It was a night of celebration, inspiration, and reaffirming dedication to one of the core principles of the legal profession-integrity. City lawyers convened at the Safari Park Hotel and Casino for the 7th Edition of the Nairobi Legal Award Gala Dinner, dubbed the ‘Uadilifu’ edition (Swahili for integrity. 

The Gala dinner marked the culmination of a rigorous seven-phase process spanning over four months (from nominations to several evaluation steps, interviews, deliberation, and shortlisting). Such an arduous venture took immense dedication from the NLA Trust, the College of Assessors comprising 26 volunteers, the 7-member jury, the NLA Technical Committee and Secretariat, and, of course, the shortlisted nominees to make the Gala Dinner a reality. Therefore, the air of jubilation palpable at the Gala Dinner was like a well–earned release.

In his opening remarks at the gala, NLA Trust Chairperson Charles Kanjama, SC, expressed that the Gala extended beyond honoring excellence across different legal fields; it was about inspiring integrity in the legal profession.

“Uadilifu encapsulates the values that underpin justice, fairness, and trust in the legal system. Therefore, tonight, we honour those among us who have not only excelled in their fields but have done so while upholding the highest ethical standards.”

Diana Sawe Tanui, the jury’s chairperson, reiterated Senior Counsel Kanjama’s view on integrity by highlighting that integrity as a value binds the legal profession and strengthens Kenya’s justice system.

“Having chaired the jury for this year’s awards, I’ve been privileged to witness first-hand the impact of ‘uadilifu’ in shaping the legal profession across all facets. As the jury, we were exposed to numerous tangible manifestations of ‘uadilifu’ in action from every corner of the profession, affirming a powerful truth: the commitment to uphold integrity in the legal profession is deliberate and resolute.”

According to Ms. Tanui, the College of Assessors and jury members witnessed an extraordinary showcase of talent, innovation, and excellence from the pool of nominees. “Each nominee represents the transformative potential of a profession grounded in the principles of justice and integrity.”

As The LawDown Africa, we’re pleased to extend our hearty congratulations to the award recipients across the 21 categories presented during the gala awards. Congratulations to the award recipients in the categories listed below.

EXTERNAL PRACTITIONERS’ CATEGORIES

• Litigation Practitioner of the Year

  • Winner: Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu – Muthomi & Kanjama Advocates
  • 1st runner-up: Michi Kirimi -Dentons Hamilton Harris & Mathews
  • 2nd runner-up: Clifford Onyango Odhiambo – Clifford Odhiambo & Company Advocates

• Commercial Practitioner of the Year

  • Winner: William Maema – DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
  • 1st runner-up: Sigee Koech – Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews
  • 2nd runner-up: Esther Njiru Omulele – MMC Asafo LLP

• Manager/Partner of the Year

  • Winner: Daniel Ngumy – ALN Kenya| Anjarwalla & Khanna Advocates LLP
  • 1st runner-up: Catherine Musakali – Dorion Associates LLP
  • 2nd runner-up: Pearlyne Omamo – ADRA Advocates LLP

IN- HOUSE PRACTITIONERS’ CATEGORIES

• In-house (Private Sector) Lawyer of the Year

  • Winner: Regina Anyika – HF Group PLC
  • 1st runner-up: Mercy M. Muema – Sokowatch Ltd
  • 2nd runner-up: Paul K. Ndungi – Industrial Promotion Service (Kenya) Ltd

• In-house (Public Sector) Lawyer of the Year

  • Winner: Serah Esendi Okumu – Nuclear Power & Energy Agency
  • 1st runner-up: Mercy K. Wambua – Commission on Administrative Justice
  • 2nd runner-up: Rose M. Mosero – Office of the Data Protection Commissioner

• In-house (Civil Society) Lawyer of the Year

  • Winner: Nyokabi Njogu – KELIN Kenya
  • 1st runner-up: Nerima Were – Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa
  • 2nd runner-up: Brenda Kiarie – formerly Pendekezo Letu Org.

LAW FIRM CATEGORIES

• SME Law Firm of the Year

  • Winner: MMW Advocates LLP
  • 1st runner-up: Alakonya & Associates Advocates LLP
  • 2nd runner-up: Kotonya Njoroge LLP

• Larger Law Firm of the Year

  • Winner: Bowmans Kenya (Coulson Harney Kenya LLP)
  • 1st runner-up: MMC Asafo
  • 2nd runner-up: Cliffe Dekker & Hofmeyr incorporating Kieti Law LLP

IN – HOUSE CATEGORIES

• In-house (Private Sector) Legal Department of the Year

  • Winner: KCB Bank Kenya Limited
  • 1st runner-up: Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Limited
  • 2nd runner-up: Kenya Association of Manufacturers

• In-house (Public Sector) Legal Department of the Year

  • Winner: Commission on Administrative Justice
  • 1st runner-up: Nuclear Power & Energy Agency
  • 2nd runner-up: National Environment Management Authority

• In-house (Civil Society) Legal Department of the Year

  • Winner: Refugee Consortium of Kenya
  • 1st runner-up:  -FIDA
  • 2nd runner-up: Justice Defenders

ANCILLARY CATEGORIES

• ADR Practitioners of the Year

  • Winner: Kamau Karori SC – DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
  • 1st runner-up:  Calvin Nyachoti – Calvin Nyachoti
  • 2nd runner-up: Arthur Igeria, FCIArb- Igeria and Ngugi Advocates 

• Pupil Master of the Year

  • Winner: Pravin Bowry SC- Bowry & Co. Advocates
  • 1st runner-up:  Marion W. Njenga – Njenga & Co. Associates
  • 2nd runner-up: Grace M. Muchira- Muthoni GM & Co. Advocates

• Law Teacher of the Year

  • Winner: Dr. Kenneth Wyne Mutuma- University of Nairobi
  • 1st runner-up:  Dr. Wycliffe Otiso Nyachoti – Chuka University
  • 2nd runner-up: Dr. Charles Khamala – Africa Nazarene University

OVERALL CATEGORIES

• Lawyer of the Year

  • Winner: William Maema – DLA Piper Africa, Kenya (IKM Advocates)
  • 1st runner-up:  Dr. Muthomi Thiankolu – Muthomi & Karanja Advocates
  • 2nd runner-up: Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa – Dr. Mutubwa Law Advocates (May his soul rest in peace)

• Young Lawyer of the Year

  • Winner: Clifford Odhiambo Onyango – Clifford Odhiambo & Company Advocates
  • 1st runner-up:  Ikoha Muhindi – ALN Kenya| Anjarwalla & Khanna LLP
  • 2nd runner-up: Patrick Nzomo – Strathmore University

JUDICIAL CATEGORIES

• Judge of the Year

  • Winner: Hon. Justice Joseph Oguttu Mboya – High Court (Environment & Land Court)
  • 1st runner-up:  Hon Justice Aleem Visram – High Court (Commercial & Tax Division)
  • 2nd runner-up: Hon. Lady Justice Esther Maina- High Court (Anti-Corruption Division)

• Judicial Officer of the Year

  • Winner: Hon. Jane Kamau – Principal Magistrate, Kajiado Law Courts, formerly Senior Resident Magistrate, Milimani Law Courts
  • 1st runner-up:  Hon. Emily Nyakundi – Registrar, Court of Appeal, formerly Anti-Corruption Court
  • 2nd runner-up: Hon. David Mbeja – Nairobi Employment and Labour Relations Court 

• Branch Chair’s Award 

(Awarded to nominees whose contributions transcend the confines of specific legal categories)

Winner: Joanne Wachuka Mugo – Kenya Railways Corporation

“For consistently demonstrating an ability to combine legal expertise with empathy and innovation to tackle complex issues with grace and integrity.” Charles Kanjama, SC

• Committed Service Award 

(Award to members who have demonstrated loyalty, effort, and steadfast commitment)

Winner: Samwel M. Kibugi – Kingdom Bank 

“For a track record characterized by a synthesis of legal acumen, corporate governance and a strong commitment to social impact initiatives.” Charles Kanjama, SC

• Outstanding Achievement Award

Njeri Kariuki – Njeri Kariuki Advocates

While concluding her speech, Ms Tanui reminded everyone that the celebration of the ‘Uadilifu’ edition Gala night was a call to action, “Tonight reminds us of the responsibility to uphold high standards of ethical conduct and fostering trust in our justice system. Let us continue to lead by example, championing the principles of ‘uadilifu’ in all we do.”

As Beauttah Siganga Senior Council put it during LawDown Africa’s Premiere Law Career Fair, “Integrity and ethics are not just rules that you must follow, but are the foundation upon which our profession stands. They guide our actions, shape our interactions, and build trust with clients, colleagues, and the public.”

Therefore, the ‘Uadilifu’ Edition takes the legal fraternity back to basics, to the oath Advocates of the High Court of Kenya take to uphold the highest ethical standards and custodians of justice. Congratulations to all the winners and the legal fraternity members who are building their foundations on integrity.