Kikanu Doreen: Kindness Is Contagious — From Conflict Resolution to Policy Work and Changing Lives

From dispute resolution to food justice, Kikanu Doreen is shaping what leadership looks like in East Africa. Her career spans law, environmental policy, and community empowerment, and her actions make it clear: kindness is not passive. It is a choice and a force for change.

Born in Uganda and now practicing law in Kenya, Kikanu brings a meaningful cross-border perspective to her work. She has navigated not only legal systems but also the cultural nuances between neighboring countries, insights that deepen her commitment to human dignity.

She emphasized the importance of kindness in law and the need for systemic transformation. Kikanu spoke candidly about the challenges of shifting the legal profession toward a more supportive culture. She described how the harsh environment of law, marked by abusive hierarchies, high rates of mental illness, and widespread burnout, often discourages compassion. But change, she noted, begins with awareness. “People are starting to talk about it,” she said, referencing new conversations, webinars, and mental health initiatives in the region.

Her own experiences illustrate the power of leadership by example. As a young lawyer, she had a boss who listened, cared, and focused on finding solutions rather than assigning blame. “For every dispute, there is a solution,” he taught her. That lesson stayed with her. Now, in her role mentoring junior lawyers, she emphasizes support over criticism and collaboration over control.

Kikanu’s legal impact stretches far beyond the courtroom. In partnership with the Ugandan embassy, she launched a pro bono initiative to support Ugandans imprisoned in Kenya, many of whom are detained without trial or face false accusations. What began as a solo effort has grown to include 9 lawyers, 2 interns and 5 community mentors. “Kindness is contagious,” she said. “You do something good for someone and they will carry it on.”

Her empathy and drive to help others also is seen in another initiative: supporting children from Nairobi’s underprivileged communities through sport. By helping build a squash-based program that combines training with educational sponsorship, the team is creating new pathways for opportunity. Coaches offer discipline and mentorship. Sponsors cover school fees. The children bring energy and hope.

While her career focuses on litigation, her growing concern for environmental protection and food insecurity sparked a shift. “Food is a human right,” she said. “Every human being on earth should have access to nutritious food, easily accessible.” That conviction led her to pursue an advanced degree in natural resources law and policy. Today, she is actively pivoting toward policymaking, with a focus on food security in conflict-affected regions.

Throughout our conversation, Kikanu returned to one powerful idea: culture must change from within. In law, she challenges toxic norms that equate toughness with cruelty. In society, she pushes for structures that offer real justice. And in her own life, she leads with the intention to uplift. “I want people to remember me by the way I changed their lives,” she said.

“Kindness is contagious. You meet someone kind, and you cannot help but reflect that.”

Kikanu Doreen is a legal advocate, policy visionary, and pro bono organizer who proves that leadership rooted in kindness can transform lives. Keep an eye out for more interviews.