NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on newly admitted advocates to use the law as a tool for social transformation and help bridge the justice gap affecting vulnerable and underserved Kenyans.
Speaking during the admission ceremony of new lawyers to the Roll of Advocates at the Milimani Law Courts, Koome urged the advocates to uphold integrity, embrace constitutional values, and expand access to legal services for ordinary citizens.
She emphasised that legal practice must be grounded in compassion, noting that every case in court reflects a human story.
“Behind every file is a human story: a widow fighting to retain her land, a child seeking protection, a worker pursuing dignity, a survivor of violence seeking justice, or a citizen confronting abuse of power. Compassionate advocacy is therefore not a weakness. It is an essential part of justice,” Koome said.
The Chief Justice reminded the new advocates that admission to the Bar comes with significant public responsibility, stressing their role in protecting democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law.
“Your admission to the Roll of Advocates is an induction into a profession that lies at the heart of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the administration of justice,” she said.
Koome dismissed concerns about an oversupply of lawyers in the country, arguing that large parts of Kenya—especially rural areas—remain underserved and lack adequate legal representation.
She noted that many citizens with legal needs continue to face barriers in accessing justice due to the shortage of advocates outside urban centres.
“The country needs your knowledge, your energy, your integrity, and your commitment to justice and the rule of law,” she told the new advocates.
The Chief Justice also urged legal practitioners to support ongoing Judiciary reforms under the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) framework, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing case backlogs.
She cautioned against delays in court proceedings caused by poor preparation, non-attendance, and tactical adjournments, warning that such practices undermine public trust in the justice system.
“An advocate must never become an obstacle to justice,” Koome cautioned.
Koome further encouraged lawyers to embrace mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as faster and more efficient ways of resolving disputes.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya urged the new advocates to uphold professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct while warning against corruption and misconduct within the legal profession.
She also called for increased pro bono legal services, noting that advocates have historically played a key role in defending human rights, constitutionalism, and democracy in Kenya.
