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James Mwangi from Kenya is the CEO at Nairobi-headquartered consultancy firm, Kurrent Technologies Ltd. James is a mechanical engineer with 38 years’ experience in the oil, gas, power generation and renewable energy sectors. James is also a former chairman of FIDIC-Africa. He is also a Board Member at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) the Apex voice of the Private Sector in Kenya, a Director at the Petroleum Institute of East Africa, a Member of the Energy Institute (U.K.) and a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya. His firm, Kurrent Technologies Ltd, is currently undertaking large energy projects, ranging from large petroleum facilities including LPG facilities, petroleum pipelines, exploration and production of oil, hydrogen plants, power generation plants including LNG, wind and solar plants, electrical transmission lines and feasibility studies etc. James has dedicated a lot of time and effort in advocacy in the Engineering Profession, Energy and Oil & Gas sectors, business, Integrity, and infrastructure matters. James was elected at the 2020 FIDIC GAM. He was elected Vice president at the 2023 FIDIC GAM for a period of two years.
Dr. (Eng.) John Mativo, MBS holds a Doctorate (PhD) degree in Civil Engineering from Tokyo Metropolitan University (Japan), a master’s degree in Structural Engineering from Tongji University (China), and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nairobi.
He has over 25 years working experience in both the public and private sector accumulating extensive experience in research, planning, design, construction supervision and contract management for transmission infrastructure, residential houses, office blocks and marine structures.
Prior to joining KETRACO, Eng. Mativo worked with H.P. Gauff Consulting Engineer, Ministry of Roads and Public Works and later as a Consultant for European Union -funded projects in the Local Government.
He is also a Professional Engineer with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a Fellow Member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya.
Sylvia is a practicing architect and Arbitrator with 20 years of experience in the construction industry and an award-winning mental health champion.
She is the Founder and Managing Director of Sycum Solutions Company Limited, an Architectural and Dispute Resolution firm based in Nairobi.
In 2017-2022, Sylvia served as a nominated senator in the Kenyan Parliament. She sponsored ADR Bill and the Mental Health Amendment Act 2022. She served as the Chair of the Senate Ad hoc committee on Covid-19. She has also served in the Ad hoc Committee on the Solai Dam tragedy and in the standing committees on Land, Environment and Natural Resources and Roads and Transportation.
Sylvia runs a 10 million tree growing project in Kenya campaigning activity for greening of dry land areas.
she was recently appointed as Chairperson in committee that will recommend the upgrading of Thika Town to Thika Smart City in Kiambu County, Kenya.
Sylvia serves as a director and past treasurer at the Board of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya and a member of the UK Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. She is the Chairperson of the Lukenya University Board of Trustees. She is a founding member and president of The Architects Alliance- a collective of architects advocating for the Architect. She serves in the Executive committee of the Women in ADR. She is also a Rotarian with the Lavington Rotary Club.
Ngo-Martins Okonmah is a Partner at ALN Nigeria | Aluko & Oyebode. He is a skilled arbitration lawyer with specific expertise in construction law, oil & gas, intellectual property law. He currently heads the firm’s construction and engineering practice. He has acted as counsel or arbitrator in international arbitration proceedings conducted under the UNCITRAL, LCIA and ICC Rules governed by a variety of substantive laws and seated in jurisdictions such as Nigeria, London, Zurich and Miami, Florida. He has advised and represented clients in enforcing and recognising arbitral awards before Nigerian courts. Also, Ngo-Martins has experience advising on project development, construction and engineering contracts including FIDIC, NEC, JCT and bespoke funder’s led EPC, EPCM contracts, in a variety of sectors, including oil & gas, power, and general infrastructure. He possesses a keen understanding of the infrastructure and projects industry and takes pride in delivering top-notch legal services. according to legal 500, ‘Ngo-Martins Okonmah possess a razor-sharp mind and deep insight in construction related matters and solution oriented’
Ngo-Martins is active in several professional organisations and involved in wider efforts toward the development of construction law and arbitration in Africa, being the founder and executive director of Africa Construction Law initiative, a pan-African initiative set up to promote construction law within Africa; and a founding member and director of Africa Arbitration Academy, an initiative established to improve expertise and training of arbitration practitioners across Africa.
John is a construction partner at Pinsent Masons in London with 29 years’ experience in advising on construction projects including 15 years’ experience of advising on projects in Africa. John’s focus is on energy and infrastructure projects, and he is fully engaged in the debate on how innovative technology has the ability to transform both contract procurement and negotiation as well as project delivery, record keeping and claims processes
Simon Kiriba is a Partner at the Bowmans, Nairobi office. He is a construction lawyer involved in complex front-end construction contracting, dispute resolution (including adjudication), and disputes management within the construction sector.
Simon was a core member of the drafting team updating the Joint Building & Construction Council (JBCC) 1999 standard form contract.
He has successfully advised on numerous significant construction projects spanning Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ghana.
He has been recognised as a construction law specialist by leading international lawyers’ awards such as The Legal 500.
Noella is a Partner at Oraro & Company Advocates, specializing in dispute resolution and arbitration. With over 14 years of experience, she focuses her practice on international arbitration, asset tracing and recovery, commercial litigation, construction arbitration, shareholder conflicts, and insolvency & restructuring. Chambers Global 2024 ranks her in Dispute Resolution and Dispute Resolution: Arbitrators with clients praising her diligence and client-centered approach.
She’s also a Next Generation Partner in Legal 500’s 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 rankings, recognized for her responsiveness, research skills, and approachability. Noella is featured in The Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist: Africa 2023 and was named one of ‘Africa’s 30 Most Promising Arbitrators 2022’ by the Association of Young Arbitrators.
Noella holds an LL.M. from the University of Cape Town, an LL.B. from the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and a post-graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She’s an accomplished speaker, sharing legal insights globally, including in the UK and Austria.
David Kaggwa is an International Arbitrator and Construction lawyer with over 18 years’ experience in representing clients in resolving complex disputes involving major Infrastructure and Construction projects.
David is the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – Uganda, a Senior Partner at Kaggwa & Kaggwa Advocates, a law firm specializing in International Construction Law and International Arbitration.
David has acted as Counsel and Arbitrator in several construction related arbitral disputes brought under the major arbitration rules including; the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL Rules), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). David has delivered Arbitral awards which have all been enforced by the Court.
David is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), a Fellow of the Institute of Construction Claims Practitioners (FICCP), a Member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), member of the Society of Construction Law (UK) and a member of the Society of Construction Law for Africa.
David Kaggwa holds a Master of Laws Degree in Construction Law and Arbitration from Aberdeen Scotland, a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Makerere University and a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and is an Advocate of the Courts of Judicature of Uganda
Dr. Linde-Arias is a technical expert with over twenty years of global experience in geotechnical and ground engineering, working for consultants and contractors on the management, planning, procurement, design, and construction of large-scale and complex infrastructure projects and underground structures. Dr. Linde-Arias has provided testimony and expert opinion at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Dr. Linde-Arias is the author of several papers on geotechnical engineering issues and contractual practices to deal with unforeseen ground conditions.
Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, Certified Secretary, Public Procurement, Public Private Infrastructure Partnerships (CP3P) & Projects Management Professional (PMP) and Contracts Manager. He is a member of the World Association of PPP Units & Professionals (WAPPP), Arbitrator, Adjudicator, FIDIC Contracts Specialist and Mediator. He currently serves as a Legal Counsel and PPP Expert with the Public Private Partnerships Directorate, National Treasury, Kenya and is an Adjunct Faculty of the Strathmore University Business School lecturing Public Procurement Law, Public Private Partnerships Law, Policy & Practice and Corporate Law.
He has, among other previous roles, recently served as the Chief Legal Officer, Projects & Disputes Resolution with the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC. He holds LL.M (Public Finance & Financial Services Law – University of Nairobi); LL.B (University of Nairobi); and is an Alumni of the Oxford Leading Strategic Projects Programme; King’s College London/FIDIC Summer School (2021) Programme; International Law Institute – Oxford Policy Renewable Energy Program Fellow (2022); York University, Schulich Business School Sustainable Infrastructure Program Fellow (2022); and Australia – International Development Assistance (IDA) Program African Fellow of the Public Private Infrastructure Partnerships Programme (2018). He holds various executive programme’s certifications and trainings in Strategic Negotiations, Public Policy, Projects Management, Private Equity and Venture Capital all from the Strathmore University Business School; Contracts Management from the University of Southampton, Executive Course in International Investment Law & Arbitration – Queen Mary University of London; Advanced Investment Arbitration Program – World Bank’s International Centre of Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), Georgetown University Law Center and the International Law Institute; Advanced Project Finance Training under the auspice of the World Bank Group and the SADC Development Finance Resource Centre. Ibrahim has been awarded the Public Sector Lawyer of the Year 2022 by the Law Society of Kenya.
Mrs. Rattray is a senior engineer with more than 37 years professional experience. She has a
Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from McGill University in Canada, specializing in
structural engineering. She has had lead responsibilities on numerous infrastructure projects,
in the transportation, building, water supply and sanitation and energy sectors, in Zambia,
Tanzania, Mozambique, DR Congo, Chad and Israel. She is a Director and Partner of Rankin
Engineering Consultants, headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia. She is a Chartered Arbitrator,
FIDIC Certified Adjudicator and is listed on the FIDIC President’s List of Approved Dispute
Adjudicators. Her experience includes international and domestic arbitration and adjudication
including Dispute Board experience.
Stefan Brill is a legal professional with a career spanning over 20 years, commanding a wealth of experience within the international construction and engineering domains. His proficiency encompasses an array of disciplines including claims and contract management, dispute resolution, and strategic advisory consultancy. His niche lies in power generation, and Stefan has been instrumental throughout the lifecycle of projects—spanning pre-construction, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and final handover phases. Stefan’s portfolio spans numerous continents, encompassing notable mega-projects across the globe. His counsel is sought-after by project owners, contractors, and contract administrators alike, underpinned by practical insight. Marrying his deep comprehension of quantum and delay-related intricacies with his legal background, Stefan is able to illuminate the intricate nexus of cost, time, and contractual facets of construction projects and claims. He holds a ‘Licenciado en Derecho’ (BSc MSc Law) degree from the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain, and is a member of the Barcelona
Bar Association (Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Barcelona).
Thomas has over 14 years’ experience advising developer and contractor clients across the lifecycle of major projects in the energy, construction and infrastructure sectors globally. He typically advises clients on day-to-day contract management issues, and the resolution of multi-million Dollar claims through Court, arbitration, adjudication and other alternative dispute resolution proceedings. His practice is recognised as “Stand-out” in the energy sector by Legal 500 where he has advised in relation to South Africa’s largest conventional power plants, and has a particular focus on the energy transition advising developers of large scale domestic and international windfarm projects, and EPC and O&M Contractor teams in relation to biomass and major solar PV and CSP plants on the African continent.
Thomas is the South African board representative of Africa Construction Law, a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and sits on the Arbitral Foundation of South Africa’s (AFSA) International Arbitration committee.
Anthony Edwards has over 40 years experience as a construction and engineering professional, specialising in dispute resolution. Anthony initially qualified as a civil engineering Quantity Surveyor, then as a Barrister-at-Law, Chartered Arbitrator, Adjudicator, Mediator, Dispute Board acting as either chairman, party appointed member or sole Adjudicator, Arbitrator or DAB. Anthony’s international practice at 39 Essex Chambers, London, includes acting as counsel and tribunal.
Anthony holds the following panel appointments and memberships as Arbitrator, Adjudicator, DAB and Mediator: CIArb, IChemE, FIDIC, HKIAC, SHIAC, IDRC, TecBar, CEDR, TeCSA, Bar Council, LCIA, LMAA, MCIOB and ACE.
Nyagah Boore Kithinji, QS, Advocate, Contract Administrator, Negotiator, Mediator, Adjudicator, Arbitrator, Teacher.
BA (Buiding Economics), 1985, UoN; MA (Building Management), 1989, UoN; LL.B (Bachelor of Laws), 2012, UNISA; LL.M (Construction Law and Arbitration), 2016, Aberdeen Business School, RGU; LL.M (Trial Advocacy), 2022, Centre of Excellence for Advocacy – Stetson University; LL.M (International Arbitration and Business Law), American University at DC – Completed April 2024; Dip. Law (Post-graduate), 2015, KSL; Dip Management (Postgraduate) Australian Institute of Business; Dip Arbitration (Domestic), 2018, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators; MAAK (Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya); FIQSK (Fellow of the Institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya); MICPMK (Member of the Institute of Construction Project Managers of Kenya); CPM (Certified Professional Mediator), MTi; FCIArb (Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators); Member of the Law Society of Kenya; Director of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Kenya; Lecturer, University of Nairobi
Tom Smith is a partner in the International Arbitration, Construction & Engineering team at Hogan Lovells in London. Tom has particular expertise in the resolution of disputes associated with complex engineering and infrastructure projects and is experienced in advising clients in relation to projects based in Europe, Africa and Asia in the oil and gas, conventional and nuclear power, offshore wind, commercial space flight, defence, and transport industries. He has extensive experience of arbitration under the rules of the ICC, LCIA, LMAA and UNCITRAL rules, and has also acted in cases brought before the Commercial Court, and the Technology & Construction Court in London, the courts of several European jurisdictions and before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Tom combines his disputes practice with advisory work, supporting businesses to identify and manage risk throughout the entire life cycle of their projects.
Diogo is the partner who heads the Public Law practice. He has 20 years’ experience, particularly in the areas of administrative law, public contracts, public procurement and construction. His experience also includes litigation in the state courts and arbitration, both as a lawyer and as an arbitrator.
Diogo also has experience in regulatory issues in multiple sectors, having worked on some of the largest construction projects, concessions, privatisations and public-private partnerships in Portugal. In recent years, he has also worked with clients in other countries, particularly Angola and Mozambique. Here, Diogo has advised on several infrastructure projects and he has experience in
the construction, transport, real estate and energy sectors.
He was a university lecturer for around 10 years and has a master’s in legal-economic sciences. Diogo still works regularly with higher education institutions and he is also the author of works on the areas to which he is dedicated. Diogo is on the list of arbitrators of several arbitration centres, a member of the Management Committee of the Concordia – Centre for Dispute Conciliation and Mediation, and president of the Supervisory Board of the Public Markets Association (APMEP).
Oghogho is a partner in Aluko & Oyebode where she heads the Business Advisory and Energy, Infrastructure and Mining practices. Her core practice areas are energy and natural resources, PPPs, private equity, corporate restructuring, divestitures, infrastructure finance and regulatory compliance.
Oghogho has an LL.M and is admitted to the Nigerian Bar. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; and is a member of the Energy Institute, Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), Nigerian Gas Association, Women In Energy, Nigeria (WIEN) and a life member of Women in Management, Business and Public Service Nigeria.
She has received global recognition for her expertise and transactions which include: 2024 Chambers & Projects Global Guide in Projects and Finance and Corporate Commercial; 2024 Legal500 EMEA rankings as a Leading Individual in Commercial, Corporate, M & A; Energy and Natural Resources; and infrastructure financing.
Melis Mani is Group Leader for International Legal Department Vienna Office of Strabag Group.
She is inhouse legal counsel for Strabag Group since 2015 and has vast experience of drafting, reviewing, negotiation and execution of FIDIC and NEC based and bespoke form of construction contracts, joint venture and consortium agreements, supply and subcontract agreements, EPC contracts, NDAs, guarantee letters, and other legal documents. Ms. Mani provides legal research and advice, factual information, counselling, and guidance on legal issues regarding the projects as well as legal advice and advocacy for claim preparation, DAB, DB, mediation, litigation and arbitration processes and steering of the same. She has been working in the construction industry since 2009.
Ms. Mani has master’s degree on International Private Law and doctorate degree on Public Law from Ankara University, Turkey.
Mr. Karim Ihab Ramsis is a Partner in Zulficar & Partners Law Firm’s International Arbitration Group. Mr. Ramsis is a dual-qualified lawyer in Egypt, and England and Wales. Mr. Ramsis specializes in commercial and investment arbitration with around 10 years of post-qualification experience. Mr. Ramsis regularly represents clients in complex arbitration cases under the auspices of various arbitral institutions, including the ICC, CRCICA, DIAC, ADCCAC, ICSID, and UNCITRAL. Mr. Ramsis has previously advised clients on a wide array of laws in the MENA region, including Egyptian, UAE, Omani, Kuwaiti, Syrian and Saudi (Shari’a) laws.
Yolanda is a Partner at global law firm DWF LLP and is based in London. Yolanda advises clients on the operation of contracts and the resolution of disputes through negotiation, adjudication, mediation, arbitration and litigation and has experience of working with clients throughout the lifecycle of a project to assist in the management of risk, the avoidance of disputes and to help achieve the best result commercially.
Yolanda has expertise in all major standard forms of contract, including JCT, NEC and FIDIC. Yolanda has advised owners and contractors and employers on a variety of projects. These have included buildings, road projects, tunnels, LNG plants and pipelines. Yolanda is a director of Africa Construction Law, a pan-African thought-leadership initiative operating across Africa and in the diaspora to promote construction law and practice in Africa.
Yolanda regularly presents to various institutions at seminars and training workshops internationally and the UK.
Yolanda is also recognised by Who’s Who Legal and is ranked as a “Future Leader in Construction”.
Mercy Milgo is a barrister at Keating Chambers, London, UK. She has a varied and busy commercial practice across Chambers’ main practice areas including construction and engineering (particularly building and fire safety matters), energy & natural resources (waste-to-energy plants), international arbitration, adjudication, and insurance (relating to construction projects). Mercy is familiar with all common standard forms including the NEC, FIDIC, as well as bespoke construction contracts and EPC agreements. She has a particular interest in NEC3 and NEC4 and is a contributing author of Keating on NEC (2nd edition). Mercy regularly represents clients in English Courts and in adjudications.
Before coming to the Bar, Mercy read for the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at St Peter’s College, University of Oxford. Having grown up in Kenya, Mercy is fluent in Kiswahili and Kalenjin and is familiar with the East African region.
Elizabeth is a dual qualified solicitor in England and Wales and Ghana and is a Partner in the Energy & Infrastructure Practice Group at Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah in Ghana.
Elizabeth is a ranked lawyer in Infrastructure projects in Chambers Global, Legal 500 (EMEA) and IFLR1000 and regularly advises clients on infrastructure, real estate development and finance projects. Elizabeth’s clients include Government institutions, sponsors, lenders, developers, construction companies and charities.
She has been involved in developing the PPP legal framework in Ghana including being part of a team that drafted the public private partnership regulations to the draft PPP Law and is currently drafting a model PPP Framework Agreement for the Ministry of Finance suitable for a range of infrastructure projects.
Elizabeth regularly speaks at conferences and has written articles and chapters on numerous matters including construction, public procurement, PPPs, real estate, aircraft finance and aircraft liens.
Mrs. Kiara Binta Nkuranga is a law graduate of the prestigious Makerere University Kampala (2010). She holds a postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre, Uganda and is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, London. She is an Advocate of the High Court, a member of the Uganda Law Society, the East African Law Society as well as the Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity.
She boasts of over 10 years’ experience in the construction sector currently, working as the Legal Manager at DOTT Services Limited, the highest ranked local contractor in Uganda (by PwC). She represents the Company in various legal disputes before courts of judicature, specialized courts of law and tribunals and informal dispute resolutions with Project Affected Persons. She also advises the Company on all matters of law associated with routine corporate law compliance matters, private equity, insurance regulatory compliances; with expertise and experience in Construction Law, Dispute Resolution and Employment practices.
In the employment space, Kiara is at the forefront of guiding the Company on its obligations under the Ugandan Labour laws, directly handling issues to do with employee relations, legal and regulatory compliance as well as formulation and review of the company human resource manuals and policies and a trained QMS internal auditor under ISO 9001:2015.
Kiara is also the Board Secretary at The Uganda National Association of Builders, Suppliers and Engineering Contractors (UNABSEC) – an umbrella body of genuine contractors and suppliers in Uganda’s construction industry. By virtue of her position at UNABSEC, she sits on five Board committees of which she chairs four. At policy level, through the Association, she has co-written a paper that has been presented to the Parliamentary Committee on Infrastructure in regard to Local Content Component in infrastructure projects which views were incorporated into the Bill for a comprehensive statute in the offing.
Professor Renato Nazzini FCIArb is the Director of the Centre of Construction Law & Dispute Resolution at King’s College London and a Partner at LMS Legal LLP. He is an experienced arbitrator (chair, sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator and emergency arbitrator) and counsel in international arbitration with varied industry knowledge, not only in construction, oil and gas and infrastructure but many more, including M&A, IT and digital, pharmaceuticals and distribution. He is a dually qualified English solicitor and Italian advocate and has worked in arbitrations in Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. He is a member of the ICC Arbitration and ADR commission, Italy, a member of the ICC Task Force on Dealing with Corruption Issues in International Arbitration, a member of the Advisory Board of Africa Construction Law and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Renato has published seven books, including ‘Key Themes in International Construction Arbitration’ and ‘Construction Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution’. He also authored more than 100 articles and book chapters on international arbitration and competition law and is general co-editor or member of the editorial board of four leading international journals. He has been Visiting Professor at the University of Turin, the University of Zurich, and FGV of San Paulo, Brazil. He holds a PhD from the University of London and a PhD from the University of Milan.
Dr. Bernd Ehle is a partner at LALIVE (Geneva/Zurich/London) specializing in international arbitration. Bernd has extensive experience as both counsel and arbitrator in over 100 high-stakes disputes conducted under various arbitration rules and governed by civil and common law. His practice focuses on complex disputes involving in particular large-scale construction, infrastructure and mining projects. Bernd is committed to dispute resolution and related capacity building, in particular in Africa, to which a significant portion of his work is related. His experience includes serving on dispute adjudication boards. Bernd is a member of the Arbitration Court of the Swiss Arbitration Centre and of the Advisory Board of Africa Construction Law (ACL). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), a Co-chair of the Construction Group of the German Arbitration Institute (DIS) and a member of the Executive Committee of the Foundation for International Arbitration Advocacy (FIAA).
Rajat Singla, a civil engineer with a Master of Laws specializing in Dispute Resolution from the University of New South Wales, Australia, possesses over a decade of experience in the construction industry. With a background as a project quantity surveyor and contracts administrator, Rajat transitioned to consultant and expert roles, specializing in delay analysis, contract & claims management, and dispute resolution.
As an expert witness and consultant, he excels in preparing clear, concise reports and providing innovative solutions to complex issues. Rajat has extensive experience in construction management, having worked with various contract types and represented both employers and contractors. He has testified in arbitrations and participated in mediation proceedings, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to the field. Dedicated to continuous learning, he stays updated with industry developments through ongoing education, webinars, seminars, and panel discussions.
Fluent in English and Hindi, with global experience spanning India, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Russia, he offers a diverse perspective to clients worldwide. As he continues to navigate the complexities of construction dispute resolution, Rajat sets a standard of excellence, shaping the future of the industry.
Jacqueline is advancing her academic journey as a doctoral candidate at the University of Nairobi (UON), exploring the regulation aspects of Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Finance, and Environmental Social Governance within the Kenyan context. She has an enriched educational background with two LL.M. degrees: one in Comparative & International Dispute Resolution from Queen Mary University of London and another in Public Finance & Financial Services Law from UON.
She is the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Kenya Branch and is an ADR expert. She is well-versed in arbitration, officially recognized as a Chartered Arbitrator, and a diploma holder in International Arbitration. Her proficiency extends to construction adjudication. Her expertise is bolstered by her connection to the Dispute Resolution Board Foundation plus her specialized training from King’s College London and FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) in Construction Law. Additionally, she is a Chartered Mediator with advanced mediator skills being certified by both the International Mediation Institute and the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators. She is the sole Kenyan mediator approved by FIFA and is a pioneer accredited mediator within the Kenyan Judiciary.
She represented CIARB in the National Steering Committee for the Formulation of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy 2020 where she convened the NSC Sub-Committee on Legislative Proposals. The National ADR Policy was approved by the Kenyan Cabinet in March 2023.
Governance is another sphere where her expertise shines as the Vice Chairman of the Institute of Certified Secretaries being a Fellow Certified Secretary Kenya and accredited Governance Auditor. Her proficiency is further solidified by her role as the Vice Chairman of the KNCCI – Mombasa Chapter and certification as a Legal and Compliance Auditor from Kenya School of Law where she is an adjunct lecturer.
Her achievements have been acknowledged with prestigious accolades such as the Top 50 Women Nairobi Legal Awards 2024, Africa Woman Leaders Award, 2023 and Africa Influential Female Lawyers 2022, and others. She has contributed to academia through published articles and presentations at conferences and she serves as an Associate Editor for the CIARB Kenya ADR Journal, and as a co-author of noteworthy publications. Lastly, she holds accreditation as a patent agent from the Kenya Industrial Property Institute, reaffirming her diversity in legal disciplines.
Paul Ngotho HSC is a Chartered Arbitrator and full-time arbitration and construction adjudication practitioner, author and tutor. He holds an LL.M in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London.
He is on numerous international arbitrator panels and has arbitrated a wide range of disputes. He has experience as sole, wing as well as presiding arbitrator and has chaired a 5-member arbitral tribunal.
His latest article is on his innovative, objective, tried and tested method for use by party-appointed tribunal members in appointing the presiding member. The method can also be used by parties, counsel and any independent appointing authority for that purpose.
Being the author of five published books on arbitration makes Paul one of Africa’s most prolific writers in that field. Some of his close to 100 presentations and articles have been published in various peer-reviewed professional journals and cited in numerous academic writings including LLM and PhD dissertations.
He is a regular speaker in arbitration conferences in Kenya and abroad. His specialism is the practical aspects of arbitration and critical analyses of legal texts. The unique construction sector issues, arbitrator integrity and diversity, including gender and non-lawyer involvement, are his pet subjects. He is set to speak in the Paris Arbitration Week in 2025 as a guest of one of the sponsors.
Paul is an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Nairobi. He considers himself greatly honoured to have the opportunity of introducing the next generation of built-environment professionals to the world of ADR and arbitration. He sponsors the annual Ngotho Arbitration Excellence Awards at the University. He is also a course director and tutor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators courses on construction adjudication and international arbitration.
“…a very detailed person who is very passionate about anything that he does” Chambers & Partners 2020 Ranking.
His contact is ngothoprop@yahoo.com and www.ngotho.co.ke
Dr. Engy Serag is the Executive Director of Contracts and Claims at Orascom Construction in Egypt, the Middle East, and North America, as well as an Adjunct Faculty member at the American University in Cairo and a former Assistant Professor at San Diego State University. She earned her PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Central Florida as well as an LLM from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She has a number of papers relating to construction contracts and claims management, FIDIC contract interpretation, and productivity loss. Along with other professional associations, Dr. Serag is a member of the Industrial Advisory Board for the Construction Engineering Department at the American University in Cairo. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) and registered arbitrator in the Egyptian Ministry of Justice and Cairo Regional Center for International Commercial Arbitration
Matthew Walker focuses his practice in construction law and dispute resolution. He has acted as advocate and counsel in ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, ad hoc and QICCA arbitrations in Qatar, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Hong Kong, India and UK, and has litigated in the High Court of England & Wales. He sits as arbitrator, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, and has been accredited as a Mediator by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Matthew also provides non-contentious construction advice and drafted construction contracts (including FIDIC, NEC, JCT, ACE, RIBA and bespoke forms) on construction projects of varying size and complexity. He is listed by Who’s Who Legal as Recommended for Arbitration, 2024, and as a Global Elite Thought Leader for Construction, 2021-2023. In Legal 500, Matthew is described by clients as “a first-rate, knowledgeable construction lawyer.”
Nick is a consultant specialising in large infrastructure projects across the globe. With extensive experience in Project Management Consulting (PMC), Front End Engineering Design (FEED), and Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC), Nick offers profound insights into large-scale infrastructure megaprojects across diverse sectors including oil and gas, chemicals, large-scale developments, flooding and drainage, and maritime ports.
Nick’s expertise extends to providing technical support and management for international construction arbitrations, where he excels in preparation, analysis, and resolution of construction claims and disputes. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in risk management, coastal and marine technical matters, project governance, change management, project scheduling, contract review and assessments, process improvement, change order negotiations, dispute avoidance, and construction claims.
Notably, Nick spearheaded the successful implementation of Gabon’s national infrastructure plan, playing a pivotal role in the establishment of l’Agence National de Grands Travaux (ANGT), a government agency overseeing diverse projects in environment, railways, airports, housing, education, health, water, and tourism. His collaborative efforts with the government led to the empowerment of ANGT to manage over 200 projects, while also facilitating knowledge transfer through workshops, seminars, lectures, and job training for local communities in Gabon, ensuring sustained success for ANGT in the future.
Kevin is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Quantum Expert, providing expert evidence in arbitration, litigation and adjudication proceedings on high value, complex construction and engineering disputes. He is a Director in the Construction Advisory team at J.S. Held, based in London. Kevin and the JS Held team specialise in the resolution of complex disputes using advanced technology in the process.
Kevin has worked in the construction industry for 18 years, working both for main contractors and clients on building and engineering projects on projects in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Kevin is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Academy of Experts, and holds a Masters degree in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution from King’s College London.
Kwadwo Sarkodie is a partner in the International Arbitration group of the London office. He has wide-
ranging international experience, having advised in relation to projects and disputes in Sub-Saharan Africa,
Latin America, India, Russia and the Middle East. He regularly advises in relation to international
arbitrations, including under the ICC, UNCITRAL and LCIA rules. Kwadwo has written extensively
regarding dispute resolution and arbitration in Sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition, Kwadwo has a well-developed practice in the construction and engineering field. He regularly
advises employers, insurers, contractors, subcontractors and consultants in relation to disputes under a
variety of forms of construction contract (both standard form and bespoke). He has extensive experience
with regard to litigation, mediation and adjudication.
Kwadwo is a member of the LCIA African Users Council, the African Arbitration Association and the
International Bar Association, and has spoken at numerous conferences in Europe and Africa on
international arbitration and investment disputes.
Stephen is a Partner of CBBG Group and has over 25 years industry experience in consultancy and client roles across various sectors in Africa, the Middle East and the United Kingdom.
Stephen has been appointed as a Quantum Expert in arbitrations under Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) rules and has experience of giving oral evidence under cross examination and ‘hot tubbing’.
Stephen has also carried out independent third-party expert determinations, and prepared and defended contractual claims on matters related to the valuation of variations, prolongation costs, disputed payments, disputed final accounts and counter claims. Stephen has extensive experience in Dispute Resolution, Commercial Management and Contract Administration under various forms of contract including FIDIC, ICE, JCT, NEC and bespoke forms.
Claudia O’Brien is a Partner and Head of Africa Operations with HKA, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with over 25 years of experience in the investigations and forensics sectors, covering both the public and private sectors.
Before joining HKA, Claudia held a series of senior positions at the Special Investigating Unit and Office of the Auditor-General in South Africa. Throughout her career, Claudia has specialised in the strategic and operational planning and execution of high-profile, complex, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency forensic investigation projects. She has a strong background in the investigation of organised crime, commercial crime, corruption, fraud, maladministration, statutory transgressions etc. and she is experienced in conducting civil and criminal litigation flowing from such investigations.
claudiaobrien@hka.com
+27 11 731 7000
Johan is a Director of FTI Consulting in Paris and has around 20 years industry experience in EPC Contractor roles as project control and project management position across various projects in Africa, Europe, and South America.
Johan has been extensively involved in the set-up, management, and development of activities of project control / project management: budget and cost control, planning, contracts and subcontracts management, risk management, document control and analysis of key performance indicators. I n addition, Johan worked on the development of new project approach (IA for scheduling, document management and its confidentiality, …)
Johan has been working as a Quantum and Delay Expert in various arbitrations in Oil & Gas, power, infrastructures, mining, etc. since he joined FTI and on the development of advisory and transformation of “Construction, Project and Assets”.
Solagbade is a Partner in Africa Law Practice NG & Co.’s Corporate-Commercial Department.
He advises on all aspects of corporate and commercial law including Banking & Finance, Project and Infrastructure Finance, Energy & Natural Resources, Capital Markets, Mergers & Acquisitions and Transport & Logistics.
He also has significant experience in advising on governance, regulatory and compliance matters and has acted for multinational corporate institutions, development finance institutions (DFI) and government agencies.
Solagbade is a trade expert within the Firm and is particularly conversant with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its nuances. He has been a panellist and has moderated at several AfCFTA events where various facets and protocols of the AfCFTA were discussed.
Phillip Aliker is a Barrister & Chartered Arbitrator with experience as arbitrator in dozens of arbitrations arising in and out of Sub-Saharan Africa in energy, construction, mergers & acquisitions, mining, security contracts, banking, carriage of goods, telecommunications, shareholder disputes and publicly procured contracts. In 2017 he was appointed to the ICSID President’s Panel and is on the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators’ president’s panel. He undertakes FIDIC dispute board work and is a CIArb accreditor mediator. He is a Contributor to World Arbitration Reporter (Uganda) and ICCA Handbook (Uganda). Phillip is designated to UNCITRAL Working Groups II and III as a state delegate since 2017 and an occasional appointing authority under UNCITRAL rules. He holds degrees from Vanderbilt University and Leeds University, a Diploma in International and Comparative Arbitration from Queen Mary, University of London and a Diploma in International Construction Contracts from Pantheon Assas, Paris II. He is an Independent Non-Executive Board Director of ABSA Bank and chairs the Credit Committee.
Amyn Mussa is a Partner and the head of Projects & Infrastructure department at ALN Kenya | Anjarwalla & Khanna (ALN Kenya) and also co-heads the firm’s Real Estate & Construction department. Amyn is generally considered the leading energy and projects lawyer in the country. He specialises in energy, projects, infrastructure, natural and renewable resources, as well as real estate and privatisation.
Under Amyn’s leadership, ALN Kenya has developed a dynamic and market-leading energy and projects practice and is regularly engaged on the most significant power, infrastructure, large scale real estate development (including mixed use, industrial, Park, logistics and manufacturing facilities) and natural resources projects. Amyn has been involved in advising sponsors and developers on unique landmark projects in Eastern Africa including Lake Turkana Wind Power, Kipeto Energy, the Menengai Geothermal Projects, the concessioning of the Port of Dar es Salam, the Kigali Internation Finance Centre, Tatu City, Garden City, Two Rivers, Teams (the undersea fibre optic project connecting UAE to Mombasa) and Triumph Power. He has also acted on complex M & A and joint venture transactions involving infrastructure assets including the sale of the shares by Vestas, IFU and Finnfund of their shares in Lake Turkana Wind Power to Blackrock and the acquisition by Berkley Energy into a Madagascar energy platform created by Tozzi Green owning several brownfield and green field renewable energy assets. His clients have included Actis, Globeleq, Ormat, Frontier, DP World, Bechtel, Moderna, ARCH AIIM, A.P Moller, Kenya Airways, Berkeley Energy, Rendeavour, Finnfund and other global leading project sponsors in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Amyn is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. He holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.), from the University of Houston School of Law and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Major-Finance) from the University of Houston.
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