BY TRACY KAVAI.
@nyaberakavai@gmail.com
Nairobi, September 20, 2024 – In a fierce legal battle that showcased the sharpest minds from Kenya and Uganda, Daystar University’s law school clinched victory at the prestigious 2024 Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition.
With a dazzling performance, the team earned a custom-made trophy, a $1,000 cash prize, and an all-expenses-paid trip to the 6th Privacy Symposium Africa in Harare, Zimbabwe, this November.
The competition, which this year focused on the critical theme “Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: Upholding Voter Privacy in Democratic Processes,” brought together top law students who debated the pressing challenges of privacy, data protection, and the rise of biometric technology in African elections. With digital electoral systems becoming more common across the continent, the need to protect voters’ personal data was a key issue at the heart of this year’s discussions.
In a grand event, presided over by Lady Justice Lydia Achode, Lordship Weldon Korir, and Judge John Matibo, the participants’ professionalism and depth of knowledge were widely praised. The distinguished judges commended the competitors for their composure and compelling legal arguments, underscoring the importance of future legal experts engaging with global privacy issues.
Several universities were honored for their remarkable contributions at the 2024 Unwanted Witness Privacy Moot Court Competition. King sleeve University (UG-02) won the award for Best Written Submission (Applicant), showcasing strong legal research and argumentation. Catholic University of Kenya (KEN-17) was recognized with the Best Written Submission (Respondent) award, reflecting their insightful defense. The title of Best Oralist went to Stacy Angel Ndaula (UG-16) from Uganda, a recognition of her eloquence and exceptional grasp of complex legal concepts, which impressed both the judges and the audience.
Amid the accolades and celebrations, Professor Laban Ayiro, Vice Chancellor of Daystar University, delivered an impassioned speech. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of lawyers who will be distinct in their mastery of the law and its societal implications. In a bold announcement, Professor Ayiro revealed plans for the construction of one of the largest law school facilities in Kenya. Citing Robert Frost’s poem “The Secret Sits”, he challenged law students to stop dancing on the periphery and dive into the heart of the law, urging them to engage fully with the intricacies of legal practice.
The Dean of Daystar’s School of Law also highlighted the transformative power of mooting, encouraging students to see it as essential training for becoming better legal professionals and judges.
As Daystar University (KEN-13) prepares for their trip to the Privacy Symposium Africa, the victory stands as a milestone, not just for the institution, but for the role of legal education in addressing the continent’s most pressing privacy concerns.