KSL needs extra Ksh.220M to fully equip new ultra-modern library

The Kenya School of Law (KSL) says it requires an additional Ksh.220 million to fully equip its newly completed Ultra-Modern Library and Moot Courts.

The institution says the facility requires approximately Ksh.290 million to be fully equipped, against Ksh.70 million provided by the National Treasury and the Office of the Attorney General since last year.

The funding gap emerged as Attorney General Dorcas Oduor visited the School on Thursday, where she toured the new facility and was briefed on its capacity and use.

The facility includes a main reading area, Electronic Resource Centre, private reading carrels, discussion rooms and two moot courts. It is designed to accommodate approximately 2,000 users, although only about 400 seats are currently available.

KSL Acting Director and Chief Executive Officer Isaac Kuloba said the focus had now shifted from construction to ensuring the facility contributes to the quality of legal education.

“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 can use. Our responsibility is to ensure that every component of this investment contributes to the quality of professional legal education at the School," said Kuloba.

Kuloba said the School was continuing to equip the library and expand its information resources to maximise the facility's potential.

The library currently holds approximately 15,708 books, alongside law reports, journals, magazines and other legal publications. It also provides access to electronic legal research platforms, including LexisNexis and Law Africa Law Reports.

The two moot courts are intended to provide students with a practical environment to develop advocacy and courtroom skills as part of their professional legal training.

KSL Board Chairperson Prof. Mary Otieno said the facility would require proper utilisation and maintenance as the institution integrates it into its long-term strategy.

“This facility is an investment in the future of the Kenya School of Law and in the quality of professional legal education in Kenya. The Board's responsibility is to ensure that the facility is properly utilised, maintained and integrated into the School's long-term institutional strategy," Prof Otieno said.

The facility is expected to support legal research, digital learning, practical skills development and continuing professional development for lawyers and other actors in the justice sector.

The Kenya School of Law is a Semi-Autonomous Government Agency established under the Kenya School of Law Act, Cap. 16C, with a mandate to provide professional legal training, research and consultancy.