Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, veteran lawyer John Khaminwa, Danstan Omari and Donald Kipkorir are among 146 applicants seeking conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel in Kenya in 2026.
The list also features Solicitor-General Shadrack John Mose, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, former Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza, former National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, veteran lawyer Gitobu Imanyara and Dr Abraham Korir Singoei.
Other notable applicants include former presidential candidate Ekuru Aukot, former legislator Irungu Kang’ata and Samuel K. Chepkong’a. The six-page document contains applicants with professional registration numbers dating from the 1970s to more recent years, reflecting the range of legal practitioners seeking consideration for the distinction.
The applications form part of the process through which advocates are considered for the rank, one of the legal profession’s highest distinctions. However, appearing on the list does not mean an applicant has been approved or awarded the title.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) invited eligible advocates to submit applications for the 2026 conferment exercise. Its notice set October 16, 2026, at 5pm as the deadline for submitting online application forms and supporting documents.
Under Section 17 of the Advocates Act, the President may confer the rank of Senior Counsel on a person of irreproachable professional conduct who has rendered exemplary service to the legal and public service in Kenya.
The process is governed by the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privileges) Rules, 2011, which outline the eligibility requirements and procedure for considering applications.
Applicants are required to demonstrate active legal practice, professional competence, integrity and good character.
They must also hold a valid practising certificate, or be legally entitled to act as an advocate under the relevant provisions of the law, and must not have been found guilty of professional misconduct by the Advocates Disciplinary Committee.
The rules further require applicants to have argued a substantive matter before a superior, regional or international court.
Additionally, they must demonstrate service to the Law Society or another relevant bar association, or community service, as well as contributions to the development of the legal profession through scholarly writings and presentations.
The Committee on Senior Counsel is mandated to receive, consider and evaluate applications before making recommendations to the President. The process therefore involves assessing applicants against established criteria rather than granting the rank solely on the basis of seniority or public profile.
The rules provide for the committee to consider applications within six months of the submission deadline. The evaluation process is intended to establish whether candidates meet the requirements before recommendations are made through the prescribed channels.
The Judiciary stated that 120 advocates had been conferred the rank in five cohorts as of December 2025, illustrating the distinction’s established place in Kenya’s legal profession.
The 146 names on the 2026 list remain applicants at this stage. Their inclusion does not confirm that they have met all the requirements or that they will ultimately receive the rank.
The outcome will depend on the evaluation process and the subsequent steps required under the law before the title of Senior Counsel can be formally conferred.
