CUE Releases List of Accredited Universities, Warns Against Unapproved Institutions

The Commission for University Education (CUE) has released an updated list of universities authorized to operate in Kenya, categorizing them into public universities, private chartered universities, specialized degree-awarding institutions, and those operating under interim authority.

The CUE emphasized the importance of accreditation, urging students and parents to verify the status of institutions before enrollment to ensure the legitimacy and recognition of their qualifications.

According to the CUE, Kenya currently has 35 public universities, which continue to be the backbone of higher education in the country.

These institutions provide a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to medicine, engineering, and technology.

Some of the most well-established public universities include:

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
2. Kenyatta University (KU)
3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
4. Maseno University
5. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
6. Egerton University
7. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
8. Laikipia University
9. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)

These institutions, funded by the government, provide affordable education and cater to thousands of students across the country.

In addition to public universities, Kenya has 28 private chartered universities that have been accredited by CUE to offer degree programs.

These institutions play a crucial role in supplementing public education by offering specialized programs, competitive curriculums, and often, smaller class sizes.

Some of the leading private universities in Kenya include:

1. Daystar University
2. Strathmore University
3. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
4. United States International
5. University-Africa (USIU-Africa)
6. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
7. Kabarak University
8. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
9. Africa Nazarene University
10. Scott Christian University
11. Tangaza University

These institutions have met the rigorous requirements set by CUE and are authorized to award degrees recognized in Kenya and beyond.

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Kenya also has several specialized universities focusing on niche areas of study. These institutions are designed to provide training in specific fields that are crucial to the country’s development. Among them are:

1. The National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K)
2. The Open University of Kenya (OUK)
3. The National Intelligence and Research University

These universities play a critical role in producing professionals with expertise in their respective fields.

Institutions Operating Under Interim Authority

Several universities are in the process of gaining full accreditation and have been granted interim authority by CUE. While they are allowed to operate, they must meet further requirements before receiving full accreditation. Some of these institutions include:

1. Riara University
2. Pioneer International University
3. International Leadership University
4. AMREF International University

Students considering enrollment in these institutions should keep track of their accreditation status to ensure their degrees remain valid and recognized.

CUE has issued a strong warning against unaccredited institutions, emphasizing that degrees from such institutions will not be recognized in Kenya. CUE CEO, Mike Kuria, reiterated the importance of verifying an institution’s accreditation status before enrolling in any program.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any institution operating as a university or degree-awarding body that does not appear on the Commission’s list of approved institutions is illegal, and their degree qualifications will not be recognized in Kenya,” stated Kuria.

CUE has urged students and parents to check the commission’s official website for an up-to-date list of accredited universities. The commission continues to monitor the quality of higher education in Kenya, ensuring that institutions comply with set standards to maintain credibility in the education sector.

The release of the updated list of accredited universities by CUE serves as a crucial guide for students and parents in choosing the right institution for higher education.

With the increasing number of universities in Kenya, accreditation remains key in ensuring quality education and safeguarding students from fraudulent institutions.

CUE continues to play a critical role in regulating higher education, maintaining high academic standards, and protecting the interests of students across the country.

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