KAS Rule of Law Program for Anglophone Sub-Saharan Africa

11/09/2026

The KAS @ 20 Symposium also offered a meaningful moment for our outgoing Director, Dr. Stefanie Rothenberger, to bid farewell to our partners, colleagues and friends, and to express her heartfelt appreciation for the trust, friendship and fruitful cooperation throughout her term.
As we celebrate our journey so far and say goodbye to one chapter, we carry forward the partnerships and shared commitment that have brought us this far.
To every partner and friend who has walked this road with us, thank you.
Together, we look ahead to the next twenty.
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa KAS-Programme Etat de droit en Afrique

11/09/2026

Here are snippets of festive moments from our Video Gallery Launch💃
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa KAS-Programme Etat de droit en Afrique

11/09/2026

Looking back on the KAS @ 20 Symposium
On the evening of 2nd September 2026, we launched the Anniversary Edition of the KAS Video Gallery, marked by a powerful performance from the Gahigo Drummers, a Burundian refugee group whose presentation resonated deeply with our reflections on refugee protection and human dignity.
The Anniversary Edition of the Video Gallery is a gift to our partners and friends, a collection that celebrates the people, stories and conversations that have shaped twenty years of advancing the rule of law. Twenty years on, one thing is clear, the rule of law is not upheld by any single institution. It is carried by a network of people who keep showing up for it.

Watch the video gallery here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJABrN6ArHA&list=PLD1vQniKYwOs

KAS Sub-Saharan Africa KAS-Programme Etat de droit en Afrique

10/09/2026

Together, we engaged in robust and rigorous discussions. We examined constitutionalism as a living practice rather than a written text. We reflected on the role of regional, continental and courts, and what meaningful compliance with judicial decisions requires. We confronted the questions of corruption and state fragility, explored the future of international criminal justice in Africa, and asked a fundamental question : How do we make justice real and accessible to the communities who need it most? We also listened to the youth calling for genuine partnership in shaping the future of the rule of law.
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa KAS-Programme Etat de droit en Afrique

09/09/2026

KAS @ 20, One shared commitment: Advancement of the Rule of Law.
On 2–3 September, we brought together partners, colleagues and friends from across Africa and beyond to mark 20 years since the establishment of the KAS Rule of Law Programme in Sub-Saharan Africa.
We were honoured to welcome our distinguished chief guests and keynote speakers: Chief Justice Martha K. Koome; Prof. Norbert Lammert, former President of the German Bundestag and Honorary KAS Chairman; and Prof. Dr. Doris König, former Vice-President of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany.
Notable guests also included Dr. Serge Brammertz, Under-Secretary-General of the UN; Hon. Isaac Lenaola SCJ; Justice Nestor Kayobera, President of the EACJ; Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, Former Vice-President of the ICC, Patricia Kameri-Mbote, Director, UNEP Law Division; Prof. PLO Lumumba and other dignitaries. Our esteemed participants comprised of judicial representatives, academics, civil society leaders, legal practitioners, and law students, bringing together generations and perspectives from across the continent and beyond.

KAS Sub-Saharan Africa KAS-Programme Etat de droit en Afrique

07/09/2026

We were honoured to host the Chief Justice Martha K. Koome as our chief guest and keynote speaker at the KAS Rule of Law Program for Sub-Saharan Africa @ 20 Symposium.

Marking the Program’s 20th anniversary was more than a celebration of a milestone. It was an opportunity to convene our partners, colleagues and friends in appreciation of the relationships we have built and the work we have undertaken together over the years.

It was also a moment to reflect on the progress made in advancing constitutionalism, human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Sub-Saharan Africa, while acknowledging the important work that remains ahead.

As we celebrate two decades of partnership and impact, we look forward to strengthening these relationships and deepening our collective commitment to building institutions and societies anchored in the rule of law.
KAS Sub-Saharan Africa KAS-Programme Etat de droit en Afrique

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CFU34Xrvg/

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