Hundreds of students from Mt Kenya University want the Kenya School of Law (KSL) and the University to reach an agreement on the qualifications required for those who can take Diploma in Law.
Speaking to Hot News, the students said they are worried about their future because many of those who graduate from Mt Kenya University are denied a chance pursue the Advocates Training Program (ATP) at KSL.
Its is after this program that one is Admitted to the Bar (becomes a lawyer).
They said the minimum requirement to take a Diploma course at a Kenyan University is a C plain.
However, for one to be enrolled into the ATP program at KSL, he or she must be a Law Graduate from a recognized Kenyan University.
The candidate must have attained a minimum of Grades B (plain) in English language or Kiswahili and mean grade C (plus) in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education.
The Candidate must also sit and pass the Pre-Bar examination’s set by the KSL.
Mt Kenya University Students said the University only requires them to have qualified with a mean grade of C plain and a C+ plus in English to be enrolled for the Diploma in Law Course.
The Students who requested anonymity said once they complete their Diploma, they enroll into Degrees.
However, they said KSL blocks them from undertaking the ATP Course because most of them enrolled for the Diploma in Law without meeting the threshold.
“The University must come clear. They must tell us earlier enough that we will be rejected by KSL because we met the University requirements but failed to meet the KSL requirements. It is a waste of time to study for four years and later be rejected,” said one of the female students.
In November 2017, some Mt Kenya University students went to the High Court and sued KSL for compelling them to take the Pre-Bar exams before being admitted for the ATP program.
In Petition 398 of 2017 , Adrian Kamotho Njenga Vs KSL , Justice Chacha Mwita ruled that all students who had graduated with a Degree in Law from recognized Universities in Kenya and attained the required KCSE Grades, should not sit Pre- bar exams but should proceed straight to KSL for the ATP program.
“ However the declaration of invalidity shall remain suspended for a period of twelve months from the date of this judgment within which time the respondent’s Board shall take necessary steps to make regulation 6 of the Kenya School of Law (Training Programmes) Regulations, 2015 compatible with section 16 of the Kenya School of Law Act, 2012 as read with paragraph 1(a) of the Second Schedule. In default the declaration of invalidity shall take effect,” the Judge ruled.
Contacted for comment, Mt Kenya University Chairman Simon Gicharu said he will investigate the issues and revert.
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