As many Kenyans decry unemployment, and the few ones who are employed lament of poor pay, a section of others are eating life with a big spoon.
These are our legal minds; lawyers, attorneys and advocates who are thriving on the increasing number of Kenyans who are in need of legal representation.
As Kenya approaches 50 million people in population, registered practicing lawyers only tally at 14, 000, ranking them among the most sought after professionals.
Lawyers can earn millions of shillings per single case, not forgetting that some handle several cases at a go, translating to a double pay in their bank accounts.
Reports indicate that lawyers earn the most is in disputes, where a dispute involving Sh20 million earns the lawyer Sh362, 000 and another 12.5 percent on any additional amount.
They also make a kill when tipped to provide legal representation in deals like mortgages, sale of land agreements and company law issues.
Though their fees are strictly managed by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and are not allowed to reduce it below the required level, in the above mentioned cases, they are allowed to name their own prices, on hourly basis.
In court battles, the unsuccessful litigant pays the winning side and his lawyer as well, while the lawyer on the winning side receives payment from both their client and the loser, making it a double kill. This, however, happens when a case is dismissed with costs.
Their fees attract a 16 percent Value Added Tax, which cannot, however, outweigh the bigger portion they take home.