When you’re planning to join a university in Kenya, one of the most important things is to make sure your institution is officially accredited. Accreditation matters—degrees from unaccredited schools may not be recognized.
As of 2025, the official regulator, the Commission for University Education (CUE), lists 79 universities and constituent colleges as legally authorized.
Below is an overview of the landscape, followed by a partial list of some of the accredited universities across different categories. (Because there are many, this list is not exhaustive—but will give you a solid starting point.)
A. PUBLIC CHARTERED UNIVERSITIES
- University of Nairobi
- Moi University
- Kenyatta University
- Egerton University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT)
- Maseno University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
- Chuka University
- Meru University of Science & Technology
- Karatina University
- Laikipia University
- South Eastern Kenya University
- Multimedia University of Kenya
- Murang’a University of Technology
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology
- Kisii University
- Kibabii University
- Garissa University
- Taita Taveta University
- Maasai Mara University
- Pwani University
- University of Embu
- Kirinyaga University
- University of Kabianga
- Rongo University
- Machakos University
- University of Eldoret
- Alupe University
- Koitaleel Samoei University College
- Tharaka University
- Open University of Kenya
- National Defence University-Kenya
B. PRIVATE CHARTERED UNIVERSITIES
- Strathmore University
- Kabarak University
- United States International University – Africa (USIU-A)
- Africa Nazarene University
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- Daystar University
- Mount Kenya University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Presbyterian University of East Africa
- St. Paul’s University
- Scott Christian University
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
- Pan Africa Christian University
- Adventist University of Africa
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu
- Africa International University
- Management University of Africa
- Kiriri Women’s University of Science & Technology
- Zetech University
- KAG East University
- Gretsa University
- Riara University
- Lukenya University
- Amref International University
- International Leadership University
- Pioneer International University
- Alupe University College (Private partnership programs)
- UMMA University
- Tangaza University College (under CUEA)
- East African University
- The Presbyterian University of East Africa
C. PUBLIC CONSTITUENT COLLEGES
(Operate under parent public universities)
67. Kisii University – Various constituent campuses
68. Moi University constituent colleges
69. University of Nairobi constituent colleges
70. JKUAT constituent colleges
71. Egerton University constituent colleges
72. Maseno University constituent colleges
73. Kenyatta University constituent colleges
D. PRIVATE CONSTITUENT COLLEGES
- Marist International University College (Under CUEA)
- Regina Pacis University College (Under CUEA)
- Hekima University College
- Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology
- Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa
- Consolata College (University-affiliated)
Conclusion—What Students Should Do
If you’re planning to join a university in Kenya:
- Always check accreditation status via CUE’s official list.
- Prefer chartered universities (public or private) to minimize the risk of non-recognition.
- Understand the type of institution—public, private, specialized, constituent college, or interim authority—since this affects cost, course offerings, and the long-term value of qualification.
- Stay informed—the list is updated periodically.