Top 7 Law Schools in Kenya

Legal education is a crucial component of the justice system as it shapes individuals who will serve and protect their communities. Kenya’s law schools are pivotal in producing proficient and principled lawyers who uphold the values of justice and equality. The country has various law schools, each with distinctive strengths and offerings, giving students a chance to pursue legal studies in diverse settings.

In this article, we present a comprehensive guide to top seven law schools in Kenya, which includes insights into their programs, faculty, and student life. Whether you are a legal professional looking to advance your career or a prospective law student, this article provides invaluable information about Kenya’s leading law schools.

When considering the best law schools in Kenya, it’s worth exploring the differences between the Indian and Floridian legal education systems, with articles on law schools in India and the best law schools in Florida providing valuable context.

Duration for law schools in Kenya

The Bachelor of Laws program in Kenyan universities typically takes a minimum of four academic years, consisting of eight semesters. To be eligible for the degree, students must complete the LLB program within a period of no less than four academic years, but no more than six academic years.

Eligibility for attending Law Schools in Kenya

To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Have achieved a C+ (C plus) or equivalent in your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.), or
2. Have achieved a C plain or equivalent in your K.C.S.E. plus hold a relevant diploma qualification from a recognized institution with a distinction/credit pass. The diploma program should have lasted at least 2 years, or
3. Hold a Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) with two principal passes- Principal A, B, or C- (at least) or an equivalent qualification, or
4. Hold a relevant degree (or degrees) from an accredited University, and have achieved a B (B plain) or equivalent in English at KCSE or an equivalent qualification.

Overview of Law schools in Kenya

1. University of Nairobi school of Law

The largest university in Kenya, the University of Nairobi, is located in Nairobi and is known for its research and academic excellence. 

One of its units is the School of Law, which is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The School of Law has three departments, namely, Public Law, Private Law and Commercial Law, each led by a Chair. 

The Dean serves as the academic and administrative head of the School. Aspiring lawyers who attend the School receive top-notch training, enabling them to establish themselves as reputable professionals in various law disciplines upon graduation.

2. Kenyatta University School of Law 

Situated in the tranquil suburbs of Nairobi, the KU branch is located on Chemilil road in Parklands, providing students with a secure and peaceful environment that is conducive to both living and learning. The institution can be easily accessed by both private and public means due to its close proximity to the central business district.

Although it first opened its doors to 124 students on 12 May 2008, it was not officially launched until 27 November 2009 in a colourful ceremony. Since then, the institution has produced a plethora of successful lawyers, cementing its reputation as one of the best universities in Kenya to pursue a law degree.

3. Strathmore University School of law

Strathmore University School of Law is one of the leading law schools in Kenya, having achieved the highest ranking among its peers. 

In the 2017 Bar examinations administered by the Council of Legal Education, Strathmore School of Law demonstrated remarkable success, with its students attaining a pass rate of 66%, the highest among all law schools. This was in contrast to the pass rates as low as 10% registered by students from other universities in Kenya.

4. Moi University School of Law

Located in Eldoret, Kenya, Moi University School of Law is a renowned law school that provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law. 

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program, which takes four years to complete, is among the offerings available. The LLB program covers diverse areas of law such as commercial law, constitutional law, criminal law, environmental law, and international law. In addition to the LLB program.

Moi University School of Law provides postgraduate programs, including a postgraduate diploma in law, a Master of Laws (LLM), and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in law, allowing students to specialize in specific areas of law.

5. Catholic University of Eastern Africa Faculty of Law

Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is a privately-owned multi-campus university located in Kenya. The university has been accredited by the Commission for University Education in Kenya.

The Faculty comprises of three departments, namely the Department of Public Law, the Department of Private Law, and the Department of International Law, each of which is led by a Head of Department responsible for reporting to the Dean.

The Faculty provides a four-year Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) program that endeavors to produce law graduates who possess a thorough understanding of Kenyan law in a regional context.

6. Egerton University School of Law

Egerton University is a public university located in Njoro, Nakuru County, Kenya.

Egerton University School of Law offers a range of programs, such as the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, Master of Laws (LLM) degree, and Postgraduate Diploma in Law. 

The LLB degree program is a four-year course that aims to provide students with a solid grounding in legal knowledge, skills, and values, covering a variety of legal areas like constitutional law, criminal law, property law, and tort law. 

On the other hand, the LLM degree program is a one-year course specifically intended for students who have already obtained an LLB degree or its equivalent.

7. Riara University School of Law

Riara University is a private university located in Nairobi, Kenya.

The school offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which is a four-year program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the Kenyan legal system, legal principles, and practice. 

It also offers a Master of Laws (LLM) degree that focuses on different areas of law, including commercial law, human rights law, and international law.