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
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama unveiled his campaign manifesto last Friday as he vies for the presidency of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) in the upcoming elections.
The manifesto outlines a 40-point agenda aimed at strengthening the Society’s role as a constitutional actor, professional regulator, and credible defender of both the rule of law and members’ interests.
Top of the agenda is the completion of Wakili Towers, whose ground-breaking ceremony was held last week. Mr Kanjama pledges transparent procurement, disciplined project management, and milestone-based public reporting.
He also proposes establishing an LSK Training Institute to professionalise continuous professional development (CPD) and expand specialised legal learning. Mr Kanjama vows to champion the creation of a Judiciary Enforcement Police Unit. This would involve collaboration with the Judiciary, National Police Service, and other stakeholders, operating within lawful inter-agency frameworks to enforce court orders.
Identifying the welfare of judges and magistrates as another priority, Mr Kanjama pledges work with the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) to strengthen institutional support and improve working conditions, saying well-resourced judicial officers deliver efficient, fair, and reliable justice.
Stressing the significance of the moment, he noted that LSK stands at a defining point as Kenya approaches the 2027 General Election. “The leadership chosen now will steer LSK when its independence, credibility, and discipline face unprecedented tests,” he said while unveilling his manifesto.
Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama.
Describing the presidency as a position of service, he added that it has immense potential to transform both the Society and the wider legal profession, positively influencing the justice system and rule of law. Responding to critics questioning his constitutional credentials, Kanjama dismissed the claims as politically motivated, citing over 20 years of service to LSK in various capacities. “What lawyers want is a champion of constitutionalism. My record speaks for itself,” he said.
He highlighted his tenure as convenor of the LSK Constitution Implementation and Law Reform Committee (2011–2014) and extensive work as an expert, trainer, and facilitator across academia, civil society, government, and the private sector.
Mr Kanjama identified corruption and case backlog in the judiciary as major obstacles to access to justice, describing them as deficits in judicial accountability that undermine constitutional principles.
“Corruption, compromised integrity, and weak sanctions for misconduct erode public confidence. When justice is perceived as sellable, predictability gives way to uncertainty,” he said.
He proposed tackling corruption through evidence collection, administrative reforms, disciplinary mechanisms, and institutional changes. For case backlog, he recommended structural reforms, improved judicial productivity, technology adoption—including AI—and alternative dispute resolution.
He urged collective stakeholder engagement through bar-bench committees and LSK structures to escalate unresolved cases to the Judicial Service Commission. If elected, Mr Kanjama promised to safeguard the profession from quacks, enhance CPD, uphold ethical standards, improve disciplinary processes, and educate the public on legal complaints.
He stressed LSK’s role in supporting young lawyers through mentorship, welfare programs via LSK Sacco and Advocates Benevolent Association, and technology-enabled practice expansion.
“Young lawyers form the largest demographic in LSKs,” he said.
Mr Kanjama called for stronger inspection and enforcement teams to address unregulated legal practice and reiterated LSK’s political neutrality. “LSK is not a political party. It observes elections, engages in critical disputes, and champions democracy,” he explained.
Lawyer Charles Kanjama.
He also highlighted his pioneering role in digital law reporting in East Africa (2001–2003), reviving the East Africa Law Reports after a decade-long gap, establishing national reporting standards, editing landmark reports, and introducing “Hot From the Bench” case reviews for lawyers.
