Keith Mack
Studying law in Kenya can be done on a part-time basis through the Kenya School of Law's ATP and PTP Programmes. These programmes offer classes on weekday evenings and weekends. To be admitted to most law schools in Kenya, a minimum overall grade of C+ is required, as well as specific grades in cluster subjects. The University of Nairobi, for example, requires a grade of B+ in English for admission to its LLB programme, while most other law schools in the country accept a B plain. After obtaining a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, graduates must pursue a 12-month diploma in law, followed by a 6-month internship, before being licensed to practice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree name | Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
| Language requirements | Minimum grade of B plain in English Language or Kiswahili |
| Overall grade requirements | C+ mean grade overall minimum |
| English grade requirements | Most schools require a B plain in English, but some require a B+ |
| Academic year start dates | May and September |
| Post-graduate requirements | 12-month diploma in law (Advocates Training Program), followed by a 6-month compulsory internship |
| Part-time programmes | ATP and PTP offered part-time at the Kenya School of Law |
| Part-time class times | Weekday evenings and weekends (ATP), weekday evenings (PTP) |
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What You'll Learn
Part-time law course entry requirements in Kenya
The Kenya School of Law offers both ATP and PTP programmes on a part-time basis. The ATP part-time classes are held in the weekday evenings and on weekends, while the PTP part-time classes are held only on weekday evenings.
To be eligible for the Advocate Training Programme (ATP), you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Attain a minimum of grade B (plain) in English Language or Kiswahili and a mean grade of C (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination or its equivalent.
- Attain a minimum of two (2) principals and one (1) subsidiary totalling an aggregate of ten (10) points in the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education or its equivalent.
- At least one Principal pass at the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education {KACE/A-Level} examinations.
- A distinction or credit pass at Diploma level in a relevant field.
For the Professional Training Programme (PTP), you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent recognised by the Senate and the Council of Legal Education with a mean grade of C+ and a B (plain) in English or Kiswahili at KCSE; or other qualifying grades equivalent to B plain as approved by the Senate and the Council of Legal Education.
- Hold a Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) or its equivalent from an institution recognised by the Senate and the Council of Legal Education with at least three principal passes of "C".
- Hold a Diploma in Law with a credit pass from an institution recognised by the Senate and accredited by the Council of Legal Education and a mean grade of C (plain) and a B (plain) in English or Kiswahili at KCSE; (the diploma should have lasted for a minimum of 2 taught years).
- Hold a degree in any field from a university recognised by the Senate or the Council of Legal Education.
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Kenya School of Law part-time courses
The Kenya School of Law (KSL) is the only bar school in Kenya. It was established in 1963 as a law vocational training school for barristers and offers both full-time and part-time courses.
The Advocates Training Program (ATP) and the Paralegal Training Program (PTP) are offered on a part-time basis, with part-time classes taking place during weekday evenings and weekends. The PTP program takes two academic years, with three terms in each. Each term consists of 12 weeks, including a three-month attachment period at the end of the second year. The courses run between one and five days.
The Kenya School of Law also offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, although it is unclear whether these are available on a part-time basis.
The courses at KSL cover a range of topics, including civil litigation, criminal litigation, probate and administration, legal writing and drafting, trial advocacy, professional ethics and practice, legal practice management, conveyancing, and commercial transactions. The courses are taught through a clinical approach, incorporating simulations, role-plays, seminars, and moot courts.
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Bachelor of Laws part-time study in Kenya
The Kenya School of Law offers both full-time and part-time study options for its ATP and PTP programmes. Part-time classes for the ATP programme include weekday evenings and weekends, while the PTP programme offers weekday evening classes.
The PTP programme takes two academic years, with three terms in each. Each term is 12 weeks long, and there is a three-month attachment period at the end of the second year. Courses run between one and five days.
The University of Nairobi also offers a Bachelor of Laws programme. This programme is designed to train lawyers who are exposed to different spheres of transdisciplinary knowledge and who understand the varying social, political, and economic contexts in which the law operates. The programme is underpinned by the University of Nairobi's philosophy of connecting and inspiring the Kenyan community, providing leadership and stewardship, and giving hope and faith to Kenyan society.
While a law degree can lead to specific legal careers, it also provides a good foundation for a broad range of other career paths. Law graduates can explore sectors such as accountancy, banking, business, finance, government, HR, journalism, marketing, media, politics, teaching, and more.
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Law career paths in Kenya
The legal profession in Kenya offers diverse career paths, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth and impact. While the journey to becoming a lawyer in Kenya demands dedication, hard work, and a passion for justice, aspiring lawyers can make informed decisions to build a rewarding career.
Education
The first step towards a career in law in Kenya is obtaining the necessary educational qualifications. This journey typically begins with a focus on relevant subjects like English, History, and Government in high school. Following this, aspiring lawyers must enrol in an undergraduate program in law, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from a recognised university. After completing their undergraduate studies, individuals must undertake the Advocates Training Program (ATP) at the Kenya School of Law, which includes coursework and practical training to prepare for the Bar Exam. The entire process to become a lawyer in Kenya typically takes about six to seven years.
Specialisations
The legal field in Kenya offers a range of specialisations, each with its unique focus and impact on society. Here are some common career paths for lawyers in Kenya:
- Private Practice: Lawyers in private practice may join established law firms or choose to set up their own. This path allows for specialisation in specific areas of law, such as intellectual property, and provides the opportunity to build a diverse client base.
- Public Sector: Lawyers working in the public sector are employed by government agencies, including the judiciary, prosecution, and public defence. They serve the public interest and ensure the fair administration of justice.
- Corporate Law: Corporate lawyers provide legal counsel to businesses on matters such as contracts, mergers, and compliance. They navigate the legal landscape to ensure their clients' operations comply with relevant laws and regulations.
- Human Rights Law: This growing field focuses on protecting and promoting fundamental rights and freedoms. Lawyers specialising in human rights law work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international bodies, and government agencies to advocate for human rights.
- Public Interest Law: Public interest lawyers collaborate with NGOs, community groups, or government agencies to address issues like environmental protection, consumer rights, and social justice. Their goal is to harness the power of the law to drive social change and create a positive impact on society.
Beyond Traditional Legal Roles
Studying law in Kenya opens doors not only to traditional legal careers but also to a broad spectrum of alternative paths. Law graduates may explore sectors such as accountancy, banking, business, finance, journalism, marketing, politics, teaching, and more. The analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and communication competencies developed through legal education are highly transferable and valued across industries.
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Kenya's law degree requirements
One requirement is attaining a minimum grade of C+ (C plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination or its equivalent. This includes achieving a minimum of two principals and one subsidiary, totalling ten points in the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) or its equivalent. Alternatively, applicants can meet the requirement by obtaining a Diploma in Law with a credit pass from an institution recognised by the Senate and accredited by the Council of Legal Education. The minimum grade for the diploma is a C, with a B in English or Kiswahili at KCSE, and the programme should last a minimum of two years.
After obtaining an LLB degree, graduates must pursue a compulsory diploma in law (Advocates Training Program) at the Kenya School of Law. This programme lasts 12 months, followed by a six-month internship (pupillage) at a registered law firm, the state Department of Law, or the ODPP (Office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution). Only after completing these postgraduate requirements can individuals be licensed to practise law.
The Faculty of Law at universities in Kenya aims to train lawyers with a strong understanding of transdisciplinary knowledge. This includes an appreciation for the social, political, and economic contexts in which the law operates, as well as human rights, the rule of law, sustainable development, and norms of governance established by the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Law graduates are well-suited for legal careers but are not limited to these paths, as their skills are valuable in various sectors, including accountancy, banking, business, journalism, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can study law part-time in Kenya. The Kenya School of Law offers both ATP and PTP Programmes on a part-time basis. Part-time classes for the ATP include weekday evenings and weekends, while PTP part-time includes weekday evening classes.
To get admission into most law schools in Kenya, you need a C+ mean grade overall as a minimum. Additionally, you need to satisfy the following minimum grades in four cluster subjects: one subject with a grade of B plain and three subjects with a grade of C plain. For the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme at the University of Nairobi (UON), you must have a B+ grade in English in the KCSE examination. Most other law schools in Kenya accept a B plain in English.
Some of the best law schools in Kenya include the Kenya School of Law, the University of Nairobi (UON), and the University of Nairobi, Biashara (UONBI).
Studying law in Kenya can lead to a variety of career paths, including traditional legal careers as well as roles in other sectors such as accountancy, banking, business, finance, government, and journalism. Lawyers have an important role to play in civil society in Kenya, and legal professionals can advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
Law programmes in Kenya typically include a combination of lectures, lecture discussions, class presentations, seminars, tutorials, case studies, fieldwork, role plays, simulations, and independent studies. The PTP programme, for example, takes two academic years with three terms in each, with each term consisting of 12 weeks, including a three-month attachment period at the end of the second year.
