The Kenya School of Law (KSL) serves as the only bar school in Kenya, preparing law graduates for admission to the Kenyan Bar. Situated along Karen-Langata South Road in Nairobi, KSL is a crucial step for law graduates who wish to become fully qualified advocates.
In this article, we’ll explore the Kenya School of Law entry requirements for the Advocates Training Program (ATP), providing a detailed breakdown for both Kenyan and foreign law graduates.
Overview of the Advocates Training Program (ATP)
The Advocates Training Program at KSL spans 18 months. This period includes 12 months of in-house learning followed by 6 months of pupilage, which is a mandatory attachment with an advocate of the High Court of Kenya or a law firm. The ATP aims to equip students with practical legal skills essential for legal practice in Kenya.
Kenya School of Law Entry Requirements
The requirements for entry into KSL’s Advocates Training Program differ depending on the year of admission into the LL.B. program. Below is a breakdown of the various entry criteria:
1. Applicants Admitted Into LL.B AFTER 8th December 2014
For Graduates of Kenyan Universities:
- KCSE Grades: Attained a minimum of grade B (plain) in English or Kiswahili and a mean grade of C+ (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent.
- A-level Qualifications: Attained a minimum of two principals and one subsidiary, totaling an aggregate of 10 points in the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) or its equivalent.
- Core Legal Subjects: Passed all the 16 core subjects as specified under the Second Schedule of the Legal Education Act, 2012.
- LL.B Degree: Hold or are eligible for conferment of an LL.B degree from a recognized Kenyan university.
For Graduates of Foreign Universities:
- KCSE Grades: Similar to Kenyan university graduates, they must have attained a minimum of grade B (plain) in English or Kiswahili and a mean grade of C+ (plus) in KCSE or its equivalent.
- A-level Qualifications: Minimum of two principals and one subsidiary, with an aggregate of 10 points in KACE or its equivalent.
- Core Legal Subjects: Must have passed the 16 core subjects as required by the Legal Education Act, 2012.
- LL.B Degree: Hold or be eligible for conferment of a recognized LL.B degree from a foreign university.
- Council of Legal Education Clearance: Obtain clearance from the Council of Legal Education (CLE).
- Pre-Bar Examination: Must sit and pass the Pre-Bar Examination as provided under the Kenya School of Law Act.
2. Applicants Admitted Into LL.B BEFORE 8th December 2014
These applicants must meet the following requirements:
- LL.B Degree: Must hold or have become eligible for the conferment of a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognized university in Kenya or a foreign institution recognized by the Council of Legal Education (CLE).
- Minimum KCSE Grades: Must have obtained a minimum grade B (plain) in English and a mean grade of C+ (plus) in KCSE or its equivalent.
- Alternative Qualifications: If holding an LL.B degree and having attained a minimum grade of C (plain) in KCSE, the applicant must have a higher qualification such as A-levels, an International Baccalaureate (IB), a diploma, another undergraduate degree, or a higher degree in law.
Application Process
Applicants wishing to enroll in the Advocates Training Program must submit their applications via the online portal available on the Kenya School of Law website (www.ksl.ac.ke).
Required Documents:
- LL.B degree certificate or proof of eligibility for conferment.
- Academic transcripts for all four years of the LL.B program.
- Secondary school certificate(s).
- National ID or valid passport.
- Two passport-sized photos.
- Payment receipt for the Ksh 2,000 non-refundable application fee.
- CLE clearance letter (for foreign university graduates).
- KNQA letter of equation (for non-KNEC qualifications).
Kenya School of Law Fees Structure for ATP
The total cost of the Advocates Training Program stands at Ksh 145,000, broken down as follows:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees (per course unit) | Ksh 15,000 |
| Library Fees (per annum) | Ksh 5,000 |
| Pupillage Supervision Fees | Ksh 5,000 |
The Kenya School of Law remains the gateway for any aspiring advocate in the country. Its rigorous academic and practical training program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to serve as legal professionals in Kenya’s judicial system. With an eye on both local and international law graduates, KSL provides a structured pathway to a successful legal career.
For further inquiries or clarification, you can reach KSL through the following contacts:
- Phone: 020-2699582
- Email: lawschool@ksl.ac.ke
