CDH Conversations

What does it really take to reform Kenya’s legal system, and are we asking the right questions?

In this episode of Njeri Talks, we sit down with the President-elect of the Law Society of Kenya, Charles Kanjama, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the legal profession in Kenya, leadership, and the state of the rule of law.

From his journey into law to building a firm over 20+ years, Charles shares practical insights on partnership, mentorship, and professional growth — but also tackles deeper systemic issues affecting the country.

Key conversations include:

• Rule of law in Kenya - Addressing abductions, constitutional violations, and accountability
• Corruption and ethics - Why values often don’t translate into professional conduct
• Access to justice - Gaps in the system and how to fix them
• Young lawyers and mentorship - Challenges in employment, training, and practice readiness
• Legal reforms an policy - Improving institutions, legislation, and public participation
• Technology and AI in law - Opportunities, risks, and the future of legal practice
• Leadership and vision - What it takes to build institutions that outlast individuals

This episode goes beyond legal theory. It’s a conversation about leadership, systems, and responsibility in Kenya today. If you're in law, business, governance, or simply interested in how systems evolve, this is one to listen to.

In recognition of International Women’s Day and Human Rights Day, CDH’s Pro Bono & Human Rights practice presents a compelling CDH Conversations videocast exploring the real-world impact of human rights work across the African continent.  

In this episode, Brigitta Mangale, Director in the Pro Bono& Human Rights practice, is joined by Diana Akokpari, Deputy CEO of Justice Desk Africa, and Clarice Louw, Justice Desk Africa Programmes Manager, for an insightful discussion on advancing women’s rights, strengthening access tojustice, and empowering individuals to become active human rights defenders in their own communities.

The conversation reflects on this year’s themes of “Rights.Justice. Action.” and “Making Human Dignity Real,” highlighting the importance of moving beyond only the recognition of rights towards meaningful, collectiveaction. Drawing on South Africa’s history and contemporary challenges, the discussion underscores the ongoing need to address gender inequality and systemic barriers to justice.

From a strategic perspective, the discussion exploresJustice Desk Africa’s continental footprint, the evolution of its mission since inception, and key lessons learned from operating across diverse African contexts. It also considers the most urgent opportunities and challenges inadvancing women’s rights across the region, as well as the organisation’s forward-looking priorities for 2026. 

At a programme level, the videocast offers a closer look atthe impactful initiatives driving change on the ground. These include efforts to empower individuals, particularly women and young people, to understand, claim, and defend their rights within their communities. The conversation alsounpacks how programmes are designed to address gender inequality and adapt to complex social and cultural environments.  

Importantly, the discussion highlights the role ofcollaboration between legal practitioners, civil society, and the private sector in translating human rights from principle into practice. Viewers are encouraged to consider how they can support and engage with initiatives that advance equality, dignity, and justice across Africa. 

This conversation serves as a timely reminder that humanrights are not abstract ideals, but lived realities shaped by collective participation and sustained action.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March each year.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March each year. In this special IWD episode of CDH Conversations, host Elgene Roos in the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, is joined by Annemari Krugel (Dispute Resolution, Johannesburg), Frieda Kishi (Employment Law and Trusts & Estates, Namibia), and Lauriene Maingi (Environmental Law and Pro Bono & Human Rights, Kenya).

Together, they unpack this year’s theme, Give to Gain, reflecting on the power of mentorship, sponsorship, visibility, and intentional inclusion in shaping women’s careers in the legal profession.

From creating opportunities and advocating in rooms where others are not present to fostering inclusive leadership cultures, this conversation offers practical insights on how intentional giving drives collective progress.

Listen to the full episode and join us in forging meaningful change.

In this episode of CDH Conversations, Yvonne Mkefa and Lehan Goosen in the Employment Law practice,explore the legal framework surrounding the verification of persons with disabilities in the workplace, focusing on obligations under the Employment Equity Act (EEA), the Employment Equity Regulations of 2019, the Code of GoodPractice on the Employment of People with Disabilities of 2016 and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2023 (BBBEE).
They unpack key concepts such as:
 - the definition of disability, the role of employee self-disclosure, and
 - the use of the EEA1 form in workforce analysis and reporting.
The discussion also unpacks the limits of employer verification, employees’ rights to privacy, and when medical assessments may be justified.
In conclusion, they provide practical guidance to employers on ensuring compliant, fair, and lawful disability verification practices within South Africa’s employment law landscape.

As we commemorate Human Rights Month, we reflect on the current state of public basic education in South Africa and the capacity of schools to provide quality basic education asguaranteed by section 29 of the Constitution. 
In this podcast, Gift Nkosinathi Xaba, from the Pro Bono & Human Rights practice, and Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, who is Commissioner for Education at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), unpack the following:
- Zoom into and unpack the November 2025 SAHRC Schools Readiness Report and the current state of public basic education in South Africa; 
- Assess the real-world impact of the systemic challenges in our public basic education system; and 
- Explore pragmatic, rights-based solutions to address these systemic challenges that threaten not only the realisation of the constitutional right to quality basic education but also the future prospects of millions of young South Africans.
This sobering discussion encourages all of us to reflect on our roles as responsible citizenry and as custodians of the future of our nation. 
Commissioner Madlingozi is a leading and authoritative voice on human rights and transformative constitutionalism and is globally recognised for his academic expertise, prestige, and intellectual capacity.

Every month, CDH Kenya Partner, Njeri Wagacha, publishes a podcast. This month, Njeri talks to Julians Amboko from StratLink Africa

There are often headlines about revolutionary market deals and shifting economic policies. Many know Julians for his sharp economic analysis, but few know the "why" behind his start in the industry.

In this episode, Njeri dives into Julians career trajectory and his unique perspective on the current economy. They discuss why being an active participant in the market is no longer optional. If you’ve been looking to understand the "revolutionary deals" shaping our region, you won't want to miss this.

In this episode of the CDH Conversations podcast, CDH Namibia Associates, Shereef Martin and Nhika Vassallo in the Corporate & Commercial practice, explores the evolving nuclear landscape in Southern Africa and what it means for the region’s energy future.

In this episode of the CDH Conversations podcast, CDH Namibia Associates, Shereef Martin and Nhika Vassallo in the Corporate & Commercial practice, explores the evolving nuclear landscape in Southern Africa and what it means for the region’s energy future. The discussion examines the regulatory, commercial and geopolitical dynamics shaping nuclear development, comparing South Africa’s experience as an operating nuclear power producer with Namibia’s strategic role as a major uranium supplier.

The episode unpacks key lessons on governance, financing and public trust, and considers how both countries can position themselves in a rapidly shifting global energy market. It also reflects on the opportunities and challenges nuclear energy presents for long-term energy security and industrial growth in the region.

In the latest episode of the CDH Conversations, our host, Namibia Managing Partner, Patrick Kauta, is joined by Salomo Hei, Managing Director at High Economic Intelligence, and CDH Namibia Director, Mercy Kuzeeko, to unpack Namibia’s recently tabled national budget.

The discussion explores the fiscal principles shaping the budget productivity, people, and prudence, and what they mean for economic growth, public spending, and debt management. The conversation also highlights several key tax developments, including the proposed reduction in corporate tax rates, the potential introduction of a dividend tax, and a preferential tax regime for qualifying small and medium businesses.

The episode further considers the role of state-owned enterprises, youth empowerment initiatives, and policy certainty in attracting investment and supporting inclusive economic growth.

Listen to the full discussion for insights into how the budget could impact businesses, investors, and Namibia’s broader economic outlook.

The judgment in IMATU obo Sauls v City of Cape Town and others (C485/2024) [2026] ZALCCT 10 (22 January 2026) outlined that off-duty misconduct does not automatically justify disciplinary action.

Employers must establish a clear nexus between the employee’s conduct and the employer’s operations, reputation, or working relationship.

In addition, the employer must demonstrate a legitimate and protectable interest in regulating the off-duty misconduct in question. Without both elements, disciplinary action and dismissal may be found to be substantively unfair.

This judgment illustrates that courts continue to emphasize the importance of carefully assessing these factors before taking action against employees for conduct occurring outside the workplace.
Thabang Rapuleng and Thato Maruapula in the Employment Law practice discuss the judgment.

In this episode of the CDH Conversations podcasts, Anli Bezuidenhout and Leila Moosa in the Employment Law practice unpack the growing importance of Certificates of Compliance under the Employment Equity Act, 55 of 1998 (EEA).

They explain what a Compliance Certificate is, why it has become a critical requirement for doing business with the State, and how recent changes to section 53 of the EEA have raised the compliance stakes for both designated and non‑designated employers. The discussion highlights how findings of unfair discrimination, which include findings of workplace harassment, can derail an employer’s ability to secure a Compliance Certificate.

Anli and Leila also provide practical insights into how employers can understand and mitigate these risks.