Nairobi, Kenya – October 9, 2025
National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula are among a distinguished list of 105 Kenyan lawyers who have formally applied for the coveted title of Senior Counsel (SC) — the highest professional recognition in the country’s legal fraternity.
The list, published on Thursday by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), features some of the country’s most prominent legal minds, including former LSK Presidents Eric Theuri, Nelson Havi, Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba, and Isaac Okero.
Also in the running for the title are Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan, Gor Mahia Chairman Ambrose Rachier, former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, and Safaricom Board Chairman Adil Khawaja.
Other notable applicants include Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait, President William Ruto’s legal advisor Katwa Kigen, and seasoned advocates Donald Kipkorir and Paul Nyamodi.
A Title of Distinction and Integrity
The Senior Counsel rank, comparable to the Queen’s Counsel (QC) in the United Kingdom, is a prestigious legal title reserved for advocates who have demonstrated exemplary service, integrity, and professional excellence.
The conferment process is governed by the Advocates Act and the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, which set stringent criteria to ensure that only the most accomplished members of the Bar attain the distinction.
To qualify, an advocate must have at least 15 years of continuous legal practice, a record of ethical conduct, and a demonstrated contribution to Kenya’s legal development — whether through mentorship, jurisprudence, scholarship, or public service.
Any advocate found guilty of professional misconduct is automatically disqualified.
Vetting and Conferment Process
Applications are first submitted to the Law Society of Kenya, after which they are reviewed by the Committee on Senior Counsel — a vetting panel comprising senior members of the Judiciary, LSK representatives, and other legal experts.
The committee assesses each applicant’s competence, character, and contribution to the profession before forwarding its recommendations to the Chief Justice, who in turn submits the final list to the President for official conferment.
Once approved, successful candidates are entered into the Roll of Senior Counsel, a symbolic register that immortalizes their achievement.
Privileges of Senior Counsel
Those conferred with the rank enjoy special privileges in court proceedings, including precedence of appearance before judges — save for constitutional offices such as the Attorney-General and the Director of Public Prosecutions.
They are also permitted to wear a distinctive robe, a symbolic attire representing their seniority in the legal fraternity — a tradition often described as “taking silk.”
Symbol of Legal Excellence
Over the years, the conferment of the Senior Counsel rank has become not only a mark of personal achievement but also a testament to an advocate’s contribution to justice and the rule of law.
This year’s record number of 105 applicants underscores both the competitive nature of the process and the growing ambition among Kenya’s legal professionals to earn recognition at the highest level.
As the Committee on Senior Counsel begins its rigorous vetting process, the legal fraternity — and the nation — will be watching closely to see which of these distinguished advocates will be honored with the prestigious title in 2025.
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