Charles Kanjama Biography, Career, LSK President and Legal Journey

Deep Dive into Charles Kanjama biography, legal career, Senior Counsel status, family, and rise to Law Society of Kenya president in the LSK elections 2026.

Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama has emerged as one of the most influential figures in Kenya’s legal profession following the highly watched LSK elections 2026. His leadership credentials, extensive courtroom experience, and governance background positioned him as a strong contender for the presidency of the Law Society of Kenya, widely known as LSK.

With more than two decades of legal practice, Kanjama’s career spans litigation, corporate advisory work, constitutional law, and professional leadership. His election signals a new chapter for the lawyers’ body at a time when debates on rule of law, professional discipline, and access to justice remain central to Kenya’s governance landscape.

This profile explores Charles Kanjama’s biography, professional journey, leadership roles, and influence in the legal sector.

Early Legal Career and Professional Background

Charles Kanjama is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with over 20 years of experience in active legal practice. Over the years, he built a reputation as a seasoned litigator appearing before courts and tribunals across the country.

His expertise covers multiple legal fields including:

• Commercial law
• Constitutional law
• Tax law
• Jurisprudence
• Legal ethics

In 2022, his contributions to the legal profession were formally recognised when he was conferred the rank of Senior Counsel, one of the highest honours for advocates in Kenya. The distinction is reserved for lawyers who demonstrate excellence in advocacy, scholarship, and service to the legal system.

This recognition significantly strengthened his standing ahead of the LSK elections and reinforced his image as a senior professional capable of leading the society.

Managing Partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates

Beyond courtroom litigation, Kanjama serves as Managing Partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates, where he also heads the disputes department.

In this role, he provides:

• Corporate governance consultancy
• Legal advisory services
• Commercial litigation representation
• Regulatory compliance guidance
• Governance audits

His work involves advising both private sector organisations and public institutions, demonstrating a blend of legal expertise and strategic policy understanding.

The firm’s presence in Kenya’s legal sector further elevated Kanjama’s visibility within professional circles and among corporate clients.

Leadership Roles Within the Law Society of Kenya

Kanjama’s connection with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) is long-standing. Years before the LSK elections 2026, he had already served in several leadership capacities within the organisation.

His previous roles include:

• LSK Council Member
• LSK Treasurer (2012–2014)
• Inaugural Chair of the LSK Nairobi Branch (2016–2020)
• Chair of the LSK Caucus of Branch Chairs

These positions gave him administrative experience and direct exposure to the professional concerns of advocates across Kenya.

His tenure at the Nairobi branch was particularly notable because it was the first time the branch leadership structure had been formally institutionalised. That experience later became a key campaign strength when he sought the national presidency.

Charles Kanjama and the LSK Elections 2026

The LSK elections 2026 attracted national attention due to the increasing political and constitutional relevance of the Law Society of Kenya in public governance matters.

Kanjama’s campaign emphasised:

• Professional discipline within the bar
• Institutional legitimacy
• Stronger governance frameworks
• Protection of the rule of law
• Member welfare

Following the vote, he emerged victorious and assumed leadership of the society, becoming one of the latest presidents in the organisation’s long institutional history.

His election came amid competition from other notable legal professionals, including figures such as Dorothy Muoma and Faith Odhiambo, reflecting the diversity of leadership voices within the Kenyan legal fraternity.

Observers noted that his governance-focused message and extensive institutional experience likely influenced the outcome.

Professional Certifications and Arbitration Expertise

Apart from being an advocate and Senior Counsel, Charles Kanjama holds multiple professional certifications demonstrating his multidisciplinary training.

He is:

• A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Kenya)
• A Certified Professional Mediator
• A Certified Secretary
• A Certified Public Accountant

This combination of law, finance, governance, and dispute resolution qualifications makes him part of a small group of Kenyan lawyers with strong cross-disciplinary expertise.

Such credentials are particularly relevant in modern legal practice, where arbitration, corporate governance, and compliance frameworks increasingly shape commercial disputes.

Role in Promoting Legal Excellence in Kenya

Kanjama also chairs the Nairobi Legal Awards Trust, an initiative established by the LSK Nairobi Branch.

The organisation focuses on:

• Recognising outstanding lawyers
• Celebrating law firms’ achievements
• Promoting professional standards
• Encouraging mentorship in the legal field

Through this platform, he has contributed to strengthening professional recognition systems within Kenya’s legal industry.

Professional awards and institutional recognition programmes have increasingly become tools for improving accountability and excellence among advocates, and Kanjama’s involvement shows his interest beyond courtroom practice.

Engagement in Professional and Faith-Based Organisations

Beyond the legal sector, Charles Kanjama is also active in broader professional networks.

He serves as:

• Chair of the Kenya Christian Professionals Forum
• Vice Chair of the Africa Christian Professionals Forum

These organisations bring together professionals from different disciplines to discuss leadership, ethics, governance, and social values.

His participation demonstrates an interest in ethical leadership conversations extending beyond legal practice into societal development.

Influence on Kenya’s Legal Governance Landscape

Kanjama’s professional path places him among lawyers who combine litigation, governance consulting, arbitration expertise, and institutional leadership.

This mix is significant in Kenya’s evolving legal environment, where:

• Constitutional litigation continues to shape public policy
• Corporate governance enforcement is increasing
• Arbitration is growing as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism
• Professional bodies play a more visible role in national debates

As LSK president, his leadership is expected to influence how the legal profession responds to constitutional challenges, judicial reforms, and governance issues in coming years.

Public Interest Litigation and Constitutional Advocacy

Throughout his career, Kanjama has participated in litigation touching on constitutional interpretation, governance disputes, and regulatory matters.

Such cases often involve:

• Public interest petitions
• Commercial regulatory conflicts
• Administrative law challenges
• Tax disputes

Kenya’s constitutional framework has expanded opportunities for judicial oversight of government actions, and experienced constitutional litigators like Kanjama have played important roles in shaping jurisprudence in this space.

Charles Kanjama Biography Profile and Public Interest

Public interest in Charles Kanjama biography, family background, and personal life has grown significantly following his rise within the Law Society.

While professional information about his career and leadership roles is widely documented, personal details such as family life are generally kept private, reflecting a professional focus on institutional service rather than personal publicity.

Search trends often include curiosity about his background, tribe, religion, and family, but his public profile remains largely centred on legal work, governance leadership, and professional achievements.

What His Presidency Means for the Future of LSK

The election of Charles Kanjama in the LSK elections 2026 signals continuity in institutional leadership combined with renewed emphasis on governance discipline.

Key expectations during his tenure include:

• Strengthening the independence of the legal profession
• Enhancing member services
• Supporting professional ethics enforcement
• Expanding continuing legal education initiatives
• Defending constitutionalism and the rule of law

The Law Society of Kenya has historically played an influential role in national debates, and its president often becomes a visible public voice on justice system reforms.

Conclusion

Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama’s rise to leadership of the Law Society of Kenya represents the culmination of over two decades of legal practice, institutional involvement, and governance leadership.

From managing partner at a major law firm to chairing professional bodies and now leading LSK, his career reflects the trajectory of a lawyer deeply embedded in Kenya’s legal development.

As the country continues navigating constitutional governance, judicial reforms, and evolving commercial law frameworks, his presidency is expected to shape professional direction and strengthen the role of advocates in safeguarding justice.