Strathmore Law School continues to dominate the mooting stage, raising the school’s flag higher and even Kenya’s on regional and global stages. They say familiarity breeds trophies but a rising culture of peer moot coaching continues to shape this student activity.

While moot coaching at SLS was traditionally led by lecturers, graduate assistants and professional coaches, the mooters themselves are stepping in to guide new teams. Nigel Akilimali, Ivan Kiriga, Asma Mohamed, Sagal Mohamed, Philip Thomas Mboya, and Charlotte Mwathi represent this new wave of peer coaches, passing on a culture they inherited from their coaches.

This phenomenon was noted in this year’s All Kenya Moot Court Competition (AKMCC), where SLS successfully defended its 2025 title. The winning first-year team, Raha Mueni and Amara Visram, benefited from the integrated coaching model, in which junior coaches worked alongside the faculty. 

“We have always been told that everything taught should be played forward. That’s exactly what we are trying to do,” says Philip Thomas Mboya, recalling the guidance from former coach, Alvin Kubasu. 

This spirit later drew others in. Ivan Kiriga, who initially joined a session just to observe, found himself compelled to contribute.  “After listening, I really felt the urge to step in. I wanted to see the trophy retained by SLS.”

A Culture Built on Peer Support

According to the upcoming lawyers, the model works because of relatability. Having recently navigated the same challenges, peer coaches are able to connect more easily with current competitors.  

“We are driven by the desire to give back and to see the next generation do even better,” says Philip Mboya. “Because we are literally peers, it becomes easier to connect and achieve results.”

Sagal Mohamed emphasizes that while winning remains the goal, the process matters just as much. “Mooting changes you. It gives you skills that go beyond the competition and into your academics. Yes, you sacrifice a lot, but it’s worth it.”

What Set This Year’s Team Apart

Intentionality is a defining feature of the SLS approach. Charlotte Mwathi describes a process where arguments are tested from every possible angle before a team ever steps into a competition.

“Our coaches are very intentional. We have watched them sacrifice their time to build teams brick by brick,” she explains. “By the end of it, everyone has had a hand in shaping the argument. You’ve already thought through almost every possible question even before the moot itself.”

This year, Nairobi experienced a devastating flood which coincided with the moot training sessions. The junior coaches recall the team staying committed to the training sessions during the floods. “They were still showing up, still working,” says Nigel, maintaining that he was impressed by that level of discipline.

The team itself reflected a balance of strengths. Ivan highlights that while Raha Mueni was a good oralist, Amara Visram anchored the team with her great research skills. 

Moments That Mattered

“When I realized they had made it to the finals, and they were first years, it was such a proud feeling. I almost cried,” Ivan Kiriga says, recalling the moment the pair reached the Supreme Court stage.

For Charlotte Mwathi, the shift came after the quarterfinals. Watching from a distance, she noticed how the team was engaging with their arguments. 

“When they moved to the semis and I saw how they were discussing as a team, I knew they were going to win,” she says. “When they finally got the trophy, it was such an emotional moment.” Sagal Mohamed echoes her sentiments, saying that the final round at the Supreme Court was a standout moment.

Philip Mboya remembers the finals for Amara’s performance. “When she was responding, her composure and understanding of the subject matter made me really proud,” he says.

For Nigel, the win confirmed everything they had been working towards. “After hours of telling them they could win, seeing it happen meant everything,” he says.

“Seeing first years, when their names were being announced, knowing they had beaten the whole of Kenya, that was such a proud moment for me,” says Asma Mohamed.

Advice for Future Mooters

“The hardest part is starting,” Ivan says. “Once you begin, everything else follows. I think everyone should take that step.”

Community, they emphasize, makes all the difference. “Build relationships with your coaches and your peers,” Philip advises. “That community is what sustains you. In many ways, you’ve already won when you have that.”

The junior coaches also highlight the importance of embracing discomfort. “Be comfortable being uncomfortable,” says Asma Mohamed. “Growth doesn’t happen in comfort.”

For Sagal, progress comes from openness. “Ask questions,” she says. “Criticism isn’t about you, it’s about improving the argument.” 

And finally, “Bet on yourself,” Charlotte Mwathi says.

Article written by Evans Ijakaa.