The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially opened applications for the Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) at the Kenya School of Law for the May 2026 academic intake. This marks an important change in how prospective students join the legal profession through accredited paralegal training in Kenya.
What’s New This Year?
For the first time, applications for this two-year diploma programme will be processed centrally through the KUCCPS online placement system rather than through direct applications to the School of Law.
This development aligns the Diploma in Law with other government-regulated professional programmes — similar to how placements for universities, colleges, and technical institutions are managed.
Why This Matters
Previously, students interested in this diploma had to apply directly to the Kenya School of Law, making it harder to track admission data and enforce equity criteria such as regional distribution and gender balance. Central placement enables:
-
Fairer access to limited seats
-
Transparency in admissions
-
Better alignment with national training priorities
The move also reflects growing demand for paralegal and legal support professionals in Kenya’s justice system.
Key Application Dates and Procedure
-
Application portal opened: February 23, 2026
-
Deadline: March 9, 2026
-
Start of classes: May 2026 intake
How to Apply
-
Visit the KUCCPS student portal.
-
Register or log in with your credentials.
-
Select the Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) under the Kenya School of Law programmes.
-
Complete the application and submit before the deadline.
It’s important to ensure all required documents are ready before you start — including your KCSE results and ID details.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:
-
Minimum Grade: KCSE mean grade of C (plain)
-
Language Requirement: At least a C+ in English or Kiswahili
-
Additional credentials later in the year may include:
-
A principal pass at Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE)
-
A pass in an accredited certificate law course
-
A certificate of experiential legal learning issued by the Council of Legal Education
-
These entry standards ensure students possess the foundational communication and analytical skills necessary for legal work.
What the Diploma Covers
The Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies) is designed to equip students with:
-
Fundamental legal knowledge
-
Practical paralegal skillsets
-
Professional ethics in legal environments
-
Preparation for roles that support lawyers, courts, corporate legal teams and NGOs
Typical course objectives include training in:
-
Legal research and documentation
-
Case file management
-
Court procedures
-
Drafting legal correspondence
This grounding makes graduates attractive candidates for many law-related roles, even if they do not pursue a full LL.B degree immediately.
Programme Duration and Structure
-
Minimum duration: 2 academic years
-
Terms per year: 3
-
Students may register for up to four course units per term.
Trainees are expected to complete the programme within 2–3 academic years depending on pace and performance.
Why It’s a Big Opportunity
This appointment through KUCCPS opens legal education pathways to more students, particularly those whose KCSE results fall below direct university law course cut-offs. Paralegal training now becomes a viable launchpad into the legal profession, helping:
-
Increase access to legal careers
-
Build a broader legal support workforce
-
Improve equity in placements based on merit and national distribution criteria
With only limited seats (~500) available and high demand, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and ensure their details on the portal are accurate.
Final Notes Before Applying
✔ Check that your KCSE details are correct.
✔ Have digital copies of your ID, certificates, and photos ready.
✔ Submit before the March 9 deadline.
✔ Once placed, prepare for orientation and registration in May 2026.
0 Comments