Michael Kimathi, an astute advocate—in—waiting, has a lot to be grateful for. Having completed his exams at the Kenya School of Law, Michael admits that the journey through law school was no small feat. “I am glad it’s over! I  happen to have done most of my classes online so it wasn’t as easy.” He reflects. Though anxious, Michael admits that he is eagerly waiting to reap the fruits of his labor. “Hoping the results will be out at the same time this Newsletter comes out; it will be a double celebration.” He states

The Genesis of Michael’s Legal Career

Michael Kimathi’s exceptionally unique Strathmore journey began in primary school, upon completion of his KCPE National exam. While he had anticipated joining the prestigious Alliance High School, the wings and winds of fate took him to Strathmore High School, a decision he predominantly credits his parents. “Thanks to my parents, I joined Strathmore school after primary school. I remember after admission, everything changed, including my language.”

Following his serendipitous admission to Strathmore, he did not hold back, he was actively involved in both his studies and co-curricular activities. “I took part in co-curriculum activities; I was in the debate club and also part of the school choir. Yes, I love singing.’’ he recounts.

Michael’s earlier interaction with Strathmore accompanied by his good grades in KCSE held the edge for him enabling his seamless transition to Strathmore Law School. “After getting my KCSE results, my dad told me to go to Strathmore and pick brochures,’’ he says.

Reflecting on his career path, Michael believes that his personality, which enables him to discourse on any topic and influenced by the TV show “Suits” fueled his ambition to join the legal realm. “I love people, I always believe there are two sources of knowledge, God and Divinity. I believe divinity is obtained through experience from people.” He states with conviction.

The Impeccable Journey Through Strathmore

Interestingly, among the many highlights of Michael’s journey at Strathmore, his unassailable taste for street food stood out. “I don’t think we appreciate the experience at Siwaka enough,” he narrated. Kimathi also believes that the heart-to-heart conversation with his classmates on their way home remains very fresh in his memory.

However, his most indelible moment was in his first year at Strathmore University where he participated in the Cindy Wakio Moot Competition. “I didn’t know much about the competition until I joined it, luckily, I got to be among the top six mooters who represented Strathmore. A life-changing moment! This achievement set the path to my legal career,”  he emphasizes.

Additionally, the competition gave him a confidence boost, enabling him to engage in various clubs, Including Kenya Model United Nations (KMUN), where he eventually became president, an experience that provided him with opportunities for both personal growth and engagement.

“Up to this day, I love the team I was working with,” he admits. It is through his experience as President at KMUN that he would later on discover his leadership Mojo. “Leadership is not having people follow you because you have been designated to them but allowing people to follow you because they buy into your vision,”  he reflects. Kimathi believes that by framing his leadership around a shared goal, he found it easier to motivate and work well with his team.

Michael’s Afterword

Looking back, Michael regrets his decision not to play football during his time on campus, mostly blaming it on his inability to balance his academics and sports. He also believes that being a Stratizen makes you stand out, as people look at you differently. “It’s the small things that Strathmore Alumni do that we don’t notice but other people notice, for example, cleaning after yourself,” he expresses.

Currently, as an administrator in the Mentoring Department at Strathmore University, he believes the position has given him leverage to network with professionals, hence establishing his ability to interchangeably apply both practical experiences mainly acquired from his mentors alongside theoretical education. Having muddled through the arduous Kenya School of Law journey, Michael still waits for his admission to the bar, meanwhile, his adeptness mostly acquired through his Law journey has enabled him to get jobs.

Looking into the future, Kimathi intends to pursue a legal career after his studies starting with a pupillage in a law firm. To Stratizens still pursuing their education Kimathi’s overarching message is, “Ensure you join a club, your clients are your classmates and as you make friends, enjoy yourself, have fun with people that care about you…”