Kent Law School Senior Lecturer Dr Sara Kendall has been in Nairobi to co-host an interdisciplinary workshop critically exploring the aftermath of the International Criminal Court (ICC) intervention in Kenya.

The workshop, entitled ‘After the ICC Intervention in Kenya: Reflections and Alternatives’, was co-hosted with Dr Njoki Wamai from the Department of International Relations at United States International University Africa (USIU Africa). It was also supported by USIU Africa’s Departments of Sociology and Criminal Justice.

Dr Kendall said: ‘The ICC intervention in Kenya was meant to address crimes against humanity that occurred in the wake of the 2007 elections. The ICC’s accountability efforts generated high hopes, political tensions and grave disappointments before it withdrew from the country in 2016. Although many Kenyans have moved on, whether politically or professionally, many others have continued to deal with the aftermath of the ICC’s dramatic appearance in and rapid departure from the country. The court brought with it a particular vision of accountability and promises to conflict affected communities while also changing the Kenyan political landscape. The workshop brought together advocates, human rights activists, journalists, and academics from Nairobi, Eldoret and Nakuru to reflect upon the ICC’s work in Kenya and its legacy, moving beyond the court to consider other avenues for accountability and redress.’

The workshop, held on Monday 15 April, was funded through Kent’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) ‘Fortuity Fund’ which supports joint projects with institutions in the Global South.

A report of the workshop’s discussion and finding will be produced by Dr Kendall and Dr Wamai. Anyone wishing to use the report for future academic work and advocacy efforts in Kenya can request a copy from Dr Kendall.