Kenya’s higher education landscape continues to expand and evolve, offering students a diverse range of options for pursuing university-level education. The Commission for University Education (CUE), established under the Universities Act of 2012, serves as the regulatory body responsible for accrediting and maintaining quality standards across all institutions of higher learning in the country. As of 2026, Kenya boasts a total of 83 accredited institutions authorized to offer degree programs, comprising public universities, private chartered universities, constituent colleges, and specialized institutions.
Complete List of Accredited Universities in Kenya 2026
Public Chartered Universities (35)
| No. | University Name | Year Established/Chartered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nairobi | Established 1970, Chartered 2013 |
| 2 | Moi University | Established 1984, Chartered 2013 |
| 3 | Kenyatta University | Established 1985, Chartered 2013 |
| 4 | Egerton University | Established 1987, Chartered 2013 |
| 5 | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Established 1994, Chartered 2013 |
| 6 | Maseno University | Established 2001, Chartered 2013 |
| 7 | Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology | Established 2007, Chartered 2013 |
| 8 | Dedan Kimathi University of Technology | 2012 |
| 9 | Chuka University | 2013 |
| 10 | Technical University of Kenya | 2013 |
| 11 | Technical University of Mombasa | 2013 |
| 12 | Pwani University | 2013 |
| 13 | Kisii University | 2013 |
| 14 | University of Eldoret | 2013 |
| 15 | Maasai Mara University | 2013 |
| 16 | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology | 2013 |
| 17 | Laikipia University | 2013 |
| 18 | South Eastern Kenya University | 2013 |
| 19 | Meru University of Science and Technology | 2013 |
| 20 | Multimedia University of Kenya | 2013 |
| 21 | University of Kabianga | 2013 |
| 22 | Karatina University | 2013 |
| 23 | Kibabii University | 2015 |
| 24 | Rongo University | 2016 |
| 25 | The Co-operative University of Kenya | 2016 |
| 26 | Taita Taveta University | 2016 |
| 27 | Murang’a University of Technology | 2016 |
| 28 | University of Embu | 2016 |
| 29 | Machakos University | 2016 |
| 30 | Kirinyaga University | 2016 |
| 31 | Garissa University | 2017 |
| 32 | Alupe University | 2022 |
| 33 | Kaimosi Friends University | 2022 |
| 34 | Tom Mboya University | 2022 |
| 35 | Tharaka University | 2022 |
Public University Constituent Colleges (6)
| No. | Institution Name | Year Accredited |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turkana University College | 2016 |
| 2 | Bomet University College | 2017 |
| 3 | Koitaleel Samoei University College | 2018 |
| 4 | Nyandarua University College | 2025 |
| 5 | Mama Ngina University College | 2021 |
| 6 | Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | 2022 |
Private Chartered Universities (30)
| No. | University Name | Year Chartered |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Eastern Africa, Baraton | 1991 |
| 2 | Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) | 1992 |
| 3 | Daystar University | 1994 |
| 4 | Scott Christian University | 1997 |
| 5 | United States International University (USIU) | 1999 |
| 6 | Africa Nazarene University | 2002 |
| 7 | Kenya Methodist University | 2006 |
| 8 | St. Paul’s University | 2007 |
| 9 | Pan Africa Christian University | 2008 |
| 10 | Strathmore University | 2008 |
| 11 | Kabarak University | 2008 |
| 12 | Mount Kenya University | 2011 |
| 13 | Africa International University | 2011 |
| 14 | Kenya Highlands Evangelical University | 2011 |
| 15 | Great Lakes University of Kisumu | 2012 |
| 16 | KCA University | 2013 |
| 17 | Adventist University of Africa | 2013 |
| 18 | KAG EAST University | 2016 |
| 19 | Umma University | 2019 |
| 20 | Presbyterian University of East Africa | 2020 |
| 21 | The Aga Khan University | 2021 |
| 22 | Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology | 2022 |
| 23 | The East African University | 2022 |
| 24 | Zetech University | 2022 |
| 25 | Lukenya University | 2022 |
| 26 | Management University of Africa | 2024 |
| 27 | Tangaza University | 2024 |
| 28 | Islamic University of Kenya | 2024 |
| 29 | Riara University | 2025 |
| 30 | Uzima University | 2025 |
Private University Constituent Colleges (2)
| No. | Institution Name | Year Accredited |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hekima University College | 1993 |
| 2 | Marist International University College | 2002 |
Universities with Letters of Interim Authority (4)
| No. | Institution Name | Year Granted LIA |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GRETSA University | 2006 |
| 2 | Pioneer International University | 2012 |
| 3 | International Leadership University | 2014 |
| 4 | AMREF International University | 2017 |
Specialized Degree Awarding Universities (3)
| No. | Institution Name | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Defence University-Kenya | 2021 |
| 2 | Open University of Kenya | 2023 |
| 3 | National Intelligence Research University | 2024 |
Detailed Overview of University Categories
Public Chartered Universities
Kenya’s public university system forms the backbone of higher education in the country, with 35 fully chartered institutions spread across all regions. The University of Nairobi, established in 1970, stands as the oldest and most prestigious public university, consistently ranking among the top institutions in East Africa. Moi University and Kenyatta University follow as pioneer institutions that have shaped Kenya’s educational landscape for decades.
The year 2013 marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s higher education sector when numerous middle-level colleges were upgraded to full university status. This transformation saw institutions such as Chuka University, Technical University of Kenya, Pwani University, and Kisii University receive their charters, dramatically expanding access to university education across the country.
More recent additions include Alupe University, Kaimosi Friends University, Tom Mboya University, and Tharaka University, all chartered in 2022. These institutions reflect the government’s commitment to bringing university education closer to communities and addressing regional disparities in access to higher learning.
Public universities offer a wide range of programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and business. They remain the most affordable option for many Kenyan students, with government subsidies through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and university placement systems managed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Public University Constituent Colleges
The six public constituent colleges serve as satellite campuses affiliated with larger universities, providing specialized programs and expanding geographical access to university education. Turkana University College and Bomet University College were among the first to receive accreditation in 2016 and 2017, respectively, bringing higher education to underserved regions.
These constituent colleges operate under the academic governance of their parent universities while maintaining some administrative autonomy. They play a crucial role in decentralizing university education and ensuring that students in remote areas can access quality programs without relocating to major urban centers.
Private Chartered Universities
Kenya’s private university sector has experienced remarkable growth, with 30 chartered institutions offering diverse educational opportunities. The University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, chartered in 1991, stands as the oldest private university in the country. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and Daystar University followed in the 1990s, establishing a strong foundation for private higher education.
Private universities have carved out distinctive niches in Kenya’s educational landscape. Strathmore University, for instance, has built an excellent reputation in business, accounting, and information technology. United States International University (USIU) offers an American-style liberal arts education, while Aga Khan University is renowned for its medical programs and healthcare training.
Recent additions to the chartered private university list include Management University of Africa, Tangaza University, and Islamic University of Kenya (all chartered in 2024), as well as Riara University and Uzima University, which received their charters in 2025. These institutions continue to expand educational choices and introduce innovative programs aligned with market demands.
Universities with Letters of Interim Authority
Four institutions currently operate with Letters of Interim Authority (LIA), a transitional status granted by CUE while institutions work toward full charter recognition. GRETSA University, Pioneer International University, International Leadership University, and AMREF International University fall into this category.
The LIA status allows these institutions to admit students and offer degree programs under the supervision of CUE while they strengthen their infrastructure, faculty qualifications, and quality assurance mechanisms. Students enrolled in these universities receive recognized degrees, but the institutions must eventually meet all requirements for full chartered status.
Specialized Degree Awarding Universities
Kenya has established three specialized universities to address specific national needs. The National Defence University-Kenya, established in 2021, provides advanced military education and strategic studies for defense personnel. The Open University of Kenya, launched in 2023, focuses on distance and online learning, expanding access to education for working professionals and those unable to attend traditional campus-based programs.
Most recently, the National Intelligence Research University was established in 2024 to offer specialized training in intelligence, security studies, and related fields. These specialized institutions reflect Kenya’s commitment to developing expertise in critical sectors while maintaining high academic standards.
Importance of Accreditation
The Commission for University Education has issued a stern warning that any institution operating as a university without appearing on the official list is illegal, and degrees obtained from such institutions will not be recognized in Kenya. This emphasis on accreditation protects students from fraudulent institutions and ensures that all recognized universities meet minimum quality standards.
Prospective students should always verify that their chosen institution appears on CUE’s official list before enrollment. The commission maintains updated lists accessible through their website and encourages the public to report suspicious institutions claiming to offer university education without proper authorization.
Kenya’s higher education sector continues to evolve, with 83 accredited institutions providing diverse educational pathways for students across the country. From established public universities to innovative private institutions and specialized universities, students have unprecedented access to quality higher education. However, it remains essential for all stakeholders to ensure that chosen institutions hold proper accreditation from the Commission for University Education to guarantee recognition of qualifications and adherence to quality standards.
Commission for University Education Contact Information:
- Location: Red Hill Road, Off Limuru Road, Gigiri, Nairobi
- Phone: 0207205000, +254780656575
- Email: info@cue.or.ke
- Website: www.cue.or.ke
For the most current information on accredited universities and programs, always consult the official CUE website or contact the commission directly.
