Prof. Kariuki Muigua SC, OGW, PhD, C.Arb, FCIArb, is widely recognized as one of Africa’s foremost experts in environmental law, natural resources, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. As a Professor at the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Law and Managing Partner of Kariuki Muigua & Co. Advocates, his influence spans environmental justice, sustainable development, and natural resources conflict management across Kenya, Africa, and globally. His nomination as a Member of the Permanent Court of International Arbitration at The Hague emphasizes his international stature.
Academic and Scholarly Contributions
Over the last six years, Prof. Muigua has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s students specializing in environmental law, policy, dispute resolution, and conflict management. His extensive academic research has contributed significantly to Environmental and Natural Resources Law, Environmental Governance, Human Rights, Constitutionalism, and Conflict Resolution.
He has authored over a dozen books and dozens of peer-reviewed journal articles, which have accumulated hundreds of citations. Key published books include:
Natural Resources and Environmental Justice in Kenya (2015) Nurturing Our Environment for Sustainable Development (2016) Securing Our Destiny through Effective Management of the Environment (2020) Achieving Sustainable Development, Peace and Environmental Security (2021) Fostering Environmental Democracy and Biodiversity Conservation (2021) Exploring Conflict Management in Environmental Matters (2022) Promoting Rule of Law for Sustainable Development (2024) Combating Climate Change for Sustainability (2023) Achieving Climate Justice for Development (2023) Realizing True Sustainable Development (2023) Green Growth and Sustainable Environmental Management (2025) Global Environmental Governance and Climate Policy (2025) Other 2025 leading publications include: Climate Justice and Sustainable Development in Africa: Rethinking Law, Policy, and Indigenous Knowledge (September 2025), Towards Sustainability: Attaining Effective Conflict Management in Environmental Governance (August 2025), Securing Environmental Justice and One Health for All (August 2025), Nurturing Healthy Ecosystems for People and Planet (June 2025), and Protecting People and the Planet through Environmental Rule of Law (December 2024).
His works explore the vital nexus between law, governance, and sustainability, foregrounding the rule of law as essential to achieving global Sustainable Development Goals.
Environmental Consultant and Expert at Pristine Consultants
Prof. Muigua earned accreditation as an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit (EA) Lead Expert under the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya. He is a Lead Consultant and Expert at Pristine Consultants, serving clients in Kenya and internationally.
He collaborates closely with NEMA-affiliated professionals, particularly in environmental resource management through EIA, mediation, and public participation. A leading advocate, he promotes comprehensive policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks for resolving environmental conflicts.
Leading Authority on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Matters
As a foremost ESG expert in Africa, Prof. Muigua authored the definitive text Embracing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Tenets for Sustainable Development. This work guides corporations and governments on mainstreaming ESG principles, thereby advancing sustainable investment and governance reforms continent-wide.
Pan-African Environmental Law Award 2025
Recognizing his exceptional leadership and transformative impact across the continent, Prof. Muigua was honored with the Pan-African Environmental Law Award in 2025. This prestigious accolade lauds his scholarly excellence, advocacy, and practical accomplishments in environmental law and sustainable governance in Africa.
Professional Leadership and Practice
A former member of the National Environment Tribunal until his term ended in 2023, Prof. Muigua has distinguished himself as a mediator, arbitrator, and environmental consultant resolving complex natural resources and extractive industry disputes. His expertise also covers Environmental Impact Assessment, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and public participation processes integral to environmental governance.
He teaches at the University of Nairobi and leads seminars through CASELAP and the Wangari Maathai Institute. As founding editor of the Journal of Conflict Management and Sustainable Development, he champions legal and policy innovations addressing environment and sustainable development challenges.
Conclusion
Prof. Kariuki Muigua blends rigorous scholarship, professional excellence, and advocacy to lead efforts in environmental law, dispute resolution, and ESG governance. His expansive body of work and pioneering leadership profoundly influence sustainable development policies and justice across Kenya, Africa, and globally. His dedication ensures environmental justice and rule of law remain central to Africa’s sustainable development ambitions.
