Kenya School of Law seeks Ksh.220M to equip ultra-modern library

The Kenya School of Law (KSL) requires an additional Ksh.220 million to fully equip its newly completed ultra-modern library, highlighting the funding needs facing the institution as it expands infrastructure for professional legal training.

The school has so far received Ksh.70 million from the National Treasury and the Office of the Attorney-General towards equipping the facility, against an estimated total requirement of Ksh.290 million.

KSL Acting Director and CEO Isaac Kuloba said the institution would continue strengthening the library’s equipment and information resources to maximise its 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.

The ultra-modern library, recently showcased during a visit by Attorney-General Dorcas Oduor, is designed to accommodate about 2,000 users, although its current seating capacity is about 400, including the main reading area and Electronic Resource Centre.

The facility provides spaces for independent study, legal research, digital learning, collaborative discussions and practical legal education.

It also forms part of KSL’s broader efforts to modernise professional legal training as the sector responds to changes in technology, legal practice and demand for continuous professional development.

The library currently holds approximately 15,708 books, in addition to 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.

The investment is expected to strengthen access to legal information and support research and training at the institution.

The facility also includes two moot courts, which KSL says will enhance practical legal education by giving students an environment to develop courtroom and advocacy skills.

KSL Board Chairperson Prof. Mary Otieno said the facility represented an investment in the future of the school and the quality of professional legal education in Kenya.

She said the board's responsibility would include ensuring the facility is properly utilised, maintained and integrated into KSL’s long-term institutional strategy.

KSL said it will continue exploring ways to strengthen technology in legal education, expand access to authoritative legal information and enhance research and practical skills development.

The school is a semi-autonomous government agency established under the Kenya School of Law Act and is mandated to provide professional legal training, research and consultancy.