Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata are among 146 advocates who have applied for the rank of Senior Counsel in Kenya’s 2026 conferment process.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) published the list of applicants on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, outlining the names of lawyers seeking one of the legal profession’s highest distinctions.

Other notable applicants include Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, veteran advocate Dr John Khaminwa, former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, former LSK president Faith Odhiambo, and prominent lawyers Danstan Omari and Donald Kipkorir.

The list also features constitutional lawyer Ekuru Aukot, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, human rights lawyer Gitobu Imanyara, law professor Ben Sihanya and former Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Anne Amadi.

Other applicants include Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, former National Assembly Speaker Francis Xavier Kaparo and advocate Julie Soweto.

Requirements for Senior Counsel Rank

The Senior Counsel designation recognises advocates who demonstrate professional competence, integrity, extensive legal experience and exemplary service to the legal profession and public service.

Under Section 17 of the Advocates Act, the President may confer the rank on an advocate of irreproachable professional conduct who has rendered exemplary service to the legal and public service in Kenya.

The Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011, outline the eligibility criteria and procedure for considering applications.

Applicants must have practised as advocates for at least 15 years and demonstrate active legal practice, professional competence, good character and integrity.

They are also required to hold a valid practising certificate or qualify under the relevant legal provisions, demonstrate knowledge of the law, and show evidence of service to the legal profession or the community.

Additional requirements include undertaking the training of other members of the profession, contributing to legal scholarship, and having argued a substantive matter before a superior, regional or international court. Applicants must also meet the rules concerning professional misconduct.

Public Invited to Comment on Applicants

The publication of the list marks a step in the selection process, with the Committee on Senior Counsel responsible for examining applications and assessing whether candidates meet the prescribed requirements.

According to the published notice, the committee may consider additional information from applicants or members of the public to assist in determining applications.

The Law Society of Kenya invited members to submit comments on the published list by November 5, 2026, at 5 p.m.

The submissions may provide relevant information to assist the committee in evaluating the candidates against the established criteria.

Being included on the list does not mean an applicant has been approved or awarded the rank. Each application remains subject to the prescribed evaluation process.

Privileges Attached to the Rank

Senior Counsel is a recognised professional distinction within Kenya’s legal system and carries specific privileges under the applicable rules.

These include precedence in the mention of matters in court and privileges relating to court dress and seating arrangements.

The conferment process is intended to recognise advocates whose professional conduct, legal expertise and contributions meet the standards set by law.

The outcome of the 2026 process will depend on the evaluation of the applications and the subsequent conferment procedure under Kenya’s legal framework.