24-year-old Sylvia Gitau reflects on being admitted to the Bar

On a momentous occasion at the Supreme Court building, Sylvia Esther Gitau, aged 24, was among the 302 new lawyers admitted to the Roll of Advocates.

Sylvia, radiant with joy and determination, expressed her gratitude and described her admission as a pivotal moment in her journey.

 "Walking into the Supreme Court as a law graduate and leaving as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya is a dream come true. It's not just a title; it's a responsibility to serve justice and uphold the rule of law," she said Friday last week during the admission.

The ceremony, overseen by Chief Justice Martha Koome, emphasized the importance of upholding professional standards and ethics in the legal profession.

CJ Koome's address resonated deeply with Sylvia, who acknowledged the significance of her words.

"Chief Justice Koome's message about deepening access to justice struck a chord with me. I believe that as lawyers, we have a duty to ensure that justice is accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances," Sylvia said.

Reflecting on the election of Faith Odhiambo as the President of the Law Society of Kenya, Sylvia expressed admiration and optimism.

"Faith Odhiambo's election is a testament to the progress we've made in promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession. It's inspiring to see women taking leadership roles and driving positive change," Sylvia noted.

Looking ahead, Sylvia shared her aspirations to specialize in conveyancing and digital forensics, areas that align with her passion for leveraging technology to enhance legal services.

"The legal landscape is evolving rapidly, especially with the integration of technology. I'm excited to explore how digital innovations can streamline legal processes and improve access to justice for all," Sylvia affirmed.

Having schooled at Maryhill Girls High School in earlier years, she proceeded to the Catholic University of Eastern Africa where she completed and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2021.

She is currently pursuing her Master of Laws degree (LLM) at the University of Liverpool John Moores.

She gives credit to seniors in the legal profession as great role models like the current Gatanga MP Hon. Wakili Edward Muriu, Hon. Julius Nagea, Ms Winnie Odhiambo just to name but a few.     

"I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and encouragement of my family and the invaluable advice of my mentors. I'm committed to making them proud and using my skills to make a positive impact in the legal profession," Sylvia said.