A Kenyan legal scholar has earned global recognition after being named Global Governance Professional of the Year at the second Corporate Secretaries International Association Awards, underscoring his growing influence in shaping governance standards worldwide.

The ceremony, held on February 27 in India, saw Professor Kenneth Wyne Mutuma emerge top among an international field of nominees. He edged out Titi Maria Rusli, Legal Director and Corporate Secretary at PT Elang Mahkota Technology TBK in Indonesia, and Wenyu Zhang, Corporate Secretary for Tianqi Lithium in Hong Kong.

One of the judges, Femi Olubanwo, founding partner at Banwo & Ighodalo, commended Professor Mutuma’s far-reaching impact across both public and private institutions.

 “Professor Mutuma brings extensive practical experience from a wide range of institutions and his influence has been transformative, anchoring ethical leadership, institutional integrity and regulatory compliance at the heart of operational practice. His work spans both the public and private sectors where he has provided advisory support that strengthens transparency, accountability and alignment with established governance codes,” Olubanwo said.

He further noted that Professor Mutuma’s academic contributions at the University of Nairobi and Mt Kenya University  through teaching, mentorship and research  have significantly advanced governance scholarship and professional practice in the region.

The Global Governance Professional of the Year Award honours excellence in governance expertise, integrity and professional commitment. Nominees are assessed on their mastery of governance frameworks, risk management, regulatory compliance, and their leadership in navigating complex organisational environments.

Professor Mutuma is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and Managing Partner at Wyne and Associates. He holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Law from the University of Cape Town, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Liverpool, and a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Nairobi.

The accolade adds to his expanding list of honours, including Arbitrator of the Year 2025 by the East Africa International Arbitration Conference, Law Teacher of the Year 2024 by the Law Society of Kenya, and ADR Practitioner of the Year 2023, also awarded by the LSK.