Early Life and Education
Born in 1965 in Siaya District, Kenya, Anne Atieno Amadi spent her formative years in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, where her family relocated during her childhood.
She began her education at Trans Nzoia Primary School and later attended Kapsabet Girls High School for her secondary education.
Pursuing her passion for law, Anne enrolled at the University of Nairobi, earning her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. She furthered her legal training at the Kenya School of Law, obtaining a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Committed to continuous learning, Anne acquired additional qualifications:
- Master of Criminal Justice from Boston University, USA
- Postgraduate Diploma in Alternative Dispute Resolution from California State University, USA
- Postgraduate Diploma in the Law of Internal Displacement from the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in San Remo, Italy
Legal Career Journey
Anne was admitted to the Kenyan Bar in 1989. She commenced her legal career as a State Counsel in the Office of the Attorney General, serving in the Civil Litigation Department.
In 1990, she transitioned to the Judiciary as a District Magistrate II, with her first posting in Kisumu. Over the next seven years, she rose to the rank of Resident Magistrate.
In 1997, Anne ventured into private practice, establishing A. A. Amadi & Co. Advocates in Mombasa, where she served as the sole proprietor until 2003.
Her commitment to social justice led her to the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Kenya in 2003, where she served as the Deputy Executive Director and Head of Litigation until May 2008.
In this role, she managed legal aid clinics across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, providing legal services to indigent women and overseeing various programs and partnerships.
Between 2008 and 2011, Anne was appointed as the National Coordinator of the National Legal Aid and Awareness Programme (NALEAP) under the Ministry of Justice, National Cohesion, and Constitutional Affairs.
She was instrumental in setting up structures aimed at improving access to justice for marginalized communities.
From 2011 to 2013, Anne worked as an independent legal consultant, collaborating with organizations such as the Law Society of Kenya, FIDA, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission on projects related to access to justice, governance, and alternative dispute resolution.
Tenure as Chief Registrar of the Judiciary
On January 13, 2014, Anne was appointed as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, succeeding Gladys Boss Shollei. In this capacity, she was responsible for the administrative functions of the Judiciary, including managing staff, finances, and property.
During her decade-long tenure, Anne oversaw significant events, notably administering the oath of office to President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 and President William Ruto in 2022, making her the only registrar to have sworn in two Heads of State.
She officially retired from her position on January 12, 2024, after completing her ten-year term, and was succeeded in an acting capacity by Paul Ndemo, the Deputy Chief Registrar.
Personal Life
Anne is married to Engineer Dan Amadi, and together they have four children. Her dedication to family, coupled with her illustrious career, showcases her ability to balance personal and professional responsibilities.