AG Oduor pledges to reform legal education
The Attorney General (AG) Dorcas Oduor has committed to implementing extensive reforms in Kenya’s legal education sector to shape the future of the legal profession and ensure the justice system is served by ethical and competent professionals.
The reforms follow the release of the Report by the Committee on Legal Education Sector Reforms.
Speaking during the report’s presentation at her office in Nairobi, the AG acknowledged the longstanding concerns regarding the structure and effectiveness of legal education, which prompted the urgent formation of the committee shortly after she assumed office.
“These recommendations aim to strengthen legal education, promote inclusivity, and create a transparent and efficient training system for legal professionals in Kenya,” said the AG.
She revealed that the report provides a clear roadmap for addressing the challenges faced by Kenya’s Legal Education Sector through policy and legislative reforms that meet both national and international standards.
Commending the committee’s extensive research and stakeholder consultations, the AG emphasised the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations.
“These reforms will enhance institutional capacity, promote inclusivity, and ensure that Kenya’s legal education system produces highly qualified and ethical professionals,” she noted.
Oduor further urged legal educators, students, and professional bodies to actively engage in the reform process, reaffirming Kenya’s ambition to become a regional leader in legal excellence.
Meanwhile, Acting CEO of the Council for Legal Education (CLE) and Chairperson of the Committee on Legal Education Sector Reforms, Christine Agimba, outlined the report’s major findings and recommendations.
Additionally, she regretted inconsistencies in legal education laws, restricted access to the Advocates Training Programme (ATP), and financial sustainability as key issues affecting legal education institutions.
“One of the committee’s primary recommendations is the review of the Kenya School of Law Act, the Legal Education Act, and the Advocates Act to eliminate inconsistencies in legal education policies,” she said.
Furthermore, she recognised the challenges faced by students who have pursued law degrees through alternative academic pathways; hence, the committee suggested that the Council for Legal Education (CLE) develop a policy on prior learning and academic progression.
“This policy would create structured pathways for students with diverse academic backgrounds to qualify for the ATP program,” Agimba noted.
The chairperson emphasised that the committee recommended transitional provisions for law graduates affected by unclear guidelines, ensuring they are granted eligibility for ATP enrolment.
She also assured that efforts have been made to enhance the administration and integrity of ATP exams, adding, “The committee recommends further transparency measures to ensure fairness and credibility in the examination process.”
The committee urged the development of clear policies on prior learning and academic progression, ensuring students who have pursued alternative education pathways have a well-defined route to ATP admission.
The committee advocated for the allocation of more funds to Legal institutions in Kenya while encouraging KSL and CLE to explore alternative revenue sources.
“We must ensure financial sustainability without over-reliance on student fees,” she asserted.
Agimba encouraged the committee to explore the feasibility of expanding access to the ATP programme by allowing non-traditional legal education providers to offer ATP training.
She stressed the need for careful consideration of the quality of legal education and training standards before implementing such a reform to maintain the integrity of legal education and ensure high professional standards.
The report, commissioned by the Kenya Law Reform Commission, is a step toward improving the quality, accessibility, and regulation of legal training in the country.
The report, now in the hands of the Attorney General, is expected to guide future policies and improvements in Kenya’s legal education sector, ensuring law graduates are well-equipped to serve the country’s evolving justice system.
AG Oduor pledges to reform legal education