The Commission for University Education (CUE) has officially released a list of 79 universities that are legally authorized to operate in Kenya. This announcement comes as a warning to students to ensure they verify institutions before enrolling in degree programs.
Many students in the past have unknowingly joined unaccredited universities, only to later realize that their degrees are not recognized. CUE has also highlighted that at least 15 colleges across the country are offering degree programs without a license, making them illegal.
The commission made it clear that any institution operating as a university or awarding degrees without appearing on the approved list is illegal.
This means that degrees from such institutions will not be recognized in Kenya, which could have serious consequences for students who enroll in them. Many students have previously fallen victim to institutions that claim to offer quality education, only to later discover that their degrees are invalid when seeking employment or further education.
Among the 79 approved institutions, there are 35 public universities. These include well-established institutions like the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Other universities such as Maseno, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology are also on the list.
Additional public universities include Chuka University, Technical University of Kenya, Technical University of Mombasa, Pwani University, Kisii University, and the University of Eldoret. Other institutions include Maasai Mara University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Laikipia University, South Eastern Kenya University, Meru University of Science and Technology, and Multimedia University of Kenya.
Several other public universities such as the University of Kabianga, Karatina University, Kibabii University, Rongo University, Taita Taveta University, and Cooperative University of Kenya have also been approved.
Murang’a University of Technology, University of Embu, Machakos University, Kirinyaga University, Garissa University, Alupe University, Kaimosi Friends University, Tom Mboya University, and Tharaka Nithi University are also included.
In addition to public universities, CUE has also approved 28 private chartered universities. These include the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), Daystar University, Scott Christian University, Strathmore University, and United States International University (USIU).
Others include Africa Nazarene University, Kenya Methodist University, St. Paul’s University, and Pan Africa Christian University. Additional private universities on the list are Kabarak University, Mount Kenya University, Africa International University, Kenya Highlands University, and Great Lakes University of Kisumu.
Other institutions such as KCA University, Adventist University of Africa, KAG EAST University, Umma University, and Presbyterian University of East Africa have also been recognized.
The list further includes Aga Khan University, Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology, The East African University, Zetech University, Lukenya University, Management University of Africa, Tangaza University, and Islamic University of Kenya.
The Commission has also recognized three specialized public universities. These include the National Defense University-Kenya, Open University of Kenya, and the National Intelligence and Research University.
Additionally, the list includes five public university constituent colleges: 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 approved. Furthermore, CUE has issued letters of interim authorization to six institutions that are in the process of receiving full accreditation.
These include GRETSA University, Riara University, Pioneer International University, International Leadership University, and AMREF International University.The release of this list serves as an important reminder for students and parents to be cautious when choosing universities.
Many institutions continue to operate illegally, and students risk wasting years of study on degrees that are not recognized. CUE’s efforts to regulate university education aim to ensure that students receive quality education from accredited institutions.
The warning issued by CUE should not be taken lightly, as studying in an unrecognized institution could lead to serious academic and professional setbacks.
