Dr Caroline Buisman, international criminal law specialist and coordinator of UN Fact-finding mission on Sudan and Judith Nguru congratulate research interns from Mount Kenya University Institute of International and Develoment Law following their visit to the UN office in Nairobi to mark culmination of their research externship programme. The visit exposed the interns to international criminal law research, global justice systems and diplomatic institutions /JOHN MUCHUCHAA cohort of Laws students from Mount Kenya University have successfully completed a four-month externship programme under the School of Law, facilitated by the MKU Institute of International and Development Law.
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 noted that the programme helped bridge the gap between academic learning and practical legal work within international law settings.
Mount Kenya University Institute of International and Development Law (IIDLAW) reseach interns pose for a photo with Dr Caroline Buisman, international criminal law specialist and coordinator of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan during their visit to the United Nations Office in Nairobi to mark the culmination of their research externship programme. The visit exposed the interns to international criminal law research, global justice system and diplomatic institutions /JOHN MUCHUCHAA 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 initial challenges in adapting to the demands of fast-paced international legal research. However, they credited mentorship from Dr Buisman and strong teamwork for enabling them to deliver quality outputs within required timelines.
The programme concluded with a reflection event held on Friday, 22 May 2026, 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 will 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.
Mount Kenya University Institute of International Development Law (IIDLAW) research interns pose for a photo with Dr Caroline Buisman, an international criminal law specialist and coordinator of the United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan during their visit to the United Nations office in Nairobi to mark the culmination of their research externship programme.
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