The National Assembly Committee on Education has put the Commission for University Education (CUE) on the spot over unaccredited universities and the deteriorating quality of higher education in Kenya.
In a meeting chaired by Julius Melly, Committee Members expressed concern over submissions by CUE disclosing that at least 15 unaccredited institutions are currently operating in the country, awarding degrees illegally.
Members demanded answers from CUE Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha and Commission Secretary and CEO Prof. Mike Kuria on the measures taken to curb the proliferation of rogue institutions and to protect students from fraudulent degrees.
Prof. Mike Kuria disclosed that it had intensified crackdowns on illegal institutions in partnership with law enforcement agencies.
How many institutions are offering fake courses in Kenya?
He revealed that 15 unaccredited institutions had been flagged and two ongoing court cases involved culprits issuing fake degrees.
“How many universities that offer fake degrees and PhDs have been closed down and charged in a court of law?” asked MP Melly, questioning the Commission’s enforcement efforts.
He further sought clarity on bilateral agreements and regulatory instruments guiding foreign universities operating in Kenya.
In response, Prof. Kuria added that CUE had published quarterly lists of accredited universities and issued public warnings to caution students and parents against enrolling in unrecognized programmes.
Moiben MP Phylis Bartoo criticized the Commission’s oversight, saying, “If we have unaccredited institutions awarding degrees illegally, then you are failing.”
She demanded to know the specific mechanisms in place to detect and curb malpractice, including over-enrollment, shortcut graduations, and hiring of unqualified teaching staff.
Concerns were also raised about the quality of education offered in many institutions.
What is the quality of education in Kenya?
MP Mary Emaase questioned the Commission on its role in ensuring quality education, particularly in newer and regionally placed universities with limited research output, inadequate infrastructure, and poorly qualified staff.
“What policy reforms is CUE pursuing to address these gaps?” asked Emaase, emphasizing the need for urgent legislative and policy interventions to safeguard academic standards.
In addition, MP Christine Ombaka raised the issue of the worsening student-lecturer ratio, asking what steps the Commission is taking to regulate enrollment numbers and ensure institutions have adequate staffing.
“We have universities offering master’s and PhD programmes without enough lecturers,” added MP Dick Maungu, highlighting cases where postgraduate students are left without qualified supervisors.
In response, Prof. Kuria acknowledged that some universities have been flagged for non-compliance and revealed that two cases involving illegal graduation ceremonies are already active in court.
The Commission, he said, is collaborating with law enforcement agencies to crack down on rogue institutions and routinely publishes lists of accredited universities to warn the public.
Prof. Kuria further admitted that historical gaps following the operationalization of the Universities Act in 2012 contributed to discrepancies in accreditation records but assured MPs that the Commission is working to clean up the system.
On future reforms, the Commission called for policy changes to strengthen regulatory oversight, manage student enrollment, and uphold global academic standards.
How many universities are in Kenya?
“In 2012, the total number of fully-fledged universities were 33 (7 public and 26 private) universities. By 2025 the total number had increased to 67 (38 public and 29 private) universities and 13 at various stages of accreditation,” said Prof. Kuria
Lawmakers noted that the statistics represents a 41% increase in a span of twenty years, making the country ranked fifth, after Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana in the number of universities.
The Committee on Education directed the Commission for University Education to submit details on the accredited universities.
