The legal education landscape in Kenya is a crucial component of the country’s judiciary system, ensuring that the next generation of lawyers is well-equipped to meet the demands of the legal profession. With the increasing demand for higher education in the law field, various institutions offer a wide range of legal programs, ranging from undergraduate degrees to specialized master’s programs. However, not all institutions offering law programs are licensed, and this creates the need for a structured and regulated system to ensure quality education.
As per the Legal Education Act (Chapter 168 of the Laws of Kenya), the Council of Legal Education (CLE) oversees and licenses institutions offering legal programs. This licensing ensures that the institutions meet the academic standards required to provide legal training. In this article, we will explore the most up-to-date institutional licensing status of legal education providers in Kenya as of December 31, 2024, providing insights into which institutions are licensed to offer legal programs and for how long their licenses are valid.
1. Master of Laws (LL.M.) Programmes
A Master of Laws (LL.M.) is an advanced law degree that enables legal practitioners to specialize in a specific area of law. Here’s a breakdown of the institutions in Kenya that are licensed to offer this prestigious program as of December 2024:
Strathmore Law School
- Licensed Programme: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- License Status: Valid until 19 November, 2024
Strathmore University has been a prominent provider of quality legal education in Kenya, and its Master of Laws program is well-regarded by both students and legal professionals. The university’s program is recognized for its academic rigor and the diverse specializations it offers.
Mount Kenya University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- License Status: Valid until 23 March, 2026
Mount Kenya University has also been accredited to offer the LL.M. program, and it remains one of the notable institutions in Kenya that provide advanced legal education. The university’s LL.M. program is known for its practical approach to legal training.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- Licensed Programme: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- License Status: Valid until 21 September, 2028
CUEA’s Master of Laws program has gained a solid reputation, offering students the chance to specialize in fields like commercial law, constitutional law, and environmental law. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the extended validity of its license.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT) – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- License Status: Valid until 20 June, 2028
JKUAT is one of the leading institutions offering legal programs in Kenya. Its Master of Laws program stands out due to the interdisciplinary approach that integrates agriculture, technology, and law, catering to a modern and evolving legal landscape.
2. Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) Programmes
The Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) is the foundational undergraduate degree for aspiring lawyers in Kenya. Several institutions offer this program, and below is a list of the licensed institutions as of 2024:
UMMA University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 24 September, 2025
UMMA University’s law school is one of the newer entrants into the field, offering a comprehensive LL.B. program. While the university’s reputation is still growing, it is fully accredited to provide this undergraduate legal program.
Africa Nazarene University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 10 December, 2025
Africa Nazarene University’s School of Law offers an LL.B. program that combines both theory and practical training, giving students the necessary skills to succeed in their legal careers.
Chuka University – Faculty of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 10 December, 2025
Chuka University is known for offering a dynamic and robust LL.B. program, which has gained attention for producing competent graduates who make a mark in the legal field.
Moi University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 10 December, 2025
Moi University’s School of Law is one of the largest law schools in Kenya and is well-established in the academic community. The institution offers an LL.B. program that is widely recognized across the country.
University of Nairobi – Faculty of Law (Parklands Campus)
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 10 December, 2025
The University of Nairobi is one of the most prestigious institutions in Kenya and is renowned for its law school. The Bachelor of Laws program offered at the Parklands campus is highly sought after, and the institution has been a pioneer in legal education.
Egerton University – Faculty of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 16 June, 2026
Egerton University, primarily known for its agricultural focus, also offers a robust legal education through its Faculty of Law. Its LL.B. program is well-regarded for its research and community-oriented approach.
Kabarak University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 16 June, 2026
Kabarak University offers an LL.B. program with a strong emphasis on Christian ethics and law, producing graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also ethically grounded.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) – Faculty of Law
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 29 November, 2027
CUEA also offers a Bachelor of Laws program, complementing its LL.M. offerings. The university’s LL.B. program is respected for its focus on social justice, human rights, and ethical law practice.
Strathmore Law School
- Licensed Programme: Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
- License Status: Valid until 29 November, 2027
Strathmore University’s law school is highly regarded for producing top-tier legal professionals. Its LL.B. program is both rigorous and practical, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in the legal industry.
3. Diploma in Law Programmes
A diploma in law offers students the opportunity to gain practical legal skills without committing to a full law degree. Below are the institutions licensed to offer this program:
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) – Faculty of Law
- Licensed Programme: Diploma in Law
- License Status: Valid until 29 November, 2027
CUEA also provides a diploma in law, which is especially popular among students seeking to pursue careers as paralegals or other law-related roles. The diploma offers a comprehensive legal education with practical applications.
Mount Kenya University – School of Law (Parklands Campus)
- Licensed Programme: Diploma in Law
- License Status: Valid until 9 April, 2029
Mount Kenya University offers a Diploma in Law that equips students with the knowledge needed for entry-level positions in legal fields, including paralegal work, legal secretarial work, and court administration.
Kisii University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Diploma in Law
- License Status: Valid until 9 April, 2029
Kisii University’s diploma program is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the law, which can serve as a stepping stone for further studies or professional practice in the legal field.
Kenya School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Diploma in Law (Para Legal Studies)
- License Status: Valid until 9 April, 2029
The Kenya School of Law is a key institution for legal training, particularly for those wishing to become paralegals. Its Diploma in Law is widely recognized and often considered a gateway to more advanced legal education.
4. Pending Applications for Licensing/Renewal of Licenses
The following institutions are currently undergoing the licensing process, and their status will be updated soon:
Kenyatta University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Status: Institution audited on 27th November 2024. Pending Inspection by Council.
Strathmore University – School of Law
- Licensed Programme: Master of Laws (LL.M.)
- Status: Institution audited on 29th November 2024. Pending Inspection by Council.
The state of legal education in Kenya is evolving with the changing needs of the legal profession. The institutions listed above represent the best legal education providers in the country, offering a wide range of programs from undergraduate degrees to specialized master’s and diploma courses. As the legal field continues to grow, ensuring that legal education institutions are properly licensed remains critical for maintaining the standards of the legal profession.
For prospective law students, it’s essential to choose a licensed institution to ensure that their education is recognized by both the legal profession and regulatory bodies. As we move into 2025, keeping an eye on changes in licensing and accreditation will be vital for anyone considering a legal education in Kenya.