Kenya’s University Landscape: Where to Get Your Degree Without Regrets

The Commission for University Education (CUE) has rolled out a comprehensive list of universities authorized to operate in Kenya, ensuring that students don’t fall into the trap of course mills masquerading as academic institutions.

Public Universities: The Backbone of Higher Learning

1. University of Nairobi
2. Moi University
3. Kenyatta University
4. Egerton University
5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
6. Maseno University
7. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
8. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
9. Chuka University
10. Technical University of Kenya
11. Technical University of Mombasa
12. Pwani University
13. Kisii University
14. University of Eldoret
15. Maasai Mara University
16. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
17. Laikipia University
18. South Eastern Kenya University
19. Meru University of Science and Technology
20. Multimedia University of Kenya
21. University of Kabianga
22. Karatina University
23. Kibabii University
24. Rongo University
25. The Co-operative University of Kenya
26. Taita Taveta University
27. Murang’a University of Technology
28. University of Embu
29. Machakos University
30. Kirinyaga University
31. Garissa University
32. Alupe University
33. Kaimosi Friends University
34. Tom Mboya University
35. Tharaka University

Specialized Degree Awarding Universities (Public)

36. National Defence University-Kenya
37. Open University of Kenya
38. National Intelligence and Research University

Public University Constituent Colleges

39. Turkana University College
40. Bomet University College
41. Koitaleel Samoei University College
42. Mama Ngina University College
43. Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Private Chartered Universities

44. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
45. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
46. Daystar University
47. Scott Christian University
48. United States International University (USIU)
49. Africa Nazarene University
50. Kenya Methodist University
51. Paul’s University
52. Pan Africa Christian University
53. Strathmore University
54. Kabarak University
55. Mount Kenya University
56. Africa International University
57. Kenya Highlands University
58. Great Lakes University of Kisumu
59. KCA University
60. Adventist University of Africa
61. KAG EAST University
62. Umma University
63. Presbyterian University of East Africa
64. Aga Khan University
65. Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology
66. The East African University
67. Zetech University
68. Lukenya University
69. Management University of Africa
70. Tangaza University
71. Islamic University of Kenya

Private University Constituent Colleges

72. Hekima University College
73. Marist International University College

Institutions with Letters of Interim Authority

74. GRETSA University
75. Riara University
76. Pioneer International University
77. International Leadership University
78. AMREF International University
79. Uzima University

The ‘Handle with Caution’ List

80. Eldoret Bible College (Uasin Gishu)
81. Al-Munawwarah College (Mombasa)
82. Grace Life Bible College (Vihiga)
83. Africa Theological Seminary (Kitale)
84. Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College (Thika)
85. Baraton College (Kapsabet)
86. The Africa Talent University (Kisumu)
87. Breakthrough Bible College (Nairobi)
88. Theophillus Theological College (Kiambu)
89. Northwestern Christian University (Kakamega)
90. Logos University (Kakamega)
91. Harvest Land University (Kisumu)
92. Word of Faith Bible College (Vihiga)
93. Kenya Anglican University-Kanyambora (Embu)
94. The East African University Bradegate International University (Nyeri)

A Word of Caution: Degree Scams Are Real

CUE makes it crystal clear: if a university isn’t listed, it’s about as valid as a forged KCSE certificate. Employers, professional bodies, and international institutions will not recognize degrees from unapproved schools. So, before you invest years of your life and a small fortune, double-check the accreditation status.
For those who want to cross-check their university’s legitimacy, CUE has made it easy with official links for accredited universities and degree recognition. The commission is also urging the public to report any suspicious institutions—because let’s be honest, nobody wants to find out their degree is worth less than a packet of maize flour after four years of hard work.
So, future scholars, choose wisely. In the grand marketplace of education, not every institution that calls itself a university is actually selling knowledge—some are just selling very expensive dreams.