Charles Kanjama, officially Charles Njiru Kanjama – is one of Kenya’s most respected Senior Counsel advocates, constitutional law experts, corporate governance advisors, educator, and institutional leader.
With over two decades of experience in law and governance, he has built a distinguished professional profile marked by courtroom excellence, institutional leadership, and a commitment to the rule of law.
He currently serves as the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for the 2026–2028 term after winning a highly-contested election among advocates nationwide.
Profile Data
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Njiru Kanjama |
| Stage Name | Charles Kanjama |
| Born | November 17, 1977 |
| Age | 48 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Occupation | Senior Counsel, Advocate, Legal Scholar, Corporate Governance Advisor |
| Religion | Christian |
| Net Worth | Not Publicly Disclosed |
Early Life
Charles Njiru Kanjama was born on November 17, 1977, in Kenya. He grew up in Nairobi in a family that valued education, discipline, debate, and public service – influences that began shaping his legal ambitions from a young age. His mother, in particular, encouraged reading and communication, helping cement his early interest in law, justice, and public affairs.
Kanjama is private about his family and personal life, keeping details such as marital status and children out of public discourse. However, his personal grounding in Kenya’s socio-political context provided fertile soil for his later professional commitments.
Education and Academic Foundation
Charles Kanjama’s educational journey laid a strong foundation for his legal and professional excellence:
- Strathmore School (Nairobi): Early secondary education where he developed foundational skills in debate, critical thinking, and academics.
- LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws): University of Nairobi (Second Class Upper Division, 2001).
- Postgraduate Diploma in Law (Advocacy): Kenya School of Law, qualifying him for admission to the Bar in 2003.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K): Completed 1998–2001.
- Certified Public Secretary (CPS-K): Qualifying through KASNEB in 2005.
- Higher Diploma (IMIS): Strathmore College, 1998.
- LL.M. (in progress): University of Nairobi (research on urban land value tax).
- MBA (in progress): Strathmore Business School (research on law firm success factors).
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb): Enhancing his credentials in arbitration and ADR.
This diverse academic background – spanning law, finance, governance, and mediation – gives Kanjama a rare multidisciplinary edge in both legal practice and institutional leadership.
Legal Career and Professional Growth
Charles Kanjama began his legal career after being admitted to the Roll of Advocates of the High Court of Kenya in June 2003.
Early Practice (2001–2005)
He gained early experience through pupillage and associate roles at law firms including:
- Kibet & Co. Advocates – pupillage
- Ochieng’, Onyango, Kibet & Ohaga Advocates – associate work
- Law Africa Publishing Ltd – Editor & legal manager, contributing to major legal publications.
Founding Muma & Kanjama Advocates (2006)
In 2006, Charles Kanjama co-founded Muma & Kanjama Advocates, a full-service law firm that has grown into one of Kenya’s leading legal practices. He serves as Managing Partner and Head of the Disputes Department, overseeing areas such as:
- Constitutional and public interest litigation
- Commercial and civil litigation
- Tax, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance
- Arbitration and mediation
- Intellectual property and ICT law
- Family and succession law
- Banking, insurance, and employment law
His multidisciplinary legal practice coupled with advisory roles demonstrates his capacity to tackle both courtroom challenges and strategic governance questions.
Leadership in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)
Kanjama’s leadership within Kenya’s premier professional association for lawyers underscores his influence and drive to strengthen the legal profession:
- Inaugural Chair, LSK Nairobi Branch (2016–2020): He established the branch and represented over 75% of Kenya’s practicing advocates.
- Chair, LSK Branch Chairs Caucus (2017–2020): Coordinating leadership and strategy across multiple branches.
- LSK Council Member & Treasurer (2012–2014): Steering governance and finances of the Society.
- Chair, Nairobi Legal Awards Trust: Promoting excellence among legal professionals.
- 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (2026–2028): Elected on February 19, 2026, with 3,728 votes, defeating major contenders and committing to principled leadership focused on the rule of law and professional welfare.
His presidential platform emphasised:
- Rule of Law & judicial independence
- Ethical governance & institutional integrity
- Enhancing practice & welfare of lawyers
- Engagement with stakeholders
- Capacity building for continuous professional development
Public Policy, Governance, and Institutional Roles
Beyond legal practice, Charles Kanjama serves in several strategic institutional capacities:
- Trust Administrator & Secretary, Strathmore Educational Trust – Oversight of governance functions for the Trust’s educational institutions.
- Chair, Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF): Promoting ethical leadership grounded in values.
- Member of multiple governance & audit committees for public and private institutions.
These roles highlight his commitment to ethics, professional standards, and governance across sectors.
Academic Contributions and Public Engagement
Charles Kanjama actively contributes to legal scholarship and education:
- Lecturer at Strathmore University Law School and Business School teaching criminal law, legal systems, healthcare law, and governance.
- Author/editor of legal texts on constitutional law, tax law, property law, and legal ethics.
- Frequent contributor to national media, simplifying complex legal issues for public understanding.
His role as an educator and commentator strengthens public legal literacy and fosters professional development among upcoming lawyers.
Awards and Recognition
Charles Kanjama’s career is distinguished by:
- Senior Counsel (SC) designation (2022): Among Kenya’s youngest advocates to receive this prestigious honour for legal distinction and integrity.
- Multiple national leadership roles within LSK and legal institutions.
His appointment reflects professional excellence and peer recognition throughout the legal sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Charles Kanjama?
Charles Kanjama is a Kenyan Senior Counsel, advocate and currently President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for 2026–2028.
2. What is his legal background?
He holds an LL.B from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma from the Kenya School of Law, CPA-K, CPS-K and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
3. What is Muma & Kanjama Advocates?
It is a Nairobi-based full-service law firm co-founded by Charles Kanjama in 2006.
4. What leadership role does he hold?
He serves as the 52nd President of the Law Society of Kenya (2026–2028).
5. What distinguishes his career?
Multidisciplinary expertise, leadership in professional institutions, public policy engagement, and media thought leadership.
Conclusion
Charles Kanjama’s journey from a young law student to one of Kenya’s most influential legal professionals exemplifies dedication, integrity, and excellence. His multifaceted career spans litigation, governance, education, and leadership – anchored by a passion for the rule of law and ethical practice. As the President of the Law Society of Kenya, he is poised to shape the future of the legal profession, enhance institutional standards, and promote justice within Kenya and beyond