Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Hon. Paul Ongili Owino, popularly known as Babu Owino, has officially been admitted to the Bar as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. This significant milestone in his legal career was marked by a formal ceremony at the Supreme Court of Kenya, where he took the oath of admission, donning the traditional advocate’s attire.
Babu Owino’s journey into the legal profession is both commendable and inspiring. He first gained national recognition as a student leader, serving as the chairperson of the Students Organization of Nairobi University (SONU). His academic prowess is evident from his educational background:
- Actuarial Science: He graduated with First Class Honors in Actuarial Science from the University of Nairobi in 2012.
- Law Degree: He pursued a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree at the University of Nairobi’s Parklands Campus, graduating with Second Class Upper Division honors.
After completing his LLB, Babu Owino proceeded to the Kenya School of Law, where he undertook the Advocates Training Programme (ATP), a mandatory course for all aspiring advocates in Kenya. Upon successful completion, he undertook a six-month pupillage under a practicing advocate, which is a requisite step before being admitted to the Bar.
In addition to his academic and legal achievements, Babu Owino has been an active political figure. Since 2017, he has represented Embakasi East Constituency in the National Assembly. During his tenure, he has been a vocal advocate for reforms in the legal education sector. Notably, in October 2023, he sponsored the Legal Education (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks to devolve the Advocates Training Programme by allowing other institutions besides the Kenya School of Law to offer the program. This initiative aims to address the increasing number of law graduates and alleviate the strain on the current training facilities.
Furthermore, Babu Owino has been instrumental in advocating for the admission of law graduates who did not meet the Kenya School of Law’s stringent entry requirements. In March 2023, he led over 3,000 law graduates in a protest against the institution’s policy that denied admission to those who scored below a B grade in English or Kiswahili. He argued that this policy was discriminatory and left many qualified graduates unable to pursue their legal careers.
With his admission to the Bar, Babu Owino has expressed his commitment to using his legal expertise to champion justice and uphold the rule of law. He has pledged to represent marginalized communities and advocate for legal reforms that promote equity and access to justice for all Kenyans.
His admission to the Bar not only marks a personal achievement but also underscores the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the legal field. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Babu Owino’s journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring legal professionals in Kenya.
