A total of 146 lawyers have applied for conferment of the prestigious rank of Senior Counsel in Kenya, with veteran advocates John Khaminwa and Gitobu Imanyara among prominent names on the 2026 applicants’ list.
The list also features Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, former Speakers Francis ole Kaparo and Kenneth Marende, as well as retired judge Philip Waki.
The applicants are drawn from different generations of the legal profession, with the list featuring advocates whose registration dates span several decades.
Khaminwa and Imanyara are among the veteran legal practitioners seeking the designation, alongside other established figures who have served in the judiciary, Parliament and public administration.
Kindiki, who serves as Kenya’s Deputy President, and Ingonga, the country’s Director of Public Prosecutions, are also among those seeking the senior rank.
The inclusion of Kingi, Kaparo and Marende brings together current and former parliamentary leaders on the list, while Waki represents the judiciary among the high-profile applicants.
The official 2026 list, titled List of Applicants for the Conferment of the Rank of Senior Counsel, contains 146 names.However, the publication of the list confirms applications rather than the conferment of the rank.
The applicants will have to undergo the applicable selection process before any successful candidates are formally recognised as Senior Counsel.
The Senior Counsel designation is a distinguished rank within Kenya’s legal profession, recognising advocates who meet the established criteria for the honour.
The 2026 applications place prominent legal and public figures alongside other practitioners seeking recognition at the highest level of the profession.
