The Judiciary of Kenya has invited scholars and practitioners to submit papers for the Annual Mediation Summit 2026, focusing on justice in a fast-changing world.
The call highlights mediation in family, child-centred and succession disputes, with selected papers set for publication in a special journal issue or summit volume.
In a notice shared on Monday on its official platform, the Judiciary announced the “CALL FOR PAPERS | ANNUAL MEDIATION SUMMIT 2026,” inviting original and thought-provoking submissions that interrogate the evolving place of mediation within justice systems.
The call signals a continued push by the Judiciary to promote alternative dispute resolution as a complement to formal litigation.
By foregrounding mediation, the summit seeks to explore how disputes involving families, children and inheritance can be resolved in ways that are less adversarial, more inclusive and sensitive to social realities.
According to the notice, the Judiciary is casting a wide net for contributors. “We welcome submissions from scholars, judges, practitioners, policymakers and mediators,” the statement said, underlining an intention to draw perspectives from across the justice sector.
The diversity of contributors is expected to enrich discussions around both theory and practice, especially in areas where mediation directly affects vulnerable parties.
The call outlines several categories of submissions. These include Academic articles (up to 12,000 words), as well as Practice-based articles/case studies (3,000–6,000 words) and Policy briefs.
By accommodating both lengthy academic analyses and shorter, practice-oriented case studies, the summit aims to bridge the gap between scholarship and real-world dispute resolution.
Family and child-centred disputes are expected to be a key focus of the submissions. These areas often involve complex emotional, cultural and legal dimensions, making them particularly suited to mediation approaches that emphasise dialogue and mutual agreement.
Succession disputes, which frequently pit family members against each other over inheritance, are also highlighted as a priority area for reflection.
The Judiciary’s announcement also points to an incentive for contributors. “Selected papers will be published in a Special Journal Issue or Summit Proceedings Volume,” it said, offering authors an opportunity to have their work formally disseminated beyond the summit itself.
Such publication avenues can help shape policy debates and inform future judicial and mediation practices.
Submissions are to be sent directly to an academic editorial address, with the notice stating, “Submit full papers to, [email protected].”
The involvement of an academic institution in the publication process reaffirms the scholarly dimension of the summit, while maintaining close ties to judicial practice.
The Annual Mediation Summit has, in recent years, become a forum for examining how alternative dispute resolution can ease pressure on courts and improve access to justice.
By anchoring the 2026 edition around the idea of a fast-changing world, the Judiciary appears to be encouraging contributors to grapple with emerging social dynamics, evolving family structures and shifting expectations of justice.
