The Commission for University Education (CUE) has listed the universities of Kenya; however, while most Kenyans are familiar with institutions like Nairobi, Kenyatta, and Moi, dozens of accredited universities across the country remain largely unknown to the public.
According to CUE, there are over 70 accredited universities, including public, private, constituent colleges, and specialized institutions, many of which operate outside major cities and offer unique programs that most people rarely hear about.
Some of the universities include Hekima University College, Marist International University College, National Defence University-Kenya, Open University of Kenya, National Intelligence Research University, International Leadership University, and Makueni University.
List of Least-Known Accredited Universities in Kenya
The following are some of the accredited universities that are least known to the public.
National Defence University-Kenya
It was established in May 2021 and gazetted under the Universities Act, 2012, as a specialized degree-awarding institution of national importance.
NDU-K is located in Lanet, Nakuru, and it serves as the premier hub for military and security studies, providing education in national security, strategy, and peace support.
The Target Audience comprises senior military officers, personnel from the Ministry of Defence, National Government officials, and security agencies.
Application: Applicants can apply through the official NDU-K portal, particularly via its constituent colleges, such as the National Defence College (NDC).
Also Read: List of Licensed Public and Private Universities in Kenya in 2026
Marist International University College
It is based in Karen, Nairobi, and began in 1986 as a training center for the Marist Brothers, becoming a constituent college of CUEA in 2002.
In 2006, it was renamed Marist International College, and in 2011, gazetted by the Kenyan government as Marist International University College (MIUC).
It offers degrees in Education, Business, and Arts, along with diplomas and certificates, with admissions open by emailing applications to [email protected].
Open University of Kenya (OUK)
It is located in Konza Technopolis, Machakos County.
OUK was chartered on August 3, 2023, by President Dr. William Samoei Ruto to enhance access to flexible, affordable, and quality higher education through online learning.
It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and specialized courses aimed at working professionals and remote learners.
International Leadership University (ILU)
It is in Kilimani, Nairobi, and was established in 1980 by Campus Crusade for Christ International (originally as NIST) to provide high-quality theological and leadership training.
In 1985, Rev. Prof. Lazarus Seruyange became the first African Principal of the then Nairobi International School of Theology (NIST).
ILU was registered in 1989 by the Kenya Commission for Higher Education as a degree-granting institution.
In 1993, it became the first graduate-level seminary in Africa accredited by the Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa.
It focuses on developing leaders with integrity and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs in Leadership, Counseling, Theology, and Business.
Hekima University College (HUC)
HUC is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
It was founded in 1984 by the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) to train Jesuits for the priesthood.
In 2004, HUC expanded its focus by establishing the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations (HIPSIR).
It specializes in theology, peace studies, and international relations, fostering Jesuit values of academic excellence and social justice.
Also Read: KUCCPS Lists 43 Universities Eligible for Both Government Scholarship and HELB Loan in 2026
National Intelligence Research University(NIRU)
It was initially founded as the National Intelligence and Research University College (NIRUC) and gazetted under Legal Notice No. 96 of 2021, focusing on security research and intelligence studies for Kenya’s National Intelligence Service (NIS).
NIRU operates under the umbrella of the National Defence University-Kenya (NDU-K).
On November 5, 2024, President William Ruto awarded a Charter to the institution, elevating it to the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU), making it an autonomous institution and a premier security research hub.
NIRU offers specialized master’s degrees in security and intelligence, with admission focused on the intelligence community and relevant professionals.
Makueni University College
It is an emerging institution in Wote, Makueni County, established in late 2025 as a constituent college of South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU).
Makueni University aims to upgrade from the former SEKU Makueni Town Campus, offering degree programs awarded by SEKU, with admissions processed via KUCCPS.
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