President William Ruto has conferred the rank of senior counsel on 54 advocates of the High Court, among them Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Masika Wetang'ula and the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Mohammed Haji.
In a Gazette Notice dated 10th December 2025, the President exercised powers conferred upon him by section 17(1) of the Advocates Act to recognize the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession.
Among the prominent names in the gazette notice are several advocates who have made significant contributions to Kenya's legal landscape.
Notable recipients include Dr. Hosea Kimutai Kili, Kennedy Ogeto, Dr. Praxedes Chepkoech Tororey, James Mburu Kamau, William Ikutha Maema, Patrick Lutta Odongo, Dr. Ruth Anyango Aura, and Dr. Mercy Mwarah Deche.
The list also features Hassan Nunow Lakicha, Koki Muli Grignon, James Aggrey Mwamu, Adil Arshed Khawaja, Ahmed Issack Hassan, and Paul Lilan.
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The conferment recognizes advocates such as Henry Ongicho Asugah, Joseph Kipchumba Kigen Katwa, Jedidah Wakonyo Waruhiu, Mohammed Salim Balala, Rose Waithera Njoroge-Mbanya, Nazima Malik, Michi Kanyiri Kirimi, Alexandra Kontos, and Nancy Wakarima Karigithu.
Also elevated are Moses Kiping'etich Kurgat, Rubeena Dar, Professor Kivutha Kibwana, Lumatete Walubengo Muchai, Njoroge Regeru, Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, Anastacia Kioko Mululu, James Ochieng' Oduol, Jane Njeri Onyango, Christine Anyango Agimba, Hillary Chacha Odera, Njeri Caroline Ndegwa Kariuki, Mercy Wangari Buku, Isaac Edwin Nicholas Okero, and Professor Kariuki Muigua.
Additional recipients include Richard Harney, Ahmed Sheikh Adan, Nelson Andayi Havi, Eric Theuri Njeru, Elisha Zebedee Ongoya, Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu, and Immaculate Muringo Kassait.
The conferment of the Senior Counsel rank is a rigorous process governed by specific criteria under the Advocates Act.
Candidates must be active legal practitioners who meet stringent qualifications, including holding a valid practicing certificate and possessing sound knowledge of law and professional competence. They must also demonstrate irreproachable professional conduct, be persons of integrity and good character, and have no record of professional misconduct from the Disciplinary Committee.
Beyond their legal practice, those elevated to Senior Counsel are expected to have made significant contributions to the development of the profession. This includes undertaking training of other members in the legal profession, arguing substantive matters before superior, regional, or international courts, and contributing to legal scholarship through writings and presentations. Active service to the Law Society of Kenya or other regional and international bar associations, as well as community service, are also key considerations.
The selection process involves a committee that reviews applications over a period of six months following the submission deadline.
Once the committee makes its decision, it submits a list of recommended names to the Chief Justice within thirty days. The Chief Justice then forwards the names to the President, who grants letters of conferment to the successful candidates.
Applicants whose applications are declined may reapply for consideration in subsequent rounds.
In his proclamation, President Ruto stated that the conferment recognizes the exemplary service rendered to the nation in the legal profession and honours the contribution of these advocates to law and development.
"NOW HENCEFORTH, 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,” the notice reads.
"IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have caused this Investiture Order to be issued under the HAND OF THE PRESIDENT and PUBLIC SEAL OF THE REPUBLIC, on this the 10th Day of December in the YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND AND TWENTY-FIVE."
