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The Commission for University Education (CUE) has cautioned Kenyans over the issuance of degrees by Northwestern Christian University noting that the institution is not authorised to offer any academic qualifications.

CUE stated that the university has been issuing honorary doctorates and professional titles without the proper accreditation

In a statement dated Monday, December 23, 2024, CUE disclosed that Northwestern Christian University is unaccredited in Kenya and that any academic credentials issued by the institution will not be recognized in the country.

“The Commission has taken note of widely circulating media reports on the purported issuance of honorary doctorates in Kenya by an entity going by the name Northwestern Christian University. The Commission wishes to inform the public that the entity operating in Kenya by the name Northwestern Christian University is an unaccredited institution,” CUE states.

“This fact was brought to the attention of the public by the Commission in a newspaper advert published in June 2023. It was made explicitly clear that the institution was not accredited to offer any university education in Kenya and that any purported credentials issued would not be recognized in Kenya.”

In addition, the regulator of university education in Kenya has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the institution’s award of degrees.

The regulatory body further warned that the issuance of academic qualifications by unaccredited institutions is illegal and that it is allowed by law to pursue legal action against Northwestern Christian University where applicable.

“Kenyans are hereby informed that awarding of academic qualifications by unaccredited institutions is a direct violation of the Universities Act, CAP 210 which prohibits the provision of university education without accreditation. Further, while Sections 69 and 69A empower the Commission to pursue legal action against any individuals or entities operating illegally,” CUE added.

“The Commission is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the purported award of degrees by Northwestern Christian University. The Commission shall thereafter take appropriate legal measures where applicable against Northwestern Christian University.”

CUE on accredited institutions

The university education regulation body went on to advise members of the public to access a list of accredited Universities and the programmes on offer through direct consultation or the CUE website. 

“Following this, the Commission advises members of the public that the list of accredited Universities and the programmes on offer can be accessed through https://cue.or.ke/index.php/status-of-universities or through direct consultation,” CUE added.

The university has recently come under public scrutiny for awarding honorary degrees to members of parliament, including Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and John Waluke (Sirisia).

Apart from CUE, professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers board in Kenya raised concerns about the criteria the university uses to award the degrees.