As the golden sands of Diani Beach beckon once again, the legal fraternity in Kenya prepares for the annual pilgrimage to the coastal haven for the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Annual Conference. This year’s conference, scheduled to take place between the 13th and 18th of August at the Leisure Lodge in Diani, is not just a professional gathering; it is a celebration of camaraderie, tradition, and the evolution of the legal practice in Kenya.
I reflect on my own journey, having been admitted to the Kenyan Bar on 25th May 2000. Twenty-four years in active legal practice have passed, marked by significant changes in the landscape of law in Kenya. The practice has metamorphosed in response to the challenges and opportunities that have shaped the profession over the decades. Yet, amidst this transformation, the essence of being an advocate remains grounded in the rich traditions and mentorship that have guided many of us through the years.
I recall the early days of my career with fondness and a sense of nostalgia. As a pupil under the esteemed tutelage of legal luminaries such as Lee Muthoga, Evans Gaturu, and Justice John Mutungi at Muthoga Gaturu & Co. Advocates, I was part of a generation of budding lawyers eager to learn the ropes of the profession. Court sessions were not just about the law; they were about the experience, the interaction, and the learning that took place in the hallowed corridors of justice. After court, our pupil masters would take us for tea, where we engaged in conversations that were as enlightening as they were informal—lessons that extended far beyond the walls of law school or chambers.
Those early experiences introduced us to a wider network of advocates, many of whom we would continue to interact with throughout our careers. After completing pupillage, I was fortunate to be offered a position at the firm, where our bosses encouraged us to actively participate in LSK functions and activities. One of the most significant events on the LSK calendar is the Annual Conference, an event that has grown in importance over the years.
The LSK Annual Conference is more than just a review of the past year’s events; it is a convergence of legal minds from across Kenya, coming together to discuss emerging issues, share insights, and engage in intellectual discourse. This conference has become a key meeting point for lawyers, especially in an era where physical court attendance has been minimized and the corridors of justice are no longer the bustling hubs of interaction they once were.
The reduction in physical court sessions and the rise of online court proceedings have made the LSK Annual Migration to Diani one of the few opportunities left for lawyers to interact face-to-face. The conference serves as a melting pot where old friendships are rekindled, new connections are made, and professional relationships are nurtured. It is a space where opposing counsels can set aside their courtroom rivalry, where former classmates from university and law school reunite, and where new ideas—both professional and personal—are born.
Beyond the legal discussions and intellectual stimulation provided by renowned experts, the conference offers a chance to experience the lighter side of the legal profession. Lawyers shed their formal garb and engage in social activities, discovering new “watering holes” in Diani, exploring investment opportunities, and even contributing to the local economy through their presence. The influx of advocates from upcountry, or “bara” as the locals call us, brings a significant economic boost to the region.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of such gatherings. With many Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events now held virtually, the LSK Annual Conference remains one of the few occasions where lawyers can engage in meaningful social interactions. It is an event that every lawyer looks forward to, not just for the professional growth it offers, but for the human connections that are fostered.
As I anticipate this year’s conference, I look forward to reconnecting with my colleagues—both old and new. It is a time to reflect on the journey we have taken as advocates, to celebrate the milestones we have achieved, and to look forward to the future of legal practice in Kenya. The LSK Annual Conference in Diani is more than a tradition; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the legal profession and the bonds that unite us as members of the Kenyan Bar.
About the Author: Stanley Manduku’s Legal Career Profile
Mr. Stanley Kerandi Manduku is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, having been admitted on 25th May 2000. Currently, he is serving as the Chief Legal Officer at Kenya Pipeline Company Ltd. He is also Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public, Patent Agent, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Professional Mediator. Manduku has practiced law through his firm, Kerandi Manduku & Company Advocates, BM Musau & Co. Advocates, and Muthoga Gaturu & Co advocates, among others. Mr Manduku had also served as an attorney cum investigator in the defunct Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission and a Legal officer of Daima Bank Limited(In Liquidation).
In his role at Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), Manduku has undertaken significant responsibilities, including acting as the Company Secretary and leading the takeover of Kenya Petroleum Refineries Ltd by KPC. Currently, he is working on registering the Morendat Institute of Oil & Gas, a KPC training institution, as a National Polytechnic.
His national contributions are notable; he served as the Secretary of the technical team that drafted the Energy and Petroleum Policy and the corresponding Acts. He also contributed to the drafting of the Critical Infrastructure Protection Policy and Bill.
Internationally, Manduku co-chaired the Bandung Conference with Judge Peter Herbert OBE of the UK. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Law from the University of Nairobi, along with various other academic and professional qualifications. His extensive legal expertise and commitment to public service have established him as a respected figure in the legal and energy sectors.
