Best Universities Offering Degree in Law in Kenya

Kenya’s legal education sector has continued to expand as universities strengthen their law schools to meet growing demand for legal professionals.

For aspiring advocates, choosing the right institution remains a critical decision that shapes academic grounding, practical skills, and career prospects.

Public, private, and faith-based universities now compete to offer accredited Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and postgraduate programs, each with distinct strengths and philosophies.

At the centre of legal training in the country is the requirement that universities be licensed by the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

The council regulates institutions allowed to teach law and issue degrees that qualify graduates to proceed to professional training at the Kenya School of Law.

As the Council of Legal Education (CLE) often notes, “accreditation is the first and most important filter for any aspiring law student.”

Traditionally, older public universities have dominated the legal education space, while private institutions have increasingly carved out niches focused on practical training, ethics, and private-sector readiness.

Leading Public Universities for Law

The University of Nairobi (UoN) School of Law remains the country’s most established legal institution, with its Parklands Campus frequently described as a “powerhouse in legal scholarship and public law.”

UoN offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs and boasts an extensive alumni network across the judiciary, academia, and public service.

Kenyatta University has steadily grown its School of Law, with a strong grounding in legal theory and policy analysis.

Moi University School of Law, based in Eldoret, also commands regional influence and offers both LLB and Master of Laws programs, while Egerton University continues to gain recognition for legal research and practical training.

Other public institutions offering accredited law programs include Maseno University, South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Kisii University, the University of Embu, and the University of Eldoret.

Also Read: Maseno University: Courses Offered, Fees, Location and Campuses

Private and Faith-Based Institutions

Among private universities, Strathmore University Law School stands out for its modern curriculum and close ties to the corporate and private sectors.

It is widely viewed as strong in commercial and private law, with emphasis on ethics and professional responsibility.

Riara University Law School has built a reputation around innovation and hands-on legal training, while Kabarak University School of Law emphasises governance, leadership, and ethical legal practice.

Faith-based institutions such as the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Africa Nazarene University, Daystar University, and UMMA University integrate moral and social justice perspectives into legal education.

Also Read: Kenyatta University Courses, Fees Structure, Campuses and Locations (Updated)

Admission Requirements and Program Duration

Across most universities, admission into the LLB program generally requires a minimum of a C+ in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), with English typically graded at B or higher.

Diploma holders in law from recognised institutions may also qualify for entry.

The standard duration for a Bachelor of Laws degree is four years, although some institutions offer structured variations depending with the institution’s program.

Council of Legal Education Licensing

In a previous gazette notice dated December 27, 2024, the Council of Legal Education listed 18 universities licensed to offer legal education in Kenya.

The council confirmed that UoN, Kenyatta University, and Strathmore University were licensed to provide LLB programs, with validity periods running into 2025, 2027, and 2028, respectively.

Other approved institutions include Moi University, Egerton University, Daystar University, Mount Kenya University, JKUAT, CUEA, Riara University, Maseno University, and Kabarak University.

The council noted that Mount Kenya University and CUEA are “the only institutions licensed to offer law programs at diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s levels,” underscoring their broad approval status.

The Kenya School of Law also had its licence for paralegal studies extended, a move intended to “bridge gaps within the legal profession.”

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The Image Depicts a Legal Eetting, Featuring a Wooden Gavel and a Scale of Justice in the Foreground, with a Row of Law Books in the Background. PHOTO/ Courtesy