On Valentine’s Day 2025, Strathmore Law School (SLS) students Albert Macharia, Johny Kitheka, Fiona Mwaura, Emmanuel Macharia, and Peter Muindi (Class of 2025) participated in the National Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and emerged as the champions of Kenya. This victory marks a significant milestone for the school, further cementing its reputation in the global mooting community and upholding the SLS mooting culture.

The team received recognition through several prestigious awards:

~Best Oralist – Emmanuel Macharia

~National Champion Award – Strathmore University

~Best Applicant Memorial Award – Strathmore University

~Combined Memorials Award – Strathmore University

This fantastic team was coached by Mr. Allan Mukuki and Mr. Mishael Wambua, with extensive research support from Charity Gachunga, from the class of 2027. As the national champions, SLS  will represent Kenya at the International Rounds in Washington, D.C., in March.

The Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition is the world’s largest moot court competition, with participants from approximately 700 law schools in 100 countries. The competition simulates a fictional dispute between nations before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the judicial organ of the United Nations.

The journey to victory was a test of will, discipline, and an unbreakable bond among teammates. For the SLS team, the sting of defeat in the 2023/24 national rounds was still fresh. Yet, rather than succumbing to disappointment, they saw it as a catalyst for something greater. A fire that pushed them to return stronger, and more determined than ever.

Johny recognized that a victory for an African team in the Jessup competition would transcend Strathmore, representing a landmark achievement for the entire continent. Driven by the sting of the previous year’s defeat, they were resolved to complete their unfinished mission.

Peter’s inspiration was rooted in SLS’s storied legacy. He had long admired its reputation, particularly the example of Mr. Wambua, his coach and former senior in high school, whose achievements he now had the opportunity to emulate.

The team approached the competition differently. They came in with a fresh mindset, knowing that nothing was guaranteed. Everything had to be built from the ground up, “brick by brick.” as they called it. Every challenge became an opportunity to learn, and every failure a lesson. 

Training sessions were relentless, testing their endurance and mental fortitude. There were moments of exhaustion and times when doubts crept in, but they pushed forward regardless. Every day was a battle against fatigue, uncertainty, and the pressure to perfect their craft.

Peter recalled the daunting task of writing memorials and facing unpredictable questions that demanded critical and creative thinking. Yet, through it all, teamwork made the difference. They leaned on one another, each person playing a vital role in their collective success.

Albert viewed their preparation as a crucible, believing that rigorous training would minimize their struggles in competition. Conversely, Emmanuel, his twin, favored a gradual approach, emphasizing that ‘small victories pave the way for the grand triumph.’ This duality kept them anchored when the competition’s weight threatened to overwhelm them.

Mooting demanded everything they had. Balancing academics, personal lives, and the competition was no small feat. Johny shouldered the heaviest burden, dedicating months to intensive preparation. Their unwavering focus paid off. They stormed through the preliminaries to the finals without a single loss, displaying remarkable adaptability with each round.

Beyond individual brilliance, teamwork was the driving force behind their success. They pushed each other, supported each other, and, in moments of doubt, lifted each other. For Emmanuel mooting was an all-consuming passion. “If you’re not dreaming about mooting, you’re not yet there,” he said.

Their victory was a tribute not only to their brilliance but also to the transformative mentorship of Mr. Mukuki and Mr. Wambua. These dedicated trainers were instrumental in shaping the team’s strategy, refining their arguments, and cultivating the resilience necessary for elite performance. Their expert guidance forged champions from a talented cohort.

Charity Gachunga, a second-year aspiring mooter, anchored the team’s research and support, demonstrating that collective effort, not individual brilliance, fuels true success.

With the national championship behind them, a new challenge awaited. Their expectations are clear. To win, to learn, and to grow. They carry the hopes of the school, the country, and the continent. This will be the first time SLS is competing for this particular moot court, and they were determined to make history.

Article written by Evans Ijakaa