This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
On May 17, 2020, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) announced measures to support its members during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of these efforts, the LSK waived annual back fees for practicing certificates, relieving advocates of the Sh20,000 payment for this year's certificates.
LSK President Nelson Havi explained that the waiver was made under section 25 (1) (a) of the Advocates Act, Cap 16, to assist members mitigate the effects of the pandemic. However, advocates will still be required to pay their Advocates Benevolent Association subscriptions and Continuing Professional Development fees where applicable.
Additionally, Havi announced plans to roll out special identity cards for advocates, starting from May 19, 2020. These cards will facilitate intra-county travel by lawyers in the wake of cessation of movement orders in five counties, including Nairobi and Mombasa. The special cards will also enable lawyers to work past the dusk to dawn curfew imposed by the government.
LSK's decision to provide ID cards to lawyers comes as the Judiciary has delivered approximately 7,000 judgments since the online court operations started due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government has filed a notice to appeal the High Court ruling that ordered the inclusion of lawyers and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) among essential service providers.
