The Commission for University Education (CUE) has released an official list confirming that only 79 universities and constituent colleges are legally operating in Kenya. In contrast, at least 15 institutions have been identified as offering degree programs illegally, raising concerns about the credibility of some higher education providers in the country.
“For avoidance of doubt, any institution operating as a university or degree-awarding and which does not appear on the Commission’s list of approved institutions is illegal, and their degree will not be recognized in Kenya,” CUE stated.
Among the recognized institutions, 35 are public universities, including the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Maseno University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Other notable public universities on the list are Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Chuka University, Technical University of Kenya, and Kisii University, among others.
The commission also recognized 28 private chartered universities, such as the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Daystar University, Strathmore University, United States International University (USIU), Africa Nazarene University, Kenya Methodist University, and St. Paul’s University. Other private universities on the list include Mount Kenya University, KCA University, Zetech University, and Aga Khan University.
Additionally, CUE acknowledged three specialized public universities: the National Defence University-Kenya, the Open University of Kenya, and the National Intelligence and Research University. Five public university constituent colleges also made it to the list, namely Turkana University College, Bomet University College, Koitaleel University College, Mama Ngina University College, and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
Two private university constituent colleges, Hekima University College and Marist International University College, have also been accredited. Moreover, the commission has granted letters of interim authority to six institutions that are in the process of obtaining full accreditation. These include GRETSA University, Riara University, Pioneer International University, International Leadership University, and AMREF International University.
CUE’s move to publish this list aims to protect students from enrolling in unaccredited institutions and ensure the integrity of Kenya’s higher education system. The commission has urged prospective students and parents to verify the accreditation status of any university before enrollment to avoid future complications with degree recognition.
