From Kenya, Mutuma’s story was written at KIU Today, as a proud alumnus, I celebrate the incredible milestones I have achieved, all of which are deeply rooted in the foundation KIU provided.

By Elias Mutuma

When, I joined Kampala International University (KIU) in 2008, the School of Law was just six years old, having been accredited by the Ugandan Law Development Council in October 2002.

In fact, it was one of the first schools to be established after the university had been chartered by the Higher Council for Higher Education in 2001, the years in which KIU was founded.

The school’s intake – sixty-five – was dismal but in subsequent years it grew rapidly, with the university becoming one of the best centers to study law across East Africa.

Thus, 17 years later, I look back and reflect on the profound impact KIU, as an institution, has had on me and the entire East Africa and Uganda in particular, as it celebrates 25 years of rewriting stories and changing lives.  

Back in in 2008, I had arrived in Kampala from Kenya ripe on ambition.

Apart from earning a Bachelor of Laws degree from KIU, I wanted to get a transformative experience that would shape my personal growth, professional trajectory, and leadership ethos.

Today, as a proud alumnus, I celebrate the incredible milestones I have achieved, all of which are deeply rooted in the foundation KIU provided.

My time at KIU was marked by active participation in student leadership, a role that profoundly influenced my career path.

I had the privilege of serving as a Guild member and minister for foreign affairs and international relations.

This position was more than just a title – it was a platform that honed my leadership skills, sharpened my diplomatic acumen, and instilled in me a sense of responsibility and service.

Through this role, I learned the art of negotiation, the importance of collaboration, and the value of representing diverse voices – skills that have been instrumental in my legal career.

After graduating in 2013, I embarked on a professional journey that has been nothing short of remarkable.

Over the past decade, I have risen to become one of Kenya’s top litigation lawyers, earning a spot on the prestigious list of Top 100 Litigation Lawyers in Kenya for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024).

This recognition is a testament to the excellence and dedication that KIU instilled in me.

Today, I run one of Nairobi’s most reputable law firms, leading a team of talented associates.

Our firm has handled high-profile cases across Kenya’s High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court, including landmark presidential election petitions.

Representing clients such as the President of the Republic of Kenya, the Deputy President, Governors, and Members of Parliament has been both an honor and a reflection of the trust and credibility we have built over the years.

None of this would have been possible without the solid foundation I received at KIU.

The university’s commitment to transforming lives through education and innovation is evident in the success stories of its alumni.

For me, KIU was more than an academic institution; it was a nurturing ground for leadership, a hub for intellectual growth, and a community that believed in my potential.

As KIU marks 25 years of excellence, I celebrate not only the institution’s achievements but also the personal and professional milestones it has enabled me to reach.

My story is a testament to the power of education, the value of leadership, and the enduring impact of a university that dares to dream big for its students.

Here’s to KIU, a place where futures are forged, and legacies are born.

Indeed, as the motto says “Exploring the Heights” I was shaped into one of the best lawyer, and leader, I am today.

Cheers to 25 years of transforming lives, and to many more years of inspiring greatness!

Elias Mutuma is a Lawyer and Founding Partner of Mutuma Gichuru & Associates Advocates.