CUEA Law Students Win Two Awards at Inaugural Child Justice Moot Competition
By Ms. Freda Kabatsi, Teddy Barack and Seth Kabiru
Students from our Faculty of Law earned national recognition at the inaugural Child Justice Moot Court Competition (CJMCC), held on 7 October 2026 at Chuka University School of Law in Chuka Town.
CUEA won two awards at the competition, which brought together law students from 11 universities across Kenya to argue emerging issues in child justice. Bridgid Gwoka received the Best Research Paper Award, while Leshan Brian emerged as First Runners-Up in the Research Category.
The University fielded two teams: Team CJ119, comprising Samantha Kiprono, Alvan Moses and researcher Bridgid Gwoka; and Team CJ123, comprising Joakin Nyaga, Pauline Anjira and researcher Leshan Brian. Each team consisted of two oralists and one researcher.
The awards highlighted CUEA students’ capabilities in legal research and their engagement with child rights and the evolving legal frameworks that protect children.
Bringing Child Justice into Legal Practice
Child justice is an increasingly important area of legal study in Kenya, particularly following the enactment of the Children Act, 2022. It intersects constitutional law, criminal justice, family law and human rights, requiring legal practitioners to understand how the law protects children and responds to the challenges they face.
The moot provided students with an opportunity to move beyond classroom theory and apply legal principles to issues affecting children’s rights and welfare. It also encouraged participants to consider the effects of climate change and harmful cultural practices on children.
Unlike conventional commercial or criminal law moots, the CJMCC focused on child-centred jurisprudence, restorative justice and international instruments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The competition sought to nurture a generation of legal professionals who could combine legal expertise with a commitment to defending children’s rights.
National Participation and Justice Sector Support
The competition attracted participants from Chuka University, the host institution, alongside Kabarak University, Moi University, Daystar University, Embu University, JKUAT Karen, Kisii University, South Eastern Kenya University, Mount Kenya University, the University of Nairobi and CUEA.
It received support from organisations and institutions within the justice and child protection sectors, including Kenya Law Reports, UNICEF, the Judiciary of Kenya, Weru TV, the National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS), Wakili wa Watoto, Guantai & Associates, Roba & Associates Advocates LLP and the Team of Children’s Rights.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Mr. Abdinoor Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of the NCCS; Justice Stephen Githinji, Presiding Judge of the Meru High Court; and Lady Justice Rose Korir, Presiding Judge of the Chuka High Court.
Chief Justice Martha Koome delivered the keynote address in absentia through Lady Justice Korir.
Strengthening Practical Legal Education
The competition offered participants an opportunity to develop skills in legal research, memorial writing and oral advocacy while engaging with a specialised and socially significant area of law.
For CUEA, the awards reinforced the value of practical learning opportunities that prepare law students to address real-world legal challenges. Such competitions also help develop future judicial officers, prosecutors and advocates equipped to promote access to justice and protect the rights of vulnerable members of society.
CUEA’s performance at the inaugural competition reflected the students’ commitment to academic excellence and public-interest legal practice, particularly in the area of child rights.
Appreciation and Encouragement
The CUEA team expressed gratitude to their trainers, Mr. Seth Kabiru, Ms. Anne Tuvia and Ms. Darshni Chavda, for their dedication and thorough preparation. Special appreciation was extended to Ms. Freda Kabatsi for her advice and support, as well as to the CUEA Moot Court Society for its guidance.