CLE and PSK Hold Consultative Talks on Paralegal Training and Accreditation
CLE and PSK Hold Consultative Talks on Paralegal Training and Accreditation
In a major step toward standardizing the cadre of legal support professionals, the Council of Legal Education (CLE) and the Paralegal Society of Kenya (PSK) held a high-level consultative meeting on January 14, 2026.
The engagement aimed at addressing critical regulatory and practice gaps within the paralegal profession, a sector vital for enhancing access to justice in both urban and marginalized communities.
The discussions, hosted by the CLE leadership, centered on four strategic pillars designed to formalize the role of paralegals within Kenya’s justice system:
Curriculum Accreditation: Reviewing the PSK training curriculum to ensure it meets the rigorous standards required for recognition by the Council.
Accreditation Guidelines: Finalizing the status of the Paralegal Accreditation Guidelines, which will define the qualifications and ethical standards for practitioners.
Experiential Learning: Developing frameworks for "Recognition of Prior Learning" to support community paralegals who have gained extensive field experience.
Justice Sector Collaboration: Strengthening the partnership between the regulator and practitioners to ensure paralegals are integrated effectively into the wider legal ecosystem.
The meeting brought together key figures from the justice and human rights sectors. PSK was represented by its Governing Council, including Esau Riaroh (Legal Resources Foundation), Eric Mukoya (Outgoing President), John Mwariri (Kituo Cha Sheria), and National Coordinator Mary Airo.
"We appreciate the Council of Legal Education, under the leadership of Prof. Jack Mwimali, for this constructive engagement. PSK remains committed to advancing quality, standardized, and recognized training that aligns with our national goals for access to justice," the PSK leadership noted in a joint statement.
Prof. Jack Mwimali reaffirmed the Council’s support for professionalizing paralegal training. By establishing a clear accreditation path, the CLE aims to ensure that every paralegal—whether working in a law firm, a prison, or a community legal aid center—possesses the ethical and professional competence required to serve the public.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the CLE Strategic Plan 2023–2027, specifically focusing on the diversification of legal education and training programs in Kenya.