The High Court of Kenya has issued an order suspending the implementation of new admission rules for the Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law. The suspension was granted after a petition was filed by Elizabeth Achieng and Kioo Cha Jamii, challenging the new admission criteria announced for the 2027/28 academic year. The petitioners argue that the new criteria were introduced without being validly established through the applicable statutory or regulatory framework.
The new admission criteria introduced by the Kenya School of Law include alternative admission routes based on combinations of KCSE grades, higher qualifications, and the Pre-Bar Examination. The petitioners contend that these changes are being introduced amid ongoing legal education reforms and proposed regulations that have not been formally enacted. The court's decision to suspend the implementation of the new criteria has effectively halted the enrollment process for the Advocates Training Programme.
Justice John Onyiego, who issued the orders, certified the application as urgent and directed that the suspension be in place pending the hearing and determination of the petition on October 13, 2026. The judge also barred the Kenya School of Law from receiving, processing, evaluating, or determining applications based on the disputed criteria. This means that the school cannot proceed with admitting or enrolling new advocates under the new rules until the court has made a final determination on the matter.
The petition filed by Elizabeth Achieng and Kioo Cha Jamii raises questions about the regulation of legal education and entry into the profession in Kenya. The petitioners argue that the new admission criteria may not be in line with the existing laws and regulations governing legal education in the country. The court's decision to suspend the implementation of the new criteria has significant implications for the future of legal education in Kenya.
A separate petition challenging the new admission criteria has also been filed by advocate Jared Gekombe. This petition seeks similar orders suspending the implementation of the new criteria. The two petitions have raised concerns about the role of the Kenya School of Law and the Council of Legal Education in regulating legal education and entry into the profession.
The Kenya School of Law has been a key institution in the training of advocates in Kenya. The Advocates Training Programme is a critical component of the legal education system in the country, and changes to the admission criteria can have a significant impact on the future of the legal profession. The court's decision to suspend the implementation of the new criteria has effectively put the enrollment process on hold.
The suspension of the new admission rules has significant implications for the future of legal education in Kenya. The court's decision highlights the need for the Kenya School of Law and the Council of Legal Education to ensure that any changes to the admission criteria are validly established through the applicable statutory or regulatory framework. The case will continue to be heard on October 13, 2026.
Key points
- The High Court of Kenya has suspended the implementation of new admission criteria for the Advocates Training Programme at the Kenya School of Law.
- The suspension was granted after a petition was filed challenging the new admission criteria, which include alternative admission routes based on combinations of KCSE grades, higher qualifications, and the Pre-Bar Examination.
- The court's decision has significant implications for the future of legal education in Kenya and highlights the need for the Kenya School of Law and the Council of Legal Education to ensure that any changes to the admission criteria are validly established through the applicable statutory or regulatory framework.
