KAS Rule of Law Program for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa

15/07/2026

We were honoured to support the 4th Annual National Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Conference at the University of Embu, held on 16–19 June 2026 under the theme, "Data-Driven Pathways for People-Centred Justice in Kenya."

The conference marked a significant step toward expanding access to justice, bringing together Kenya's Chief Justice Martha Koome and 12 Chief Justices and Heads of African Judiciaries in a demonstration of continental commitment to inclusive, people-centred justice systems.

A key milestone was the launch of the Embu AJS Suites strengthening the link between community-based dispute resolution and the formal justice system.

Discussions challenged conventional measures of justice, calling for greater focus on outcomes that matter most: public trust, accessibility, restorative healing, and stronger communities. Delegates also advanced policy recommendations on gender-based violence, multilingual access to legal information, climate justice, and the responsible use of AI through strong governance and human oversight.

We thank all delegates, practitioners, and partners whose contributions are helping shape a more accessible, equitable, and future-ready justice system across Africa KAS Sub-Saharan Africa

29/05/2026

We are pleased to announce that Volume 1 of the 2026 edition of the KAS African Law Study Library – Librairie Africaine d’Études Juridiques is now available on our website as an open-access publication.
Building on the “Leaders for Justice Workshops” held across Tanzania, Uganda, and Senegal, this volume explores various themes, namely, nuclear energy regulation in Kenya, the East African Monetary Union, traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, artificial intelligence and intellectual property law, transitional justice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and youth engagement in Senegalese politics.
The publication reflects the continued commitment of the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa to fostering intellectual exchange, regional cooperation, and innovative legal scholarship across the continent.
Read it here:

Single title

01/04/2026

Following the AKMCC Finals hosted by the Court of Appeal, our Director Dr. Stefanie Rothenberger and KAS Policy Advisor Dr. Susanne Conrad from KAS headquarters in Berlin paid a courtesy call on the President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Daniel Musinga. The AKMCC, which we co-supported, offered a powerful platform for sharpening advocacy skills and passing on practical, courtroom-tested insights to the next generation of lawyers.

During the meeting, Dr. Rothenberger presented the Program's publication, Judicial Financial Independence, and had fruitful exchanges with the Judge President on advancing judicial autonomy and institutional resilience. The engagement also underscored a central pillar of the legal profession, namely, mentorship. We commend the Court of Appeal for its steadfast leadership in guiding emerging advocates and strengthening the foundations of the rule of law.
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa

31/03/2026

Earlier this month, we were honoured to once again partner with the University School of Law in hosting the 14th Edition of the All Kenyan Moot Court Competition. This year’s edition brought together exceptional young legal minds who demonstrated outstanding oral advocacy and rigorous research, showcasing the true spirit and growing depth of mooting in Kenya.

We were privileged to have the former Chief Justice, Dr. W***y Mutunga as the guest of honour, whose keynote address provided rich insights and inspiration to all participants.

The competition culminated in a memorable final at the Supreme Court of Kenya, where Strathmore University School of Law emerged as the 2026 champions. We extend our congratulations to them for their remarkable achievement.

We also celebrate all the other participating teams for their commitment, resilience, and passion throughout the competition. Their hard work, whether in the courtroom rounds or the research category, continues to strengthen Kenya’s legal landscape.

Our sincere appreciation goes to the Kenya Judiciary , in particular, the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal for hosting the finals and providing distinguished judges, as well as to the dedicated Steering Committee whose tireless coordination made this year’s competition seamless and impactful.
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa

24/03/2026

As the month of March comes to an end, we take a look back on our Seminar on Prosecuting International Crimes in Kigali.
Participants visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful space of remembrance that grounded discussions on international criminal justice in the lived realities and human consequences of mass atrocities. The visit served as a reminder that the prosecution of international crimes extends beyond legal doctrine, reflecting a collective commitment to accountability, dignity, and the prevention of future violence.
The seminar concluded with a closing ceremony where participants were awarded certificates by the Chief Prosecutor (UNIRMCT) Dr. Serge Brammertz and our Director, Dr. Stefanie Rothenberger, in recognition of their dedication and active engagement. We are grateful to our facilitators from the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals. The programme strengthened technical expertise, fostered regional cooperation, and encouraged the continued exchange of prosecutorial practice across borders.
As we look back, we remain encouraged by the shared resolve demonstrated throughout the seminar and by the growing network of practitioners committed to strengthening the rule of law within their jurisdictions
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa

03/03/2026

Greetings from cool, temperate, and sunny Kigali!

Today, we have kicked off our Seminar on Prosecuting International Crimes, bringing together 24 prosecutors from across Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan.

Over the next few days, participants will examine the technical aspects of prosecuting international crimes. Discussions will focus on the legal elements of these offences, investigative strategies, and courtroom advocacy skills. The sessions are guided by facilitators from the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT).

We extend our sincere appreciation to UN Under-Secretary-General and Chief Prosecutor Dr. Serge Brammertz, UN Prosecutors Laurel Baig and Rupert Elderkin, and the Rwanda National Public Prosecution Authority, represented at the opening ceremony by Deputy Prosecutor General, Mr. Bonaventure Ruberwa.

As dialogue unfolds, we are honoured to convene such rich, cross-border expertise in pursuit of one shared goal: strengthening the capacity of prosecutors to effectively address international crimes within their jurisdictions.

Here’s to meaningful deliberations and lasting impact.

21/01/2026

A look back at November 2025
These snippets capture the impact of the Legal Aid Caravan supported by KAS in partnership with Strathmore Law School , taking legal awareness and access to justice directly to communities.

Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/LejP4CRQqpA

KAS Sub-Saharan Africa

The Legal Aid Caravan serves as a vital bridge between the classroom and the community. Through this initiative, students of the Strathmore Law Clinic move b...

19/12/2025

As we come to the close of this momentous year, we at the KAS Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa send you our warmest season's greetings. Happy Holidays!

16/12/2025

We were honoured to receive a courtesy visit, this morning, from the recently elected Judge of the International Court of Justice, Prof. Phoebe Okowa. We appreciated the opportunity to engage with her and to draw on her deep and wide-ranging experience in International law and governance, while also sharing an overview of our Rule of Law Programme. We recognise her exceptional contribution to the development of International law and warmly congratulate her on her appointment to the Court.
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa