NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has elevated 54 distinguished Advocates of the High Court to the rank of Senior Counsel, marking one of the largest single conferments in recent years and signalling a renewed recognition of leadership within Kenya’s legal fraternity.
The appointments, published in a special Gazette notice, followed recommendations from the Committee on Senior Counsel, which reviewed over 100 applicants before forwarding the successful nominees for presidential approval.
Among those conferred is National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director-General Noordin Haji, whose elevation drew wide public attention given his long career in prosecution, national security, and public service.
The new cohort features a diverse set of legal minds — from seasoned litigators and constitutional experts to public servants, scholars, and veteran practitioners. The recognition places them within the elite circle entitled to the privileges of “silk”— a mark associated with exceptional integrity, courtroom excellence, and long-standing contribution to Kenya’s justice system.
The title confers precedence in court, the right to wear the silk gown, and standing as one of the profession’s senior-most defenders of the rule of law.
This year’s conferment also includes political leaders, former state officers, human rights lawyers, corporate law specialists, and academics — reflecting how the modern practice of law has evolved beyond courtroom litigation to include policy, governance, reform, and public accountability.
The list generated considerable debate within legal circles due to its size, but many in the profession view it as a positive move that restores momentum to an honour last issued in 2022.
Senior lawyers and the Law Society of Kenya have long advocated for regular, merit-based conferments to reward excellence and encourage mentorship within the bar.
With the new appointments, the rank of Senior Counsel continues to stand as one of Kenya’s most respected professional honours — a recognition not only of individual achievement but of the critical role played by advocates in shaping jurisprudence, strengthening constitutionalism, and advancing justice.
The newly elevated advocates are now expected to embody the highest standards of the profession, offering leadership within the courts, supporting legal reforms, and upholding the ethical traditions that define the country’s legal system.
