The Law Society of Kenya’s Grand Debate for the 2026–2028 elections commenced today, February 6, 2026, at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa, marking the official start of campaigns for the top leadership positions in the country’s premier bar association.
Among the candidates vying for the presidency is current LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata, a dedicated advocate with over five years of experience specialising in dispute resolution. As head of the Dispute Resolution Department at ALakonya Law, Kabata has built a reputation for blending technical expertise, passion and strategic thinking to deliver high-quality legal services.
Kabata has been a vocal defender of constitutionalism and human rights, recently leading petitions challenging unlawful state actions and enforced disappearances. His campaign manifesto centres on practical reforms aimed at making LSK more responsive to the needs of advocates, especially younger and newly admitted members.
One of Kabata’s flagship proposals is prorated practising certificate fees for newly admitted advocates. “Many young lawyers struggle with the full annual fee immediately after admission when they are yet to earn substantial income,” Kabata said during his opening remarks at the debate. “We must make the transition fairer by introducing prorated fees that reflect actual time in practice.”
He has also advocated for a “Paperless LSK” through the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to digitise member services, from practising certificate applications to CPD tracking and disciplinary processes. “An ERP will cut bureaucracy, reduce costs and improve transparency,” Kabata explained. “Advocates should be able to access all LSK services online without endless trips to the secretariat.”
Another key pillar of his agenda is free strategic Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes targeted at early-career advocates. Kabata proposes mandatory, fully subsidised training in emerging practice areas such as Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Artificial Intelligence in law, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards, data protection and international trade law. “The legal profession is evolving rapidly,” he said. “We must equip young advocates with the skills to compete globally rather than leaving them to fend for themselves.”
Kabata further pledged to enhance healthcare access for members through an improved Wakili Medical Cover, ensuring better medical and mental health insurance benefits. “Mental health challenges are real in our profession,” he noted. “We must provide comprehensive support so advocates can thrive personally and professionally.”
His commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development has been a consistent theme throughout his tenure as Vice President. Kabata has emphasised that his vision is to build a stronger, more inclusive LSK that serves both the interests of advocates and the broader public.
Other candidates in the presidential race are expected to present their manifestos during the debate, which runs over two days and includes sessions on leadership, governance, member welfare and the future of the legal profession.
The Grand Debate is a key platform for members to interrogate aspirants before voting in the elections scheduled for March 2026. The outcome will determine the leadership that will guide LSK through the next two years, including negotiations on practising certificate fees, regulatory changes and digital transformation.
Observers say Kabata’s campaign resonates strongly with younger advocates who form the majority of the membership and are increasingly vocal about affordability, technology and professional development. “The profession has changed dramatically since 2020,” said one Nairobi-based junior counsel attending the debate. “We need leaders who understand those changes and are willing to push for practical reforms.”
The debate is being streamed live on LSK’s official channels, allowing advocates across the country to follow proceedings. Questions from the floor and online submissions will be addressed in real time.
As the 2026–2028 LSK elections gain momentum, today’s Grand Debate sets the stage for a contest focused on modernisation, inclusivity and member welfare.
