MKU to host visiting law students from Rwanda as part of drive to enrich legal education in East Africa
Mount Kenya University (MKU) School of Law is set to host law students and some faculty members from Mount Kigali University, in March. This academic exchange programme, says the Dean of the MKU School of Law Dr. Hezekiel Oira, is part of the two sister universities’ drive to strengthen legal education across borders. In this initiative, the school is collaborating with its Centre for International and Development Law (CIDLAW).
“This is a testament to our shared vision of enhancing legal education through cross-border collaboration and experiential learning,” says Dr. Oira. “We seek to unlock infinite possibilities in legal frontiers.” The delegation from Rwanda will be led by the Mount Kigali University School of Law Dean, Prof. Fructuose Bigirimana.
During their visit, the students will engage in a variety of activities, including interactive lectures, moot court sessions, and visits to key legal institutions in Kenya, among them the Judiciary, Parliament, law firms, and regulatory bodies. The activities are designed to expose the visiting learners to Kenya’s legal framework, judicial processes, and the practical application of the law in different contexts. By interacting with legal scholars and practitioners, the students will gain invaluable insights that complement their academic studies.
Dr. Oira asserts that this exchange programme is not only beneficial to the visiting students but also to their counterparts at the MKU parklands campus. It fosters comparative legal discussions, broadens perspectives on international legal principles, and strengthens professional networks. The exchange is an opportunity for future legal minds to engage with diverse legal systems, thereby preparing them to thrive in an increasingly globalised landscape.
Dr. Oira says that looking ahead, MKU and Mount Kigali University plan to deepen this partnership through joint research projects, more faculty and student exchange programmes, and specialised training in emerging areas of law such as international trade law, human rights, and dispute resolution. “These initiatives,” says Dr Oira, “align with our commitment to producing highly skilled legal professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the development of the legal sector in Africa and beyond.” He continues: “As we welcome our colleagues from Rwanda, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing legal excellence, fostering regional cooperation, and shaping the next generation of legal professionals. This visit is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will enrich both institutions and enhance the quality of legal
education in East Africa.”
Mount Kigali University is set to offer a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Commercial and Investment Law programme beginning this May.
eongwae@ke.nationmedia.com
