NAIROBI, Kenya — Law Society of Kenya (LSK) presidential aspirant Charles Kanjama has pledged sweeping reforms to address sexual harassment, exploitation, and toxic work environments within the legal profession, describing the situation facing young advocates as a “crisis” that demands urgent institutional action.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kanjama said he had been following disturbing accounts by advocates detailing sexual harassment, intimidation, wage theft, pregnancy discrimination, and unsafe reporting environments in law firms, NGOs, and public offices.
“This isn’t just bad workplace culture. This is a crisis,” Kanjama said, adding that speaking out has often felt “risky, costly or simply unsafe” for many advocates.
Positioning integrity as a central pillar of his campaign, Kanjama said he would pursue zero tolerance for abuse if elected LSK president, insisting that professional advancement should not come at the expense of dignity or safety.
“Integrity is not a campaign slogan for me; it is my red line,” he said.
Policy and structural reforms
Kanjama outlined a four-point reform agenda aimed at overhauling how the LSK handles workplace abuse and disciplinary cases.
At the centre of his proposals is the full enforcement of the LSK Sexual Harassment Policy as a binding professional standard across all legal workplaces, with clear and enforceable sanctions for violators.
He also pledged to push for mandatory written contracts and ethical employment standards, including recommended minimum remuneration, to curb informal arrangements that leave junior advocates vulnerable to exploitation.
“No more ‘informal’ arrangements that leave young lawyers exposed,” Kanjama said.
On discipline, the senior counsel promised to strengthen and fast-track the Advocates’ Disciplinary Tribunal, improve complaints handling at both national and branch levels, and introduce stronger reporting and whistleblower protection mechanisms.
Mental health support also featured prominently in his proposals. Kanjama said the LSK would integrate mental health and wellbeing programmes into its core activities, working with the Advocates Benevolent Association to provide accessible support for lawyers facing hostile or overwhelming work environments.
Legal and institutional context
The LSK Sexual Harassment Policy, adopted to address misconduct within the profession, has in recent years faced criticism from practitioners who say enforcement remains weak and reporting mechanisms inadequate.
Disciplinary processes have also been faulted for delays, contributing to low confidence among complainants.
Under the Advocates Act, the LSK and the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal are mandated to uphold professional standards and protect the public interest, including ensuring ethical conduct among advocates.
Kanjama argued that reporting abuse should not amount to “professional suicide,” warning that fear of retaliation continues to silence victims.
“Young lawyers must be able to speak up without fear of career ruin,” he said.
Growing pressure ahead of polls
His remarks come amid heightened debate within the profession over workplace ethics and power imbalances, particularly affecting pupils and newly admitted advocates.
Several candidates in the upcoming LSK elections are expected to face increased scrutiny over their positions on governance, accountability, and member welfare.
Kanjama said his goal is to lead an LSK that acts as a protector, not merely a regulator.
“We must build systems where abuse is difficult, accountability is inescapable and dignity is non-negotiable,” he said.
As the campaign gathers pace, the handling of sexual harassment and labour rights within the legal profession is emerging as a defining issue in the race to lead the Law Society of Kenya.
