The journey to Geneva for the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition was more than just a quest for victory—it was a mission to uphold a proud legacy. For the Strathmore Law School team, this journey was marked by ambition, determination, and an unfluctuating commitment to excellence in international trade law.

Representing SLS were Mark Gitau, the seasoned captain, alongside  Alex Kiwara and Wayne Simwa. While this was Mark’s second time in the global moot court arena, it was the first for Alex and Wayne. Despite their inexperience, the weight of Strathmore’s strong mooting tradition and the desire to defend their school’s legacy drove them forward. Alex summed it up: “Seeing past participants celebrated made us realize how much this moot meant. We were determined to defend that legacy.”

The John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition is no ordinary event. Named after John Howard Jackson, a renowned authority in international trade law, the competition explores the complexities of World Trade Organization (WTO) law. It is a prestigious platform for law students from around the world to sharpen their legal skills through simulated disputes. Participants must submit written arguments, which account for 40% of the total score, and engage in intense oral pleadings that contribute to the remaining 60%.

Regional Rounds at Kabarak University: A Test of Grit

The African Regional Rounds, held at Kabarak University, were more than a competition—they were a battlefield where Strathmore’s legacy was on the line. The team faced tough opponents, including the hosts, Kabarak University. With grit and determination, Strathmore triumphed, defeating Kabarak in their home ground and emerging as the best team in Africa.

In the semifinals, Strathmore faced the University of the Witwatersrand from South Africa. Their hard work paid off, with Alex named Best Oralist of the Final Round. The team also secured titles for Best Overall Memorial and Best Team. The victory was pampered with internships at esteemed institutions like the World Trade Institute and the Academy of International Economic Law and Policy.

Reflecting on the competition, Mark praised the caliber of the panelists, stating, “The professionals we encountered were deeply versed in international trade law. Every round tested our legal reasoning and knowledge to the fullest.”

The Road to Geneva: Global Stages and Global Challenges

Fresh off their regional success, the Strathmore team set their sights on Geneva for the global rounds. Arriving early and well-prepared, Mark, Alex, and Wayne were ready to face the top 24 teams from across the globe. The pressure mounted as they navigated through the preliminary rounds, but disaster struck—Mark, their captain and a key player, fell ill. The team was shaken but determined to press on, knowing they had to rely on each other more than ever.

As the announcement of the top eight teams began, Strathmore waited anxiously. With each name called, their hopes wavered until, finally, Strathmore was announced – They had made it to the quarterfinals.

The quarter finals presented a true test of their legal acumen. Panelists posed some of the most difficult questions they had encountered, but Strathmore’s training in logical reasoning prevailed, and they advanced to the semifinals.

The Semifinals: A Global Showdown

By the time they reached the semifinals, exhaustion had set in. Alex, convinced they wouldn’t make it further, had even started making social plans for after the competition. But the team’s perseverance paid off—Strathmore Law School advanced to the finals, defeating formidable opponents along the way.

A strategic move that earned them favor with the panelists involved meticulously researching each panelist’s title, addressing them appropriately with “Dr.” or “Prof.,” earning smiles and, possibly, some leniency in judgment.

The Grand Finale: A Battle of Wills

In the final round, the team faced Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine—an opponent they had beaten earlier in the competition. Mark, recovered from his illness, was named Best Orator of the Semifinals, and Alex was awarded Best Oralist of the Final. The team’s efforts were further rewarded with a 50% scholarship to Georgetown University and a Master’s scholarship for Alex at the World Trade Institute in Bern.

Though the University of Kyiv took the top spot, Strathmore Law School’s performance was nothing short of remarkable. They emerged as the second-best team in the world—a monumental achievement for an African team competing on the global stage.

Reflecting on the journey, the team expressed deep gratitude to the WTO for their visa assistance, and to Strathmore Law School and ELSA (European Law Students’ Association) for covering their costs. They also acknowledged their coaches, Janet Macharia and Cecil, whose support and connections in international trade law were invaluable to their success.

For Mark, Alex, and Wayne, this experience was more than just a competition—it was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and the strength of Strathmore’s mooting culture. Though they finished as runners-up, they left Geneva having solidified Strathmore Law School’s place as a force to be reckoned with in the global legal arena.