Law degree requirements in Kenya / Requirements for law school in Kenya

To be considered for admission into a law degree in Kenya (Bachelor of Laws) you must meet the following minimum academic requirements:

Requirements for law school in Kenya

• Have a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(K.C.S.E.) mean grade of C+ (C plus) or equivalent OR
• Have a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(K.C.S.E.) mean grade of C plain or equivalent plus a relevant diploma qualification from a recognized institution (you must have scored a distinction/credit pass) in the Diploma. In addition, the diploma must have lasted not less than 2 years OR
• Have a Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) with two principal passes- Principal A, B, or C-(at least)- or equivalent qualification OR
• Hold a relevant degree (or degrees) from an accredited University AND at least a mean grade of B (B Plain) in English at KCSE or equivalent qualification.

Cluster subjects for law in Kenya – What subjects do I need to study law in Kenya?

On top of the C+ mean grade overall (minimum), in order to get admission into most law schools in Kenya, you should satisfy the following minimum grades in the 4 cluster subjects .

CLUSTER SUBJECT 1: Grade required in one subject (B plain)

English / Kiswahili

CLUSTER SUBJECT 2: Grade required in one subject (C plus)

Math A /Math B /Biology /Physics /Chemistry /Biology /GSC

CLUSTER SUBJECT 3: Grade required in one subject (C plus)

HAG / Geography / CRE (IRE / HRE)

CLUSTER SUBJECT 4:  Grade required in one subject (C plus)

Biology/ Physics / Chemistry/ Geography/ CRE (IRE / HRE)/ Agriculture/Home science /Art and design/ GSC / HAG/ Computer /French/German/Arabic/Kiswahili/WW /  BC / MW /PM / ECT /  AVT / DRD / MUC / BST

In universities such as UON (University of Nairobi), no student is admitted for the LLB programme (Bachelor of Laws) unless she/he has scored a grade of B+ in English in the KCSE examination. That said, most law schools in Kenya accept a B plain in English.

Important: Keep in mind that bachelor of law requirements are uniform in Kenya universities (as set by the council of legal education)

Now that you know about the law degree requirements in Kenya, let us look at other crucial details about law courses in Kenyan universities.

Course Duration

Law courses in Kenyan universities (Bachelor of Laws) programme lasts FOUR academic years (minimum) comprising 8 semesters.

In other words, to qualify for this award, you must complete the LLB course of study in not less than 4 academic years but not more than 6 academic years.

Course structure

The LLB programme comprises 56 course units. Note that each course unit is equivalent to three credit hours (a week).

You will be taking a total of 14 course units in every academic year (divided into 7 course units/per semester).

Studying law in Kenya: Intake windows

For the most part, the universities offering legal education in Kenya admit new students in May and September each year.

What next after your Bachelor of Laws(LLB) Degree?

After you qualify with your Bachelor of Laws(LLB)Degree, you must proceed to pursue a diploma in law(Advocates Training Program) at Kenya School Of Law.

The course takes 12months after which you undertake a 6 months’ compulsory internship (called pupillage) in a registered law firm, or the state Department of Law, or the ODPP (Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution).

You can only be licensed to practice after meeting these post graduate requirements.

Universities offering law in Kenya – top 10 law universities in Kenya

These are the universities fully accredited to teach law in Kenya:

1. Kenyatta university school of law – contact
2. MKU School of Law
3. Riara University School of Law
4. Moi University School of Law
5. Nazarene University
6. Chuka University
7. Umma University
8. Kisii University School of Law
9. University of Embu School of Law
10. Daystar University School of Law
11. The University of Nairobi School of Law
12. Egerton University School of Law
13. Strathmore University School of Law
14. JKUAT School of Law
15. Catholic University School of Law

Key skills and interests required to pursue a career in law

• Trustworthiness and discretion
• Excellent command of English (oral & written)
• Active listening skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytic and logical reasoning
• Research skills
• Reading skills
• Reading skills
• Planning skills
• Organization skills
• Negotiation skills

What the job/profession/career entails

Legal professionals advise and represent individuals, businesses and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.

Typically, lawyers do the following:

• Communicate with their clients, judge, and others involved in ongoing court cases
• Conduct research and analyze legal problems.
• Interpret law
• Interpret rulings and regulations; and
• Prepare and file legal documents such as lawsuits. Contracts and appeals among other duties.

Most judges also start as lawyers/advocates.

TIME OUT

Hey there! Are you looking for the best courses, top colleges and universities, career guidance, and exciting scholarship opportunities in Kenya? Look no further! Join our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with all the latest information and insights on these topics.

So Please follow Kenya Education Guide on Facebook here for more updates about best courses in Kenya, best colleges and Universities in Kenya, Career choice options, Scholarships in Kenya, etc 

Thanks. 

Now proceed reading below..

Requirements for diploma in law in Kenya

If you’d like to take a diploma in law, here are the requirements and the colleges/universities accredited to offer a diploma in law in Kenya:

• Hold a KCSE mean grade of C(C plain) or its equivalent AND a grade of C+ (minimum) in English OR
  Have one principal pass (at least) at the KACE(Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education) examinations

Colleges/universities accredited to offer a diploma in law in Kenya:

• Kenya Institute of Management – Contact kim@kim.ac.ke ( or call 0719054101)
• Kisii University School of Law- Call 0720 875082
• MKU School of Law –Call 0709 153000

Keep in mind that persons that successfully pursue this course can be hired as legal writers/assistants, paralegals, and social workers.

They may also form part of the workforce in licensed where they will be providing assistance to the lawyers and litigators in the course of their work.

Diploma in law in Kenya -Course structure & duration

1. The Diploma in Law programme takes 4 semesters (in general) and consists of 24 units (minimum).
2. The programme takes a minimum of two academic years and a maximum of 4 years (on either full time/part time basis).
3. Each academic has two semesters, which is usually 16 weeks ( 14 weeks for learning and two weeks for end-of-semester examinations).

Types of law courses in Kenya

As you have seen, you can take mainly pursue a law course either at the degree or diploma level.

The qualifications are as indicated previously.

A word on online law courses in Kenya

We did not find any local college/university offering an online law degree in Kenya at the time of this.

Perhaps you may have to look at international universities if you must take your course online.

These includes:

1. UNICAF university
2. University of Salford, UK
3. Essex University, UK.

Important: if you will go the international way, be sure to research if the papers you get from your chosen university are recognized by Kenya authorities. You don’t want to waste your time and money doing an unaccredited law degree/diploma.

Which regulatory bodies govern legal education and practice in Kenya?

There are two distinct bodies:

• Council for Legal Education (CLE) – the council accredits and monitor colleges and universities offering legal courses in Kenya
• Law society Of Kenya(LSK)- this is the professional trade union/welfare body for lawyers. It is advisable to join LSK once you get your papers.

Conclusion

That’s all about law degree requirements in Kenya.

Till next time!

ALSO READ:

Qualifications for criminology courses in Kenya [updated

 Accredited law schools in Kenya (Top 10 law schools)

The post Studying law in Kenya: law degree requirements in Kenya appeared first on Kenya Education Guide.

Accredited law schools in Kenya – top 10 law schools in Kenya (Universities offering law in Kenya)

Top 10 law universities in Kenya

If you’re qualified for a law degree, here are the top universities you can consider joining:

Kenyatta university law school (KUSOL)

KUSOL is a fully accredited by the CLE (Council of Legal Education) and other statutory bodies in charge of regulating law education in Kenya and is one of the best universities offering law in Kenya.

In addition, KU’s law programme is ISO9001:2015 certified.

Visit their website to learn more.

University of Nairobi school of law

The premier University of Nairobi school of law has steadily evolved from its former status as just a department under the Faculty of Commerce/business in the 1960s, to a small-scale but full-fledged Faculty of Law in 1970, and is today one of the biggest law schools in the region.

The School offers top-notch training to intending lawyers and by the time you come out, you’ll be well placed to build a name as a reputable professional in various law disciplines.

JKUAT school of law

JKUAT school of law is another of the accredited law schools in Kenya with their                LL.B degree providing students with in-depth knowledge of the legal principles that can make you succeed in the legal field in Kenya, regional, and even international legal systems.

Students are taught to critically analyze, interpret, and finally apply the law in line with historical, comparative, plus jurisprudential backgrounds.

That way, you gain a thorough understanding of legal systems and legal institutions.

Strathmore university school of law

Strathmore Law School has also earned a reputation as one of the best accredited law schools in Kenya.

You will meet some of the best legal minds in Kenya in class at Strathmore –and of course, nothing beats learning from the best.

Visit them online to learn more here.

Riara university school of law

I was also impressed by the facilities at Riara university school of law, especially the fact that classes are quite small- their faculty-to-student ratio is just 1:15 so you can strike a personal relationship with lecturers.

Riara is the second private-run law school in Kenya on our list (after Strathmore).

Catholic university of east Africa law school

Catholic University has also been offering the LLB course for quite a while now and it can be a viable alternative to the previously listed institutions.

Their law school has three departments: Public Law, Private Law, and International Law with each department being headed by a HOD (Head of Department).

Kisii university school of law

The goal of Kisii University’s LL.B degree is to teach you a plethora of skills, attitude, knowledge, values, and ethics that are important for you to succeed as a legal practitioner.

It’s worth mentioning that Kisii University is a public institution.

You can visit Kisii university law school online to learn more.

Egerton university school of law

Egerton university’s Faculty of Law has been operational since 2015 –It was started following recommendations by experts with the goal of enhancing legal education locally and across East Africa.

Their LLB degree program got full accreditation in February 2016.

Moi university school of law

One of the oldest, Moi university school of law has produced some of the best lawyers and judges in Kenya.

Some of the big legal names to have graduated from this famous law school include  Hon. Prof. Kithure Kindiki,  Hon. Hassan Omar Hassan, Dr. Victor Mosoti  (World Bank Group ), and Prof. Jackson Maogoto (teaches law at the University of Manchester).

Mt Kenya university school of law (formerly inoorero university school of law)

After taking over Inoorero University School of law at Parklands, MKU has continued to introduce excellent Law programmes targeting Kenyan and regional students.

TIME OUT

Hey there! Are you looking for the best courses, top colleges and universities, career guidance, and exciting scholarship opportunities in Kenya? Look no further! Join our Facebook page to stay up-to-date with all the latest information and insights on these topics.

So Please follow Kenya Education Guide on Facebook here for more updates about best courses in Kenya, best colleges and Universities in Kenya, Career choice options, Scholarships in Kenya, etc 

Thanks. 

Now proceed reading below..

Worth mentioning: Chuka University school of law

Chuka University Law Faculty is one of the newest law schools in Kenya.

It is hosted by the University’s main campus in Chuka, Meru County.

The LLB degree in Kenya requirements (bachelor of Laws degree ) in the Universities offering law in Kenya

To be accepted for a bachelor of Laws degree Year 1, you must satisfy these academic qualifications:

Hold a KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) certificate with at least a mean grade of C+ (C Plus) or an equivalent qualification.

Besides, Candidates may be required to have at least grade B plain in the English/Kiswahili language at KCSE

OR

Hold a KCSE (Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education) certificate with at least a mean grade of C (C Plain) or an equivalent qualification plus a Diploma in Law from a recognized institution.

If you want to apply with the diploma (in addition to the KCSE C), you should have scored a distinction or credit in your diploma course. Also, the Diploma course must have lasted 2 years or more.

OR

Hold a KACE (Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education) certificate with at least 2 principal passes or an equivalent qualification as determined by the university Senate.

OR

Hold a different degree (or degrees) from a University recognized in Kenya PLUS a grade B in English (B Plain) at KCSE or an equivalent qualification.

Top law schools accredited to offer diploma in law in Kenya

If your qualifications don’t allow you to join the LLB programme, you can consider taking the diploma first.

Here you’re spoilt for choice but we insist that perhaps the best place to study for your diploma is joining one of the established law schools we have listed above because they generally have better facilities.

In fact, most of the universities accredited to offer a degree in law in Kenya offer a similarly competitive diploma course in law.

These include Riara University, MKU, etc.

You can confirm if an institution offers a diploma programme in Law by visiting their website.

Diploma in law requirements

In general, you must hold a KCSE mean grade of C plain (or its equivalent). You are also required to have a minimum of grade C+ in English.

A word on Kenya school of law

It is important to understand that you cannot be admitted to the bar with only an LL.B- it is a must for you to join the famous Kenya school of law for a diploma graduate in law (Paralegal studies) after completing your degree course.

Officially known as the Advocates Training Program, the course takes 18 months (12 months in-house,6 months pupilage).

A word on online law degree in Kenya

If you have a tight schedule and would prefer to study for your law degree course online, you may not be in luck.

That is because there are no law schools accredited to offer an online law degree in Kenya at the time of writing this article.

But we believe that this could change as the world shifts to hybrid and e-learning due to COVID.

That’s all from my desk today.

Good luck!

ALSO READ:

Qualifications for criminology courses in Kenya [updated 

Most competitive degree courses in Kenya [according to research)

Highly demanding courses in Kenya

The post Accredited law schools in Kenya (Top 10 law schools) appeared first on Kenya Education Guide.