In the vibrant legal landscape of Kenya, few voices resonate as prominently as that of Charles Kanjama.
A distinguished advocate, Senior Counsel, legal educator, and influential commentator, Kanjama’s journey from law student to one of the country’s most respected legal practitioners is both inspirational and impactful.
Early Life
Charles Njiru Kanjama was born on 17th November 1977 in Kenya. While details about his early family life are limited, Kanjama grew up in an environment that deeply valued education and professional growth. From a young age, his passion for law and justice became clear, setting the stage for an illustrious career.
Education
Kanjama’s academic journey is remarkable for its breadth and depth. His qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) (Hons) from the University of Nairobi.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Law, Kenya School of Law; admitted to the Bar in June 2003.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) — qualified with KASNEB.
- Certified Public Secretary qualification.
- Higher Diploma in Information Technology from the Institute for the Management of Information Systems.
- Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and Certified Mediator.
- Currently completing a Master of Laws (LL.M) focused on urban land value tax and pursuing an MBA from Strathmore University.
This impressive educational foundation has equipped Kanjama with multidisciplinary expertise far beyond traditional legal practice.
Legal Career and Practice
Early Legal Practice
Charles Kanjama began his professional journey after admission to the Bar in 2003. He completed his pupilage at Kibet & Co. Advocates and later worked at Ochieng’, Onyango, Kibet & Ohaga Advocates. His early years in practice involved extensive litigation and handling complex legal matters across civil and criminal law.
Founding Muma & Kanjama Advocates
In 2006, Kanjama co-founded Muma & Kanjama Advocates, a full-service law firm based in Nairobi. As Managing Partner, he leads the firm’s litigation and dispute resolution practice, overseeing a diverse range of legal services including:
- Constitutional & public law litigation
- Commercial dispute resolution
- Tax and corporate governance consultancy
- Arbitration and mediation
- Corporate secretarial practice
His leadership has contributed to building the firm into one of Kenya’s trusted legal practices.
Leadership in the Law Society of Kenya
One of Charles Kanjama’s most significant professional milestones was his role in the Law Society of Kenya (LSK):
- First elected Chairman of the LSK Nairobi Branch (2016–2020).
- Served as Treasurer and Council Member of LSK.
- In 2022, he was honoured with the rank of Senior Counsel (SC) — a prestigious title awarded to outstanding advocates in Kenya.
- Recently declared a bid for the LSK presidency for the 2026–28 term.
Through these roles, Kanjama has championed legal reforms, strengthened professional standards, and supported the development of young lawyers.
Academic and Teaching Contributions
Beyond practice, Charles Kanjama remains deeply involved in legal education. He lectures at Strathmore University Law School and the Strathmore Business School, teaching courses such as criminal law, legal systems, human resource law, healthcare law, and jurisprudence.
His dual role as practitioner and educator allows him to shape future generations of Kenyan legal minds, contributing not just in courts but in classrooms too.
Professional Memberships and Roles
Kanjama is widely recognized for his multifaceted professional affiliations:
- Law Society of Kenya — Member & former LSK Nairobi Branch Chairman.
- Chartered Institute of Arbitrators — Fellow and Qualified Arbitrator.
- Certified Public Accountants of Kenya — Member.
- Institute of Certified Public Secretaries — Member.
- Kenya Christian Professionals Forum (KCPF) — Chairman and international vice chair.
These roles reflect his commitment to professional excellence and ethical leadership.
Publications and Media Engagements
Charles Kanjama has written extensively on various legal topics, including constitutional law, tax law, legal ethics, and media law. His contributions include:
- Co-editor of Family Law Digest: Matrimonial Property.
- Author of multiple academic papers and newspaper articles.
- Regular legal commentator on Kenyan television and media outlets, breaking down complex legal issues for public understanding.
Through both traditional and digital media, Kanjama continues to influence public discourse on justice, governance, and constitutional matters.
Awards
- Senior Counsel Rank — Conferred in 2022 for legal excellence.
- Successfully operationalised the LSK Nairobi Branch post-decentralisation.
- Chair of the Nairobi Legal Awards Trust, which promotes excellence in the Kenyan legal profession.
These achievements highlight his leadership and dedication to elevating the standards of legal practice in Kenya.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Charles Kanjama?
Charles Kanjama is a Kenyan Senior Counsel, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, legal educator, and managing partner at Muma & Kanjama Advocates.
Q2: What is his educational background?
He holds an LL.B (Hons), postgraduate diploma in law, CPA, Certified Public Secretary qualification, higher IT diploma, and is pursuing an LL.M and MBA.
Q3: What roles has he held in legal organisations?
Kanjama has served as Chairman of the LSK Nairobi Branch, LSK Council Member, Treasurer, and is a board member of several professional bodies.
Q4: Does he teach law?
Yes, he lectures at Strathmore University Law School and Business School.
Q5: Has he written any legal books?
He co-authored Family Law Digest: Matrimonial Property and contributed to numerous legal papers and articles.
Conclusion
Charles Kanjama’s life and career exemplify excellence in legal practice, education, and professional leadership. His contributions to constitutional law, mentorship of young lawyers, and public engagement distinguish him as one of Kenya’s most influential legal figures today. As he continues his work—both in courts and in teaching—his influence will undoubtedly endure across generations of legal professionals.
