The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has launched an independent investigative team to examine allegations of sexual harassment within the legal profession, following mounting criticism over the handling of complaints and gaps in existing disciplinary mechanisms.

LSK President Faith Odhiambo announced the formation of the team during a television interview on February 17, 2026, citing delays, inadequate communication, and jurisdictional limitations that have frustrated complainants.

“We are setting up an investigative team that will collate information independent from the tribunal or the council. The unfortunate part is the power imbalance that continues to exist, as well as the failure to understand the existing policies and how to access help. We are hoping that with this committee in place, members will turn up in large numbers and a quick solution will be found.”

She referenced a recent case in which a lawyer’s complaint, lodged in September or October 2025, was dismissed by the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal in December because sexual harassment falls outside its mandate as a criminal offence.

Policy gaps and tribunal limitations

Although the LSK adopted a Sexual Harassment Policy in 2019, Odhiambo acknowledged shortcomings that have hindered effective resolution of cases. “We are seeing the gaps clearly now,” she said, adding that the independent team will operate separately from both the council and the tribunal to gather evidence and facilitate justice for victims.

She pointed to persistent power imbalances within the profession and a widespread lack of awareness about available reporting channels as key barriers to reporting misconduct. The president expressed hope that the new committee would encourage more victims to come forward and enable faster, more decisive action once complaints are lodged.

Calls for tougher sanctions

Odhiambo also called for stronger sanctions against perpetrators, particularly senior advocates accused of targeting junior lawyers. Current penalties include suspension, fines, and licence revocation, but she argued these measures are insufficient to deter misconduct. “Unless we introduce stricter measures, we will not eradicate this problem,” she stated.

The initiative follows a protest held on February 13, 2026, when dozens of young lawyers, pupil advocates, and law students marched to LSK offices on Gitanga Road demanding reforms. Demonstrators accused the society of failing to act on complaints and protecting alleged offenders.

During the protest, lawyer Faith Wandera said, “We reject a profession where power is abused and victims are silenced while perpetrators advance.

LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata confirmed that the society has received several complaints, though at least one was deemed outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction. He encouraged lawyers and members of the public to report misconduct, emphasising the need to safeguard the integrity of the profession.

The establishment of the independent probe is expected to inform policy reforms and strengthen accountability measures within Kenya’s legal sector.