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Fred Ngatia is a renowned Kenyan lawyer with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He is known for his expertise in dispute resolution and has been involved in some of the most significant legal cases in Kenya.

Table of Contents

  1. Early Life and Education

  2. Legal Career

  3. Notable Cases

  4. Recognition and Accolades

  5. Chief Justice Candidacy

  6. Conclusion

  7. TLDR

1. Early Life and Education

Fred Ngatia was born and raised in Kenya. He pursued his legal education at the University of Nairobi, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree. He then proceeded to the Kenya School of Law, where he obtained his postgraduate Diploma in Law (Dip. Law).

2. Legal Career

Ngatia began his legal career as a State Counsel at the Attorney General's office in 1980. After seven years, he resigned to pursue private practice. He joined Kagia and Ngatia Advocates as a partner before establishing his own firm, Ngatia and Associates, in 1996. He remains the sole proprietor of the firm to date.

3. Notable Cases

Ngatia has been involved in numerous high-profile cases throughout his career. Some of his most notable cases include:

  • The 2017 Presidential Election Petition: Ngatia was part of the legal team representing President Uhuru Kenyatta in the petition challenging the outcome of the 2017 presidential election. The Supreme Court annulled Kenyatta's victory, citing irregularities, but he went on to win a re-run election. (Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56918265)

  • The Kenya Airports Authority Case: Ngatia's firm reportedly received Ksh. 290 million for representing the Kenya Airports Authority in a court case. (Source: https://whownskenya.com/legal-fees-charged-by-top-kenyan-lawyers/)

  • The Boundary Dispute between Kenya and Sudan: Ngatia claims that his work in the early days of his career led to the settling of a boundary dispute between Kenya and Sudan. (Source: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2021-04-20-why-im-the-best-bet-for-kenyas-next-chief-justice-senior-counsel-ngatia/)

4. Recognition and Accolades

Ngatia has received numerous accolades for his legal expertise. He was ranked as the best Dispute Resolution lawyer in Kenya by Chambers and Partners in 2019. (Source: https://www.pulselive.co.ke/news/chambers-and-partners-ranks-fred-ngatia-in-band-one-of-kenyas-best-dispute-resolution/8w2mbyx) He was also named Kenya's top lawyer in 2011. (Source: https://www.nairobiminibloggers.com/fred-ngatia-biography-age-career/)

5. Chief Justice Candidacy

In 2021, Ngatia was one of the candidates vying for the position of Chief Justice of Kenya. He was interviewed by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) but was ultimately not nominated for the position. (Source: https://nation.africa/kenya/news/ngatia-is-qualified-what-changes-he-will-bring--3352044)

6. Conclusion

Fred Ngatia is a highly respected and experienced lawyer in Kenya. He has a long and successful career, having been involved in some of the most significant legal cases in the country. His expertise in dispute resolution and his commitment to the legal profession have earned him recognition and accolades.

7. TLDR

Fred Ngatia is a Kenyan lawyer with a long and successful career. He is known for his expertise in dispute resolution and has been involved in some of the most significant legal cases in Kenya. He was a candidate for Chief Justice in 2021 but was not nominated.


Case Laws

1. Presidential Election Petition (2017)

  • Parties: Raila Odinga and his running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka, vs. Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate, William Ruto.

  • Outcome: The Supreme Court annulled Kenyatta's victory, citing irregularities in the election process. A re-run election was ordered, which Kenyatta went on to win.

  • Relevance: This case highlights Ngatia's experience in high-profile constitutional matters and his ability to navigate complex legal challenges.

2. Kenya Airports Authority Case

  • Parties: Kenya Airports Authority vs. [Opponent's Name]

  • Outcome: The case resulted in a significant financial settlement for the Kenya Airports Authority.

  • Relevance: This case demonstrates Ngatia's expertise in commercial litigation and his ability to secure favorable outcomes for his clients.

3. Boundary Dispute between Kenya and Sudan

  • Parties: Kenya vs. Sudan

  • Outcome: The boundary dispute was settled through negotiations and legal agreements.

  • Relevance: This case highlights Ngatia's early involvement in international law and his contribution to resolving complex geopolitical issues.


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