Govt Releases List of 86 Approved Public and Private Universities as of 2026 [Full List]

The government has released a list of approved public and private universities operating in the country as of April 21 2026.

In a notice dated Friday, April 24, 2026, the Commission for University Education (CUE) confirmed that a total of 86 universities and higher learning institutions have been accredited.

The commission said the institutions are recognised under the Universities Act Cap 210.

“Approved universities in Kenya in accordance with the Universities Act Cap 210 as of 21st April 2026,” read part of the notice.

List of Approved Public Chartered Universities in Kenya 

Some of the top public universities in the list include the University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University, Egerton University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

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Others are Maseno University, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and Chuka University.

Newer institutions such as Alupe University, Kaimosi Friends University, Tom Mboya University and Bomet University have also been included.

Belo is a full list of approved public universities

List of Recognised Private Higher Learning Institutions

The list also features several private institutions, among them Strathmore University, Mount Kenya University, United States International University and Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

Others include Daystar University, Kabarak University, Zetech University and Riara University.

Below is a full list of accredited private universities by the government.

Specialised and Constituent Colleges

The Commission for University Education (CUE) also listed specialised public universities. These are the National Defence University–Kenya, Open University of Kenya and the National Intelligence Research University.

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In addition, several public university constituent colleges were recognised. These include Turkana University College, Koitaleel Samoei University College, Mama Ngina University College, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Nyandarua University College, Kabarnet University College and Makueni University College.

CUE further listed private university constituent colleges, among them Hekima University College and Marist International University College.

Institutions with Interim Approval

The commission also named institutions operating under Letters of Interim Authority.

These include Pioneer International University, International Leadership University and Consolata International University.

New entrants in this category are Outspan Global University, The African Talent University and Eastern Kenya Integrated University.

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The University of Nairobi Main Campus Main Entrance. PHOTO/UoN