Members of Parliament (MPs) have backed a proposal to establish a clear regulatory framework for theological colleges, citing concerns about their rapid, largely unregulated expansion across the country.
The meeting followed a petition filed by Reverend Josiah Njiru, who raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated regulatory structure for theological education.
In the petition, Njiru warned that the gap threatens the ministry’s credibility, quality assurance, and integrity within church communities, urging lawmakers to enact legislation to regulate theological training institutions.
The petition highlighted a sharp rise in theological colleges, Bible schools, and online ministry training platforms, with many functioning without formal ecclesiastical oversight.
MPs Back Crackdown on Theological Colleges
In response, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Esther Muoria, said the absence of a specific regulatory framework does not imply a lack of oversight.
She noted that theological institutions are still expected to comply with existing national education standards under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework.
“It is therefore recommended that the petitioner collaborate with the various regulatory bodies recognized under the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (General) Regulations, 2025, which are mandated to regulate and enforce legislative provisions in the education and training sector to weed out unlicensed and unaccredited theological colleges, Bible schools, and online ministry training platforms in Kenya,” said Muoria.
Also Read: List of 16 Universities and Colleges Not Approved to Offer Education in Kenya [Full List]
However, lawmakers questioned why the State Department had not moved to establish a unified regulatory system across all religious denominations.
PS Muoria told the committee that the State Department would initiate the development of a policy paper on forming a professional religious body to set and enforce standards across the sector.
She also proposed the creation of a single professional body for Christian institutions to harmonize occupational standards across denominations.
The MPs welcomed the proposal and pledged support for efforts to streamline and regulate theological education in the country.
Also Read: Kagame Blasts Prosperity Pastors, Explains Why Churches Should be Regulated
CUE Publishes List of Institutions Not Accredited to Offer University Education
In January 2026, the Commission for University Education (CUE) published a list of institutions that are not authorized to offer university education in Kenya.
Most of the institutions flagged consisted of Bible schools and theological colleges.
The following is a list of 16 universities identified as not authorized to offer university education in Kenya.
- Eldoret Bible College – Uasin Gishu County
- Al-Munawarrah College – Mombasa County
- Grace Life Bible College – Vihiga County, Vihiga Town
- Africa Theological Seminary – Trans-Nzoia County, Kitale Town
- Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College – Kiambu County, Thika Town
- Baraton College – Nandi County, Kapsabet Town
- The Africa Talent University – Kisumu County, Kisumu City
- Breakthrough Bible College – Nairobi County, Nairobi City
- Theophillus Theological College – Kiambu County, Kiambu Town
- Northwestern Christian University – Kakamega County, Kakamega Town
- Logos University – Kakamega County, Kakamega Town
- Harvest Land University – Kisumu County, Kisumu City
- Word of Faith Bible College – Vihiga County, Vihiga Town
- Kenya Anglican University – Kanyuambora, Embu County
- The East African University / Bradegate International University – Nyeri County, Nyeri Town
- Dominion Mission Theological University – Global
