The Council of Legal Education (CLE) has Just released the list of institutions accredited to offer the Master of Laws, LLM, in Kenya. In a July 9, 2024, notice, the University of Nairobi was missing on the approved list; a factor that has attracted debates and raised several eyebrows within the academic and legal circles.
Authorized Institutions for Master of Laws (LLM) Programs
The institutions that have so far been cleared by the CLE to offer LLM programmes include:
- Strathmore University
- Mount Kenya University
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT)
Kenyatta University has also applied for a license or renewal to offer an LLM programme, an indication of interest to join the ranks of the authorized institutions.
University of Nairobi Exclusion
One of the conspicuously missing institutions, which has received wide press, is the very established and historic University of Nairobi. Since reasons for this have not been given in the notice, it leaves room for speculation and numerous calls for transparency by the Council of Legal Education on their action.
Authorized Institutions for Bachelor’s and Diploma Programs in Law
In addition to the LLM programs, the CLE has also released the names of universities approved to offer Bachelor’s and Diploma programs in Law.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Programs
Under LLB, the following institutions have been mandated to offer the LLB programs:
- Africa Nazarene University
- Chuka University
- Moi University
- University of Nairobi
- Egerton University
- Kabarak University
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- Strathmore University
Diploma of Law Programs
The institutions mandated to offer the Diploma of Law include:
- Kenya Institute of Management
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- Mount Kenya University
- Kisii University
- Kenya School of Law
Implications and Reactions
The exclusion of UoN from the list of institutions of those licensed to offer LLM, has made various stakeholders to start speculations and implications for prospective students and the institution as a whole. Up until now, the University of Nairobi had been perceived as a center of excellence in legal education, and this exclusion may affect its reputation together with student intake for advanced legal studies.
Response from the University of Nairobi
As of now, there is no official response from the University of Nairobi regarding its exclusion into the authorized list. It is yet to issue a statement in this regard for the stakeholders and alumni, who patiently wait, to understand their exclusion plan of action
Industry and Academic Reactions
The legal and academic communities have mixed reactions. Others welcome the prospect of other institutions rising to prominence, bringing diversity to legal education, while others remain highly concerned about the quality and consistency in legal training across different institutions.