Requirements to study law in Kenya (Diploma & degree)
In this article, we will explore the requirements to study law in Kenya at both diploma and degree level.
Law is one of the most revered professions in the world. In Kenya, lawyers go through 4 years of undergraduate studies before proceeding to the Kenya School of Law for an advocate training program (ATP).
ATP takes one and a half years to complete and without the course, one cannot be admitted to the bar as an advocate of the high court.
In this article, we will focus on the requirements to study law in Kenya at both diploma and degree level.
Let’s go to law school.
Bachelor of Law (Qualifications and schools)
A bachelor of law is the recognized law degree in Kenya regulated by the Law Society of Kenya. The subjects in criminal law, commercial law, international law, human rights and more.
The degree prepares one for a career as an advocate, judicial officer, legal humanitarian, or a legal scholar.
KCSE qualification for law degree in Kenya
The following are direct entry requirements for a Bachelor of Laws in Kenya.
- At least C plus in KCSE.
- B plain in either English/Kiswahili
Indirect entry requirements
If you don’t meet the requirements for direct admission, you can be admitted for the course if you have any of the following requirements.
- You hold a diploma in Law or
- Be a holder of the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (K.A.C.E) with at least three principal passes.
Requirements for Diploma in Law
If you do not meet direct entry requirements for a Bachelor of Laws, you can enrol for a diploma in law course that takes three years to complete before proceeding with your undergraduate studies.
To secure admission to the course, you must meet either of the following requirements as provided by the Law Society of Kenya and the Kenya School of Law:
- A mean grade of C plain in KCSE with C plus in either English/Kiswahili.
- At least one principal pass in the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education.
- A certificate in Law with a pass offered by a recognized legal institution.
- A certificate in experimental learning issued by the Council of Legal Education.
Certificate in Law in Kenya
As of 2024, no college or university is offering a certificate in Law in Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to do Law with C minus?
No, you cannot enrol for a diploma or degree in law with a KCSE mean grade of C minus.
What are the subject requirements for Law?
You need at least a B plain in English/Kiswahili for a Bachelor of Laws and a C plus in English/Kiswahili for a Diploma in law
Can I do law with C plain?
Yes, you can do a diploma in Law with a KCSE mean grade of C plain
Winding Up
In Summary, the requirements to study Law in Kenya are a KCSE mean grade of C plus for a bachelor of Law and a C plain for a Diploma in Law.
More so, you need at least a B plain in English/Kiswahili for a degree and a C plain in the same language subjects for a diploma.
Can I do Diploma in law with the following performance ; 1.Mean grade C
2.kiswahili C+
3.maths D-
Hello Stonecold, Kindly check the requirements for diploma in Law thoough this link