The announcement was made on Thursday, December 4, by Philip Murgor, the Chairperson of the LSK Committee on Senior Counsel, bringing renewed attention to the honour—considered the highest professional distinction within Kenya’s legal fraternity.
The list features several prominent legal minds, including former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, celebrated constitutional lawyer P.L.O. Lumumba, former LSK President Nelson Havi, seasoned litigators Elisha Ongoya and Eric Theuri, as well as respected practitioners such as Richard Harney, Mercy Wangari Mbuku, Jane Njeri, Paul Ndiritu, and Clement Kigano.
The Senior Counsel designation is reserved for advocates who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the legal profession, shown exemplary professional conduct, and made outstanding contributions to Kenya’s jurisprudence. It mirrors the title of Queen’s Counsel (QC/King’s Counsel) in other Commonwealth jurisdictions.
According to LSK, the journey to attaining the rank begins with a formal application process, followed by a rigorous evaluation by the Senior Counsel Committee. The committee reviews an applicant’s years of practice—14 years being the minimum requirement—their contribution to the growth of the legal sector, and their integrity record.
Once the committee finalizes its assessment, the list is forwarded to the Chief Justice. If approved, the Chief Justice then submits it to the President, who officially confers the honour through a gazette notice. This multi-step vetting process is designed to ensure that only the most distinguished advocates receive the recognition.
As of now, Kenya has only 66 Senior Counsel title holders, with the last cohort admitted in August 2022. The incoming list, once approved, will significantly expand the pool and bring fresh visibility to the individuals shaping the country's legal landscape.
This year’s announcement comes shortly after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) revealed that it had shortlisted 185 candidates for various judicial appointments, including positions in the Court of Appeal, High Court, and the Environment and Land Court. The recruitment exercise attracted 714 applicants, highlighting the growing competition within the legal and judicial sectors.
According to JSC Secretary Winfridah Mokaya, 35 candidates were shortlisted for the Court of Appeal, 100 for the High Court, and 50 for the Environment and Land Court. Interviews are expected to continue into the coming months, following standard judicial vetting procedures.
