15 universities and colleges are on the radar for offering degrees and post-graduate diplomas without accreditation.

The Commission for University Education(CUE) has warned parents and students against enrolling in the institutions in question noting that their operation is illegal, in a notice issued on March 11, 2025. Apparently, the institutions are operating without grant authority.

CUE further stated that  degrees offered in the institution will not be recognised in the country and students enrolled in the institutions risk  being rejected by employers and other academic institutions.

“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 recognised in Kenya,” read the notice

The affected institutions are;

• Logos University – Kakamega
• Harvest Land University – Kisumu
• Word of Faith Bible College – Vihiga
• Kenya Anglican University-Kanyuambora – Embu
• The East African University Bradgate International University – Nyeri
• Eldoret Bible College – Uasin Gishu
• Al-Munawwarah College – MombasaGrace Life Bible College – Vihiga
• Africa Theological Seminary – Kitale
• Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College – Thika
• Baraton College – Kapsabet
• The Africa Talent University – Kisumu
• Breakthrough Bible College – Nairobi
• Theophilus Theological College – Kiambu
• Northwestern Christian University – Kakamega

Students who sat for their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education(KCSE) in 2025 are currently seeking to secure placement in higher learning and tertiary learning institutions. Some are however bound to fall victims of institutions that haven’t been accredited by relevant authorities but are offering courses for reasons known for themselves.

These article breaks down how students, parents and guardians  can tell the legitimacy of institutions.

1. Review the institutions’ website

Colleges and institutions that have been accredited are honest about this fact and will provide details on their websites. They will provide links about their accredited programs as well as their accreditor.

2. Confirm with accreditors and Ministry of Education

In Kenya, universities and programmes they offer are accredited by CUE while TVET institutions are accredited by TVETA. The two have a full list of institutions that they have authorised to offer higher learning education. Also you can confirm with the ministry of Education about the legitimacy of any institution.

4. Check on qualifications required to join and duration of the course

There are approved prescribed entry requirements and duration for different levels of trainings by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority. One must be aware of this before even deciding the institution they want to enrol in. The entry requirements and qualifications of the college or university of choice must be akin to those listed by KNQA.

5. Examination bodies

Some institutions have been registered to train but have no mandate to  award a qualification in their name. In such cases, qualifications are awarded by recognised exam bodies such as KNEC, KASNEB, NITA and CDACC. There are also professional bodies that award qualifications including; The Nursing Council of Kenya,Council for Legal Education and Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI).

Additionally, there are TVET institutions that have legal mandate to award qualifications, while accredited universities  have mandate to award qualifications.