COMESA Court’s 3rd Bench received a rousing send-off on Saturday, 28 February 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, marking the conclusion of a transformative 10-year tenure spanning 2015–2025. The farewell dinner celebrated the Bench’s pivotal role in shaping the Court’s jurisprudence and strengthening the rule of law within the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

The event brought together members of the outgoing Bench and the incoming Judges-elect, whose induction programme is currently underway ahead of their formal appointment and swearing-in.

Speaking at the dinner, Judge President-elect, Justice Sitwala Mwanawambwa expressed appreciation to the outgoing judges for the guidance and insights they shared during the induction programme.

“The richness of your experience and the practical insights you have shared have been invaluable, and they will continue to guide us as we assume the responsibility entrusted to this Bench,” he said.

“We are grateful not only for your dedicated service to the Court, but also for the collegial spirit with which you have engaged with us over these past days. Your contribution has strengthened both the institution and those who now carry its mandate forward.”

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Bench  Judge Emeritus Michael Mtambo commended his fellow judges for their collaborative spirit throughout their decade of service. He also expressed appreciation to the Court’s Registrar, Hon. Nyambura Mbatia, and the Registry staff for their steadfast support in advancing the Court’s mandate.

Justice Mtambo encouraged the incoming Judges elect to build upon the legacy established over the past ten years, underscoring the importance of continuity in strengthening regional integration through jurisprudence.

In her remarks, the Registrar lauded the outgoing Bench for its dedicated service to the Common Market, noting the significant institutional growth achieved over the past decade—both in the development of jurisprudence and in the expansion of the Court’s human resource capacity.

Judge-elect Lavender Makoni also paid tribute to the outgoing Bench for its distinguished service and for generously sharing its wealth of experience with the new judges. He observed that the knowledge imparted during the induction would serve as a strong foundation as the incoming Bench assumes its judicial responsibilities.

The evening concluded with the presentation of gifts by the Judges-elect to the outgoing members of the 3rd Bench, symbolising gratitude, continuity, and institutional solidarity.

The COMESA Court of Justice extends its best wishes to the outgoing Judges as they transition to the next phase of their service in other capacities within the COMESA region and across the African continent.