Kanjama: Lawyers can strike despite being essential service providers
By Sharon Atieno, July 21, 2026Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Charles Kanjama has defended the decision by advocates to boycott court services for one day, saying lawyers remain essential service providers but are not barred from taking industrial action.
Speaking to a local station on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, Kanjama said the decision to limit the boycott to one day was informed by the need to balance the concerns of lawyers with the interests of Kenyans who rely on the justice system.
“Lawyers are essential service providers, but that does not mean they cannot take industrial action. That is why our boycott is for one day, because we also have to consider the interests of the Kenyans we serve,” Kanjama said.
LSK sets one-day court boycott
The LSK has announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, as it pushes for reforms in the administration of justice.
The boycott will require advocates across the country to refrain from participating in court hearings and applications during the one-day action.
The decision was announced after engagements with leaders from the LSK Southeast Branch and Machakos Chapter.
New cases to continue
Kanjama has clarified that the boycott will not affect the filing of new cases. Court mentions and applications involving interim orders will also proceed, but only to obtain fresh hearing dates or extend interim orders where necessary.
The LSK president said the boycott was aimed at drawing attention to concerns raised by advocates over the functioning of the judiciary.
These include delays in the hearing and determination of cases and rulings, inefficiencies in court registries, judicial accountability and the working environment for lawyers.
Push for justice reforms
The LSK Council said the boycott was intended to emphasise the seriousness of concerns raised by its members and push for meaningful institutional interventions.
“Advocates continue to experience delays in hearing and determination of matters, as well as rulings,” Kanjama said.
He also cited persistent inefficiencies in court registries and concerns over the effectiveness of mechanisms for addressing complaints against judges and judicial officers.
The boycott comes amid growing pressure from the legal profession for reforms to strengthen the justice system and restore public confidence in the administration of justice.
The LSK has maintained that the action is intended to draw attention to challenges facing advocates and court users while pressing for meaningful institutional reforms.