Dr Henry Mutai, the director of the Kenya School of Law, says nothing that could particularly incriminate him. Perhaps only exonerate him. It is somewhere in the guide to becoming a lawyer.
Every so often, between the weightlessness of his pauses, he throws in small personal details: the yoga class he has taken up, the sweet tooth he wrestles with, his favourite song. The song, in case you are wondering, is “All My Enemies Are Suffering” by Bien-Aimé Baraza. “Not that I have enemies,” he quickly clarifies.
He is now preparing to transition out of the Kenya School of Law (KSL), wondering what else might be out there for him, young enough to try something new, old enough not to be fazed by it. Maybe, he says, he will pick up a new skill. Learn a different language. “With the way the world is looking, maybe Chinese is the way to go.”
How are you different from the man you were last year?
Other than being older? [chuckles] Other than being 51? 2025 just flowed.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you hope to carry into this year?
Just to always be ready for the unexpected. To remain flexible.
Are you not a flexible person?
No, I am. But it’s something one needs to always remember that things can change. New policies come in, things happen that affect or impact the decisions you make.
Is there a habit you picked up or dropped in 2025?
No. 2024 was my year of changing jobs. 2025 was my year of being consistent. In 2024, I started going to the gym regularly. And I started yoga. So now I try to work out at least four or five times a week. Either I do Zumba, lift weights, do Pilates or yoga, or run. Depending on what day it is, I’ll do something different.
What led you to yoga?
Health. To maintain my health as I get older, to increase flexibility, and mobility. Yeah, I’m maintaining it this year.
Do you allow yourself a guilty pleasure or small indulgence?
Eh, I have a sweet tooth. Yeah, that’s the other thing I need to keep in check. My dessert and cakes, if I didn’t work out, I would quickly regress [chuckles].
We’ve just finished the holiday season. What does a good holiday look like for you?
A good holiday is one where you are resting. You don’t pack in so many activities that you end up getting tired. For me, a good holiday is about minimising, not maximising. Moderation. Don’t overindulge. I don’t drink, so definitely no beer.
What is the most expensive thing that you own?
I’m the typical man who rarely buys new clothes unless they don’t fit or don’t look good anymore. I believe in being economical and not wasteful. If I have three pairs of shoes that I love, that’s enough. I don’t need 10 pairs.
Did you make any resolutions?
Not specific ones. The only resolution was to stay consistent with my fitness and look after my health.
Which part of yourself have you worked hardest to understand?
Maybe financial planning. In March 2026, I am transitioning from KSL, and I need to have planned financially.
Kenya School of Law Director Dr Henry Mutai.
Photo credit: Pool
Are you ever worried or scared about what comes next?
I am confident enough in my qualifications and abilities that something will come along. Whether it’s back to academia, consultancy or another job somewhere, we’ll see.
The man who took this job and the man you are now, are they very different?
I don’t think I’m very different. Possibly the reason I got the job is because of who I am, and to succeed, I’ve had to remain true to myself.
What have you learned to care about less over the years?
Not everyone’s opinions matter equally [chuckles]. Some opinions are more valid than others. The rest, you move on.
What are you caring about more now?
Family. Children. I want to lay a good foundation for them to succeed later in life—instilling the right values and characteristics so they don’t get led astray. That’s key.
What no longer drives you, and why?
The approval of strangers. That doesn’t really matter.
Summarise your 2025 with a song, drink or meal.
A song. It reflects 2025, not that it applies directly to me, but it’s one I’ll associate with the year: “All My Enemies Are Suffering” by Bien-Aimé Baraza. Not that I have any, but let the enemies suffer [chuckles].
What is one memory from 2025 that stays with you?
Well, a couple related ones. When former students express appreciation for how systems worked at the school. When they say they finished and had a good experience, that gives me satisfaction.
How are you stepping into 2026, and what excites you?
I’m excited about no longer stressing over bureaucracy and budget issues. Those are the biggest headaches of this job: dealing with budget cuts. And everyone expects you to figure it out.
Give us your top tip for 2026.
Try something different. Try something.
Will you?
I might. I might decide to learn a new language.
Which language?
Haha! The other day, I thought, given where things are going, it might be interesting to learn Chinese.
Law is very straitjacketed. If you could make one fun law at KSL, what would it be?
Give everyone a high-five as you pass them. That's how to greet each other in KSL. High-five.
Any regrets at the helm of KSL and what you could have done differently?
We could have done more if we had more funding. Many departments are understaffed, which means people work very hard, and when someone goes on leave, there’s often no one to hand over to.
More staff would also allow us to offer more services, but we can’t because of government restrictions. Government bureaucracy remains a major challenge.
