Lawyers faced over 2,800 complaints by June 2025- Report

The Advocates Complaints Commission has revealed it received more than 2,800 complaints against lawyers in the period ending June 30, 2025.

According to its 137th quarterly report published under a gazette notice dated July 2, 2025, the Commission registered 307 new complaints between April and June 2025, adding to 2,858 cases carried over from previous quarters.

"Pursuant to Section 53 (9) of the Advocates Act and Rule 12(1) of the Advocates (Complaints Commission) Rules, 1991 it is notified for general information that from 1st April, 2025 to 30th June, 2025, the Commission received a total of three hundred and seven (307) new complaints and submitted them for enquiry under the Preliminary Enquiry initiative," reads the notice by Commission chairperson Moses K. Cheboi.

The report shows that the largest share of new cases involved withholding client funds (162 complaints), followed by failure to render professional services (49), failure to account (27), and failure to inform clients (14).

Other complaints included overcharging, conflict of interest, acting without instructions, and issuing dishonoured cheques.

Out of the cases handled, 294 complaints were disposed of, while 2,871 remain pending. The Commission said it managed to settle 27 cases amicably, helping complainants recover Sh37.1 million during the quarter.

"The Commission in the process of settling complaints during the period under review, facilitated recovery and payment of Kenya shillings thirty-seven million, one hundred and eighty-nine thousand nine hundred and fifty-two and forty cents (Sh37,189,952.4) to complainants," read the gazette notice.

In addition, 37 cases were referred to the Advocates Disciplinary Committee for further action under Section 60(1) of the Advocates Act.