Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Gichuhi Allen Waiyaki is among eight advocates of the High Court of Kenya who have joined the Senior Counsel club.
The eight were conferred with the coveted rank of Senior Counsel by President Kenyatta through a Gazette notice dated August 5th, 2022.
“In recognition of the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession, and in honour of their esteemed contribution to law and development, I, Uhuru Kenyatta, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, in 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,” read the gazette notice.
Others who have joined the exclusive club of senior lawyers in the country are former LSK Nairobi chair Charles Njiru Kanjama, McCourt Kevin Dermot, Mwaura Lillian Wakiiya, Gathenji Mbuthi, Kibet Jinaro Kipkemoi, Kamau Karori 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,” Kenyatta added.
The rank of Senior Counsel, abbreviated as SC, is conferred in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Senior Counsel to Advocates of the High Court of Kenya who have distinguished themselves by rendering exemplary service in the legal and public service arenas.
To qualify for conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel, one must be an active legal practitioner and who undertakes training of other members in the legal profession and has not been found guilty of professional misconduct by the LSK Disciplinary Committee.
One must also be a person of integrity, irreproachable professional conduct and good character who has contributed to the development of the legal profession through scholarly writings and presentations.
In Kenya, Senior Counsels are given precedence in addressing the court and normally sit at the front of the bench in court.
