Thika: Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) School of Law is poised to launch a PhD program in legal studies, positioning it as the second private institution in the country to offer this advanced academic qualification.
According to Kenya News Agency, the School’s Dean, Dr. Hezekiel Oira, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to broaden educational opportunities in law, offering pathways from Diploma to Doctoral levels. The decision to introduce the program follows the favorable response to the Master of Laws (LLM) program, which is delivered through a blended learning approach.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting at the university’s main campus in Thika town, Dr. Oira highlighted that the new program will significantly benefit legal professionals seeking to enhance their academic qualifications. He noted the School of Law’s consistent growth since its establishment in 2009, after receiving approvals from the Commission of Higher Education and accreditation for the LLM program in 2022 by the Council of Legal Education. Over the years, the school has admitted over 2,500 degree students and more than 1,600 diploma students.
In addition, Dr. Oira announced plans for an academic exchange with Mount Kigali University, scheduled for March. This initiative will bring law students and faculty members to MKU for interactive lectures, moot court sessions, and visits to significant legal institutions in Kenya, including the Judiciary, Parliament, law firms, and regulatory bodies.
He further explained that the exchange program aims to familiarize visiting students with Kenya’s legal framework, judicial processes, and the practical application of law in various contexts. The program is designed to benefit both visiting and MKU-Parklands campus students by fostering comparative legal discussions, broadening perspectives on international legal principles, and strengthening professional networks.
Dr. Oira stated, “By interacting with legal scholars and practitioners, the students will gain invaluable insights that complement their academic studies.”