The President made the remarks during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, where 54 advocates were formally admitted into the exclusive rank—marking one of the largest single admissions in recent years.
The event, which brought together senior government officials, judges, and members of the legal profession, highlighted the government’s goal of strengthening justice institutions and encouraging ethical leadership within the legal community.
According to information from my newsroom sources, the ceremony was similar to what People Daily later covered, though our team had already been briefed about the significance of this year’s appointments.
The event, which brought together senior government officials, judges, and members of the legal profession, highlighted the government’s goal of strengthening justice institutions and encouraging ethical leadership within the legal community.
According to information from my newsroom sources, the ceremony was similar to what People Daily later covered, though our team had already been briefed about the significance of this year’s appointments.
Officials at the event described the 54 lawyers as individuals whose careers have consistently demonstrated integrity, skill, and deep service to justice.
In his speech, President Ruto said the Senior Counsel title is not just a recognition of experience, but a symbol of trust in those who have shaped Kenya’s legal journey over many years.
“This honour is more than a rank,” Ruto said. “It is a responsibility, a reminder that the country expects its most experienced legal minds to lead with fairness, wisdom, and professionalism.”
The Senior Counsel title—often compared to the title of “Queen’s Counsel” or “King’s Counsel” in other Commonwealth countries—is the highest honour for advocates in Kenya.
In his speech, President Ruto said the Senior Counsel title is not just a recognition of experience, but a symbol of trust in those who have shaped Kenya’s legal journey over many years.
“This honour is more than a rank,” Ruto said. “It is a responsibility, a reminder that the country expects its most experienced legal minds to lead with fairness, wisdom, and professionalism.”
The Senior Counsel title—often compared to the title of “Queen’s Counsel” or “King’s Counsel” in other Commonwealth countries—is the highest honour for advocates in Kenya.
The criteria for selection are strict, requiring decades of excellent practice, strong ethical conduct, mentorship of young lawyers, and meaningful contribution to legal scholarship.
A senior official familiar with the selection process told The Eastleigh Voice that the committee maintained a transparent, merit-based approach.
A senior official familiar with the selection process told The Eastleigh Voice that the committee maintained a transparent, merit-based approach.
“The process has become more rigorous over the years. Only advocates who truly reflect the best values of the profession make the list,” the source said.
President Ruto praised the committee for maintaining public trust in the process, noting that transparency is essential in recognising professional excellence.
The President challenged the newly appointed Senior Counsels to actively defend the country’s democratic foundations.
President Ruto praised the committee for maintaining public trust in the process, noting that transparency is essential in recognising professional excellence.
The President challenged the newly appointed Senior Counsels to actively defend the country’s democratic foundations.
He reminded them that their voices and expertise carry great influence, especially at a time when Kenyans expect fairness, accountability, and justice from both institutions and leaders.
“With this title comes a duty to protect our democracy,” Ruto said.
“With this title comes a duty to protect our democracy,” Ruto said.
“Our senior lawyers must help strengthen our justice system, support reforms, and ensure every Kenyan — regardless of background — can access justice.”
He encouraged them to demonstrate humility and patriotism in their work, and to use their experience to guide upcoming advocates.
The new Senior Counsels include lawyers known for shaping major legal decisions, defending human rights, guiding constitutional reforms, and mentoring younger members of the profession.
He encouraged them to demonstrate humility and patriotism in their work, and to use their experience to guide upcoming advocates.
The new Senior Counsels include lawyers known for shaping major legal decisions, defending human rights, guiding constitutional reforms, and mentoring younger members of the profession.
Many of them have appeared before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and other superior courts for years.
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