A cohort of law students from Mount Kenya University has successfully completed a four-month externship programme under the School of Law.
The programme was facilitated by the MKU Institute of International and Development Law (IIDLAW).
The programme, conducted between June and October 2025, was held under the academic and professional guidance of Dr. Caroline Buisman, coordinator of the United Nations Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan.
Focused on colonial reparations in Africa and ongoing international crimes in Sudan, the externship provided students with hands-on exposure to international legal research and policy analysis.
The cohort engaged in extensive desk research, collaborative assignments and analytical discussions examining historical injustices, accountability mechanisms and justice systems across the African continent.
Working closely with the UN Fact-Finding Mission, the students reported significant professional growth, particularly in legal research, analytical reasoning, teamwork, and presentation skills.
They said the programme helped bridge the gap between academic learning and practical legal work in international law settings.
A key highlight of the externship was a presentation delivered by one of the students on cultural genocide before the African Bar Association in October 2025, contributing to broader continental legal discourse on human rights and accountability.
As the pioneer cohort under the IIDLAW externship initiative, the students also reflected on the initial challenges of adapting to the demands of fast-paced international legal research.
However, they credited mentorship from Buisman and strong teamwork with enabling them to deliver quality outputs within the required timelines.
The programme concluded with a reflection event held on May 22 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, where the students shared experiences and insights gained throughout the externship.
The cohort expressed optimism that similar programmes would continue to expand, providing future law students with practical exposure to international legal processes and strengthening youth participation in justice, accountability, and sustainable development across Africa.