CUE Flags 15 Universities Offering Bogus Courses In Kenya

The Commission for University Education (CUE) has flagged 15 universities for operating illegally in Kenya, warning students that degrees from these institutions will not be recognized for employment or further studies.

The commission, in a notice released on Tuesday, published an updated list of 94 universities, revealing that only 79 are accredited to operate.

The regulator also flagged 15 institutions for operating illegally, warning students against enrolling in unapproved degree programmes.

Some of the listed illegal institution include Eldoret Bible College in Uasin Gishu, Al-Munawarrah College in Mombasa, Grace Life Bible College in Vihiga and Africa Theological Seminary in Kitale.

Other listed colleges are Regions beyond Ministry Bible College in Thika, Baraton College in Kapsabet , Breakthrough Bible College in Nairobi, Theophillus Theological College in Kiambu and Word of Faith Bible College in Vihiga.

CUE has flagged six universities as illegal including The Africa Talent University in Kisumu, Northwestern Christian University in Kakamega and Logos University in Kakamega.

Others are Harvest Land University in Kisumu, Kenya Anglican University-Kanyuambora in Embu and The East African Nyeri University Bradegate International University-

“The commission has established that these institutions are offering degrees without our approval,” CUE stated in the notice.

CUE categorised the universities into public universities, private chartered universities, specialized public institutions, constituent colleges, and institutions with letters of interim authority.

However, the commission raised concerns over the existence of institutions offering degrees without its approval.

The list includes 31 public universities, among them some of Kenya’s most established institutions such as the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

These institutions have met all accreditation requirements and are authorized to offer degree programs.

CUE also recognised 24 private chartered universities, including Strathmore University, Daystar University, United States International University, Kabarak University, and Mount Kenya University.

These institutions have been fully accredited after meeting the necessary quality standards set by the regulator.

Additionally, the commission approved two specialised public universities, the National Defence University-Kenya and the National Intelligence and Research University which focus on training in defense, security, and intelligence.

Five public university constituent colleges have also been cleared to operate.

These include Bomet University College, Turkana University College, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Mama Ngina University College, and Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.

At the same time, CUE issued letters of interim authority to six institutions that are still undergoing the accreditation process.

These include GRETSA University, Riara University, Pioneer International University, International Leadership University, and AMREF International University.

CUE Chief Executive Officer Prof. Mike Kuria urged students to exercise caution when selecting universities and ensure they enrol only in institutions that meet the legal requirements.

“Any institution operating as a university or degree-awarding entity without our approval is illegal,” he stated.

Prof. Kuria also encouraged Kenyans to report any suspicious institutions to the commission through email or its customer feedback portal. He assured that all reports would be handled with confidentiality.

To help students verify universities, CUE has provided online resources where they can check the accreditation status of institutions, academic programs, and degree qualifications. More details are available on the commission’s website and official communication channels.

“Are you a high school student aspiring to join a university but unsure which academic programme to pursue? Visit the Commission for University Education website at http://cue.or.ke or click the link below to explore over 4,000 academic degree programmes offered by the 79 accredited universities in Kenya.”