🌍 Day 3 | 4th Natural Justice Environmental and Climate Justice Moot Court Competition
Hosted at Riara University, in partnership with Namati, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), and the Centre for Moots and Research (CMR).
In an era where the rights of local communities are increasingly overshadowed by global development pressures and governments are increasingly being required to respond to climate change, the 4th Natural Justice Environmental and Climate Justice Moot Court Competition has provided a vital platform for students to interrogate these real-world challenges.
As dawn broke over the Riara University campus in Kenya, a student clutching a stack of annotated briefs hurried through the early morning mist, ready to debate the law with almost 100 others. This fleeting scene encapsulated the essence of the competition, where the unwavering resolve to advocate for those whose voices would meet the inexorable force of development.
Building on the energy and determination witnessed from the early moments of the Moot, which started this week, Day 3-the final day- saw Riara University buzzing as students surged in, eager to showcase months of preparation, passion, and purpose.
Two teams – Moi University and University of Nairobi – faced off in a gripping final round, both eager to emerge victorious. After an intense and inspiring exchange of arguments, teamwork, and intellect, Team Moi University took the lead! 🏆
Beyond the immediate results of the competition, its long-term impact reverberates through the advocacy efforts of participants. The event not only celebrated legal excellence but also the enduring spirit of environmental and climate justice that drives young advocates to speak for people and the planet. Past participants have taken their advocacy beyond the courtroom, influencing local policy such as a community-led clean energy initiative in Kenya.
Award Highlights: Best Male Oralist: Said Salim, Best Female Oralist: Cintah-Roza Tenesi, Best Memorials: Team 14 (University of Nairobi), Best Team: Team 13 (University of Nairobi) and Team 10 (Moi University), Runners-Up: Team 10 (Moi University) and Team 13 (University of Nairobi), Second Runners-Up: Team 12 (Egerton University).
- Best Memorials (Applicant): Team 14, University of Nairobi
- Best Memorials (Respondent): Team 14, University of Nairobi
- Best Overall Memorial: Team 14, University of Nairobi
- Best Team: Team 13, University of Nairobi / Team 10, Moi University
- Best Team Runners-Up: Team 10, Moi University / Team 13, University of Nairobi
- Second Runners-Up: Team 12, Egerton University
Research Paper Awards
- Research Paper Awards: Human Rights Dimensions of Africa’s Energy Transition: Reconciling Development, Culture, and Climate Justice — Nyagah Tina Nyiva; Climate Adaptation versus Mitigation: Should Africa Prioritise Building Resilience Over Exporting Mitigation Outcomes? — Promise Museu
- The following research papers were recognized for excellence: The Role of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Shaping a Just Energy Transition in Africa — Gloria Muthoni.
- Overall Best Research Paper: Promise Museu.
- First Runners-Up: Gloria Muthoni.
- Second Runners-Up: Feli Deya. Best
- Male Researcher: Josiah Tungwet.
- Best Female Researcher: Phelisters Ogut
These award-winning papers echo significant continental policy dialogues, connecting academic insight with broader socio-political objectives. For instance, Promise Museu’s exploration of resilience in climate adaptation directly aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals, emphasizing sustainable development and integration across the continent.
All these efforts converged during this year’s moot, which challenged participants to confront one of the most urgent questions of our time—how to balance global climate ambitions with the rights and voices of local communities. Through the principles of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and Biocultural Community Protocols (BCPs), students demonstrated that a just energy transition must leave no one behind.
Farida Aliwa, Executive Director at Natural Justice, thanked partners, mentors, and judges for their contributions, noting that the moot reflected the lived realities of communities across the Global South and the ongoing struggles for environmental justice.
Dr. Lando congratulated the winning team, affirming that “their star is bright and their journey in environmental advocacy has just begun.”
Vivienne Kigondu of FES applauded the law students noting that they are the future lawyers who will litigate on behalf of communities and create legal frameworks that uphold the rights of citizen.
A CMR representative also applauded the students, saying that their proficiency in law is unmarked considering they are citing judgments that were handed down as recently as of last month.
👏🏽 Congratulations to all the participants, researchers, and mentors who made this year’s competition a resounding success! As we celebrate these achievements, we invite you to be a part of the next chapter. How will you help amplify these rising voices and contribute to environmental and climate justice? Join us next year to turn applause into action.
