The Kenya School of Law (KSL) has officially opened applications for the January 2026 Pre-Bar Examinations, inviting eligible law graduates to apply for admission into the 2026 Advocates Training Programme. The announcement follows provisions under the Kenya School of Law Act, Cap. 16C, and related regulations, marking a key step in the pathway for aspiring advocates across Kenya.
The Pre-Bar examinations serve as a gateway for law graduates to gain practical training required for admission to the Kenyan Bar. Candidates will be tested on legal principles, writing, techniques, and proficiency in English.
Eligibility
The examinations are open to two categories of applicants:
- Category A: Graduates from foreign universities admitted into the LL.B programme after 8th December 2014.
- Category B: Graduates from local and foreign universities admitted into the LL.B programme before 8th December 2014, as outlined under Part A: II, paragraph 5(d) of the Council of Legal Education Regulations, 2009.
Examination Timetables
Category A candidates will sit for a single consolidated paper on Monday, 12th January 2026 at KSL’s Karen campus. The exam, running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will cover:
- Legal Systems and Methods
- General Principles of Constitutional Law
- Law of Tort
- Law of Contract
- Criminal Law
Category B candidates will undergo examinations over three days, from 12th to 14th January 2026 at the Karen campus, covering:
- 12th Jan: PRB 001 – Legal Methods, Systems & Constitutional Law; PRB 002 – Law of Contract
- 13th Jan: PRB 003 – Law of Torts; PRB 004 – Land Law
- 14th Jan: PRB 005 – Family Law and Succession; PRB 006 – Commercial Law
All exams will assess mastery of legal techniques, substantive principles, legal writing, and English proficiency.
Application Procedure
Applicants must obtain application forms from the KSL Academic Services Office upon payment of the non-refundable Pre-Bar application fee (KES 2,000) and the examination fee:
- Category A: KES 5,000
- Category B: KES 5,000 per subject
Forms can also be downloaded from www.ksl.ac.ke. Payments are to be made via bankers cheque or cash deposit to KSL’s account at Cooperative Bank of Kenya (Account No. 01129706350500, Karen Branch). Personal cheques and direct cash will not be accepted.
Applications must include:
- LL.B degree certificate or proof of eligibility
- Academic transcripts
- Secondary school certificate(s)
- National ID or valid passport
- Two passport-size colour photographs
- Payment receipt
- CLE clearance letter (for foreign LL.B graduates)
- Letter of equivalence for non-KNEC qualifications
- Admission letter to LL.B programme
All completed applications must reach the Director/CEO, Kenya School of Law, P.O. Box 30369-00100, Nairobi, or be dropped at the Karen campus Academic Services department by 12th December 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Importance of Pre-Bar Examinations
The Pre-Bar Examinations ensure that candidates have mastered essential legal concepts and practical skills, a requirement for joining the Advocates Training Programme. Completion of the training and subsequent Bar exams is necessary for admission to practice law in Kenya.
Dr. Henry K. Mutai, Director/CEO of KSL, emphasized the need for applicants to strictly adhere to deadlines and requirements, noting that these measures uphold the integrity and professionalism of the legal profession.
