High Court Advocates Granted Senior Council Positions

Eight High Court of Kenya attorneys have received the prestigious title of Senior Counsel.

President Uhuru Kenyatta made the announcement of the award in a Gazette notification dated August 5.

“In recognition of the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession, and in honor of their esteemed contribution to law and development, I, Uhuru Kenyatta, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 17 (1) of the Advocates Act, have conferred the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel on the following Advocates of the High Court of Kenya,” said the Head of State.
Gichuhi Allen Waiyaki, a former chair of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), as well as Charles Njiru Kanjama, a former LSK Nairobi chair, are two of the individuals who will now become members of the desired, elite society of senior lawyers in the nation.

Others include Kamau Karori, Kibet Jinaro Kipkemoi, Gathenji Mbuthi, McCourt Kevin Dermot, Mwaura Lillian Wakiiya, and Mutua Eric Kyalo.

“May it be known by all persons, authorities, and institutions that the aforementioned Advocates shall have all the precedence and privileges of the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel,” added the president.
Senior Counsel, sometimes known as SC, is the highest professional honor bestowed upon exceptional legal minds.

Being an active legal practitioner, engaging in the teaching of other legal professionals, and not having been found guilty of professional misconduct by the LSK Disciplinary Committee are only a few prerequisites for someone to be eligible for the position of Senior Counsel.

The applicant must be a person of integrity, impeccable moral character, and professional behavior who has advanced the legal profession through scholarly publications and presentations.

Senior Counsels typically sit at the head of the bench and are given priority when addressing the court in Kenya.