“Most lawyers say they want to make a difference, but many quickly abandon that dream in pursuit of monetary success. Being at SLS, especially in the Strathmore Law Clinic, kept my passion for social justice alive.”

Elvis Cosmos, an alumnus of Strathmore Law School, has remained connected to the school since his student days. From his time in the Law Clinic, to serving as a Graduate Assistant and now as an advocate working with the Pro Bono Institute of Kenya (PBIK) and a coach of the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition, Elvis continues to shape and contribute to the Strathmore Law School community.

The Journey into Promoting Access to Justice

“I went to a slum in Parklands,” he recalls, “where I got so mad after encountering an incident where the police were fabricating charges against children.”

Out of frustration, Elvis decided to document the issue and shared it with the then Dean, Professor Louis Franceschi and researcher and doctoral fellow Cecil Abungu, who was then a Graduate Assistant.

Reflecting on his time at Strathmore Law School, Elvis notes how the institution shaped his view on the legal profession and fueled his commitment to justice.

As President of the Law Clinic, he helped organize the Child Justice Summit, bringing together students, practitioners and the Judiciary. This summit led to the creation of Wakili wa Watoto Clubs, a student-led network across Kenyan law schools that promotes children’s rights and access to justice, which remains active today with support from the Judiciary.

Coming Back to Serve

After graduating and completing his Graduate Assistantship, Elvis joined Anjarwalla & Khanna, one of the leading law firms in the region. Yet, he chose to return to Strathmore Law School’s ecosystem.

“The centres here, and the Pro Bono Institute of Kenya, still hold a vision I believe in. It’s the same vision that brings people together to work on troubling legal issues in society.”

Now an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and actively serving through PBIK, Elvis continues to contribute to legal aid initiatives, working closely with the Law Clinic to ensure it remains a space where cases are handled and access to justice, especially to the grassroots communities, is advanced.

From Legal Aid to Outer Space

Elvis has developed a unique niche where outer space governance, human rights, and access to justice meet.

“Human rights began for me in the Strathmore Law Clinic,” he says. “But my interest in space law grew through programs like ILINA, guest lectures and the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition.”

Today, he coaches Strathmore’s Manfred Lachs team alongside Paul Martin Konyango. Under their guidance, the team has achieved outstanding success, winning both the national and African rounds in 2025 and advancing to the global rounds in Vienna. In 2026, the team once again progressed beyond the national level to the African regional rounds.

“My prayer,” he says, “is that every student I coach becomes a policy influencer.”

Where Space Law Meets Human Rights

While space law and legal aid may seem worlds apart, Elvis sees a great connection.

“Outer space is considered the province of all humankind. But what does public participation look like there, especially for marginalized and indigenous communities?”

He is particularly interested in how space governance frameworks can incorporate indigenous knowledge systems and prevent future human rights violations in emerging global frontiers.

Why Alumni Should Stay Connected

Elvis believes that learning does not stop at graduation. In fact, he believes that most learning starts after graduation.

“SLS provides a launchpad,” he says, “but it also offers a pathway for growth, especially for those pursuing non-traditional legal careers.”

His advice to SLS students: “Never stop taking a bet on yourself. Everyone has a plan for you, except you. Choose your own path and pursue what you truly love.”

Article written by Evans Ijakaa.