Thika, Kenya| Mount Kenya University (MKU) is set to become the second private university in Kenya to offer a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, marking a significant milestone in the country’s legal education landscape.
The introduction of the doctoral programme is part of the university’s broader initiative to expand access to legal education from the Diploma level through to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and now Doctoral studies.
According to Dr. Hezekiel Oira, the Dean of MKU’s School of Law, the decision to launch the PhD programme has been driven by the overwhelming success of the university’s Master of Laws (LLM) programme, which is delivered through a blended learning approach.
Boosting Local Legal Scholarship
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at MKU’s main campus in Thika, Dr. Oira emphasized that the new programme will provide legal professionals with an opportunity to further their academic qualifications without having to seek doctoral studies abroad.
“The introduction of the PhD programme aligns with our commitment to advancing legal education and research. Since the establishment of the School of Law in 2009, we have steadily built a strong foundation, culminating in our accreditation to offer the LLM programme in 2022. Over the years, the school has admitted more than 2,500 undergraduate and over 1,600 diploma students,” Dr. Oira stated.
The expansion of MKU’s legal programmes reflects the growing demand for advanced legal education in Kenya and the East African region.
By offering a doctoral degree in law, MKU aims to strengthen legal scholarship, contribute to policy formulation, and enhance the professional capabilities of legal practitioners.
Academic Exchange Programme with Mount Kigali University
In a separate development, Dr. Oira announced that MKU’s School of Law is preparing to host students and faculty members from Mount Kigali University in Rwanda as part of an academic exchange programme scheduled for March.
This initiative will offer visiting students a unique opportunity to participate in interactive lectures, moot court sessions, and field visits to key legal institutions in Kenya, including the Judiciary, Parliament, prominent law firms, and regulatory bodies.
“The programme is designed to expose visiting students to Kenya’s legal framework, judicial processes, and practical applications of the law.” He stated.
“Additionally, it fosters comparative legal discussions, broadens perspectives on international legal principles, and strengthens professional networks between students from both universities,” Dr. Oira explained.
Students from MKU’s Parklands Law Campus will also benefit from the exchange, as it will provide them with a global outlook on legal practice and enrich their academic experience through exposure to different legal systems.
A Growing Hub for Legal Education
MKU’s commitment to expanding legal education positions it as a leading private institution in Kenya’s legal academic landscape.
With the anticipated launch of the PhD in Law programme, the university is poised to become a crucial center for legal research and advanced legal training in the country.
As the legal profession in Kenya continues to evolve, institutions like MKU are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that legal scholars and practitioners have access to high-quality education that meets both local and global standards.
With its continuous expansion and innovative academic initiatives, MKU’s School of Law is reaffirming its position as a key player in shaping the future of legal education in Kenya and beyond.
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