The chairman of the Commission for University Education (CUE), Prof Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha (Left) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Prof Mike Kuria, when they appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Education at the Bunge Tower, Nairobi on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
The Commission for University Education (CUE) is working on a comprehensive policy document to address the growing menace of fake degree certificates, particularly associated with religious organisations, where unaccredited theological institutions continue to operate illegally.
The move follows increasing public concern over the misuse of academic titles. CUE Chief Executive Officer Prof Mike Kuria told the National Assembly Committee on Education that although the commission had already shut down several rogue institutions, some have resurfaced under new names or relocated to different areas.
“We are developing a new policy framework that will include strict guidelines on the awarding and use of honorary degrees, which have become an avenue for abuse by unregistered institutions and individuals seeking undeserved recognition,” he said during an inspection visit by the Committee.
Prof Kuria noted the Commission was actively engaging investigative agencies to bring those behind the proliferation of fake degrees to justice, because some of the cases are beyond CUE’s jurisdiction.
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“Currently, we have four active cases with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), some of which were initiated last year and are still ongoing,” he told the Committee chaired by Tideret MP Julius Melly.
Commission for University Education CEO Mike Kuria.
Honorary degrees
Prof Kuria explained that in other countries, a person receiving an honorary degree is not allowed to use that title outside the university function that granted it.
“We need to tighten that area in Kenya as well, because if an institution is not accredited, it does not have the license to offer any form of academic certification.”
The issue gained national attention earlier this year when law enforcement officers stormed and stopped a graduation ceremony for 100 students at Northwestern Christian University in Mombasa County on allegations of the issuance of fake certificates.
This was following reports that the institution was operating without registration and issuing fake degrees, in an incident that exposed a wider network of illegal theological colleges operating across the country.
Following the Mombasa incident, CUE flagged 15 institutions for operating without accreditation, cautioning Kenyans that any academic certificates issued by these entities would be deemed invalid.
Mr Melly called for urgent and decisive action from the Commission, warning that the spread of fake academic credentials, especially in religious circles, was having a dangerous impact on society.
He noted some of these teachings by people in the streets, claiming to have master’s degrees or doctorates, have led to congregants taking their own lives.
“The CUE needs to do a thorough assessment of the papers these so-called religious leaders are holding,” he said.
The 15 institutions earlier flagged by CUE included Breakthrough Bible College, Eldoret Bible College, Al-Munawwarah College, Grace Life Bible College, Africa Theological Seminary, Kenya Anglican University and The East African University.
Others were Bradgate International University, Regions Beyond Ministry Bible College, Baraton College, The Africa Talent University, Theophilus Theological College, Northwestern Christian University, Logos University, Harvest Land University, and Word of Faith Bible College.
