University of Nairobi Crowned Global Champions at the 2026 John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition
Ian Kamau Irungu, Isaac Kimeu Kioko and Libby Njoki Maina from the University of Nairobi Faculty of Law emerged winners of the 24th John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition on WTO Law, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 23 to 27 June 2026 bringing Kenya and the University of Nairobi on the global map.
The prestigious competition, co-hosted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and organized by the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA), is the world’s leading moot court competition on international trade law. It simulates proceedings under the WTO dispute settlement system, requiring participants to demonstrate excellence in legal research, written advocacy, and oral argument before panels of distinguished trade law experts.
The 2026 edition attracted 77 university teams from 35 WTO members. Following competitive regional rounds across Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania and the Americas, only 24 teams representing 13 WTO members advanced to the Final Oral Rounds in Geneva.
The University of Nairobi had earlier emerged as the best team at the African Regional Rounds in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and advanced through the quarter-finals and semi-finals before defeating the National Law School of India University, Bangalore, in the Grand Final to claim the global title.
The championship-winning team comprised Ian Kamau Irungu, Isaac Kimeu Kioko and Libby Njoki Maina, whose exceptional advocacy skills and deep understanding of World Trade Organization law earned them recognition among the world’s finest student advocates.
In addition to securing the overall championship, the University of Nairobi recorded remarkable individual achievements. Ian Kamau Irungu was named Best Orator of the Quarter-final Rounds, while Isaac Kimeu Kioko received the award for Best Orator of the Semi-final Rounds, underscoring the team’s outstanding oral advocacy throughout the competition.
The Grand Final was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of international trade law experts chaired by Professor Jennifer Hillman of Georgetown University Law Center, alongside renowned academics and practitioners drawn from the WTO Secretariat, the World Trade Institute and leading international law firms.
This remarkable victory reflects the Faculty of Law’s commitment to academic excellence, advocacy training and the development of globally competitive legal professionals. It also reinforces the University of Nairobi’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence in legal education and international dispute resolution.
The team’s journey to global success was marked by determination and resilience. The University of Nairobi congratulates Ian Kamau Irungu, Isaac Kimeu Kioko and Libby Njoki Maina on this historic achievement. Their success not only brings pride to the University and Kenya but also inspires future generations of law students to pursue excellence in international legal advocacy.
This victory stands as a testament to the University’s unwavering commitment to nurturing world-class professionals capable of competing and excelling on the global stage.
