After battling COVID-19 and enduring a month of solitary confinement, Donald Kipkorir reassessed his life priorities and restructured his law firm’s working schedule. The prominent lawyer, reflecting on the fragility of life and the vanity of material wealth, made the decision to shorten work hours for both himself and his staff, allowing more time for personal well-being and reflection.
Kipkorir’s experience with COVID-19 was harrowing. In November 2020, he spent an entire month in solitary confinement at Aga Khan University Hospital, facing the grim reality of the virus. He described it as his worst experience, often contemplating mortality but refusing to let those thoughts consume him. The virus left him with lasting effects, impairing his ability to write or walk properly for four months after his release.
This period of isolation and recovery gave him time to reflect deeply on life, relationships, and the pursuit of wealth. Upon returning to work, Kipkorir made a transformative decision: his staff and he would only work from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday—permanently. He believed this shift would provide his team with the balance and peace that he came to value during his recovery. “We are the only business in Kenya, if not the whole world, that stops work at 2 pm,” he stated, emphasizing the uniqueness of his firm’s structure.
The lawyer’s time in confinement reshaped his perspective on what truly matters. He spoke about how the experience made him reconsider the pursuit of riches and material possessions, instead focusing more on family, loyalty, and genuine friendships. The ordeal illuminated the duplicity of some who posed as friends and the steadfast loyalty of a few. Kipkorir now embraces a lifestyle that prioritizes meaningful connections and self-reflection, often seen enjoying afternoon meals or a glass of wine after completing his day’s work.
He expressed that his view on life had fundamentally changed, steering away from the constant hunger for wealth or validation. “Our lives are written in the stars. What is ours will always be,” he reflected, symbolizing his acceptance of fate and the rejection of material obsession.
In addition to his health struggles, Kipkorir also survived a serious car accident in January on Ngong Road. His Range Rover was severely damaged, but he emerged unscathed. He took to social media to express gratitude to friends who rushed to his aid, underscoring the importance of strong personal connections.
Kipkorir’s story serves as a testament to how life-altering experiences can redefine one’s values and reshape business practices to align more with well-being and personal fulfillment. His decision to reduce working hours is a rare approach in corporate Kenya, driven by a genuine appreciation for life beyond work.
