Strathmore University of Kenya emerged victorious in the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition held in Geneva, Switzerland. The competition simulates a hearing under the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement system and saw participation from 65 universities worldwide.
The final round featured four teams: Strathmore University, Kenya; Kenyatta University, Kenya; the University of International Business and Economics, China; and West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, India. After intense deliberations, Strathmore University and West Bengal National University advanced to the Grand Final.
The panel judging the final was chaired by Gabrielle Marceau from the University of Geneva. Other members included Professor Geraldo Vidigal from the University of Amsterdam Law School, Dr Gracia Marín Durán from University College London, Christian Lau from Dentons, Marco Molina with experience in WTO disputes, Professor Krista Nadakavukaren from the World Trade Institute, and Joanna Redelbach from Van Bael and Bellis.
Strathmore University's winning team comprised Anthony Kigochu Mburu, Clare Wangeci Kaira, and Javier Delmar Mario. They competed against Pragya Mittal, Nupur Gupta, Rohini Mehta, and Piyush Barshini Mohapatra from West Bengal National University.
Both teams were commended for their performance in regional rounds held in Nairobi and Jodhpur as well as throughout the week-long finals. The WTO congratulated both teams on their mastery of WTO law.
Participants received awards for written submissions and oratory skills provided by sponsors including Georgetown University which offered scholarships to study at its Law Center. Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand presented several awards: Best Complainant Written Submission went to National Law School of India University; Best Respondent Written Submission was awarded to the University of Münster; Maastricht University received Best Overall Written Submissions; Michelle Hennessey from Canada was named Best Orator of Preliminary Rounds; Clare Kaira and Tianzi Chang won Best Orator of Quarterfinal Rounds; Celine Maina earned Best Orator in Semifinal Rounds; Clare Kaira also took home Best Orator in Grand Final honors.
Organized by ELSA with support from WTO since 2002, this competition highlights WTO's commitment to capacity building. More information can be found on its website.