Photo courtesy: Elijah Odanga.
Debra Ajwang enters LSK vice president race with reform agenda
By Peace Muthoka
Advocate Debra Ajwang has officially joined the race for Vice President of the Law Society of Kenya, unveiling a reform-driven agenda focused on governance, accountability, and member welfare.
Ajwang submitted her nomination papers on Tuesday, marking a decisive step in her bid to help reshape the leadership and direction of the society. With 19 years of legal practice, she says her decision is rooted in a desire to strengthen LSK’s institutional foundations and rebuild confidence among members.
She placed corporate governance at the centre of her campaign, arguing that strong governance determines whether any institution succeeds or fails. Ajwang said past councils did not give governance the attention it deserves, leaving gaps in oversight and management at the LSK Secretariat.
She pledged to address these gaps by promoting transparency, clear accountability structures, and professional management systems that reflect best corporate practices.
Ajwang also stressed the need to uphold the rule of law, starting from within the society itself. She raised concern over repeated instances where court judgments are issued but ignored, warning that such actions erode public trust and weaken the justice system.
Respect for court decisions, she said, must remain non-negotiable for an institution that represents officers of the court.
On financial management, Ajwang said protecting members’ contributions must be a top priority. She described financial fidelity as essential to restoring trust and ensuring sustainability within the society.
Drawing from her financial background, she promised prudent use of resources and stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure funds directly benefit members.
She noted that her experience in corporate governance equips her to offer effective oversight of the Secretariat and translate policy decisions into tangible results for advocates across the country.
Member and staff welfare also features strongly in her agenda. Ajwang said no institution can thrive if it neglects the wellbeing of its people. She added that both LSK staff and advocates must feel supported for the society to function effectively.
She expressed concern over the shrinking practice space for lawyers, saying non-advocates increasingly perform work reserved for the legal profession. Ajwang warned that this trend threatens professional standards and livelihoods.
She called for clearer laws and policies to protect legal practice, similar to safeguards in professions such as medicine and auditing.
With the number of advocates rising steadily, including the recent admission of about 1,000 lawyers, Ajwang said the real challenge lies in rethinking legal practice. She urged advocates to diversify, specialise, and collectively secure professional space rather than compete for limited opportunities.
Ajwang also highlighted her involvement in the LSK welfare programme, which supports members facing illness, bereavement, mental health challenges, and other personal crises. She said the experience has given her a deeper understanding of the pressures advocates face daily.
“I understand the challenges we face as a profession, and I am ready to serve and give my best,” she said.
The Law Society of Kenya elections are expected in February, with several candidates already positioning themselves for the society’s top leadership roles.
