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Are you aspiring to become a lawyer in Kenya? Choosing the right university for your Bachelor of Law (LL.B) degree is a crucial step. With multiple universities in Kenya offering law programs, it’s essential to compare their entry requirements, cluster points, and tuition fees before making a decision. In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about Bachelor of Law programs in Kenya.
1. Entry Requirements for Bachelor of Law in Kenya
To pursue a Bachelor of Law degree in universities in Nairobi and across Kenya, students must meet the following general requirements:
- A minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) or higher.
- At least B (plain) in English or Kiswahili.
- Cluster points vary across universities in Kenya, with top institutions setting higher cut-off points.
Some universities also admit students with diplomas in law, provided they meet additional academic requirements.
2. Cluster Points for Law Programs in Kenya
Cluster points determine whether a student qualifies for a specific course in a university. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) assigns these points based on KCSE performance and competition for slots in different universities.
Public Universities
- University of Nairobi (UoN) – Requires 40+ cluster points.
- Kenyatta University (KU) – Cluster points range between 38 – 40.
- Moi University – Averages 36 – 38 cluster points.
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) – Requires 35 – 37 cluster points.
Private Universities
Private universities tend to have lower cluster points but may have higher tuition fees. Some of the notable institutions include:
- Strathmore University – Requires 35+ cluster points.
- Mount Kenya University (MKU) – Requires around 32 – 35 cluster points.
- Riara University – Accepts students with cluster points above 30, depending on available slots.
Since private universities allow direct applications, they may have more flexible admission requirements.
3. Tuition Fees for Law Programs in Kenya
Pursuing a Bachelor of Law (LL.B) in Kenya requires careful financial planning. Tuition fees differ based on whether the university is public or private. Below is a breakdown of the costs:
Public Universities (Government-Sponsored Students)
- University of Nairobi (UoN): Ksh 170,000 – 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University (KU): Ksh 180,000 – 220,000 per year
- Moi University: Ksh 170,000 – 200,000 per year
- JKUAT: Ksh 180,000 – 210,000 per year
Public Universities (Self-Sponsored Students – Module II/Parallel Programs)
- Fees range from Ksh 250,000 – 350,000 per year for self-sponsored students.
Private Universities (Self-Sponsored Students)
- Strathmore University: Ksh 700,000 – 900,000 per year
- Riara University: Ksh 500,000 – 700,000 per year
- Mount Kenya University (MKU): Ksh 450,000 – 600,000 per year
Additional Costs
- Books & Learning Materials: Ksh 20,000 – 50,000 per year
- Accommodation & Meals: Ksh 100,000 – 250,000 per year
- Legal Training & Internships: Some universities require court visits and practical training, which may involve extra charges.
Students should explore scholarships, HELB loans, and work-study programs to manage tuition costs.
4. Best Universities for Law in Kenya
Kenya has several top-ranking universities offering Bachelor of Law (LL.B) programs, each with unique strengths. Here’s a look at the best universities for law based on quality of education, faculty, and reputation.
1. University of Nairobi (UoN) – Parklands Campus
- Ranking: #1 in Kenya for law
- Why Choose It? UoN has produced top lawyers, judges, and legal scholars.
- Cluster Points: 40+
- Fees: Ksh 170,000 – 250,000 per year (government-sponsored); Ksh 300,000+ (self-sponsored)
2. Kenyatta University (KU) – School of Law
- Ranking: #2 in public universities for law
- Why Choose It? Provides strong legal research and advocacy training.
- Cluster Points: 38 – 40
- Fees: Ksh 180,000 – 220,000 per year (government-sponsored); Ksh 300,000+ (self-sponsored)
3. Moi University – School of Law
- Ranking: #3 among public law schools
- Why Choose It? Located in Eldoret, Moi University offers affordable tuition and has a strong legal research center.
- Cluster Points: 36 – 38
- Fees: Ksh 170,000 – 200,000 per year
4. Strathmore University – Law School
- Ranking: #1 among private universities
- Why Choose It? Offers an international-standard curriculum, partnerships with global law firms, and rigorous training.
- Cluster Points: 35+
- Fees: Ksh 700,000 – 900,000 per year
5. Mount Kenya University (MKU) – School of Law
- Ranking: A top private university with a strong law program
- Why Choose It? Offers flexible learning schedules and recognized by the Council for Legal Education (CLE).
- Cluster Points: 32 – 35
- Fees: Ksh 450,000 – 600,000 per year
5. The Role of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU)
The Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) plays a critical role in ensuring quality education in universities in Kenya. This union fights for:
✔ Better working conditions for lecturers.
✔ Improved research funding in universities.
✔ Fair wages for university staff.
Students benefit from strong academic staff representation because it leads to better teaching quality and institutional development. If you are considering a university, checking its faculty support and involvement in UASU matters can give you an idea of academic stability.
6. Final Thoughts
Choosing the right law school in Kenya requires a balance between academic performance, budget, and career goals. If you aim for a top-tier legal career, universities like UoN, KU, or Strathmore may be ideal. However, if you’re looking for affordability and flexibility, MKU and Riara University are great choices.
Are you planning to study law in Kenya? Share your thoughts or ask questions in the comments!
