Law is one of the most sought-after areas of study at Kenyan universities and colleges, and it makes sense. Lawyers and their former fellows have gone to work in some of the most rewarding sectors of society in Kenya, especially politics and multi-billion corporations. The Council of Legal Education has gazetted a list of colleges and universities that the government agency has approved to provide law degrees in 2025 and beyond.
This year, the administration has approved more than 18 universities, including Strathmore University, Moi University, and University of Nairobi (UON).
University of Nairobi (UON)
As far as legal education goes in Kenya, UON’s School of Law is the name to beat in East and Central Africa. The CLE has licensed UON to provide law degrees at two levels at least until December 2025. Students enrolling at the institution can study the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme, which has graduated the likes of Senior Counsels Ahmednasir Abdullahi, George Oraro, and P. L. O. Lumumba.
UoN’s alumni network is something of beauty, including most who’s whos in Kenya’s legal, political, and corporate sectors. The school also provides Masters in Law degrees as part of its higher education faculty. You can expect both theoretical knowledge and practical skills across its coursework.
Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University holds its license for Bachelor of Laws programme until September 2028. Of course, there’s little to zero chance that the country’s most coveted law school won’t be re-approved by the CLE come November 2028. In fact, it is just a matter of time before KU gets the okay to offer Master of Laws on top of the regular social science undergraduate programme.
Did you know Kenya’s First Lady, Rachel Ruto, graduated from KU? The same goes for bigwig lawyers and senior counsels. The school of law goes heavy on contemporary legal issues with a touch of traditional principles. That’s especially true when it comes to KU’s moot court programme.
JKUAT
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology might seem like an unlikely place for a top law school, but their Law School has earned its place among Kenya’s elite. CLE has approved JKUAT for both Bachelor’s and Master’s law degrees at least until mid-2028.
What JKUAT’s law school lacks in legacy they more than make up for with best-in-class technology wired into their coursework and practices. Students looking to study intellectual property law and technology law should put JKUAT on their front burners.
Moi University
Moi University may be embroiled in one of Kenya’s biggest financial scandals, but its law school still has plenty to offer students. All the more so given that the Eldoret Annex-based law school has been licensed by the CLE until the end of this academic year. The institution also provides a different learning perspective from the Nairobi-centric legal education centers.
MoU’s law school is a top spot when it comes to environmental law and human rights. Their clinical legal education programme gives students hands-on experience working with real clients and cases.
Mount Kenya University
If there’s one institution that has given sleepless nights to the Big Four (UON, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, and Moi University), that would be Mount Kenya University (aka MKU). It is by far the biggest and most enrolled private university in East and Central Africa, which is a massive feat given that the institution was established less than three decades ago. MKU’s school of law is a no-brainer choice for most students, and it has been approved by the Council of Legal Education to offer law degrees across the board.
In fact, MKU is now licensed and green-lighted to provide legal education at all three levels (Diploma, Bachelors, and Masters) at least until March 2026. Students require an average grade of C+ or higher in KCSE to get into Mount Kenya University, and they can study online, full-time, or part-time. As one of the few institutions approved to offer law programs across all three levels, MKU has produced graduates who are now in government, judiciary, private practice, and many sectors in between. Their alumni now serve prominent multinational organizations, including providers of online casino games, humanitarian development like Oxfam, and telecom services (think Safaricom and Airtel).
Strathmore University
Strathmore’s law school has been approved at least until November 2027. The premier private institution is one of the most globally recognized centers of excellence in legal education. It helps that Strathmore maintains small class sizes and provides personalized attention to students. Their curriculum often centers around tax and business law.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
CUEA’s law school holds licenses valid until November 2027 for the Bachelor’s degree and at least until September 2028 for the Master’s level. The institution usually attracts religious students, thanks to its ethical leadership and social justice with interests in human rights and public interest law. Catholic University of Eastern Africa also offers diploma-level law education for paralegals, clerks, and others.
Daystar University
Licensed until April 2029, Daystar’s law school is relatively new but has quickly gained recognition for its quality. The institution calls upon its Christian foundation to provide law education grounded on ethical practice and social responsibility.
Kisii University
With a license valid until April 2029, Kisii University has made a name for itself as a big player in law education outside the major urban centers. Their law school particularly benefits students from the western region of Kenya who prefer studying closer to home.
Chuka University
Chuka University’s law programme is approved by the CLE at least until the end of this academic year. Most students, especially from the arid and semi-arid counties, prefer the institution for its affordable fees.
The Council has also approved several institutions to offer diploma-level legal education. That’s Mount Kenya University, Kisii University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and the Kenya School of Law of ParaLegal Studies.
