The Council of Legal Education has officially gazetted institutions of higher learning licensed to offer legal education in the country.

Through a gazette notice dated Friday, August 1, 2025, Jennifer Gitiri, Council of Legal Education’s chief executive officer listed the universities and when their license will expire.

Law schools are licensed to ensure quality and standards in legal education, protecting students and maintaining professional credibility within the legal field.

Licensing ensures that institutions meet specific criteria, preparing graduates adequately for legal practice and potentially impacting their eligibility for bar exams.

“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 gazette notice read in part.

Master of Laws programme

According to the notice, institutions licensed to offer Masters of Laws include Strathmore, Mount Kenya University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa and the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology.

Strathmore’s license will expire on April 17, 2030; Mt Kenya’s is set for March 23, 2026, Catholic’s September 21, 2028; and JKUAT’s June 20, 2028.

Bachelor of law

Schools gazetted with valid licenses to offer Bachelor of Laws include UMMA University, Africa Nazarene University, Chuka University, Moi University, University of Nairobi and Egerton University.

Others are Kabarak University, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Strathmore, Maseno University , South Eastern University of Kenya, JKUAT, Riara, Kenyatta University, Daystar University, University of Embu, Kisii University and Mount Kenya University.

Diploma programme

Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Mount Kenya University, Kisii University and Kenya School of Law are the only institutions licensed to offer Diploma in Law.