CUE warns against fake degrees issued by unaccredited university

In a joint effort to protect the integrity of educational and professional standards in Kenya, the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) have raised serious concerns about the activities of Northwestern Christian University, an unaccredited institution.

This follows reports that the university has been issuing honorary doctorates and professional titles without the proper accreditation.

CUE, which is responsible for regulating university education in Kenya, has warned the public that Northwestern Christian University is not authorised to offer any academic qualifications.

In a statement released on Monday, the Commission confirmed that the institution is unaccredited and that any degrees issued by the university are not recognised in Kenya.

"The Commission wishes to inform the public that the entity operating in Kenya by the name Northwestern Christian University is an unaccredited institution," CUE said.

"This was explicitly made clear in a newspaper advert published in June 2023, where it was stated that the institution was not accredited to offer university education in Kenya."

The Commission also pointed out that awarding academic qualifications by unaccredited institutions is a direct violation of the Universities Act, CAP 210, which prohibits the provision of university education without proper accreditation.

CUE, under the provisions of Sections 69 and 69A of the Universities Act, has the authority to take legal action against institutions operating illegally.

Probing degrees issued

"We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the purported award of degrees by Northwestern Christian University," the commission said.

"Once our investigations are complete, we will take appropriate legal measures against the institution."

The Commission has urged the public to verify the legitimacy of any university or academic programme before enrolling.

It reminded Kenyans that only accredited institutions are authorised to confer valid degrees, with the full list of accredited universities available on the CUE website https://cue.or.ke/index.php/status-of-universities.

Meanwhile, the Engineering Board of Kenya (EBK) has taken additional steps to address concerns over a recent honorary degree issued by the university.

Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Leadership, Administration, and Management at the university's 17th graduation ceremony held at the Eldoret National Polytechnic on December 21, 2024

However, the EBK swiftly intervened, ordering the university to recall the honorary degree and remove the "Eng." title from the certificate.

EBK explained that the use of the title "Eng." in the honorary degree was unauthorised and a violation of the Engineers Act, 2011, which regulates the use of professional titles in the engineering field.

The Board pointed out that only individuals registered as Professional and Consulting Engineers with the EBK are permitted to use the "Eng." title.

"Under Sections 26(1) and (2) of the Engineers Act, 2011, the use of the style and title 'Eng.' is reserved for Professional and Consulting Engineers who are registered by the Board," the EBK stated.

"Unauthorised use of this title undermines the integrity of the engineering profession and is a punishable offence under the Kenyan Constitution," it added.

The Board called on the university to issue a corrected certificate without the "Eng." title and to withdraw the honorary degree.

Both CUE and EBK have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that all academic and professional qualifications in Kenya meet the highest standards, safeguarding the integrity of education and the engineering profession.