Explainer: All you need to know about the prestigious 'Senior Counsel' title
To qualify, an advocate must have practised law in Kenya for at least 15 years, demonstrated exemplary professional conduct, and contributed significantly to the development of the law or the administration of justice.
105 lawyers have applied to join the elite rank of Senior Counsel (SC), a prestigious designation reserved for distinguished members of the legal profession in Kenya.
In a notice dated October 8, 2025, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced the list of applicants and invited the public to submit comments before the October 16 deadline.
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Among those seeking to join the club of privileged advocates are National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula, National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji, Ombudsman Charles Dulo, Prof P.L.O. Lumumba, and former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana, who now heads the Daystar University Law School.
Others include former Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier, former LSK presidents Eric Theuri, Isaac Okero, and Nelson Havi, former East African Law Society president Aggrey Mwamu, former IEBC commissioner Thomas Letangule, and Embu University Chancellor Prof. Wambua Musili
What Kenyans need to know about the SC rank
In Kenya's legal fraternity, the rank of SC represents the highest honour an advocate can attain. It is conferred upon distinguished lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional competence, integrity, and service to the legal profession and the public. The title is often compared to the "Queen's Counsel" (QC) designation in the United Kingdom.
Who confers the title?
The rank is conferred by the president of Kenya, acting on the recommendation of the Committee on the Conferment of the rank of Senior Counsel established under the Advocates (Senior Counsel Conferment and Privilege) Rules, 2011. The Committee is chaired by the Chief Justice and includes the Attorney General, the President of LSK, and five other eminent members of the legal profession.
Qualifications
To qualify, an advocate must have practised law in Kenya for at least 15 years, demonstrated exemplary professional conduct, and contributed significantly to the development of the law or the administration of justice. Candidates must also enjoy high moral standing, command respect among peers, and have no record of professional misconduct.
Privileges and responsibilities
Senior Counsel enjoy several privileges, including wearing a silk robe, sitting in the front row of court, and being accorded priority in court proceedings. They may also use the post-nominal initials "SC." Beyond prestige, the rank carries a duty; Senior Counsel are expected to mentor younger advocates, uphold professional ethics, and contribute to legal reform and public interest matters.
Why it matters
The conferment of the Senior Counsel title not only recognises individual excellence but also reinforces the integrity and dignity of Kenya's legal profession. It symbolises both achievement and responsibility - a mark of honour earned through years of service and distinction.
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