For Alex Kiwara Irungu, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws at Strathmore Law School was driven by more than the desire to earn a degree. It was an opportunity to engage with a discipline that challenged him intellectually while offering him the chance to make a meaningful contribution to society. “There’s something particular about the way law challenges one intellectually and in a manner that is directly tied to social impact,” he says. “The centrality of access to justice and the rule of law as key elements of the field were also strong motivators.”

As he prepares to graduate this August, Alex looks back on a university journey that was defined by personal transformation, academic excellence, and leadership. Reflecting on his years at Strathmore, Alex describes the experience as “nourishing”. “Experiencing the transformation from childhood to adulthood in an environment where your future is being prioritised is very enriching. The classroom experience, the social interactions, and the professional growth have been key contributors to the kind of man I am today.” Throughout his time at Strathmore Law School, he consistently excelled academically, earning a place on the Dean’s List for four consecutive years.

Alex proudly recalls representing Strathmore in the prestigious John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition, one of the world’s leading international trade law competitions. “For those who may not remember, this is the competition that brought fame to Strathmore years back when the SLS team of the time beat the Harvard team,” he says.[1.1] “Strathmore has had a legacy in this competition, and I believe my team and I did not disappoint.” His performance earned him the Best Orator Award for the entire competition, as well as a Master’s scholarship, an achievement that has significantly influenced his future career aspirations. “Being on the Dean’s List for four years in a row is also nice,” he adds with a smile.

When asked about the people who shaped his university experience, Alex’s answer is immediate; Janet Njambi—teacher, mentor, friend.” Although brief, his response reflects the lasting influence that dedicated lecturers and mentors can have on students, extending beyond academic instruction into personal and professional development.

Balancing Excellence

During his second year, he simultaneously served as an Editor at the Strathmore Law Review, participated in the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition, and was a Pre-Fellowship Candidate in the ILINA Program, all while maintaining exceptional academic performance. “Suffice it to say that this seemed like an insurmountable challenge,” he recalls. “But I only have fond memories of the time now. Through the building of grit and resilience, I managed—and managed well.” That period taught him one of his defining life lessons: “Be aggressive in the pursuit of achievement.”

Alex’s involvement in extracurricular activities reflects his commitment to scholarship and leadership. Since his second year, he has been actively involved in the Strathmore Law Review, one of the university’s flagship academic publications. Beginning as an Associate Editor, he steadily rose through the ranks to become Senior Editor before eventually serving as Editor-in-Chief. In that role, he led and mentored a team of 25 editors while overseeing the production of Volume XI of the publication. His responsibilities included conducting peer reviews, substantively editing scholarly manuscripts, and ensuring the publication maintained its high academic standards.

Alongside his editorial work, he continued participating in moot court competitions, further strengthening his legal research, advocacy, and public speaking skills.

Looking back, Alex believes Strathmore shaped him in ways that extend far beyond academics. “It has made me more disciplined, resilient, and intellectually curious,” he says. “I have learned to approach complex problems with a critical and analytical mindset while remaining open to different perspectives.” He adds that the many challenges and opportunities he encountered helped him build confidence, discover his purpose, and appreciate the importance of lifelong learning and meaningful relationships.

One memory still stands out vividly. “Thursday 21st July 2022, first-year orientation week. That’s all I can say,” he laughs.

Looking Ahead, Alex’s next chapter has already begun. Following graduation, he will join Strathmore Law School as a Graduate Assistant, allowing him to continue contributing to the institution that has played such an important role in his development. He credits the institution with preparing him not only academically but also professionally. “The university has equipped me with a strong academic foundation while cultivating the professionalism, integrity, and leadership skills needed to thrive in my career,” Alex adds.

Looking further ahead, he hopes to use the law to strengthen institutions, improve access to justice, and contribute to legal and policy reforms that promote sustainable economic growth. Beyond his legal practice, he also hopes to mentor aspiring lawyers, encouraging them to pursue excellence while serving society with integrity.

For students still making their way through university, Alex offers simple but honest advice: “It may never ‘get better’ in your four years, but one day it’ll all end, so make good use of it now.”Asked to summarize his Strathmore experience in a single sentence, he smiles and says; “I am a lawyer, my friend.” As he graduates, Alex leaves Strathmore not only with outstanding academic achievements and international recognition but also with leadership experience, resilience, and a clear vision of using the law as a force for justice and positive social change.

Article written by: Jonathan Icubahiro