Kenya
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has objected to the proposed admission of two Chinese and four South Sudanese nationals as Advocates of the High Court of Kenya, citing the absence of reciprocal arrangements between Kenya and their countries of origin. In a letter dated February 11, 2026, addressed to Chief Justice Martha Koome, the LSK called for withholding the admission of the six individuals listed in recent Gazette Notices.
The LSK maintains that the gazettement of the foreign nationals contravenes Section 15 of the Advocates Act, which requires the existence of reciprocal arrangements before foreign nationals can be admitted to practice law in Kenya. The Society emphasizes the need to safeguard the practice space for Kenyan advocates pending legislative action by Parliament to regulate foreign lawyers' admission and practice in the country.
This development highlights the ongoing debate over the admission of foreign lawyers to the Kenyan Bar and the necessity for clear legislative guidelines to address such matters. The LSK's stance underscores the importance of reciprocity and the protection of local legal practitioners' interests.
