NCIA
Our institution
On 2nd July 2007, a Host Country Agreement was signed between the Government of Kenya and the Asian African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO) with respect to the establishment of a Regional Centre for Arbitration in Nairobi. Subsequently, the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration Act, Act No. 26 of 2013 was enacted in 2013. The systems and structures of the Centre were established in 2014 – 2015 by the inaugural Board of Directors and its Arbitration and Mediation Rules were published in December 2015. The Centre was thereafter inaugurated on 5th December 2016.
The NCIA subscribes to five core values namely: Fairness and Impartiality, Confidentiality, Integrity, Efficiency and Effectiveness and Competency.
The Centre’s offices are located in the heart of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It provides a neutral venue for the conduct of international arbitration with commitment to providing institutional support to the arbitral process. It also caters to other forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation. Additionally, the Centre has organized international conferences, seminars and trainings. It organized the inaugural Nairobi Arbitration Week in the year 2023 and owing to the success of that event, the Nairobi Arbitration Week is now a bi-ennial event that aims to showcase Nairobi to domestic as well as to international arbitration users and stakeholders as a preferred seat of arbitration.
Our Services
- Arbitration Services
NCIA offers administration services for arbitrations lodged with the Centre and for which the parties have provided that the NCIA (Arbitration) Rules apply. This involves allocation of a case counsel to each arbitration to ensure that parties comply with the orders issued by an Arbitrator and with the timelines provided in the Rules. In cases where parties are only seeking the appointment of an arbitrator to handle their dispute, the Centre appoints an arbitrator from its empanelled arbitrators. The Centre also provides a neutral venue for holding arbitrations for parties that require such through its hearing facilities at a reasonable cost. - Mediation Services
NCIA offers administrative services for mediations lodged with the Centre to ensure that parties mediate in a conducive environment and in a timely manner. Where parties have not agreed on a Mediator the Centre appoints a Mediator to mediate the dispute from among its empanelled mediators.
- Training
NCIA also offers training and certification programs designed for professionals interested in building expertise in arbitration and mediation. These programs are essential for enhancing skills in dispute resolution and preparing a new generation of practitioners who are interest in alternative dispute resolution. - Accreditation
The Centre accredits Arbitrators and Mediators who meet the relevant qualifications as set out in the Centre’s panel standards. This way the Centre has a pool of qualified practitioners from which it can appoint to handle disputes referred to it. - Hearing Facilities
The Centre has hearing rooms available to parties to conduct their sessions at reasonable costs. This come with break out rooms and a practitioner’s lounge with access to wireless internet services.
Our Governing Structures
Overview of the Organization
The NCIA is established by an Act of Parliament, the Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration Act, No. 26 of 2013. The Act provides for its functions, its governance structure and how it is funded.
Governing Structure
The Centre is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for overseeing the strategic and policy direction. The Registrar is the chief executive officer of the Centre and is responsible for its day to day management and is assisted in doing so by a team from the Secretariat.
Key Leadership Roles:
- Board of Directors: The Board is composed of members with diverse backgrounds in Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms. Board members are responsible for making high-level decisions, approving budgets, and setting policy.
Find out more - Registrar/CEO: The Registrar (CEO) leads the Centre’s day-to-day operations. He implements the strategic vision set by the Board and is responsible for overseeing all internal teams and external relationships. The Registrar reports directly to the Board.
- Management Secretariat: The management team works collaboratively to ensure the successful execution of programs and services.
Find out more
Our Arbitration Rules
The NCIA Arbitration Rules are designed to offer a streamlined and adaptable framework for resolving disputes across a broad range of industries and legal environments. These Rules incorporate both traditional elements of arbitration and innovative features that reflect the evolving needs of parties involved in dispute resolution. Key features of the Rules include expedited timelines for urgent matters, flexible appointment procedures for arbitrators, and a strong emphasis on confidentiality and neutrality. Additionally, they have incorporated provisions to facilitate cross-border arbitration, taking into account international standards and best practices. Our goal is to provide a process that balances efficiency with fairness, ensuring that disputes are resolved in a manner that respects the rights and interests of all parties involved.
Our Mediation Rules and other
Our Mediation Rules are designed to provide a flexible, efficient, and collaborative approach to resolving disputes. These Rules focus on facilitating communication and negotiation between parties, with the assistance of a neutral mediator, to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. Key features of our Mediation Rules include the appointment of a mediator within a specified timeframe, confidentiality of the mediation process, and the ability for parties to customize the process to suit their needs. The Rules encourage voluntary participation, ensuring that all parties are engaged in the resolution process while maintaining their control over the outcome. The mediation process ought to be finalized within 90 days.
Our AfGAC Commitment
- Global Networking and Collaboration
Through AfGAC, the NCIA will gain access to a global network of experts, researchers, and professionals. This facilitates collaboration on international projects, sharing knowledge, and innovative solutions to global challenges. - Trainings
Through various trainings, the Centre will tap into the global knowledge provided by AfGAC trainers. - Knowledge Sharing and Best Practices
NCIA will benefit from cutting-edge research and best practices from around the world and from these insights, it will improve its own practices and staying at the forefront of its field. - Increased Visibility and Credibility
The partnership with AfGAC will raise the profile of Institution NCIA, making it more attractive to partners, investors, and potential clients.
Dr. Henry Kinyanjui Murigi, CEO of NCIA
Our Facilities
One of the main mandates of NCIA is to administer arbitration and mediation disputes lodged with the Centre by parties. To this end, the NCIA provides hearing rooms to facilitate dispute resolution by parties. The NCIA has a number of hearing rooms that can accommodate various parties depending on the number of people involved.
Photo of a conference room with an oval wooden table surrounded by black chairs
A small room with a round wooden table and four blue chairs
A carpeted room with armchairs and a small desk with chair in Nairobi
A small conference room with a dark wooden table and six chairs around it.
Carpeted conference room with long wooden tables equipped with microphones and black chairs in Nairobi (NCIA)
Contact
Nairobi Centre for International Arbitration
Co-operative Bank House, 8th Floor. Haile Selassie Avenue
P.O Box 548-00200 Nairobi, Kenya
Our News
Detailed information about the NCIA can be obtained from our website.