The Commission for University Education (CUE) has released a list of 15 institutions illegally operating as universities in Kenya, awarding unrecognized degrees and diplomas. These institutions have been flagged for failing to meet accreditation standards, leading to the nullification of their academic qualifications.
Among the institutions listed are Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College, Baraton College, The Africa Talent University, Breakthrough Bible College, Theophilus Theological College, Northwestern Christian University, Logos University, Harvest Land University, and Word of Faith Bible College. These institutions have been accused of unlawfully awarding degrees without approval from CUE.
The Commission also published a list of 79 accredited institutions, which include public and private universities, private university constituent colleges, and institutions with letters of interim authority. CUE emphasized that any institution operating as a university or degree-awarding entity that is not on the approved list is considered illegal, and its qualifications will not be recognized in Kenya.
This crackdown follows a recent incident where police officers and CUE officials raided a graduation ceremony of Northwestern Christian University in Mombasa. The university, which lacked proper accreditation, had planned to issue degrees to its graduates. The raid led to the cancellation of 100 degrees and the arrest of university officials involved in the illegal operation.
CUE Chair Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to eradicating fake academic institutions in the country.
“When we find you (institutions) parading yourselves as legitimate institutions offering programs that give out master’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees, then it is our duty to bring an end to this violation of the law,” he stated.
The crackdown highlights the ongoing challenge of unregulated higher education institutions in Kenya. The rise of unauthorized universities offering fake degrees has been a concern for years, as such qualifications undermine the credibility of Kenya’s education system and disadvantage students who unknowingly enroll in them.
CUE has urged students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling to ensure they receive recognized and legitimate qualifications. The commission continues to monitor and take action against illegal institutions to uphold the integrity of higher education in Kenya.
