NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya School of Law (KSL) is seeking an additional Sh220 million to fully equip its newly completed ultra-modern library as the institution expands facilities for professional legal training and research.
KSL has so far received Sh70 million from the National Treasury and the Office of the Attorney-General towards equipping the facility, against an estimated requirement of Sh290 million.
KSL Acting Director and CEO Isaac Kuloba said the institution would continue investing in equipment and information resources to maximise the library’s potential.
“The significance of this facility is that it is no longer simply a construction project. It is now a functioning learning and research environment that our students use,” Kuloba said.
Library Designed to Accommodate 2,000 Users
The new library was recently showcased during a visit by Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor.
The facility is designed to accommodate approximately 2,000 users, although its current seating capacity is about 400, including the main reading area and Electronic Resource Centre.
It provides dedicated spaces for independent study, legal research, digital learning, collaborative discussions and practical legal education.
The facility is part of KSL’s broader efforts to modernise professional legal training as the legal sector adapts to technological changes, evolving legal practice and growing demand for continuous professional development.
Library Holds More Than 15,000 Books
The KSL library currently holds approximately 15,708 books, alongside law reports, journals, magazines and other legal publications.
Students and authorised users can also access electronic legal research platforms, including LexisNexis and Law Africa Law Reports.
KSL expects the continued investment in the facility to improve access to authoritative legal information and strengthen research and training for students and other authorised users.
Facility Includes Two Moot Courts
The library complex also includes two moot courts, which are intended to strengthen the practical component of legal education.
The spaces will give students an environment in which to develop courtroom advocacy, presentation and other practical legal skills.
KSL has been seeking to integrate practical training with academic and digital resources as part of its professional legal education programmes.
Board Highlights Long-Term Investment
KSL Board Chairperson Prof. Mary Otieno said the facility represented an investment in the future of the institution and the quality of professional legal education in Kenya.
She said the board would be responsible for ensuring that the facility is properly utilised, maintained and incorporated into the school’s long-term institutional strategy.
The board’s oversight will include ensuring that the infrastructure and resources support KSL’s training and research objectives.
KSL Eyes Greater Use of Technology
The school said it will continue exploring ways to strengthen the use of technology in legal education.
Its plans include expanding access to authoritative legal information while enhancing research, digital learning and practical skills development.
The additional Sh220 million would bring the total funding available for equipping the facility to the estimated Sh290 million required.
KSL Mandate
The Kenya School of Law is a semi-autonomous government agency established under the Kenya School of Law Act.
It is mandated to provide professional legal training, research and consultancy, making its library and practical training facilities central to its role in preparing legal professionals.
The institution said continued investment in modern learning infrastructure would support its mandate as the legal profession responds to technological change and new demands for professional development.
