History, significance, privileges, and the appointment process of Kenya's most distinguished rank in the legal profession.
Who We Are
The Senior Counsel Bar consists of Advocates upon whom the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel has been conferred pursuant to the Advocates Act, Cap. 16, Laws of Kenya. Section 2 of the Act defines Senior Counsel as "an advocate upon whom the President has conferred the rank of Senior Counsel."
Section 17(1) further provides that "the President may grant a letter of conferment to any person of irreproachable professional conduct who has rendered exemplary service to the legal and public service in Kenya, conferring upon him the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel."
The procedures for conferment are governed by the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011, which were enacted to establish an elaborate procedure and clear requirements for the conferment of the rank.
Excellence
Integrity
Service
Promoting excellence of the Bar by being role models to all members, and especially young lawyers.
Bridging the gap between the Bar and the Bench, the Bar and the Company Registry, and the Bar and Academia.
Providing mentorship where young lawyers have an opportunity to shadow Senior Counsel, enhancing career development in various practice areas.
Dedicated service to clients by continually upholding the rule of law, enhancing access to justice and promoting effective administration of law.
History
The first nineteen (19) recipients were honored by President Mwai Kibaki C.G.H. The conferment was necessitated by the formation of a Tribunal to investigate the alleged corrupt conduct of then Chief Justice Bernard Chunga. Section 62 of the 1963 Independence Constitution required the President to appoint one person upon whom the rank of Senior Counsel had been conferred to the Tribunal.
Since there was no existing criteria, all persons who had held the position of Chairperson of the Law Society of Kenya were conferred the honorary rank. In October 2008, the Law Reform Committee formulated rules of nomination requiring fifteen years standing post-admission.
The second conferment took place in 2013, the first to apply the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011. These rules established the Senior Counsel Committee whose mandate is to consider applications for nomination, make recommendations to the President, and consider any application for removal from the Roll. Thirteen (13) Advocates were conferred the rank of Senior Counsel.
In 2019, ninety (90) applicants applied to be nominated for conferment. Having considered the applications, twenty-four (24) Advocates were conferred the rank of Senior Counsel by the Former President of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, C.G.H. This was the largest conferment in the Bar's history, significantly expanding its membership.
This is the most recent cohort admitted to the Senior Counsel Bar, having been conferred the rank on 2nd August 2022. The cohort consists of eight (8) advocates who signed the roll of Senior Counsel on 19th August 2022. This cohort's admission marked a renewed impetus to revitalize and strengthen the activities of the SC Bar.
Privileges
The Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules 2011 provide for the following privileges of members of the SC Bar:
Use of the designation of Senior Counsel (SC) after one's name, a mark of distinction within the legal profession.
Precedence in having matters mentioned when appearing in Court or in a Tribunal, ahead of other advocates.
When appearing robed in Court or in a Tribunal, the right to wear the gown and court sleeved waistcoat as worn by a judge of the Court of Appeal.
The exclusive right to sit within the Bar in all Courts where there is a Bar separating the area for Senior Counsel, or on the front bench in all other courts.
Appointment Process
Under the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011
Advocates with at least fifteen (15) years standing post-admission apply for consideration. Applications are submitted to the Senior Counsel Committee.
The Senior Counsel Committee considers applications under Rule 6, reviewing professional conduct, service record, and contribution to the legal profession and public service.
The Committee makes recommendations to the President for the conferment. The President grants a letter of conferment upon approved advocates.
The advocate formally receives the rank and dignity of Senior Counsel and signs the Roll of Senior Counsel, becoming a full member of the SC Bar.
Governance
The SC Bar is led by an Executive Committee that oversees operations and coordinates all activities.
Chairperson
Dr Fred N'cruba Ojiambo SC
Secretary
Organising Secretary
Vice Chairperson
Treasurer
Mentorship Coordinator
Welfare Coordinator
Practice Coordinator
Fundraising Coordinator
Browse all 70 Senior Counsel across four cohorts.