Lt Col (Rtd) Catherine Gichuki: An advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Retired Military Officer Who Draws Inspiration from Her Family

Published on Dec. 23, 2024, 9:15 p.m.

an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, is a seasoned lawyer with twenty years of post-admission experience. She is a retired military officer, having served in the Kenya Defense Forces for 13 years. Lt Col (Rtd) Catherine has equally served with the United Nations both as a peacekeeper and a staff member in Darfur, Sudan and Bamako, Mali. What was your Chevening Cohort, what did you study and in which University? I was in Chevening Cohort 2013/2014. I studied Master of Laws (LLM) in International Criminal Justice and Armed Conflict at the University of Nottingham. How was your Chevening experience and how did it or has it changed/impacted your life? My Chevening experience was full of mixed reactions as I had challenges with securing travel authorisation and clearance by the then employer. I also left young children at home, the youngest being two years and nine months old and I had a difficult time adjusting to their absence. That said, going through the programme was fulfilling as I earned my second post-graduate degree having previously graduated with a Master of Arts in International Conflict Management from the University of Nairobi. I believe that the LLM has offered me a competitive edge and opened doors for me in my career. Moreover, living in the UK for 12 months I interacted with the English culture, which is different from that of Kenyan in terms of food preference, social life, housing, and transport system. In sum, the English way of life may be expensive and different but structured, and orderly as systems are in place. As a Chevening Leader, what would you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement? I actively contributed to the revival of the Chevening Alumni- Kenya Chapter sometime in 2015. On return from the UK, I was part of the dream team that disturbed the status quo of not having the Alumni Association after the ‘death’ of the inaugural association. We joined hands and incorporated the current association, and I was handpicked as the Treasurer where I served the association for close to six years. Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life? My greatest influence has been my family, knowing that all that I do I owe it to them to be my best. I am a mother of three and my motherhood journey started way early in my early years on campus. This shaped me and everything I do revolves around my kids. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the women who have gone ahead of us and weathered all the battles in this life. This would be my grandmother, whom I am named after and my mother, Dinah. What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? My greatest lesson is that nothing is impossible for a willing heart. Of course, guided by God’s unlimited favour, I have gone against the tide in many ways to do things that would be seen as impossible by others. Yes, it is at times scary, but I like pushing the envelope to achieve my best. How would you like to be remembered? As a great mentor through my actions and deeds.