94 Universities cleared to operate in Kenya

The Commission for University Education has unveiled a list of 94 approved universities, urging students to confirm an institution’s legitimacy before enrolling in degree programs.

At the same time, the commission has raised concerns over unauthorized institutions offering unrecognized qualifications.

According to the commission in a notice released on Tuesday, the approved universities fall into different categories, including public universities, private chartered universities, specialized institutions, public university constituent colleges, and those operating under interim authority.

Among the 35 recognized public universities are the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

The list also includes 28 private chartered universities, such as Daystar University, Strathmore University, United States International University, Kabarak University, and Mount Kenya University.

Three specialized public institutions; the National Defence University-Kenya, the Open University of Kenya, and the National Intelligence and Research University have also been acknowledged by the commission.

Meanwhile, five constituent colleges, including Turkana University College, Bomet University College, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Mama Ngina University College, and the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, have received recognition.

Additionally, six institutions, including GRETSA University, Riara University, Pioneer International University, International Leadership University, and AMREF International University, have been issued letters of interim authority as they seek full accreditation.

The commission has also flagged 15 institutions for offering degree programs without authorization, warning that their academic qualifications will not be recognized.

Some of the institutions named include Eldoret Bible College, Al-Munawarrah College, Baraton College, and The Africa Talent University.

Professor Mike Kuria, the Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for University Education, stressed the importance of verifying an institution’s accreditation status before enrolling.

“Any university or degree-awarding institution operating without approval is illegal, and its qualifications will not be acknowledged,” he stated.

He further encouraged the public to report any suspicious institutions through the commission’s official communication channels, assuring that all reports would be treated with confidentiality.

To assist students and parents in verifying institutions, the commission has provided online resources where information on accredited universities, approved programs, and recognized qualifications can be accessed.