The Council of Legal Education (CLE) is a statutory body established under the Legal Education Act to regulate legal education and training in Kenya. The Council operates independently and is responsible for ensuring that all legal education providers adhere to high standards of education and training.
Composition of the Council of Legal Education
The Council consists of the following members:
- Chairperson – Appointed by the President, with at least 15 years of experience in legal education and training.
- Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education (or a representative).
- Principal Secretary, Ministry of Finance (or a representative).
- Attorney General (or a representative).
- Chief Justice (or a representative).
- Two advocates nominated by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
- One public university law lecturer nominated by public universities.
- One private university law lecturer nominated by private universities.
- Secretary to the Council of Legal Education (ex officio member).
The Chairperson, university representatives, and Secretary serve a three-year term, renewable once. The nominating bodies must ensure gender equity and expertise in legal education, finance, commerce, or public institution management.
Functions of the Council of Legal Education
The Council of Legal Education (CLE) is responsible for regulating and supervising legal education in Kenya. Its key functions include:
1. Regulation of Legal Education
- Regulates all legal education and training in Kenya.
- Licenses and supervises legal education providers.
- Sets and enforces standards for law schools and training institutions.
- Monitors and evaluates legal education programs.
2. Accreditation and Examinations
- Accredits legal education providers for licensing.
- Approves curricula, teaching methods, and examination quality.
- Harmonizes legal education programs across institutions.
- Administers professional examinations as required by Section 13 of the Advocates Act.
3. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications
- Evaluates and approves legal qualifications obtained outside Kenya.
- Establishes equivalency criteria for foreign legal education.
- Advises the government on recognition and standardization of foreign legal education.
4. Advisory Role
- Advises the government on matters related to legal education and training.
- Provides recommendations for policy improvements in legal education.
- Collects, analyzes, and publishes information on legal education.
5. Oversight and Compliance
- Conducts regular inspections of law schools and training institutions.
- Regulates student admissions and entry requirements for legal education.
- Recognizes prior learning and experience to facilitate academic progression.
Powers of the Council of Legal Education
The Council has the authority to:
- Supervise and manage its assets.
- Administer the Legal Education Fund.
- Receive and disburse grants, gifts, and donations.
- Enter into partnerships with other legal education bodies in Kenya and abroad.
- Open and manage bank accounts.
- Invest surplus funds to sustain its operations.
- Request institutions to furnish information on legal education matters.
For more details, refer to the Legal Education Act.
