressing both national and international legal challenges.
The Supreme Court continues to prioritize such programmes to ensure young lawyers gain exposure to evolving legal frameworks while upholding constitutional principles and professional ethics.