East Africa Law Students Symposium Explores the Future of Family Law
September 1, 2025 – Riara University, Nairobi
Law students from across East Africa gathered at Riara University on September 1 for the East Africa Symposium on Family Law, a vibrant forum for debate, research and knowledge exchange under the theme “The Future of Family Law.”
The symposium attracted participants from across the region, including representatives from the International Academy of Family Lawyers, Aronson Mayefsky & Sloan, the Wakili wa Watoto Club, the East Africa Law Society, and the Law Students Association of Kenya. Students from Riara University, Mount Kenya University, Egerton University, Kabarak University, Kisii University and Strathmore University enriched the discussion with diverse perspectives.
Speeches and Keynote
Dr. Victor Lando, Dean, Riara Law School, opened the event by welcoming guests before inviting Ms. Belinda Mwende, Chairperson of Wakili wa Watoto Club, to speak on the importance of child representation in legal matters. She highlighted the partnerships driving the initiative, including the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Ms. Rachel Kelsey, President of the Academy, stressed that the central aim of the symposium was to learn from students. She introduced colleagues from the United States, Lebanon and England, while family and divorce attorney Ms. Pamela Sloan challenged students to reimagine approaches to family law.
Hon. Lady Justice Patricia Nyaundi of the Milimani Law Courts delivered the keynote address. In her characteristically candid style, she reflected on the manipulation of the phrase “best interest of the child” in litigation and revisited longstanding legal questions, such as daughters’ rights to inherit paternal estates. Her remarks underscored the evolving interpretations of family law in the Kenyan judiciary.
Student Presentations
The academic heart of the symposium was the presentation of draft journal articles. Mr. Elijah Mokoro from Egerton University set the tone with a paper titled “Reconceptualizing Family Law in East Africa,” urging that family law be seen as a living framework responsive to culture, technology and innovation.
Panels moderated by students tackled pressing themes.
Custom and Law – Mr. Skem George (Kabarak University) emphasized the need to balance traditions with constitutional proportionality.
Privacy in the Digital Age – Ms. Shanise Kadenyeka (Kisii University) examined the role of data protection in family law.
Climate Change and Child Marriage – Mr. Bobby Dhiman (Riara University) linked early marriage to population growth and carbon emissions.
Women’s Rights and Justice – Ms. Darshni Chavda (Riara University) proposed the creation of women’s resource centers and hybrid courts to expand access to justice.
Climate Displacement – Ms. Muthoni Mwangi (Mount Kenya University) highlighted climate-induced displacement as a driver of child marriage.
Alternative Justice Systems – Ms. Eshirera Kimberly (Riara University) argued that not all family disputes require judicial resolution.
Technology and Childhood – Mr. Ian Duncan Ekisa (Kabarak University) explored how artificial intelligence and gaming influence family law.
The final panel, moderated by Ms. Mwende, focused on child participation under the theme “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Speakers including Mr. Kennedy Odhiambo (Mount Kenya University), Ms. Kavesta Achanga (Kisii University), Ms. Gina Mulaku (Strathmore University) and Mr. Dennis Onyango (Kabarak University) called for stronger child-inclusive legal frameworks, continuity of education during divorce and mandatory child representation in custody disputes.
Recognition and Awards
The day concluded with an award ceremony. Each presenter received a book authored by Thurgood Marshall. Special recognition went to:
- Gina Mulaku – Outstanding Contribution in Future-Oriented Family Law Research
- Muthoni Mwangi – Eloquence in Presentation
- Bobby Dhiman – Impactful Research and Persuasive Presentation
The symposium closed on a note of optimism, with students, legal practitioners, and judges united in reimagining the future of family law for East Africa.
