Attorney General’s Office sets stage for major legal education reforms to bridge training gaps
Attorney General’s Office sets stage for major legal education reforms to bridge training gaps
The Office of the Attorney General has received key recommendations on legal education reforms from the Working Committee on Legal Education Sector Reforms, which was led by Christine Agimba, Chairperson of the Kenya Law Reform Commission. The proposals, aimed at addressing challenges in legal training and practice, were presented to Attorney General Dorcas Oduor at a ceremony held in Nairobi.
While handing over the report, Agimba emphasized the need for reforms in several key areas, including the harmonization of entry requirements for law schools, the regulation of advocates’ training programs by the Council of Legal Education, and the eligibility of East African Community (EAC) member states’ legal practitioners to practice in Kenya. The proposals also call for a review of the Advocates Act and the development of a policy framework for higher legal education.
Attorney General Oduor affirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations, stating that legal education must align with both national and international standards.
“The legal education sector plays a critical role in shaping the future of our justice system. These reforms will address existing gaps, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure that legal training meets the dynamic needs of society and the economy,” said Oduor.
She commended the committee for its extensive consultations and thorough research, adding that the recommendations would strengthen legal education, improve inclusivity, and create a transparent and efficient system for training legal professionals.
Solicitor General Shadrack Mose urged the government to increase funding for the Kenya School of Law to support seamless legal training and expand the number of advocates in the country.
“Not all law graduates become advocates. We need more funding to support legal education institutions and ensure that the sector remains strong,” he stated.
Mose also called for the decentralization of law schools across all 47 counties, citing the high cost of legal education for students from regions such as Kisumu, Mombasa, Turkana, and Lodwar who have to relocate to Nairobi for studies.
The proposals mark a significant step towards improving Kenya’s legal education framework, ensuring it remains competitive and meets the evolving needs of the legal profession. The government has pledged to work closely with legal education institutions, professional bodies, and other stakeholders to implement the recommended reforms.
