Govt Flags 15 Institutions Issuing Unaccredited Degrees; Full List.
The Commission for University Education (CUE) has identified 15 institutions offering unapproved degree and postgraduate programmes, cautioning students and parents against enrolling in them.
A public notice issued on Tuesday, March 11, through the government’s MyGov publication, highlighted that these institutions were functioning unlawfully and that their degrees would not be recognized within Kenya.
According to CUE, these universities and colleges are operating without the necessary authorization, meaning they lack the mandate to offer degree programmes or collaborate with accredited institutions.
Recent Crackdown on Unaccredited Institutions
This announcement follows a recent operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in collaboration with CUE officials. Less than two weeks prior, authorities had disrupted a graduation ceremony held by Northwestern Christian University in Mombasa due to its unapproved status.
List of Unaccredited Institutions
The CUE has listed the following 15 institutions as unapproved:
- Grace Life Bible College – Vihiga
- Africa Theological Seminary – Kitale
- Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College – Thika
- Baraton College – Kapsabet
- The Africa Talent University – Kisumu
- Breakthrough Bible College – Nairobi
- Theophilus Theological College – Kiambu
- Northwestern Christian University – Kakamega
- Logos University – Kakamega
- Harvest Land University – Kisumu
- Word of Faith Bible College – Vihiga
- Kenya Anglican University-Kanyuambora – Embu
- The East African University Bradgate International University – Nyeri
- Eldoret Bible College – Uasin Gishu
- Al-Munawwarah College – Mombasa
Risks of Enrolling in Unapproved Institutions
CUE has warned that students attending these institutions may find their qualifications invalid for both employment and further academic pursuits. The commission emphasized that any university or degree-granting institution not listed among approved institutions is illegal, and its degrees will not be acknowledged in Kenya.
This revelation comes amid increasing concerns about the proliferation of unregulated educational institutions, which has resulted in graduates facing difficulties in securing employment due to unrecognized credentials.
List of Accredited Universities
In response to these concerns, CUE has also released a list of accredited institutions, advising students and parents to verify an institution’s status before enrollment. Kenya’s leading public universities, such as the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), remain fully accredited.
Among private universities, those recognized by CUE include Daystar University, Strathmore University, Mount Kenya University, and the United States International University (USIU-Africa).
CUE’s Advisory on Verification and Legal Implications
The commission has encouraged students, employers, and stakeholders to visit its official website for up-to-date information regarding accredited institutions. Additionally, it has warned that any partnerships or collaborations with unapproved institutions could lead to legal consequences.
Understanding Accreditation
Accreditation serves as a quality control and assurance mechanism, ensuring that institutions and their programs meet established minimum standards through assessment or inspection.
Types of Accreditation
Accreditation can be classified into two categories:
- Programme Accreditation – This type focuses on evaluating specific academic programs to ensure their quality and adherence to required standards.
- Institutional Accreditation – This assesses the overall quality of an institution, examining its policies, governance, and academic environment.
Approaches to Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Accreditation and quality assurance are guided by two primary approaches:
- Standard-Based Approach – This method evaluates quality based on predefined standards, measuring the extent to which institutions meet these criteria.
- Fitness for Purpose Approach – This approach defines quality in terms of how well an institution meets its own objectives and goals.
Fundamental Principles of Accreditation
The Commission implements accreditation and quality assurance using key principles:
- While institutions hold primary responsibility for maintaining quality, they collaborate with the Commission to enhance outcomes.
- Institutional autonomy, identity, and integrity are respected.
- Standards applied align with international best practices and benchmarking.
- The Commission aims to promote quality enhancement and accountability.
- External assessment incorporates peer review and international expertise where possible.
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Essential Characteristics of Accreditation
- Accreditation is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event.
- Regular reviews are necessary to maintain accreditation status.
- Institutions seeking accreditation must follow specific stages outlined in the Universities Rules, 1989.
- In Kenya, accreditation is a mandatory requirement.
- Peer review and consultations are integral to evaluating subjects, disciplines, and professions.
- Institutions conduct self-assessments based on their vision, mission, philosophy, and objectives.
- Site visits and inspections verify the availability and adequacy of academic resources.
- The Commission makes decisions using a developmental and advisory approach. Following evaluation, new institutions receive a Letter of Interim Authority, existing institutions may be granted a Charter, and accredited institutions are awarded a Re-inspection Certificate.
Govt Flags 15 Institutions Issuing Unaccredited Degrees; Full List
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