MMUST To Become Western-Kenya’s First University to Offer Bachelor of Laws Degree as It Kicks Off Curriculum Validation for the New Programme
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is set to be the first University in the Western region of Kenya to offer the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) Degree. On 6th March, 2026, the University hosted a consultative Workshop at the Golf Hotel-Kakamega, bringing together legal professionals in the region to initiate the validation of the curriculum for the proposed programme. The exercise, which was spearheaded by the Chairperson (Department of Criminology and Social Work)- Dr. Evans Oruta, involved officers from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Judiciary, the Kenya School of Law (KSL), Kisii University, Office of the Attorney General, as well as MMUST.
According to the Director of Curriculum Review and Development at MMUST, Dr. Teresa Okoth, the validation process allows the University to reflect on legal frameworks and emerging trends in Law. She emphasized the need to align the curriculum with professional standards and the specific competencies required of modern Law graduates. “This Workshop is a demonstration of our collective commitment to strengthening the curriculum in legal education. It affirms that curriculum development is not an isolated exercise, but a collaborative process. We recognize your role in helping us identify gaps between the curriculum and professional practice,” remarked Dr. Okoth.
The Director of Curriculum Review and Development at MMUST, Dr. Teresa Okoth, speaks during the validation Workshop.
“On behalf of the office of the Registrar Academic Affairs, I would like to appreciate the initiators of this project, drafters, stakeholders and the entire curriculum design team for bringing this programme to fruition. Our office is committed to ensuring that MMUST offers both market-driven courses, and those that are relevant and appropriate for the growth of the University. The Bachelor of Laws Degree is certainly a step towards the right direction,” said Mr. Jairus Owunza, who was representing the Registrar (Academic Affairs), Prof. Judah Ndiku. Mr. Owunza further stated that his office will give its full support throughout the curriculum approval process, including facilitating registration with the Commission for University Education (CUE).
While giving an overview of the curriculum, Dr. Oruta revealed that the journey to establish the Law programme at MMUST started in 2022. “There are very many legal scholars in Western, yet none of the Universities in the region is offering the Bachelor of Laws Degree. As a University, we are more than ready to bridge this gap by providing a Law programme that meets the needs of this region,” commented Dr. Oruta, adding that this programme carves out a niche by offering a new pathway, which is focused specifically on Technology and Digital Governance Law.
The Chairperson (Department of Criminology and Social Work)-Dr. Evans Oruta makes a presentation at the Workshop.
By expanding its academic portfolio into the legal field, MMUST is not only broadening its educational horizons, but also addressing a significant regional gap, presenting aspiring legal professionals in Western with a local pathway to excellence in jurisprudence.
By Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
