Law Society of Kenya (LSK) CEO Apollo Mboya said that the decision would take effect from February 4, 2013.
“All Advocates appearing at the High Court in Kisii must wear collars (plain white) and gowns (plain black),” Mboya said.
The CEO said that the dress code would include Advocates who practice in other stations but appear before the High Court in Kisii.
“We (LSK) have circulated the resolution to Advocates of the High Court countrywide,” Mboya said.
Mboya said the resolution was arrived at following a meeting between the Judiciary and Advocates of the High Court practicing in Kisii.
High Court Judge Samson Okongo, Principal Magistrate Ruth Maloba and LSK Kisii Chapter Chairman Momanyi Aunga and Gideon Nyambati (Secretary) attended the meeting.
“Kisii Resident Judge Lady Justice Ruth Sitati chaired a meeting with the lawyers who resolved to strictly adhere to the revised dress code,” Mboya said.
The consensus between the lawyers and the Judiciary comes barely a week after the LSK revised its dress code allowing women to braid their hair and wear trouser suits to court.
The CEO said that the LSK Revised Dress Code (2013) was not new to the legal profession arguing law it formed part of the curriculum at the Kenya School of Law.
“The dress code aimed at bringing honour and dignity to the profession is in line with legal practice in Commonwealth countries,” Mboya said.
Apollo said the LSK Council revised the dress code following pronouncements on dressing by the Chief Justice that created confusion last year.
“We (LSK Council) visited some courts up country and were shocked that some judicial officers dressed down in jeans and T shirts on Fridays,” Mboya said.
Mboya said advocates should not dress down on any day of the week when appearing before a court or tribunal.
“Any advocate who appears in court dressed contrary to the new dress code commits a professional misconduct,” Mboya said.
The LSK Revised Dress Code (2013) was sent to Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga for circulation to judicial officers and the Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai and Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko for circulation to State and Prosecution Counsel in their Chambers.
