The Council of Legal Education has released an updated list of 26 institutions officially licensed to offer legal education in Kenya, drawing a clear line between authorized providers and unapproved programs. The list, published by the government through CLE, signals a stricter approach to regulating legal training at diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels.

According to the statement issued on Tuesday by Jennifer Gitiri, the Acting Secretary and CEO of the Council of Legal Education, only the named institutions are allowed to admit and train students in law-related programs.

“The following are the ONLY licensed Legal Education Providers and Legal Education Programmes in Kenya as indicated under each respective cluster,” she said.

The licensing is part of an ongoing review process aimed at addressing rising concerns over quality, especially with more students seeking law degrees. The council noted that each of the listed programs was reviewed individually before being approved, and all other institutions are not allowed to offer any legal education.

The update shows that only four universities in Kenya are licensed to run Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs. Strathmore Law School has the longest validity, licensed until 17 April 2030. Mount Kenya University’s license runs until 23 March 2026, while Catholic University of Eastern Africa is cleared until 21 September 2028. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology also made the list, with its LL.M. program licensed until 20 June 2028.

At the undergraduate level, 18 universities have been approved to offer the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program. Among them are UMMA University, Africa Nazarene University, Chuka University, Moi University, and the University of Nairobi – Parklands Campus. These institutions have licenses valid until 10 December 2025.

Other institutions with licenses valid until 29 November 2027 include Strathmore Law School, Maseno University, South Eastern Kenya University, and Catholic University of Eastern Africa. JKUAT, Riara Law School, and Kenyatta University are licensed through 21 September 2028, while Daystar University, University of Embu, Kisii University, and Mount Kenya University’s Parklands Campus are among those recently licensed until 9 April 2029.

The council noted that the range of validity dates shows that each institution is assessed independently, with some granted longer licenses based on compliance history.

For diploma-level legal education, e have been cleared. These are Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kisii University, Mount Kenya University’s Parklands Campus, and the Kenya School of Law. Their licenses are valid until 2027 or 2029, depending on the institution. Notably, Kenya School of Law is the only one specifically licensed to offer a Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies).

CLE emphasized that the listed institutions are the only ones legally recognized to provide law training in Kenya at any level.

“This list reflects our commitment to quality legal education,” Gitiri said.

She added that the council would continue reviewing legal education providers and making updates when needed to protect students and maintain standards.

“All institutions not mentioned in this list are not authorized to offer any legal education programme,” she said.

The release of the list comes at a time when more students are seeking legal education in Kenya, increasing pressure on institutions to meet quality benchmarks. The updated list is expected to help guide students, employers, and the public in making informed decisions about legal education and careers.