According to CLE, the examinations were conducted between November 14 and November 25, 2025, attracting a total of 2,968 candidates.
Out of these, 1,835 were first-time candidates, while 1,133 were re-sit candidates who were attempting to clear previously failed units.
In its update, the council noted that the overall performance was lower than that recorded in the previous examination cycle, raising concerns about preparedness among aspiring advocates.
Out of the nine ATP units examined, Trial Advocacy emerged as the best-performing subject. CLE reported that the unit recorded a pass rate of over 97 percent, reflecting strong practical skills among candidates, especially in courtroom procedures and litigation techniques.
However, the picture was very different when it came to Professional Ethics. The unit recorded the lowest pass rate, slightly above 25 percent, continuing a worrying pattern.
In its update, the council noted that the overall performance was lower than that recorded in the previous examination cycle, raising concerns about preparedness among aspiring advocates.
Out of the nine ATP units examined, Trial Advocacy emerged as the best-performing subject. CLE reported that the unit recorded a pass rate of over 97 percent, reflecting strong practical skills among candidates, especially in courtroom procedures and litigation techniques.
However, the picture was very different when it came to Professional Ethics. The unit recorded the lowest pass rate, slightly above 25 percent, continuing a worrying pattern.
CLE confirmed that this was the third examination cycle in a row where Professional Ethics had the poorest performance.
The council said the repeated poor results in ethics were a serious concern, given the importance of integrity and professionalism in legal practice.
The council said the repeated poor results in ethics were a serious concern, given the importance of integrity and professionalism in legal practice.
CLE emphasized that ethics is not just another unit, but a foundation of the legal profession that every advocate must understand and uphold.
Out of the 1,834 candidates who were fully assessed across all nine units, only 397 managed to pass all subjects, highlighting the demanding nature of the ATP programme and the need for stronger preparation.
In addition to announcing the results, CLE also provided updates on reforms introduced to improve the examination process. These changes cover areas such as exam setting, administration, marking procedures, and the timely release of results.
Out of the 1,834 candidates who were fully assessed across all nine units, only 397 managed to pass all subjects, highlighting the demanding nature of the ATP programme and the need for stronger preparation.
In addition to announcing the results, CLE also provided updates on reforms introduced to improve the examination process. These changes cover areas such as exam setting, administration, marking procedures, and the timely release of results.
The council said the reforms are meant to enhance fairness, transparency, and confidence in the ATP system.
CLE also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, revealing that 11 candidates with special needs were supported during the November exams.
CLE also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, revealing that 11 candidates with special needs were supported during the November exams.
This included the provision of typists and other reasonable accommodations to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates.
The council stated that its broader mission is to produce competent, ethical, and future-ready legal professionals.
The council stated that its broader mission is to produce competent, ethical, and future-ready legal professionals.
To achieve this, CLE has been engaging with stakeholders to ensure legal education keeps pace with changes in society, technology, and global legal practice.
One of the key engagements mentioned was the Conference on the Future of Legal Education, held earlier in December 2025 in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). CLE said insights from the conference will guide future reforms in legal training and assessment.
CLE also expressed appreciation to institutions that continue to support legal education in Kenya. These include the Office of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, the Kenya School of Law, the Law Society of Kenya, and other partners who play a role in shaping the legal profession.
The release of the ATP results comes at a time when professional examination bodies across the country are increasingly embracing online systems and data-driven reforms to improve efficiency and accountability.
One of the key engagements mentioned was the Conference on the Future of Legal Education, held earlier in December 2025 in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). CLE said insights from the conference will guide future reforms in legal training and assessment.
CLE also expressed appreciation to institutions that continue to support legal education in Kenya. These include the Office of the Attorney General, the Judiciary, the Kenya School of Law, the Law Society of Kenya, and other partners who play a role in shaping the legal profession.
The release of the ATP results comes at a time when professional examination bodies across the country are increasingly embracing online systems and data-driven reforms to improve efficiency and accountability.
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