NAIROBI, Kenya — The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has released an updated list of institutions authorised to offer legal education programmes in Kenya, with several prominent universities, including the University of Nairobi and Moi University, still awaiting accreditation for their law programmes.
The updated register, published on July 7, outlines institutions currently licensed to offer Master of Laws (LL.M), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) and Diploma in Law programmes, while also identifying universities whose applications remain under review.
The announcement is significant for prospective law students, given that only programmes approved by the regulator qualify graduates for progression into professional legal training at the Kenya School of Law and eventual admission to the Bar.
Only four institutions cleared to offer LL.M programmes
According to CLE, only four institutions are currently accredited to offer the Master of Laws (LL.M) programme in Kenya:
- Kenyatta University School of Law
- Strathmore Law School
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Faculty of Law
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) School of Law
The limited number of accredited postgraduate law programmes reflects the regulator’s emphasis on quality assurance and compliance with legal education standards.
Sixteen universities approved for Bachelor of Laws
The Council also confirmed that 16 universities have been licensed to offer the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree.
These include both public and private institutions:
- Strathmore Law School
- Kenyatta University School of Law
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa Faculty of Law
- JKUAT School of Law
- Maseno University School of Law
- South Eastern Kenya University School of Law
- University of Embu School of Law
- Kisii University School of Law
- Chuka University Faculty of Law
- Tharaka University School of Law
- Tom Mboya University School of Law
- Daystar University School of Law (Athi River Campus)
- Riara Law School
- Mount Kenya University School of Law (Parklands Campus)
- Umma University School of Law
- Zetech University School of Law
CLE said students seeking legal education should verify accreditation status before enrolling to ensure their qualifications will be recognised for professional advancement.
Four institutions approved for Diploma in Law
At diploma level, CLE accredited four institutions:
- Kenya School of Law
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa Faculty of Law
- Kisii University School of Law
- Mount Kenya University School of Law (Parklands Campus)
The Diploma in Law programme serves as an alternative entry pathway into legal education and related professions.
University of Nairobi (UoN) among institutions awaiting approval
The updated list has drawn attention because several well-known universities remain in the category of institutions whose applications are still pending.
Among them are:
- University of Nairobi Faculty of Law (Parklands Campus)
- Moi University School of Law
- Kabarak University School of Law
- Africa Nazarene University School of Law
- Egerton University Faculty of Law
- Rongo University School of Law
- Kenya Methodist University School of Law
- Murang’a University of Technology School of Law
- Mount Kenya University School of Law (additional application)
The inclusion of the University of Nairobi and Moi University is particularly notable given their long-standing reputations in Kenya’s higher education sector.
CLE did not provide specific timelines for when decisions on the pending applications would be made.
Why CLE accreditation matters
The Council of Legal Education is the statutory body mandated under the Legal Education Act to regulate legal education and training in Kenya.
Its responsibilities include:
- Accrediting institutions offering legal education
- Monitoring compliance with curriculum standards
- Ensuring adequate academic and professional resources
- Safeguarding the quality of legal training
Students graduating from non-accredited programmes may face difficulties progressing to the Kenya School of Law’s Advocates Training Programme (ATP), which is required for admission as advocates of the High Court of Kenya.
New internship opportunities announced
The accreditation update comes weeks after CLE announced internship and industrial attachment opportunities for continuing students.
The programme, scheduled to run between August and October 2026, will offer four attachment positions:
- Two positions in Information Science
- Two positions in Archives and Records Management
Applicants must be continuing students enrolled in recognised diploma or degree programmes and must provide official introduction letters from their institutions.
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The council said successful applicants will be required to undertake the attachment on a full-time basis for the entire three-month period.
Interested candidates have been invited to submit their applications here.
Growing demand for legal education
Kenya has witnessed increasing demand for legal education over the past two decades, driven by expanding opportunities in litigation, corporate law, public policy, governance, compliance and alternative dispute resolution.
However, regulators have repeatedly warned that growth in student numbers must be matched by adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty and compliance with accreditation standards to maintain the quality of legal training.
The latest CLE list is expected to influence admission decisions for thousands of students preparing to join law schools across the country.
