Taming the Tyranny of the Barons: Administrative Law and the Regulation of Power
An inaugural lecture is a pivotal moment within academic circles, marking the culmination of a distinguished academic career with the appointment to the esteemed professor position. It serves as an opportunity to introduce the professor to both academic and non-academic communities, fostering dialogue and collaboration among diverse audiences.
Professor Migai Akech's inaugural lecture titled "Taming the Tyranny of the Barons: Administrative Law and the Regulation of Power" delved into a fundamental concern that has animated him since childhood: the routine and aggravating displays of power abuses that permeate our daily lives, both in private and public realms. From arbitrariness and condescension to corruption and violence, these manifestations of tyranny erode the very liberties and livelihoods we seek to protect through our societal institutions.
Professor Migai Akech's distinguished career includes teaching and research at the University of Nairobi, contributions to international organizations, and seminal publications on Administrative Law's role in restraining government power in Africa. His expertise extends across various domains, from international trade law to governance and policy development, embodying a commitment to advancing legal scholarship and democratic governance.
Reflecting on the significance of this occasion, Professor Stephen Kiama, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, stated: "Today marks a significant milestone as we come together to honor and celebrate the remarkable achievement of one of our faculty members. Prof Aketch has shown his zeal for academic excellence. The inaugural lecture presents a unique opportunity for Professor Aketch to showcase his profound knowledge in law, share his groundbreaking research, and impart enlightening insights to the public."
Professor Leonidah Kerubo, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, highlighted the broader impact of inaugural lectures within the academic realm, stating: "An inaugural lecture holds a special significance within the academic realm. It marks the acknowledgment of the appointment or promotion of a distinguished member of academic staff through the ranks to the esteemed position of professor. It is a momentous occasion serving as a platform to introduce the professor to both the academic and non-academic communities of our university and the society at large."
During the lecture, Professor Akech addressed the central question of how to safeguard our right to self-rule and prevent the abuse of power, even within systems designed to uphold our freedoms. He argued that those wielding power over others have a democratic obligation to involve those affected by their decisions in the governance process and to be accountable for their actions.
Professor Akech challenged the conventional view that tyranny is primarily a governance issue at the state level, emphasizing how the microcosms of power within smaller governance units—what he terms "bureaucratic barons"—significantly contribute to systemic tyranny. These smaller units, often controlled by bureaucrats, operate with autocratic cultures that undermine democratic principles.
This inaugural lecture by Professor Migai Akech also served as a challenge to professors at the University of Nairobi Professor Kiama put it, “I would like to extend a daring challenge to all recently promoted professors to follow suit and share their scientific discoveries insights, and research findings with the wider academic community. Let us take inspiration from him and show our commitment to academic excellence.”
Drawing from over twenty-five years of research, Professor Akech proposed Administrative Law as a critical tool for democratizing the exercise of power. By ensuring accountability and participatory governance, Administrative Law aims to constrain autocratic tendencies within public and private bureaucracies.
