CLACLE Vision Statement

"A just society where every individual, regardless of their background or means, has equal access to justice—nurtured by the hands-on legal education and social responsibility of empowered law students."

CLACLE envisions becoming a leading student-centered legal aid institution in Kenya and beyond—where experiential learning meets community justice. We seek to bridge the gap between academic legal training and the real legal needs of the underserved by instilling in law students a lifelong commitment to justice, compassion, and professional excellence. This aligns with the Kabarak University’s biblical perspectives. Our vision is not only to raise future advocates but also to build a society where legal literacy, human rights, and equitable solutions are accessible to all.

CLACLE Mission Statement

The mission of the Centre for Legal Aid and Clinical Legal Education (CLACLE) is to promote access to justice while enhancing the legal education of students through experiential learning. Rooted in the kabarak “education in biblical perspectives”, the values of service, professionalism, and transformative leadership, CLACLE operates as a dynamic platform where legal knowledge meets real-life advocacy, empowering both students and communities.

At the core of our mission is the belief that justice should not be a privilege—it must be a right accessible to all. We recognize that millions of Kenyans face legal challenges daily without access to adequate legal representation. This gap in justice delivery fuels our commitment to providing free legal aid, particularly to the poor, the marginalized, and those navigating the legal system unrepresented.

Beyond legal aid, CLACLE incorporates Moot Court, court simulations, and structured debate forums as a core part of its mission. These activities are designed to immerse students in thought-provoking, real-life legal scenarios, enabling them to sharpen their critical thinking and advocacy skills. From an early stage, students begin to understand the mechanics of courtroom procedures, how to build persuasive arguments, and how to represent clients effectively—whether before a judge, a mediator, or a community forum. These exercises prepare students not just to pass exams, but to practice law with confidence, compassion, and competence.

CLACLE provides a structured and supportive environment for law students to engage in live-client legal aid work, under the close supervision of lecturers who are also Advocates of the High Court of Kenya ("Mawakili wa Mahakama Kuu ya Kenya"). These interactions transform students from passive recipients of legal theory into responsible professionals with a deep sense of justice, civic duty, and ethical advocacy.

Through the work of our three departments—Moot Court and Debates, Legal Aid, and Round Table Discussions—students develop legal research and drafting skills, courtroom advocacy, negotiation techniques, and public speaking. In return, the community benefits from outreach programs, legal literacy forums, and ongoing access to legal support through our monthly legal aid clinics, held every last Wednesday of the month at Kabarak University.

  Experiential Legal Education:  We provide law students with hands-on training by involving them in actual legal issues affecting the community—complementing their academic learning with real-world problem-solving skills. This also includes engagement in Moot Court competitions and debates to enhance students' courtroom and public speaking abilities.

  Access to Justice: By providing pro bono legal services, we strive to eliminate financial and structural barriers that prevent vulnerable populations from obtaining legal remedies.

  Community Empowerment: We educate the public on legal rights, available remedies, and alternative dispute resolution methods—helping them make informed decisions and assert their rights.

  Ethical and Professional Growth: Our mentors—law lecturers and practicing advocates—nurture a culture of discipline, integrity, compassion, and responsibility among our student-clinicians.

   Sustainable Justice Innovation: CLACLE continuously explores creative ways to deliver justice outside formal court systems, particularly through mediation, negotiation, and legal counseling.

By engaging in meaningful legal work, students do not just learn—they become. They become advocates for the voiceless, defenders of human rights, and changemakers in the justice sector.

CLACLE remains guided by the motto: “Learning Law. Serving Justice Practically.” Or "Kujifunza Sheria. Kuitumikia Haki kwa Vitendo”.