The Commission for University Education (CUE) has blacklisted 15 institutions for allegedly offering degree programmes without proper accreditation.
In a public notice, CUE warned that any institution operating as a university or awarding degrees without appearing on its official list of approved institutions is operating illegally.
The commission emphasized that degrees issued by such institutions will not be recognized in Kenya.
Institutions Named by CUE
Among the institutions flagged are:
Eldoret Bible College (Uasin Gishu)
Al-Munawarrah College (Mombasa)
Grace Life Bible College
Africa Theological Seminary – Kitale
Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College (Thika)
Baraton College – Kapsabet
Africa Talent University – Kisumu
Breakthrough Bible College – Nairobi
Theophillus Theological College – Kiambu
Northwestern Christian University – Kakamega
Logos University – Kakamega
Harvest Land University – Kisumu
Word of Faith Bible College – Vihiga
Kenya Anglican University – Kanyuambora, Embu
East African University Bradegate International
University – Nyeri
CUE cautioned students and parents against enrolling in unaccredited programmes, citing the risks of investing time and money in qualifications that will not be legally recognized.
Growth of Unregulated Institutions
The commission attributed the rise of these mostly theological-based institutions to weak oversight frameworks, particularly those operated by indigenous and locally established church organizations.
Kenya has experienced rapid growth in largely unregulated Bible schools, theological colleges, and online religious training platforms.
A petition is currently before Parliament seeking the establishment of a legal framework to regulate theological colleges, standardize curricula, enforce accreditation processes, and oversee pastoral training.
Accredited Universities in Kenya
CUE clarified that Kenya currently has:
36 public universities
28 private chartered universities
3 specialized public degree-awarding universities, including:
National Defence University-Kenya
Open University of Kenya
National Intelligence and Research University
Additionally, institutions operating under Letters of Interim Authority include:
GRETSA University
Riara University
Pioneer International University
International Leadership University
AMREF International University
Uzima University
There are also 28 accredited public university constituent colleges and two private university constituent colleges:
Hekima University College
Marist International University College
Bomet University Awarded Charter
Recently, Bomet University College became
Kenya’s 36th public university after receiving a charter from President William Ruto.
The award of the charter, maze, logo, and seal grants the institution full autonomy to operate independently from its former parent institution, Moi University, allowing it to award its own degrees and conduct independent research.
The latest directive signals a renewed push by CUE to safeguard academic standards and protect students from enrolling in institutions operating outside the law.
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Education