As the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) presidential elections approach, the three presidential candidates have also gotten busier hunting for votes.
Senior counsel Charles Kanjama, Peter Wanyama, and Mwaura Kabara have intensified their campaigns across the country, engaging members and presenting their manifestos.
With a significant portion of the 20,000 plus members comprising young lawyers, the race is expected to be largely shaped largely by the younger bar.
A common theme across all the candidates’ manifestos is a commitment to improving the welfare of the young bar.
The three candidates noted that the young bar often faces high levels of unemployment, rising operational costs, and delayed payments.
Each candidate has pledged to address the issues affecting the young bar while focusing on the development of Wakili Towers and other key projects.
All three candidates emphasize the need for a more robust and supportive structure for young lawyers.
Kanjama’s approach focuses on creating a well-funded, ethical, and technologically forward-thinking legal environment.
Wanyama on his part highlights mentorship, financial support for branches, and a commitment to addressing the mental health challenges facing young lawyers.
Kabata, meanwhile, puts forward a strong case for empowering branches, supporting young lawyers’ professional development, and ensuring Wakili Towers becomes a lasting asset for the profession.
Mr Charles Kanjama sworn in as a member of the task force on the legal and regulatory framework governing religious organisations at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on May 9, 2023
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Kanjama’s manifesto highlights the need for LSK to act as both a professional body and a trade union for lawyers.
He aims to improve terms of service for young lawyers, particularly in the public sector, and advocates for better compensation and work conditions in private practice.
Kanjama also calls for the creation of a structured mentorship program, better welfare solutions through partnerships with organizations like the LSK Sacco and the Advocates Benevolent Association, and the expansion of practice areas into emerging fields such as technology.
“I will deliver Wakili Towers efficiently, using transparent procurement and disciplined project management,” Kanjama promises.
He also supports the establishment of an LSK Training Institute to professionalise continuous professional development (CPD) delivery and provide specialized learning across different practice areas.
In terms of governance, Kanjama proposes the full implementation of the LSK (General) Regulations, 2020, ensuring consistent standards across branches and restoring confidence in fee regulation.
On the rule of law, he calls for proactive, data-driven advocacy through an annual Rule of Law Report, which would assess constitutional governance and institutional performance to identify risks early.
Peter Wanyama’s commitment to mentorship
Mr Peter Wanyama during his campaign for the Law Society of Kenya presidency in Eldoret on January 30, 2024.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Wanyama’s manifesto focuses heavily on mentorship and the mental health challenges faced by young lawyers.
“The challenges of unemployment and the mental toll they carry are real,” he says.
He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in helping young lawyers navigate the complexities of practice, from court etiquette to record-keeping and client interactions.
Wanyama pledges to establish comprehensive mentorship networks within LSK, connecting experienced lawyers with younger ones to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
He also plans to develop tailored mentorship programs and actively encourage senior members of the legal community to participate, strengthening both the rule of law and professional standards, if elected.
Another key element of his manifesto is the devolution of funds to LSK branches. He says he has received feedback from members indicating a desire for more direct financial support at the branch level.
Wanyama also emphasizes the need for specialized continuing professional development programs for women in law, particularly in emerging fields like green financing and artificial intelligence.
His campaign strategy, he says, is centered on inclusivity, with a focus on listening to the young bar and addressing their needs.
“I’m talking to young advocates, telling them that these ideas will help them transition into practice,” Wanyama states, underscoring his commitment to their success.
He also says he will encourage senior members of the legal community to actively participate in mentorship, leveraging their expertise and experiences for the benefit of the next generation of lawyers.
Kabata’s focus on branches and CPD
Mwaura Kabata: 'Why I'm running for the LSK presidency'
The current LSK vice president proposes to support fundraising initiatives by branches and enhancing cooperation with both local and international strategic partners.
By involving branches in nominating LSK representatives to various boards and committees, Kabata aims to ensure that the diverse needs of branches are represented in decision-making processes.
He also pledges to waive the Wakili Towers building levy for advocates once the project is completed, ensuring that the new headquarters benefits all members.
Additionally, Kabata promises free CPD courses for advocates with less than two years of practice, aimed at easing their transition into the profession.
Kabata’s vision includes creating more opportunities for young lawyers to participate in leadership roles, strengthening the overall governance structure within LSK.
He also plans to involve branches in the nomination process for representatives to the CPD committee, ensuring that CPD content is relevant to the unique needs of each branch.
If elected, Kabata says he will involve branches in nomination of representatives of LSK to various boards and state appointments on a rotational basis.
