Wakili Towers Groundbreaking Marks a New Dawn for Kenya’s Legal Profession
By Peace Muthoka
Nairobi, January 30, 2026 — A long-held dream for Kenya’s legal fraternity finally took a bold step into reality on Thursday as the Law Society of Kenya broke ground for its new headquarters, Wakili Towers, along Gitanga Road in Nairobi.
The historic ceremony drew senior judges, government leaders, advocates, and partners, all united by a shared belief that a strong justice system needs a strong and independent bar. Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome presided over the event as the chief guest, lending both symbolism and personal history to the milestone.
For Justice Koome, the moment carried deep meaning. She described the Law Society of Kenya as her professional home, a place where her legal journey took shape and where her commitment to justice grew. As she spoke, she traced the roots of Wakili Towers back several decades, reminding advocates that the vision of a dignified and permanent home for LSK did not begin today.
Instead, she recalled, the dream lived in conversations and plans as far back as the mid-1990s, when she served as a council member. At the time, the society operated with limited resources and a lean secretariat, often supported by voluntary service from council members. Even then, she said, LSK believed in strong structures, good governance, and professional integrity.
That belief, she noted, sustained the society through difficult years. Although resources were scarce, the commitment to high standards never faded. Over time, the institution grew stronger, more organized, and more confident in its role as a guardian of the rule of law.
Today, that journey stands reflected in Wakili Towers. Justice Koome paid tribute to former leaders who laid the foundation, including those who envisioned and secured the property years ago. She emphasized that progress builds on persistence and that honoring the past gives meaning to the present.
She urged advocates not to dwell on how long the journey has taken. Instead, she encouraged them to move forward with confidence. When Wakili Towers finally rises, she said, its beauty and purpose will matter more than the years it took to begin.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Justice Koome highlighted the tower’s deeper mission. She said the new headquarters will strengthen the role of advocates while opening new frontiers such as arbitration and mediation. These spaces, she explained, will help expand access to justice, decongest courts, and offer affordable and efficient dispute resolution.
She also praised the evolving relationship between the bench and the bar. According to the Chief Justice, constructive engagement and objective criticism have helped the judiciary address challenges more systematically. Mutual respect, she said, remains essential to a justice system that serves the people.
As the Law Society prepares for its upcoming elections, Justice Koome reaffirmed the judiciary’s neutrality. She assured members that the courts will continue to work openly and consultatively with whichever leadership the society elects. Justice, she stressed, thrives when institutions collaborate rather than compete.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen echoed that message. Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, he conveyed the government’s support for Wakili Towers and its construction. He described the project as a symbol of partnership between state institutions and the legal profession.
Murkomen acknowledged that differences may arise between government and advocates. However, he emphasized that engagement remains constructive and anchored in the Constitution. Strong national stability, he said, depends on collaboration across institutions.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo received praise from both the judiciary and government leaders for steering the long-delayed project to this decisive stage. Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, senior council members, and other stakeholders also attended the ceremony, underscoring the broad support behind the initiative.
After more than a decade of operating from a condemned building, the Law Society now looks ahead with renewed optimism. Leaders expressed hope that, with support from members and partners, initial occupancy of Wakili Towers will be achieved within two years.
As spades hit the ground, the mood was one of pride and resolve. Wakili Towers will rise not just as a headquarters, but as a lasting statement. It will proclaim that the defence of the rule of law in Kenya remains firm, enduring, and non-negotiable.
When completed, the tower will stand as a reminder of resilience, unity, and a profession that refuses to give up. Through it, generations of advocates will serve, mentor, and protect the rights and dignity of countless Kenyans.
