The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has published an updated list of institutions cleared to offer legal education in Kenya, outlining the only accredited providers legally allowed to run law programmes across various levels.
In a gazette notice, CLE confirmed that only a limited number of institutions have been authorised to teach legal education, spanning diploma, undergraduate, and master's levels. The list serves as a regulatory measure to ensure the quality and compliance of legal education in the country.
According to the notice, only four universities have been accredited to offer Master of Laws (LL.M.) programmes. Notably, the University of Nairobi—a traditional giant in legal education—was once again missing from the postgraduate list.
The four accredited master's providers are Strathmore Law School (valid until April 17, 2030), Mount Kenya University School of Law (valid until March 23, 2026), Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) (valid until September 21, 2028), and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) (valid until June 20, 2028).
For diploma programmes, only four institutions made the cut. These include Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Mount Kenya University (Parklands Campus), Kisii University, and Kenya School of Law — the latter being the sole institution offering a Diploma in Para Legal Studies.
At the undergraduate level, CLE approved 18 institutions to offer the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. This includes both public and private universities, with varying licence expiration dates ranging from 2025 to 2029.
The CLE stated, “Under the provisions of sections 2, 8 (1) (b), 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 48 of the Legal Education Act Chapter 16B Laws of Kenya, the following are the only licensed Legal Education providers and Legal Education Programmes in Kenya as indicated under each respective cluster.”
The licensing process ensures that institutions meet the rigorous standards required for legal training in Kenya, including infrastructure, faculty qualifications, academic content, and adherence to curriculum guidelines.
Masters Approved
Strathmore Law School
Mount Kenya University
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Undergraduate Approved
UMMA University
Africa Nazarene University
Chuka University
Moi University
University of Nairobi
Egerton University
Kabarak University
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
Strathmore Law School
Maseno University
South Eastern University of Kenya
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology
Riara Law School
Kenyatta University
Daystar University
University of Embu
Kisii University
Mount Kenya University
Diploma Approved
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
Mount Kenya University
Kisii University
Kenya School of Law
