The Commission for University Education (CUE) has released an updated list of public and private institutions licensed to offer higher education in Kenya.
In a notice dated 20th January 2025, the commission published the full list of institutions in accordance with the Universities Act, CAP 210 of 13th November 2025.
The list covers public and private chartered universities, specialized degree-awarding institutions, constituent colleges, and institutions operating under Letters of Interim Authority (LIA).
Public Licensed (Chartered) Universities
| University | Year Licensed |
| University of Nairobi | 2013 |
| Moi University | 2013 |
| Kenyatta University | 2013 |
| Egerton University | 2013 |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | 2013 |
| Maseno University | 2013 |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology | 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 |
Also Read: Full Checklist: What 2025 KCSE Candidates Must Have Ahead of KUCCPS Placement
Private Chartered Universities
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Gretsa University | 2025 |
| Amref International University | 2025 |
Also Read: List of 16 Universities and Colleges Not Approved to Offer Education in Kenya [Full List]
Specialized Degree-Awarding Universities (Public)
| Institution | Year Licensed |
| National Defence University, Kenya | 2021 |
| Open University of Kenya | 2023 |
| National Intelligence Research University | 2024 |
Public University Constituent Colleges
| Constituent College | Year |
| Turkana University College | 2016 |
| Bomet University College | 2017 |
| Koitaleel Samoei University College | 2022 |
| Mama Ngina University College | 2021 |
| Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology | 2022 |
| Nyandarua University College | 2025 |
| Kabarnet University College | 2025 |
| Makueni University College | 2025 |
Private University Constituent Colleges
| Constituent College | Year |
| Hekima University College | 1993 |
| Marist International University College | 2002 |
Institutions with Letters of Interim Authority (LIA)
| Institution | Year |
| Pioneer International University | 2012 |
| International Leadership University | 2014 |
| Consolata International University | 2025 |
According to CUE, the listing aims to protect students and parents from enrolling in unaccredited institutions, while enhancing transparency and quality assurance in Kenya’s higher education sector.
The commission has called on the public to report any suspicious or unaccredited institutions to:
Commission Secretary / Chief Executive Officer
Commission for University Education
P.O. Box 54999-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
Email: [email protected]
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