Sarah Philip

I am a trained professional lawyer with experience providing high-level executive support and delivering substantive legal and policy work within government and institutional environments. I have demonstrated the ability to operate with discretion, delegated authority and sound judgment while supporting senior leadership coordinating complex processes and managing sensitive information. My career spans work at the Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs, the National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority and reputable law firms, where I consistently delivered high-quality legal opinion, policy analysis, compliance support and international diplomatic liaison.

Recognised for my precision, analytical acumen and ability to work across diverse stakeholders, I am committed to strengthening legal governance, promoting international cooperation and advancing institutional growth.

Treaties Officer / Research Assistant at Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (2022-01 – 2024-12)

The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs is a National Government entity established under the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution of Kenya and operationalized through the Foreign Service Act Cap. 185 E, mandated to develop and manage Kenya's foreign policy and oversee the Republic's international relations at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.

• Led validation of Kenya's national treaty database, supporting the launch of the Official Treaties Website and managing content uploads.
• Served as Assistant Project Lead for the AU–UNDP Treaty Project on the Acceleration of Ratification of AU Treaties (2023).
• Contributed to the 9th & 10th Presidential Reports to the National Assembly on Kenya's progress in meeting international obligations.
• Assisted in drafting and publication of the Cabinet Secretary's Annual Reports on ratified treaties.
• Negotiated Host Country Agreements and reviewed treaties with judicial implications for Kenya.
• Drafted legal opinions, agreements, MoUs, parliamentary briefs and Cabinet memoranda.

Legal Intern at National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (2021-01 – 2021-12)

A state corporation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation. A national government authority responsible for developing, managing and maintaining strategic water harvesting and storage infrastructure, including dams and water reservoirs, to enhance water security, climate resilience and socio-economic development.

• Provided legal input in contract review, drafting and procurement documentation.
• Supported litigation management, including preparation of pleadings and liaison with external counsel.
• Assisted in board documentation and governance support.
• Monitored adherence to statutory obligations under the Water Act and related legislation.
• Contributed to policy review and institutional governance documentation.

Pupillage - Advocates Training Program at Morgan Omusundi & Associates (2021-01 – 2021-12)

Pupillage is a statutory apprenticeship undertaken pursuant to the Advocates Act as part of professional qualification for admission to the Bar, involving supervised practical exposure to litigation, legal advisory work, drafting and procedural law within an approved legal practice environment.

• Attended court proceedings and assisted in trial preparation.
• Drafting pleadings, affidavits and submissions in civil and constitutional matters.
• Conducted legal research and prepared advisory opinions.
• Participated in clients consultation and case strategy meetings.

Legal Intern at Munyithya, Mutugi, Umara & Muzna Co. (MMUM) Advocates (2017-01 – 2018-12)

A full-service law firm providing litigation, commercial advisory, dispute resolution and regulatory services across civil, corporate and public law matters.

• Conducted in-depth legal research and prepared briefs, memoranda and case summaries.
• Drafted pleadings, affidavits, witness statements, submissions and commercial agreements.
• Attended court proceedings and assisted with trial preparation and case strategy.
• Participated in client consultations and prepared advisory opinions.
• Assisted in file management, compliance tracking and court filings.

Advocates Training Program in Law – Kenya School of Law (2020-01 – 2021-12)

Bachelor of Law in Law – Moi University - Annex, School of Law (2013-01 – 2017-12)

O-levels (Secondary School) in Secondary Education – Mbitini Girls Secondary School (2019-01 – 2020-12)