Commission for University Education CUE

Overview

The Commission for University Education (CUE) is Kenya’s statutory body responsible for regulating university education. Established by Parliament under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, CUE licenses, accredits, inspects, and monitors universities and academic programmes across Kenya to ensure quality, relevance, and compliance with both national and international standards. According to uniRank, CUE is a key pillar of Kenya’s higher education oversight architecture.

History and Legal Framework

CUE was established under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, which consolidated and expanded the mandates of the former Commission for Higher Education. It came into operation in 2013 as Kenya's central authority for university regulation. The Act provides CUE with corporate status, perpetual succession, a common seal, and the authority to sue and be sued, acquire property, and perform any lawful acts necessary to fulfill its mandate. These provisions anchor CUE’s legal foundation and continuity of rights and assets from its predecessor.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

Vision: Accessible, relevant and sustainable quality university education.

Mission: To regulate and assure quality university education by setting standards, monitoring compliance, and advising policy to achieve global competitiveness.

Core objectives include promoting university education goals, advising the Cabinet Secretary on policy, establishing and upholding quality standards—including international benchmarks—monitoring and evaluating university systems, licensing student recruitment agencies, and recognizing foreign qualifications. Based on uniRank research, CUE’s strategic intent spans regulation, quality assurance, and policy leadership.

Governance, Structure and Independence

CUE operates as a corporate entity with independence, established and overseen under the Universities Act. Its governance structure includes a Commission Board—chaired by a presidential appointee—and ex-officio members such as Principal Secretaries for Education and Finance, as well as other appointed members drawn through a selection process that balances expertise, gender, and inclusivity. The Commission Secretary serves as its chief executive officer, responsible for daily administration.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

CUE is the sole body empowered to accredit universities in Kenya by granting Charters or Letters of Interim Authority, contingent upon meeting rigorous academic, infrastructural, governance, and financial criteria. Accreditation is ongoing, with periodic inspections and approval of academic programmes based on detailed standards—covering teaching content, delivery modes, assessment, resources, and learning environment. CUE also licenses student recruitment agencies and recognizes and equates foreign academic qualifications according to established guidelines.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

CUE actively fosters internationalisation of Kenyan universities by promoting global recognition, faculty and student exchange, and curriculum innovation aligned with international standards. In early 2025, CUE convened stakeholders to strategize on global visibility and recruit international students, seeking partnerships and frameworks to enhance exchange and quality assurance. Such efforts advance Kenya’s global education reputation and institutional competitiveness.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

CUE’s integrated regulatory model is reshaping Kenya’s higher education landscape by ensuring coherent policy, robust quality standards, and enhanced accountability. Recent actions include blacklisting non-compliant institutions and supporting the transition to competency-based education. CUE’s strategic planning through 2028 aligns with national and continental development plans, emphasizing quality, equity, data-driven decision making, and institutional capacity building.

Summary

The Commission for University Education serves as Kenya’s authoritative regulator of university education, founded under the Universities Act of 2012 and fully operational since 2013. With a comprehensive mandate covering accreditation, inspection, policy advisory, and international recognition, CUE ensures universities meet evolving academic and societal needs. Based on uniRank research, the Commission stands central to advancing quality, relevance, and sustainability in Kenya’s higher education sector.

FAQs

1. What is the Commission for University Education? It is Kenya’s statutory regulator for universities and academic programmes, established under the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012.
2. When was CUE established? It was established by law in 2012 and began operations around 2013.
3. Does CUE accredit universities? Yes, CUE is the only body authorized to accredit universities through Charters or Letters of Interim Authority.
4. How does CUE ensure ongoing quality? Through regular inspections, programme evaluations, licensing of recruitment agencies, and recognition of foreign qualifications.
5. Who governs CUE? A Board appointed by the President and Cabinet Secretary, with the Commission Secretary as CEO handling daily management.
6. Does CUE engage internationally? Yes, it promotes internationalisation through stakeholder forums, student and faculty exchanges, and global standards alignment.
7. Why is CUE important? CUE safeguards academic standards, protects students, ensures integrity in higher education, and aligns universities with national and global priorities.

Organization Name

Commission for University Education

Acronym

CUE

Year of Establishment

1/01/1985

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Red Hill Road, off Limuru Road, Gigiri
Nairobi
00200 Nairobi Kenya

Phone

+254 (20) 720 5000

Fax

+254 (20) 202 1172

List of Universities accredited by the Commission for University Education of Kenya

Public Chartered Universities

• Alupe University
• Chuka University
• Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
• Egerton University
• Garissa University
• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• Kaimosi Friends University
• Karatina University
• Kenyatta University
• Kibabii University
• Kirinyaga University
• Kisii University
• Laikipia University
• Machakos University
• Masaai Mara University
• Maseno University
• Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
• Meru University of Science and Technology
• Moi University
• Multimedia University of Kenya
• Murang'a University of Technology
• Pwani University
• Rongo University
• South Eastern Kenya University
• Taita Taveta University
• Technical University of Kenya
• Technical University of Mombasa
• Tharaka University
• The Co-operative University of Kenya
• Tom Mboya University
• University of Eldoret
• University of Embu
• University of Kabianga
• University of Nairobi

Specialized Degree Awarding Universities (Public)

• National Defence University-Kenya
• National Intelligence Research University
• Open University of Kenya

Public University Constituent Colleges

• Bomet University College
• Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Koitaleel Samoei University College
• Mama Ngina University College
• Nyandarua University College
• Turkana University College

Private Chartered Universities

• Adventist University of Africa
• Africa International University
• Africa Nazarene University
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
• Daystar University
• Great Lakes University of Kisumu
• Kabarak University
• KAG EAST University
• KCA University
• Kenya Highlands Evangelical University
• Kenya Methodist University
• Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology
• Lukenya University
• Management University of Africa
• Mount Kenya University
• Pan Africa Christian University
• Presbyterian University of East Africa
• Riara University
• Scott Christian University
• St. Paul's University
• Strathmore University
• Tangaza University
• The Aga Khan University
• The East African University
• Uzima University
• Umma University
• United States International University
• University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
• Zetech University

Private University Constituent Colleges

• Hekima University College
• Marist International University College

Institutions with Letters of Interim Authority

• AMREF International University
• GRETSA University
• International Leadership University
• Pioneer International University

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Not available

X (Twitter)

Commission for University Education's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Commission for University Education's YouTube channel

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Commission for University Education's Wikipedia article

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