The Kenya School of Law (KSL), established under the Kenya School of Law Act, Cap 16C, is Kenya’s premier public legal education provider, mandated to deliver professional legal training as an agent of the government. Among its flagship programs is the Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies), designed to bridge the gap in middle-cadre support for legal professionals in the Bar, corporate sector, and government institutions. With applications for the May 2025 intake now open, this article provides a comprehensive guide to the program’s entry requirements, fees structure, application process, and career prospects.
Why Choose KSL’s Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies)?
The KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies), also known as the Paralegal Training Programme (PTP), is tailored to equip students with practical legal skills and ethical grounding. Launched to address the demand for skilled paralegals, the program supports professionals in roles such as court clerks, legal assistants, and case-management officers across public and private sectors. Its partnership with the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) since February 2025 has made it more accessible to Form Four leavers from 2000 to 2024.
Key Objectives of the Program:
- Provide foundational knowledge of law to support legal practitioners.
- Develop practical skills for paralegal duties, including legal research and case management.
- Instill ethical responsibilities and professional preparedness.
- Offer a stepping stone for further legal education, such as the Advocates Training Programme (ATP).
- Bridge the gap for middle-cadre legal support in Kenya’s judicial, corporate, and governmental systems.
The program’s flexibility, with options for day-physical or evening-virtual classes, caters to both full-time students and working professionals, making it a versatile choice for career development.
Program Overview: Duration, Structure, and Venue
The KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) is a two-year program, comprising six terms (three terms per year), with a mandatory three-month attachment in the final term of the second year. The curriculum includes 25 units, covering 24 taught subjects and the attachment, ensuring a blend of theoretical and practical training.
Program Details:
- Duration: Minimum of 2 academic years, maximum of 3 years.
- Terms per Year: 3 terms, each lasting 12 weeks.
- Course Units: Maximum of 4 units per term, totaling 24 taught units plus 1 attachment unit.
- Training Venue: KSL Town Campus, Development House, 5th and 6th Floor, New Wing, Moi Avenue, Nairobi.
- Class Options:
- Day-Physical Classes: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (morning) or 2:00 PM–5:00 PM (afternoon).
- Evening-Virtual Classes: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM, ideal for working professionals.
- Examinations: Conducted at KSL or accredited centers, supervised by KSL, with ordinary exams held at the end of each term.
The program’s structure ensures students gain hands-on experience through the attachment, preparing them for roles in legal practice, government, and corporate settings.
Entry Requirements for KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies)
To be eligible for the May 2025 intake, applicants must meet one of the following minimum requirements, as outlined by the Kenya School of Law Act, 2012:
- KCSE Qualifications:
- Mean grade of C (plain) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent.
- Minimum grade of C+ (plus) in English or Kiswahili.
- KACE Qualifications:
- At least one principal pass at the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) or equivalent.
- Certificate in Law:
- A pass in a Certificate of Law course from an accredited legal education provider, such as the one offered by KSL between 2000 and 2003.
- Experiential Learning:
- A certificate of experiential learning issued by the Council of Legal Education (CLE).
Additional Notes:
- Applicants with non-KNEC qualifications (e.g., IGCSE, IB) must obtain an equation from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA).
- The program is open to Kenyan citizens and East African nationals, with adjusted tuition fees for non-East African applicants (25% more for other Africans, 40% more for non-Africans).
These requirements make the program accessible to a wide range of candidates, from recent secondary school graduates to professionals with relevant certificates or experience.
Fees Structure for 2025/2026 Academic Year
The KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) fees are structured to cover tuition, examinations, library access, and attachment. Below is the detailed fees structure for East African nationals, with 75% of term fees due at registration and the balance payable at least two weeks before examinations.
KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) Fees Structure 2025
| Item | Cost (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Application Fees (payable on submission) | 2,000 |
| Tuition Fees per Course Unit (max 4 units per term) | 7,500 |
| Examination Fees per Course Unit (max 4 units per term) | 3,000 |
| Library Fees (per year) | 5,000 |
| Attachment Fees (payable in the last term of 2nd year) | 5,000 |
Total Units: 25 (24 taught units + 1 attachment unit).
Estimated Total Cost for 2 Years:
- Tuition Fees: 24 units × Ksh 7,500 = Ksh 180,000
- Examination Fees: 24 units × Ksh 3,000 = Ksh 72,000
- Library Fees: 2 years × Ksh 5,000 = Ksh 10,000
- Attachment Fees: Ksh 5,000
- Application Fees: Ksh 2,000
- Grand Total: Ksh 259,000
Payment Terms:
- 75% of term fees (tuition + examination) must be paid during registration.
- Balance due at least two weeks before term examinations.
- Fees are non-refundable, except in cases of overpayment, subject to KSL’s refund policy.
Bank Details for Payment:
- Account Name: Kenya School of Law
- Account No: 01129706350500
- Bank: Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Karen Branch (or any Cooperative Bank branch nationwide)
Note: Non-East African nationals pay 25% more (Africa) or 40% more (outside Africa) on tuition fees. Bar examination fees, if applicable, are paid separately to the Council of Legal Education (CLE).
Mode of Application for May 2025 Intake
Applications for the 2025/2026 academic year, commencing May 12, 2025, can be submitted through two platforms:
- KSL Online Application Portal:
- Access the portal at applications.ksl.ac.ke via www.ksl.ac.ke.
- Create an account and log in.
- Upload the following documents:
- Copy of KCSE or KCE certificate.
- Copies of relevant professional certificates and transcripts (if applicable).
- Copy of national identity card.
- Passport-size color photograph.
- Bank payment slip for the Ksh 2,000 non-refundable application fee (include full name on the slip).
- Submit by April 18, 2025.
- Applications missing documents or submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
- KUCCPS Portal:
- Apply via students.kuccps.net.
- Program Code: 5485J23
- Program Name: Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies)
- Application window: January 24, 2025, to February 14, 2025.
- Eligible applicants: Form Four leavers from 2000 to 2024.
Contact for Inquiries:
- Email: ptpdiploma@ksl.ac.ke
- Phone: Safaricom: 0712923459, Airtel: 0754456629, Telkom: 020 2699582/020 2699584
- Physical Address: Kenya School of Law, Town Campus, Development House, 5th and 6th Floor, Moi Avenue, Nairobi
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
The KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) covers 24 subjects, designed to provide a broad-based legal education with practical applications. Key areas include legal research, case management, court procedures, and ethical practice. The attachment in the final term ensures hands-on experience in real-world legal settings, such as law firms, courts, or government departments.
Sample Subjects:
- Introduction to Law and Legal Systems
- Legal Research and Writing
- Civil and Criminal Procedure
- Contract Law
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility
- Public Relations and Communication Skills
Learning Outcomes:
- Ability to conduct legal research and apply knowledge to practical situations.
- Proficiency in supporting legal practitioners with case preparation and documentation.
- Understanding of ethical standards in paralegal practice.
- Skills in problem-solving and critical legal reasoning.
- Preparedness for roles in legal, corporate, or governmental settings.
Career Prospects for Paralegal Graduates
Graduates of the KSL Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) are equipped for diverse roles in Kenya’s legal and public sectors. The program’s practical focus ensures employability in:
- Judiciary: Court clerks, case-management officers.
- Law Firms: Legal assistants, paralegals.
- Government Institutions: Paralegals in the State Law Office, Kenya Police, or Kenya Prisons.
- Corporate Sector: Compliance officers, contract administrators.
- NGOs and Civil Society: Legal researchers, advocacy officers.
The program also serves as a foundation for further studies, such as the KSL Advocates Training Programme (ATP) or undergraduate law degrees, for those aiming to become advocates. The demand for paralegals in Kenya is growing, with the program’s alignment to industry needs making graduates highly competitive.
Why KSL Stands Out
KSL’s reputation as Kenya’s only bar school and its role as a public legal education provider set it apart. Key advantages include:
- Government Backing: As an agent of the government, KSL ensures high standards and recognition.
- Flexible Learning: Day-physical and evening-virtual classes cater to diverse schedules.
- Practical Training: The mandatory attachment provides real-world experience.
- KUCCPS Partnership: Government-sponsored placements enhance accessibility.
- Strategic Location: The Town Campus on Moi Avenue is easily accessible in Nairobi’s CBD.
KSL’s commitment to inclusivity, as outlined in the Constitution (Chapter 232), encourages applications from persons with disabilities, marginalized communities, and minorities.
Tips for Applying to KSL’s Paralegal Program
To ensure a successful application:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet the KCSE, KACE, or certificate requirements.
- Prepare Documents: Gather KCSE certificates, ID, and professional certificates in advance.
- Pay Application Fee: Deposit Ksh 2,000 to the specified Cooperative Bank account and include your full name.
- Use the Correct Portal: Apply via KSL’s portal by April 18, 2025, or KUCCPS by February 14, 2025.
- Check Application Status: Contact ptpdiploma@ksl.ac.ke for updates.
- Explore Funding: Inquire about the KSL Legal Education Fund managed by HELB for financial support.
KSL’s Role in Kenya’s Legal Landscape
Since its establishment in 1963, KSL has been a cornerstone of legal education in Kenya, producing skilled professionals for the judiciary, Bar, and public sector. The reintroduction of the Paralegal Training Programme, following a needs assessment, responds to the demand for skilled paralegals identified in consultations with stakeholders like the Kenya Police, Judiciary, and State Law Office.
The program’s alignment with the Kenya School of Law Act, Cap 16C, ensures it meets national standards for legal training. By offering accessible education through KUCCPS and flexible class options, KSL is democratizing legal education and supporting Kenya’s goal of a robust legal system.
