Zulfa Adam: Fiery Garissa lawyer's rise to the helm of LSK Governing Council

A woman from Nairobi moving to Garissa to open her law firm and running for a seat at the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) barely three years later is a story that comes as a surprise for many. But not for Zulfa Adam.

Her name will go down in history, manoeuvring through patriarchy and surfing through the male-dominated field effortlessly.

Zulfa was born in a village in Nakuru County. She went to Naivasha Girls High School and thereafter the University of Nairobi where she studied law and later graduated from Kenya School of Law.

She first thought she would become a doctor but her fiery spirit could not be hidden.

"As I grew older, especially when I started high school, I developed a sense of justice and thought lawyers had more of an avenue to deliver justice. I wanted to be among the people who were fervent believers and supporters of justness," Zulfa says.

She was motivated to vie for the upcountry position when she moved to Garissa in 2021.

COVID-19 affected law practice for most lawyers which prompted her to move to Garissa and start her firm. Her journey to change began as she noticed how destitute and underserved Garissa County was.

"Garissa does not have enough lawyers and our interactions with courts and registries were low and it was not easy to access the leadership of the Law Society of Kenya. I stepped forward, dived into the world of blind faith, armed with my mind shift," Zulfa emphasises.

Insufficient lawyers, difficulties in accessing law services and some people masquerading as lawyers are some of the major challenges that awakened Zulfa's advocacy, both in law and societal aspects.

Luckily, she received immense support from most of the people in Garissa and her colleagues and friends in Nairobi.

Zulfa Adam, the lawyer from Garissa County has been elected to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Governing Council.

Her colleagues and friends believed in diversity and fairness, depicting the LSK as the face of Kenya and also spearheading the campaign for her.

"When I was campaigning, everyone resonated with my ideas and agendas and how big this win would mean for an overlooked county like Garissa. We do not get the same representation as the rest and we are limited in every aspect," Zulfa continues.

Her well-known reputation as an honest and able lawyer made things easier for her when she moved to Garissa.

The shock of a woman putting up a law firm was absolved once she proved herself. She says the traits of being a lawyer are intellect and diligence and are not particularly tied to any gender.

Her main agenda was devolving more funds and functions to the branches.

The Law Society of Kenya has eight branches and they raised quite a lot in terms of subscription fees and serve members in specific areas.

"Garissa falls under the South Eastern branch and we are often harassed and cut short on many instances so I will ensure the branches get more funds, support, empowerment and recognition. My other issue was law reforms, certain laws are outdated and we can lobby for the change for the sake and goodness of Kenyans." Zulfa continues.

She promises stronger branches and chapters and advocates for continued respect for the rule of law. She encourages young girls and women to believe in themselves more and take up space and leadership roles.

"More women should be courageous and outgoing. If you stand up more for what you want and believe in, you will have the entire world behind you," Zulfa adds.

LSK is a professional statutory body with membership from all advocates in the country.

Established in 1948 and with 50 presidents so far, its main function is to assist the government and the courts in matters relating to legislation, the administration of Justice and the practice of law in Kenya.

Another woman, the new LSK President Faith Odhiambo also beat the odds to become the second woman to win after Raychelle Omamo, the former Cabinet Secretary, in 2003.

She emerged as the winner and paved the way to a new horizon for women.

Odhiambo and Zulfa are among the women setting the pace for young lawyers and advocates through unified stability and inclusive progress.

Zulfa's brevity in vying for a position at the LSK from a marginalised area has inspired others for inclusivity, diversity and leadership right to the very top.