In response to rising tensions and increasing disputes across various sectors of Kenyan society, Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (WADR) called for the prioritization of amicable and constructive dispute resolution methods as a pathway to peace, national cohesion, and sustainable economic progress.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, WADR emphasized the urgency of adopting Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms — such as mediation, dialogue, conciliation, and reconciliation — to address the growing number of conflicts affecting communities, institutions, and industries across the country.
“Kenya stands at a crossroads,” WADR stated. “At a time when political, social, and economic stability is vital for preserving national unity and development, we must act swiftly to ensure that disputes do not spiral into violence or institutional breakdown.”
The organization warned that ongoing unrest poses a serious threat to the gains made in governance, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the rule of law. Escalating conflicts, if left unchecked, could severely undermine investment confidence, the operating environment for businesses, and the wellbeing of ordinary Kenyans.
“When society chooses hostility over dialogue, we all lose — businesses suffer, institutions erode, and trust vanishes,” said the WADR statement. “But when we commit to listening, reasoning, and resolving differences constructively, we all rise. Kenya wins.”
The group highlighted that embracing ADR not only facilitates access to justice but also preserves relationships, safeguards commercial interests, and fosters a national culture of lawful and respectful engagement. Additionally, widespread adoption of ADR will reduce the burden on an already strained judicial system.
In the face of economic pressures and shifting political alliances, WADR called on all Kenyans to avoid adversarial and violent approaches to dispute resolution. Instead, individuals and institutions are urged to consider ADR as a first step — not a last resort.
WADR encouraged members of the public to actively engage in peaceful resolution of disputes by giving priority to mediation, conciliation, and other non-adversarial methods. They urged citizens to seek the services of professional mediators and arbitrators, noting that Women in ADR (Kenya) has a pool of trained dispute resolvers available on short notice. The organization emphasized that inflammatory rhetoric, incitement, and provocation should be firmly rejected, as such actions diminish Kenya’s reputation internationally and its potential to serve as a hub for dispute resolution.
Furthermore, WADR appealed to all Kenyans to support community and institutional peacebuilding efforts aimed at strengthening harmony at the grassroots and national level. Equally, citizens were called upon to demand accountability and dialogue from leaders at every level — from political offices to community leadership — to ensure transparent and inclusive processes in managing disagreements.
“This is not just a legal or policy issue,” WADR concluded. “It is a moral imperative. Kenya must be a regional leader not only in economic strength and professional excellence, but also in how we manage dissent. Let us choose wisdom over war, and understanding over unrest.”
