List of Accredited Universities in Kenya (2025)
The Commission for University Education (CUE) is the official regulatory body mandated to oversee the quality and standards of university education in Kenya. One of its key responsibilities is the accreditation and recognition of universities, ensuring that institutions meet the established academic, infrastructural, and governance standards.
As of 2025, CUE has granted accreditation to a diverse range of institutions, including:
- 35 public chartered universities
- 9 public university constituent colleges
- 30 private chartered universities
- 4 private constituent colleges
- 4 institutions with Letters of Interim Authority
- 3 specialised public universities that award degrees
1. Accredited Public Chartered Universities in Kenya
| University | Year Established / Chartered |
|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | Established – 1970, Chartered – 2013 |
| Moi University | 1984 / 2013 |
| Kenyatta University | 1985 / 2013 |
| Egerton University | 1987 / 2013 |
| JKUAT (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology) | 1994 / 2013 |
| Maseno University | 2001 / 2013 |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology | 2007 / 2013 |
| Dedan Kimathi University of Technology | 2012 |
| Chuka University | 2013 |
| Technical University of Kenya | 2013 |
| Technical University of Mombasa | 2013 |
| Pwani University | 2013 |
| Kisii University | 2013 |
| University of Eldoret | 2013 |
| Maasai Mara University | 2013 |
| Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology | 2013 |
| Laikipia University | 2013 |
| South Eastern Kenya University | 2013 |
| Meru University of Science and Technology | 2013 |
| Multimedia University of Kenya | 2013 |
| University of Kabianga | 2013 |
| Karatina University | 2013 |
| Kibabii University | 2015 |
| Rongo University | 2016 |
| The Co-operative University of Kenya | 2016 |
| Taita Taveta University | 2016 |
| Murang’a University of Technology | 2016 |
| University of Embu | 2016 |
| Machakos University | 2016 |
| Kirinyaga University | 2016 |
| Garissa University | 2017 |
| Alupe University | 2022 |
| Kaimosi Friends University | 2022 |
| Tom Mboya University | 2022 |
| Tharaka University | 2022 |
2. Accredited Public University Constituent Colleges
| College | Year Accredited |
|---|---|
| Turkana University College | 2016 |
| Bomet University College | 2017 |
| Koitaleel Samoei University College | 2018 |
| Nyandarua University College | 2025 |
| Mama Ngina University College | 2021 |
| Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | 2022 |
3. Accredited Private Chartered Universities in Kenya
| University | Year Chartered |
|---|---|
| University of Eastern Africa, Baraton | 1991 |
| Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) | 1992 |
| Daystar University | 1994 |
| Scott Christian University | 1997 |
| United States International University | 1999 |
| Africa Nazarene University | 2002 |
| Kenya Methodist University | 2006 |
| St. Paul’s University | 2007 |
| Pan Africa Christian University | 2008 |
| Strathmore University | 2008 |
| Kabarak University | 2008 |
| Mount Kenya University | 2011 |
| Africa International University | 2011 |
| Kenya Highlands Evangelical University | 2011 |
| Great Lakes University of Kisumu | 2012 |
| KCA University | 2013 |
| Adventist University of Africa | 2013 |
| KAG EAST University | 2016 |
| Umma University | 2019 |
| Presbyterian University of East Africa | 2020 |
| The Aga Khan University | 2021 |
| Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology | 2022 |
| The East African University | 2022 |
| Zetech University | 2022 |
| Lukenya University | 2022 |
| Management University of Africa | 2024 |
| Tangaza University | 2024 |
| Islamic University of Kenya | 2024 |
| Riara University | 2025 |
| Uzima University | 2025 |
4. Accredited Private University Constituent Colleges
| College | Year Accredited |
|---|---|
| Hekima University College | 1993 |
| Marist International University College | 2002 |
5. Institutions with Letters of Interim Authority
These institutions have received provisional approval from CUE to operate as universities while undergoing further development toward full accreditation.
| Institution | Year of Interim Authority |
|---|---|
| GRETSA University | 2006 |
| Pioneer International University | 2012 |
| International Leadership University | 2014 |
| AMREF International University | 2017 |
6. Specialised Public Degree-Awarding Institutions
These universities offer focused programs in specific areas such as defence, intelligence, and distance learning.
| Institution | Year Accredited |
|---|---|
| National Defence University-Kenya | 2021 |
| Open University of Kenya | 2023 |
| National Intelligence Research University | 2024 |
Important Advisory
The public is advised to verify the accreditation status of any university before enrolment. Any institution not appearing on this list is not authorised by the Commission for University Education to operate in Kenya and should be avoided.
Contact the Commission for University Education
- Location: Red Hill Road, Off Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi
- Phone: 020 7205000 / +254 780 656575
- Website: www.cue.or.ke
This list is updated as of 2025 and reflects the most current information on accredited higher learning institutions in Kenya. Always consult the CUE website for future updates.
READ MORE: List Of Accredited Private Universities In Kenya 2025
