Moi University stopped from offering law degree, yet again
By OUMA WANZALAMoi University has once again been stopped by the Council of Legal Education from offering law degree programmes.
In a public notice, CLE chief executive officer Wanjala Kulundu-Bitonye listed 10 institutions that will be allowed to teach law except Moi University, which has been engaged in legal battle with the council since 2015.
Last year on April 4, High Court Judge George Odunga nullified the council’s order asking Moi University to stop offering the courses.
The judge said the council had violated the law when it issued the closure directive to the universities, adding that its role was restricted to setting standards.
On Tuesday, Moi University Vice-Chancellor Laban Ayiro termed the decision of the council unfortunate and in contempt of court.
UNFORTUNATE DECISION
“We have asked our lawyers to take up the matter since we cannot allow this unfortunate decision to go unchallenged,” said Prof Ayiro.
The Council of Legal Education chief executive, Mr W. Kulundu-Bitonye said in the notice that Moi University licensing ends in March.
In September 2015, the university was once again declared unfit to teach law for being poorly equipped and failure to have staff.
But on April 4 last year, High Court Judge George Odunga nullified the council’s finding that Moi University should stop offering the course.
The judge criticised the council for violating the law when it closed the universities, adding that its role was restricted to setting standards.
The legal education council regulates legal education and training and also licenses universities offering law courses.
YET TO BE REVIEWED
Meanwhile, Kisii University’s licence is yet to be reviewed after it expired on October 2. An application for renewal has been presented to legal education council .
“Riara University licence has been renewed and is valid until November 9, 2021 but subject to satisfaction of terms and conditions,” said Prof Kulundu-Bitonye.
Africa Nazerene University licence will run up to May 29, 2019, University of Nairobi Parklands campus’ licence will run up to August 2019 while its Mombasa campus has until January 2021.
Kabarak University’s is up to September 8, 2021 while Egerton University’s is valid until February 2012.
Strathmore University’s licence has been renewed and is valid until November, 2021.
In January this year, Justice Odunga termed as illegal attempts by the attorney-general, Prof Githu Muigai, to reconstitute the embattled council.