Mount Kenya University (MKU) is set to introduce a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law program, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s legal education landscape. The move will position MKU as the second private university in Kenya to offer doctoral studies in law, further broadening academic opportunities for legal professionals seeking advanced qualifications locally.
Dr. Hezekiel Oira, the Dean of the MKU School of Law, stated that the initiative aligns with the university’s strategic goal of providing a full academic pathway in legal education, from diploma to doctoral levels. This expansion comes on the heels of the successful introduction of MKU’s Master of Laws (LLM) program, which has seen positive reception since its launch in 2023.
The LLM program, accredited by the Council of Legal Education in 2022, is delivered through a blended learning model, allowing working professionals to pursue advanced studies at their own pace. Dr. Oira emphasized that this approach enhances accessibility and flexibility, drawing parallels to similar models used in the United Kingdom and South Africa. “It is an a la carte program designed to meet diverse scholastic needs, styles, and requirements,” he noted.
Since its establishment in September 2009, MKU’s School of Law has grown significantly, admitting over 2,500 degree and 1,600 diploma students. It has played a crucial role in training competent lawyers equipped with knowledge of both national and international legal frameworks. Graduates have pursued careers in government, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental entities, international institutions, and private practice.
The School of Law also houses a Centre for International and Development Law (CINDLAW), which fosters research, training, and academic linkages with various organizations. To further enhance learning, the campus is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a moot court, an extensive law library, ICT infrastructure, prayer rooms, and online research resources.
In addition to launching the PhD program, MKU’s School of Law is strengthening cross-border legal education through an academic exchange program with Mount Kigali University in Rwanda. In March, law students and faculty members from MKU Kigali will visit Kenya to engage in interactive lectures, moot court sessions, and institutional visits to key legal bodies, including the Judiciary and Parliament.
Dr. Oira paid tribute to the late Dr. Wilfred Mutubwa, MKU’s former Dean of Law, for his contributions to legal education and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Dr. Mutubwa’s legacy, including the establishment of the MKU Law Journal, continues to inspire students and young legal professionals.
With the introduction of its PhD in Law, MKU reaffirms its commitment to expanding legal education and nurturing the next generation of legal scholars and practitioners
