NAIROBI, Kenya – The Commission for University Education (CUE) has flagged 16 institutions operating illegally as universities in Kenya, alongside 20 unauthorised student recruitment agencies, warning that degrees awarded by the institutions will not be recognised under Kenyan law.
In a public notice, the regulator said any institution offering university-level education or awarding degrees without appearing on its official list of approved universities is operating unlawfully.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any institution operating as a university or degree-awarding body and which does not appear on the Commission for University Education list of approved institutions is illegal,” CUE said.
The commission noted that several of the flagged institutions present themselves as international or faith-based universities, yet lack the legal authority to operate or confer academic qualifications.
List of Flagged Illegal Universities
Among the institutions cited are Eldoret Bible College in Uasin Gishu, Al-Munawwarah College in Mombasa, and Grace Life Bible College in Vihiga County.
Others include Africa Theological Seminary in Trans-Nzoia, Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College in Kiambu, Baraton College in Nandi, Africa Talent University in Kisumu, Breakthrough Bible College in Nairobi, and Theophilus Theological College in Kiambu.
CUE also listed Northwestern Christian University and Logos University in Kakamega, Harvest Land University in Kisumu, Word of Faith Bible College in Vihiga, Kenya Anglican University in Embu, East African University in Nyeri, and Dominion Mission Theological University, which is reported to be operating globally.
Warning to Students
The commission urged students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions and academic programmes before applying for admission, warning that qualifications obtained from illegal institutions risk being rejected by employers and professional bodies.
CUE said the crackdown is part of broader efforts to protect students’ futures and safeguard the integrity of Kenya’s higher education system amid growing concerns over fake degrees and unrecognised qualifications.
20 Illegal Student Recruitment Agencies Named
In the same notice, CUE identified 20 unauthorised student recruitment agencies operating across the country.
They include Globwise Consultancy Ltd and Allure Education Consultants based at Vilma Plaza along the Eldoret–Nakuru Highway, Gatron Consulting Limited and Blitz Education Consultants Ltd at City Plaza on Ronald Ngala Street, and Niles Education Consultants and Eduventures Consultancy Limited at Sagaas Centre on Makasembo Road.
Others named are Breemic International, Kensimion Tours and Travel Agency, Tick-Sons Consultants Ltd, Taiveri Consultants Agency Limited, Beacon Education Agency, Wanderlust Way, MK 72, Three Ways Ventures, Study Stream Advisors, Genesis Overseas Links, Studywise Agency Ltd, Finetouch Education Services Ltd, and Askoni Kenya Study Abroad.
Approved Universities Remain Recognised
CUE reiterated that degrees awarded by approved institutions are recognised under the Universities Act.
These include public universities such as the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, Maseno University, and JKUAT, alongside newer institutions like Alupe University and Tharaka University.
Accredited private universities include Daystar University, Strathmore University, Mount Kenya University, USIU-Africa, Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and Pan Africa Christian University, among others.
The commission said students graduating from approved institutions can pursue further studies and employment without accreditation concerns.
