Ten years ago, a new programme came into being, heralding a new beginning for the University. The Strathmore Law School opened wide its doors on 29th April 2012 for its first ever cohort of students interested in pursuing the LLB (Legum Baccalaureus) Degree Programme. Thus the journey began with a mission to achieve legal excellence, nurturing critical thinkers, virtuous and entrepreneurial leaders, and the leaders of tomorrow. That indeed was, and still is, the road map.

Fast forward to 2017.  To expand the scope in its offerings, Strathmore Law School launched a world-class Master of Laws (LL.M) Programme that seeks to address gaps that exist in areas of Intellectual Property Law, International Criminal Law, Financial Law and Regulation, Oil and Gas Law and Corporate and International Tax Law.

And half a decade later, we celebrate #ADecadeOfExcellence, exceptional growth and fruitful experience. We celebrate 10 years of great milestones aligned with providing excellence in legal education and research, guided by a commitment to pursue justice. In a bid to cultivate lawyers of professional competence and moral conviction, and to be the region’s hub for change agents, Strathmore Law School has consistently churned out competent and ready graduates equipped in making a real difference in Africa and globally.

To commemorate the 10 years, the Law School held a series of activities that engaged students, staff, alumni and partners. Kicking off with a 5-aside football tournament, students, alumni and partner teams enjoyed an afternoon of outdoor fun and competition. The following week saw staff, students and partners in Karura Forest, bright and early for an Amazing Race event, an event modelled after the famous show of the same name. It challenged participants in a series of activities that tested their team work, resilience and quick thinking.

Later came the alumni black tie reunion dinner, a lovely night as past students caught up on old times. On that day, the Law School chapter of the Strathmore Alumni Association was officially launched.

Double celebration

We spent the evening of Friday, July 29th celebrating #ADecadeofExcellence and the Strathmore Law School’s journey. At the height of the celebrations was the unveiling of a new outfit – the Doctor of Laws (LLD) programme.

Through inculcating values of ethical practice and integrity, the LL.D Program is designed to inspire, innovate and enhance critical thinking in promoting ground-breaking research that will equip the students with the necessary knowledge in the legal quest for justice.

To celebrate with us were some of the pillars of the legal community in Kenya as well as professional giants in other sectors, including: Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote – Director, Law Division, UNEP; Retired Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga; Prof. John Odhiambo – Outgoing Strathmore VC; Dr. Vincent Ogutu – VC Designate; Dr. Peter Kwenjera – Dean, Strathmore Law School; Dr. Wambua Kituku, CEO, Council of Legal Education; Mr. Twalib Mbarak – Secretary/CEO, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission; Dr. Fred Ojiambo, MBS, SC – Senior Partner, Kaplan and Stratton Advocates; Dr. Elizabeth Gachenga – Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Students Affairs.

Faculty and administrative staff, students and alumni, parents and partners and the broader Strathmore University fraternity were in attendance to reminisce the past achievements of the Law School and the launch of the LL.D programme.

As a center renowned for excellence in legal education and research, the launch of the LL. D places Strathmore University at the level playing field of worldly universities as the Law School becomes the second to offer the LL. D, after the University of Nairobi. In meeting the needs of advancement of education and re-affirming the words of Prof. Kameri-Mbote in her keynote speech, …. a good Law School is made from the heart. An all rounded education, Freedom and Responsibility among other ethos of the institution have created a strong foundation in the legal quest for Justice...”

What does the LLD take? 

Being able to add the title “Doctor” ahead of your name sounds tempting, doesn’t it? But what is it really like to go through the journey? What does it take to earn that title? In a brief interview, Dr. Fancy Too, Director of LL.M and LL.D Programs, mentions that one must have a high level of discipline while learning at such a level of education. Time management, commitment and self-drive too, contribute to a successful completion of the program.

The LL.D program will take three to six years to complete; one year of course work and two years which is devoted to research, exposing the students to an extensive global experience in legal research and networks that will experience  interactions and specializations.

Looking into the future

“There can be miracles… when you believe” goes a song by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, sang by Effie Okola, a student in the #Classof2022 Strathmore Law School.  10 years in and we’re only getting started. In ensuring academic excellence, our sleeves are rolled up to continue raising the bar.

Cheers to another 10 years or more of outstanding excellence as we continue in the quest for justice.

This article was written by Jemmy Kamau.