“Challenges are an inherent part of the journey to success“- Dr. William Kiema Sammy
Dr William Kiema Sammy is a distinguished scholar and practitioner specialising in aviation law and policy within the African context. Holding advanced degrees in law, including a doctorate in Air Law, he possesses a deep understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the air transport industry. Dr William has extensive experience consulting for prominent African law firms and advising on diverse aviation law matters. He has also provided specialised training to senior government officials and civil aviation authority representatives, focusing on critical aspects of aviation law and policy. As a respected academic, Dr William is regularly invited to lecture on the law and policy of air transport in Africa at leading institutions, where he shares his expertise with postgraduate students. His research and publications focus on the complexities of air transport liberalisation in Africa, particularly within the framework of continental initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. His expertise is grounded in both theoretical analysis and practical experience, making him a leading voice in shaping the future of African aviation.
1. Dr William’s biography reveals a diverse legal portfolio, lecturing, mentorship, leadership, and active practice. How is he able to navigate these demanding roles?
Admittedly, keeping all the balls in the air for these portfolios is challenging but also thrilling.It stretches Dr William’s limits and keeps him agile and adaptable. He is a proud Jack of all trades but a master of few things that his heart cherishes. In his opinion, the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none” is often denied its full context and import, suggesting that someone who is multi-skilled may lack deep expertise in any single area. He finds solace in the full version “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one.”, which offers a more positive interpretation and is more palatable with today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world. The hack for ‘Jacks’ like Dr William is careful time management, prioritisation, and a strong commitment to each task, and discipline to set clear goals and boundaries for each role. The goal here is to create a synergistic relationship. For instance, lecturing keeps him updated with the latest legal developments, legal practice helps him apply principles to real-world legal issues, while mentorship is fulfilling at a personal level as it supports the next generation of legal professionals. He firmly believes in the philosophy that academics should not only teach but also actively practice what they teach. This approach enriches both his teaching and practice, creating a dynamic loop of learning, application, and growth.
2. Aviation law is a niche for Dr William. What sparked his interest in this specialised area?
Interestingly, studying aviation law never crossed his mind throughout most of his academic journey. He vividly remembers seeing a poster at the University of Cape Town (UCT) calling for prospective students to pursue a PhD in Air and Aviation Law. At the time, he dismissed it, thinking it was too niche and an overly technical field to be studied in PhD. Little did he know that one week later that he would not only become a student in the programme but also one of the pioneers at UCT. What once seemed like an obscure niche has become a dynamic and exciting area of practice and study, full of opportunities that continue to amaze him. It has been a transformative journey, and he can honestly say he has come to appreciate the immense value of the field. As he delves deeper into aviation law, he realised the vast untapped potential it holds. There is so much to do in this field, but so few specialists.
3. What makes aviation law distinctively valuable, and how does it stand apart from other legal disciplines in terms of complexity, impact, or global significance?
Aviation law stands out due to its unique blend of technical complexity, rapid technological advancements, and its intersection with fields of law such as international law, contract law, commercial law, insurance law, and tort law. Often considered a “newer” legal discipline compared to maritime law, aviation law has evolved significantly, initially borrowing from other areas and later developing its own specialised body of laws in aviation security, safety, and liability. The global nature of aviation inevitably leads to legal issues that span multiple jurisdictions, requiring both legal expertise and a deep understanding of aviation operations. Aviation law plays a critical role in globalisation, international trade, geopolitical relations, and cross-cultural ties. The rise of emerging technologies, particularly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones, has shifted the discourse, extending aviation law’s reach beyond airports and airlines to affect various sectors, including agriculture, security, and surveillance. This rapid adoption, however, has raised important legal and ethical issues, especially concerning privacy and security. As drones become more integrated into both commercial and personal activities, their impact on regulatory frameworks and society grows, necessitating a balance between innovation and the protection of fundamental rights.
4. Challenges often shape us more than our successes. Can Dr William share a time when he faced a major roadblock, whether legal, institutional, or personal, and how he overcame it? What did he learn in the process?
Challenges are an inherent part of the journey to success. In fact, Dr William has encountered far more failures than successes. He fails every other time, but occasionally he succeeds. The truth is, everyone faces challenges, but they often go unmentioned in their polished LinkedIn profiles or perfectly crafted bios. What are typically celebrated are the victories, but behind every success lies a series of obstacles that may have seemed insurmountable at the time. The greatest success comes from the freedom to fail. The key to navigating hurdles is not in avoiding them, but in remaining resilient. It is about bouncing back, learning from setbacks, and pushing forward despite the odds. True success is not defined by how many times we fall, but by our ability to rise each time we do.
5. Given the rapid evolution of the legal landscape, how does Dr William ensure that he remains informed of regulatory changes and emerging trends, particularly in aviation and international law? What are his go-to resources for staying updated?
To keep abreast of the regulatory changes and emerging trends, Dr William relies on a multi-pronged approach, such as trusted publications, professional networks, industry events, and aviation conferences. He is an avid follower of regulatory updates and publications from key stakeholders such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA). He attends webinars, conferences, and industry events to gain insights from experts and professionals. Engaging with online legal databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis provides access to case law, regulatory changes, and legal commentaries. Technology has revolutionised access to information, though this comes with the challenge of the reliability of the information.
6. Courtroom advocacy requires not only legal expertise but also strategic thinking. Has Dr William had the opportunity to represent clients in aviation-related cases in court? If so, what was that experience like, and how did it shape his approach to litigation in the field?
Dr William has advised leading law firms in Kenya and South Africa on aviation law matters, which has provided him with significant exposure to the complexities of the field. His approach to litigation in aviation law is centred around simplifying the technical aspects of the law into a narrative that makes it accessible and understandable for all parties involved. His focus is on explaining the rationale behind key provisions and presenting the “story behind the law” to make the case more relatable and persuasive. In his advisory role, he has been involved in various aviation matters, including aircraft acquisition, insurance claims related to bird strike incidents, and advising on legal claims arising from similar situations. Additionally, he has trained prominent aviation stakeholders across the continent on aviation regulations and facilitated webinars in this area, which has further shaped his strategic approach to litigation, focusing on clear communication, education, and thoughtful application of the law.
7. Building strong professional relationships is crucial in a specialised industry like aviation law. What is Dr William’s approach to networking and staying connected with key stakeholders in the aviation sector?
In a technical and specialised field such as aviation law, building strong professional relationships is critical, and Dr William’s approach to networking is to build long-term, meaningful connections with key experts in the field. He dedicates time to engaging with professionals through participation in industry events and webinars, where he gets to exchange insights and stay updated on the latest trends and regulations. He also makes it a point of duty to collaborate with industry experts, such as aviation regulators, airline representatives, and insurance professionals, by advising and sharing knowledge on important legal matters. Additionally, he is actively engaged with legal and aviation communities in Kenya, South Africa, and across the continent, both online and offline, to build a network that extends beyond transactional relationships. By providing value through advisory services and training on aviation regulations, he positions himself as a trusted resource, which helps strengthen his connections and maintain a strong, reliable network in the aviation sector.
8. Teaching is both a responsibility and a privilege. As a lecturer for multiple years, what has been Dr William’s most profound teaching moment? How has shaping young legal minds influenced his approach to law and advocacy?
Interacting with young minds in the classroom has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of Dr William’s career. It is an incredible feeling to know that one is helping to shape future leaders in the legal field and that, in some small way, one is contributing to the development of the profession. It is always such an honour and responsibility to shape the next generation of practitioners, academics, judicial officers, and policymakers. One of the most profound teaching moments came when he encountered exceptionally sharp minds in class, from whom he learnt a lot. Realising that one is nurturing the next generation of legal professionals and watching them go on to excel in their careers is a deeply rewarding experience. This process of teaching and mentoring has also influenced his approach to law and advocacy.
9. Dr William’s work has already left a significant mark, but every visionary is always looking ahead. Are there any upcoming projects, ideas, or collaborations that excite him and align with his broader mission?
Dr William has some particularly exciting projects on the horizon that align with his broader mission of advancing legal scholarship in the aviation and space law sectors. One of the most exciting endeavours is a book he is currently working on titled “The Air Transport Industry in Africa: A Legal Analysis of the Single African Air Transport Market,” which is set to be published by the end of 2025 by a leading global publisher. Additionally, He is working on another book project, “The Political Economy of Space Law and Policy in Africa,” which is scheduled for publication by early 2026. These projects are not only close to his heart but are also a reflection of his dedication to deepening understanding and developing frameworks that will shape the future of air and space law on the continent. What truly excites him is the recognition and collaboration he is experiencing from leading academics and professionals in the field. It is amazing how, by daring to dream big, the universe seems to conspire to help you achieve your goals. He is constantly inspired by the growing connections and opportunities that continue to present themselves. The sky is now the lower limit, and he is energised by the potential for further contributions to this evolving field.
10. We have heard conversations about robot advocacy lawyers and using technology to replace some of the work currently being done by lawyers. Does Dr William see technology as a threat to the legal profession?
Indeed, technology has already taken over certain tasks traditionally performed by lawyers, such as document review, legal research, and routine contract drafting. However, rather than seeing this as a threat, he believes that technology has opened new areas of practice and presented fresh opportunities for innovation in the legal profession. Far from replacing lawyers, technology is evolving the role of legal professionals, enabling them to focus on higher-level tasks such as strategy, client relations, and complex legal analysis. Lawyers who embrace and effectively use technology will be better positioned for success, while those who resist it may find themselves left behind. In essence, technology will not replace lawyers, but the lawyers who adapt to and leverage technology will replace those who refuse to evolve with changing times. It is about enhancing efficiency, expanding capabilities, and ensuring that lawyers remain integral to the legal process in a rapidly changing world.
11. For those who are just beginning, the path may seem daunting. Based on Dr William’s journey, what advice, mindset, or guiding principles will he offer to young legal professionals and advocates trying to find their place and purpose in this field?
For young legal professionals and advocates just beginning their journey, Dr William’s advice is this: just have the audacity to believe in your dreams, even when the path seems daunting, stay disciplined, work with purpose, and never lose sight of your goals. Patience is key — success doesn’t happen overnight. Work hard, but most importantly, work smart. Network actively and connect with others in the field. Talk to people about what you are passionate about and what you are good at. Remember, you do not need to have the entire picture figured out to start. Take the first step with confidence, and the path will gradually unfold. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow, and always stay true to your values and purpose in the legal profession.
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