Commission probing degrees awarded to MPs, says the University is not recognized in Kenya

The Commission for University Education (CUE) has launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the issuance of degrees by Northwestern Christian University, an institution it insists is unrecognised in Kenya.

The university has recently come under public scrutiny for awarding honorary degrees to lawmakers, including Oscar Sudi (Kapsaret), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili) and John Waluke (Sirisia). Professional bodies such as the Institution of Engineers in Kenya, raised concerns about the criteria the university uses to award the degrees.

In a statement on Monday, CUE underscored that Northwestern Christian University is unaccredited in Kenya and that any academic credentials issued by the institution are not recognised locally.

"The Commission has taken note of widely circulating media reports on 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 unaccredited institution," the statement reads.

"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."

CUE, the sole regulator of university education in Kenya, 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 such entities.

"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," said CUE.

"Further, while Sections 69 and 69A empower the Commission to pursue legal action against any individuals or entities operating illegally. The Commission is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the purported award of degrees by Northwestern Christian University."  

The commission added that upon concluding investigations it will take appropriate action against Northwestern Christian University.  

It advised members of the public to access a list of accredited Universities and the programmes on offer through direct consultation or the CUE website.