The CEO of Green Law Africa Initiative, Brian Awuonda paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor/CEO Chuka University on 12 September 2024. The Vice Chancellor was flanked by DVC-ARSA and DVC APFD, Registrar AA, Registrar AP, Finance Officer, Chief Public Relations Officer and VC’s Chief of Staff. Also present were members of the School of Law including; Dean School of Law, Faculty Moot Coaches, CUSA President, School of Law Representative and officials of the Mooting and Kenya Model United Nations clubs.
The Green Law Africa Initiative is an integrated international hybrid climate justice moot court competition funded by the Green Law Initiative with the support of Chuka University. The moot is a 3-day event. The theme of the said moot is Championing Climate Justice Public Nuisance Climate Litigation Meets Sports Advocacy. Currently, 13 schools have confirmed their attendance including; Chuka University, Makerere University, Mzumbe University-Tanzania, University of Nairobi, Kisii University and University of Embu. The competition will be held in Chuka University on the 3rd and 4th day of October 2024. On the 3rd day, there will be an excursion to Ol Pejeta to train participants on environmental conservation and will also serve as a networking opportunity for participants and their mentors. There will also be an Environmental Quiz Bowl and a Tree Planting Relay Race. The Tree Planting Relay Race involves a challenge to plant 500 trees in 55 seconds, thereby setting an environmental conservation record at the University. Senior legal practitioners including Justice (Rtd.) Emukule and Senior Counsel Fred Ojiambo will grace the symposium as Judges of the knockout rounds of the competition. They will be assisted by a number of Advocates of the High Court of Kenya who will adjudicate the preliminary rounds.
In the meeting several discussions were held on the theme of the moot court competition, preparedness, and activities which will largely be funded by Green Law initiative Africa. The Vice Chancellor pledged the University’s full support in providing logistical support including conference facilities, transfers for international participants and transport to and from the accommodation facilities. The Vice Chancellor also allocated the expansive Chuka University Kairini farm as the site for The Tree Planting Relay Race. The Vice Chancellor also committed funds for transportation of all participants who will take part in the Tree Planting Relay.
The Green Law Initiative Moot Court Competition is the first moot court competition in Chuka University and the first of its kind in the world! It serves as a sound foundation for future moot court activities and legal symposia at Chuka University School of Law and its success will be of mutual benefit to Chuka University, Green Law Initiative and contribute to Climate Justice advocacy.
L-R: Aisha Adhi, Dr. Samwel Chege (Registrar AA), Dr. Wycliff Otiso (Dean SLAW), Prof. Eunice Githae (DVC AFP&D), Brian Awuonda (CEO Green Law Africa), Prof. Henry Mutembei (VC), Evans Muchanga, Prof. Gilbert Nduru (DVC ARSA), Mr. John Thuranira CPA (Finance Officer), Kelly Kinyua, and Dr. Peter Mabubi (Registrar A&P)