Top 10 Universities to Study Law in Kenya in 2024

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Kenya presents an array of universities offering rigorous law programs. Aspiring legal eagles in Kenya find themselves at a crossroads of choices, each university distinguished by its unique pedagogical approach, faculty prowess, state-of-the-art facilities, and an overall ambiance conducive to intellectual and professional growth. As such, we'll thoroughly discuss the top 10 law schools in Kenya, dissecting their curriculum offerings, the expertise of their faculty, the infrastructure that supports learning, and the overall environment that shapes the future legal luminaries of the nation.

1. University of Nairobi (UoN) School of Law

  • Overview: The University of Nairobi School of Law stands as the oldest and most prestigious law school in Kenya. Established in 1970, it consistently produces top-tier legal minds shaping the country's legal landscape. It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program, highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and practical skills emphasis.

  • Programs: UoN School of Law provides a comprehensive LLB program covering various aspects of law, including constitutional law, criminal law, commercial law, and international law. Students can specialize in areas like human rights law, environmental law, and intellectual property law.

  • Faculty: The faculty comprises experienced legal practitioners and scholars who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.

  • Facilities: UoN School of Law boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a well-stocked library, moot courtrooms, and computer labs.

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment is characterized by academic rigor, intellectual stimulation, and a strong sense of community.

  • Eligibility: To be considered for the Bachelor of Laws program, you must have attained a minimum grade of B+ in English in your Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination and an average grade of C+.

2. Kenyatta University School of Law

  • Overview: Established in 1985, Kenyatta University School of Law is a leading institution for legal education in Kenya, known for its commitment to a holistic learning experience combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program covering a wide range of legal subjects and emphasizing practical skills training, including moot court competitions, legal clinics, and internships.

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of highly qualified legal professionals and academics passionate about teaching and research. They provide personalized attention and mentorship.

  • Facilities: The school has modern facilities, including a well-equipped library, moot courtrooms, and computer labs.

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment is dynamic and supportive, encouraging critical thinking, debate, and collaboration.

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE (or equivalent) with at least a B in English or Kiswahili.

    • Alternatively, you can have two principal passes at A-Level or a similar qualification.

    • A degree from a recognized university also qualifies you.

    • Finally, a Credit pass in a Diploma in Law from an accredited institution is also acceptable.

3. Strathmore University School of Law

  • Overview: Established in 2002, Strathmore University School of Law has gained recognition for its innovative approach to legal education, emphasizing ethical leadership, social responsibility, and professional development.

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program integrating legal knowledge with ethical and professional values, including opportunities for community service and pro bono work.

  • Faculty: The faculty comprises experienced legal practitioners and scholars committed to providing a world-class legal education.

  • Facilities: The school has modern facilities, including a well-equipped library, moot courtrooms, and computer labs.

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment is characterized by intellectual curiosity, ethical awareness, and personal and professional development focus.

  • Eligibility:

    • Generally, you'll need a B average in your KCSE with a B in either English or Swahili. In some cases, a B- average might be considered.

    • If you have a disability, the minimum KCSE average is C+, but you still need a B in English or Swahili.

    • If your strongest language is Swahili (B or higher), you'll also need at least a B- in English.

4. Moi University School of Law

  • Overview: Established in 1990, Moi University School of Law has a strong reputation for academic excellence and community engagement. It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program providing a solid foundation in legal principles and practices.

  • Programs: It offers a comprehensive LLB program covering various aspects of law and emphasizing practical skills training.

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced legal professionals and academics dedicated to providing high-quality legal education.

  • Facilities: The school has modern facilities, including a well-equipped library, moot courtrooms, and computer labs.

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment is characterized by academic rigor, intellectual stimulation, and a strong sense of community.

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE with at least a B+ in English.

    • OR, you can have at least two Principal passes and one subsidiary pass in your KACE.

    • OR, if you already hold a bachelor's degree in any field, you're also eligible to apply.

5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) School of Law

  • Overview: Established in 2008, JKUAT School of Law is a promising institution for legal education, focusing on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in the legal field.

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program integrating legal knowledge with technological skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, including opportunities for research and innovation projects.

  • Faculty: The faculty comprises experienced legal professionals and academics passionate about teaching and research, providing personalized attention and mentorship.

  • Facilities: The school has modern facilities, including a well-equipped library, moot courtrooms, and computer labs.

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment is characterized by innovation, creativity, and preparing students for the 21st-century legal profession.

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE (or equivalent).

    • OR, you can have a C average in your KCSE and a distinction or credit pass in a relevant two-year diploma from an institution recognized by JKUAT.

    • OR, you can have at least two principal passes in your KACE (or equivalent).

    • OR, you can already hold a degree from a recognized university.

    • In all cases, you must have at least a B in English in your KCSE or equivalent.

6. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Faculty of Law

  • Overview: CUEA Faculty of Law provides a values-based legal education, emphasizing ethical principles and social justice.

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program integrating legal studies with Catholic social teachings and ethical considerations.

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced legal professionals and academics committed to instilling ethical values and social responsibility in students

  • Facilities: CUEA provides adequate facilities, including a library and computer labs.

  • Overall Learning Environment: The learning environment fosters ethical awareness and social consciousness.

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE (or equivalent).

    • OR, you can have at least two principal passes and a subsidiary pass in General Paper in your KACE, with a total of 10 points (or an equivalent qualification).

    • OR, you can have a diploma or professional certificate in a relevant field from an institution recognized by the CUEA Senate.

    • OR, you can have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

    • In all cases, you must have at least a B in English in your KCSE or equivalent.

    • CUEA may also accept other qualifications deemed equivalent to the above by the University Senate.

    • A Diploma in Law is also acceptable.

7. Mount Kenya University School of Law

  • Overview: Mount Kenya University School of Law is a private institution known for its flexible learning options and focus on practical skills development

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program with various modes of study, including full-time, part-time, and online options

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced legal practitioners and academics dedicated to providing quality legal education

  • Facilities: MKU provides modern facilities, including a library and computer labs

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment is conducive to flexible learning and practical skills acquisition

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE with at least a B in either English or Kiswahili.

    • OR, you can have at least three principal passes in your KACE.

    • OR, you can already hold a degree from a recognized university.

    • OR, you can have a Credit pass in a Diploma in Law from an accredited institution.

8. Kabarak University School of Law

  • Overview: Kabarak University School of Law is a private institution known for its Christian values and focus on character development

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program integrating legal studies with Christian principles and ethical conduct

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced legal professionals and academics committed to instilling Christian values and ethical leadership in students

  • Facilities: Kabarak University provides adequate facilities, including a library and computer labs

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment fosters spiritual growth and ethical conduct

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE with at least a B in either English or Kiswahili.

9. Africa Nazarene University School of Law

  • Overview: Africa Nazarene University School of Law is a private institution affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, emphasizing spiritual and ethical development alongside legal education

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program integrating legal studies with Christian principles and values

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced legal professionals and academics committed to instilling Christian values and ethical leadership in students

  • Facilities: ANU provides adequate facilities, including a library and computer labs

  • Overall Learning Environment: The environment fosters spiritual growth and ethical conduct

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE (or its equivalent) with at least a B in either English or Kiswahili.

    • OR, you can have a Division II in your O-Level exams and 2 principal passes plus a subsidiary pass in your A-Level exams.

10. Riara University School of Law

  • Overview: Riara University School of Law is a private institution known for its focus on practical skills training and industry connections

  • Programs: It offers a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) program with a strong emphasis on practical skills development, including moot court competitions, legal clinics, and internships

  • Faculty: The faculty consists of experienced legal practitioners and academics with strong industry connections

  • Facilities: Riara University provides modern facilities, including a library and computer labs

  • Overall Learning Environment: The learning environment fosters practical skills acquisition and industry exposure.

  • Eligibility:

    • You need a minimum average grade of C+ in your KCSE (or an equivalent qualification).

    • Equivalent qualifications include:

      • A diploma from a recognized institution in a relevant field.

      • A professional certificate (2 years or longer) from a recognized institution in a relevant field.

      • A Division II or higher in O-Level exams.

      • Two principal passes and one subsidiary pass in A-Level exams.

Conclusion

Choosing the right university to study law is a crucial decision. The top 10 universities mentioned above offer excellent law programs catering to diverse interests and career aspirations. Consider factors such as the university's reputation, program curriculum, faculty expertise, facilities, and overall learning environment when making your decision.

However, you should keep in mind that the best university for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Take the time to research your options carefully and choose a university that will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and support you need to succeed in the legal profession.