Centum's Mical Agina recognised as a Top Legal Professional in 2024

Lawyer Mical Agina during the interview at her office in Two Rivers Mall on August 23, 2024, in Nairobi. [Kanyiri Wahito Standard] Nestled in the heart of Nairobi's vibrant business district, the Two Rivers Mall is more than just a shopping haven; it is home to some of Kenya's most influential enterprises. On the Eighth floor of this architectural marvel, Mical Agina, the Company Secretary and Chief Legal Adviser for Centum, sits at the helm of legal and tax strategy. Her office, with its panoramic view of Nairobi's sprawling skyline, reflects both the modernity and grandeur of the Centum brand, a legacy of the visionary of the late tycoon businessman Chris Kirubi. Agina's work has been vital in ensuring that key strategic decisions and governance align with Kirubi's ambitious goals for the company, thus attracting investors and managing capital flows effectively. In an interview with The Standard, Agina delves into a remarkable journey that saw her recently honoured among the top legal professionals in the world. On August 14, 2024, The Villa Rosa Kempinski was aglow with the presence of legal luminaries from across the globe. All gathered for the inaugural Legal 500 General Counsel (GC) Powerlist event. This prestigious award ceremony recognized 130 senior in-house counsels, with Agina being one of the distinguished honorees. The General Counsel Powerlist is a prestigious global ranking that celebrates exceptional legal professionals and their contributions to the field. For Agina, this recognition is a significant mark of distinction, reflecting her outstanding work in the realm of tax compliance and corporate governance. Born in one of the serene villages of Gem, Siaya County, Agina's journey from a small rural community to becoming a global legal figure is inspirational. Her early years were shaped by strong educational values and a supportive family environment. She recounts: "Growing up, there were traditional expectations about career choices-doctor, engineer, or lawyer. Personally, I wanted to be a teacher, but the field of law resonated with me because of the long-term opportunities it offered. The prospect of growing in the profession and possibly becoming a judge, magistrate, or a professor was appealing." At 40, she reflects on her multifaceted identity. "I wear many hats," she said with a warm smile. "I am a daughter, a mother, a wife, and professionally, I am an advocate of the High Court of Kenya. Currently, I am deeply involved in Centum Company, where I handle legal matters, tax affairs, and corporate governance." Agina is a Tutu Fellow, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, and holds a Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management) from the University of Nairobi. She is a member of the Law Society of Kenya, the Institute of Certified Secretaries of Kenya, and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya. Initially, Agina says she envisioned a business career, admiring the sophisticated world of banking. "I wanted to pursue a BCom and accounting because the field seemed glamorous at the time," she explains. However, her interests evolved as she considered the versatility of a legal career, combining it with qualifications in accounting and company secretarial practice. "But after discussing my options with mentors and family, I decided to pursue law. It seemed like a field where one could achieve both professional growth and personal fulfillment." Agina enrolled at the University of Nairobi from 2004 to 2008, a choice that set the foundation for her distinguished career. "Law wasn't my first choice, but it turned out to be the right fit. It offered me a way to integrate various interests and qualifications, including my initial curiosity about business." Agina's roots in Gem and her marriage in Migori County, have been a source of pride for her. "People from Gem are known for their academic achievements, and I hope I've represented my community well," she remarked. She is married and has one son, balancing her professional responsibilities with family life. Before joining Centum Company, Agina honed her skills at KPMG, where she spent over five years providing advisory services and developing tax strategies for major corporations. "KPMG was a great learning ground. It exposed me to the complexities of corporate tax and the strategic importance of compliance," she notes. "Centum Company, with its ambitious projects and dynamic growth, was a natural next step for me. Joining them in 2014 was a chance to work with a forward-thinking brand and tackle challenges on a larger scale." At Centum, Agina started as a senior associate managing both legal and tax functions. Her role expanded significantly as the company delved into diverse sectors such as real estate, agri-business, and education. "The growth at Centum required a robust legal and tax framework. My role involved ensuring that our structures were compliant and tax-efficient, which was crucial for attracting investors and managing capital flows," she says. Her recent nomination for the Legal 500 General Counsel Powerlist was a significant milestone. "Being named in the GC Powerlist is an immense honour. It reflects not just my work, but the collective achievements of Centum and the broader Kenyan legal landscape," she states proudly. "This recognition is a testament to the excellence and innovation within Kenya's legal sector." The nomination process for the award involves a rigorous vetting procedure. "You don't apply for the nomination; instead, you are nominated. The vetting team reaches out to gather information about your impact and contributions to the sector," Agina explained. The recognition process also involves assessing how nominees influence their organizations and mentor others. Agina is dedicated to mentoring others in her field. "I mentor several lawyers and accountants within Centum. Additionally, I am involved with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and governance standards are upheld," she said. Agina's contribution to tax compliance is particularly noteworthy. Her leadership has been pivotal in promoting fairness and efficiency within Kenya's financial systems. "Our approach to tax compliance is not just about meeting regulations but about setting standards. We strive to create solutions that benefit both the business and the broader community," she explains. Beyond her professional achievements, Agina is passionate about community work and education. "After high school, I was involved in various charity initiatives, including theatre performances to address social issues such as HIV and AIDS stigma and violence against women. One project I am particularly proud of is supporting teenage mothers through education," Agina said. "When I am not in office I work with Teen Mums Initiative, encouraging teenage mothers to go back to school," she added. This initiative Known as Teen, led by a friend, aims to reintegrate teenage mothers into the education system. "I resonate with this program because it provides support beyond financial assistance. It empowers young mothers to envision a better future for themselves and their children," she explained. Agina's belief in the power of education and its impact on personal and professional development is evident in her work. "I think about the broader impact of my work daily. For example, when we launched special economic zone projects recently, I considered how many people would benefit from the opportunities created. It's about understanding the ripple effect of our actions and striving to make a positive impact," she said. Discussing her journey, Agina reflects on her upbringing and educational experiences. "I attended St. Teresa's Yala for primary school, which was very strict. The discipline and values I learned there have stayed with me. Later, at Loreto High School in Limuru, I experienced a different perspective on sharing and resourcefulness," she recalls with a smile. "These experiences shaped my approach to leadership and community work." Agina's path from a young girl in Gem to a leading legal expert at Centum is a story of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. Her work with Centum, her dedication to tax compliance, and her broader contributions to society illustrate a career that is as impactful as it is inspiring. Her legal career has not been without challenges. She recounted a notable tribunal case involving the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA). "We had a dispute regarding an investment induction claim amounting to Sh3 billion. The case was complex, but we successfully argued our position and had KRA's decision overturned. It was a significant achievement for us in terms of tax compliance and efficiency," she said. As Agina looks to the future, she remains focused on advancing legal practices in Kenya and beyond. "The landscape is always evolving," she notes. "My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in legal and tax compliance and champion transparent and efficient tax practices, ensuring that we maintain high standards and contribute to the growth of our region."

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