Nairobi: The Supreme Court of Kenya held its inaugural Moot Court competition, featuring participation from 17 universities, as a key event in the celebrations marking its 12th anniversary. The bench, presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome, included Justices Mohammed Ibrahim, Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko. For the first time, law students had the opportunity to present their cases before the Supreme Court.

According to Kenya News Agency, Chief Justice Koome emphasized that the Moot Court is an integral part of the Supreme Court’s mentorship vision, aiming to inspire young legal minds and foster a strong commitment to justice, ethics, and the rule of law. She highlighted that beyond the transfer of knowledge, the court’s initiative reflects its dedication to shaping the future of the legal profession in Kenya.

“This Moot Court competition is significant not only for you, the students, but also for us, the Judges, as it reaffirms our commitment to opening the Court’s doors to the ne
xt generation of advocates,” Chief Justice Koome stated. She expressed hope that the competition would inspire students to pursue careers focused on social justice and uphold ethical standards and the rule of law.

During the competition, participating teams tackled complex legal issues, showcasing a deep understanding of the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence. Chief Justice Koome commended the students’ ability to engage with intricate arguments and refine their advocacy and persuasion skills, noting that these skills will be crucial in their future legal careers.

The Chief Justice further remarked that the competition provides insight into the intricate process of Supreme Court proceedings, fostering growth and strengthening the connection between legal education and the practical application of judicial law. She emphasized that this experience is a call to strengthen the justice system by inspiring public trust, enhancing access to justice, and increasing awareness of the Supreme Court’s role in safeguarding c
onstitutional values.

Justice William Ouko addressed the students, stating that the Moot Court provides a valuable platform to bridge the gap between learning and practicing law. He noted that the skills developed through this exercise, such as thinking on one’s feet and defending positions, are invaluable assets for future legal practice.

The competition concluded with Jonathan Ndolo, Bina Ong’era, and Marvis Ndubi from Moi University emerging as the winners, while students from the University of Nairobi were the runners-up. The Moot Court competition is part of a series of events planned to celebrate the Supreme Court’s 12th anniversary, which also includes a conference, exhibition, stakeholder and media engagement, and public lectures.