Women in ADR Urge Kenyans to Embrace Amicable Dispute Resolution for Stability and Growth
The Mt Kenya Times 
WADR representatives in picture
By: Cynthia Masibo
Amidst mounting social, economic, and political tensions gripping the country, Women in Alternative Dispute Resolution (WADR) has issued a passionate appeal to Kenyans from all walks of life, calling for the prioritization of peaceful and constructive approaches to conflict resolution. With the nation at a crossroads, the group warns that without urgent adoption of amicable dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, Kenya risks undoing years of progress in governance, enterprise development, and national unity.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, WADR representatives highlighted the growing frequency of conflicts across various sectors from politics and business to community relations and underscored the need to move away from adversarial and often violent methods of dealing with disputes. “When society chooses hostility and violence over constructive dialogue, we all lose,” the statement read. “But when we sit down to reason and resolve our differences, businesses flourish, institutions regain trust, and hope is restored for all Kenyans.”
The organization’s leaders stressed that ADR tools including mediation, conciliation, reconciliation, and dialogue not only help preserve relationships and restore trust but also alleviate pressure on the overburdened justice system. “Embracing ADR will promote access to justice, protect commercial interests, and cultivate a culture of respect for the rule of law,” WADR stated. “In this period of economic pressures and shifting political tides, we cannot afford to let disputes escalate into destructive conflicts.”
Notably, the private sector has echoed these sentiments, with entrepreneurs and investors expressing a need for a stable, predictable environment to support business operations and investment. WADR called on businesses to adopt practices such as pre-litigation dialogue, include dispute management clauses in contracts, and support development of robust community mediation frameworks.
Emphasizing that effective dispute resolution is both a moral and a national duty, WADR reiterated that Kenya must position itself as a leader not just in economic growth, but also in the management of dissent and conflict. “Our stability enhances Kenya’s appeal as an international hub for dispute resolution. Instability only undermines the nation’s capacity to attract global investments and host regional peace initiatives.”
The organization outlined clear steps for the public: actively consider amicable dispute resolution; engage professional mediators and arbitrators, especially from the qualified pool of women in ADR; shun incitement and rhetoric that promotes division; support community and institutional peacebuilding efforts; and demand transparency and dialogue from leaders at all levels.
WADR’s call comes at a time when Kenya, like much of Africa, faces challenging political realignments and economic headwinds. Chairperson Lorna Wanjiru remarked, “Resolving conflict with wisdom rather than war, and with understanding rather than upheaval, must be our guiding principle.”
As the nation looks ahead, the challenge remains for all Kenyans leaders, professionals, and ordinary citizens to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and, in doing so, safeguard Kenya’s social and economic fabric for future generations.
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