The Council for Higher Education is the precursor of the Commission for Higher Education that was established by an Act of Parliament, the Universities Act (Cap210B) in 1985 to regulate coordinate and enhance quality assurance in higher education as a result of growth and expansion of the university sub sector in Kenya.
The core mandate of the council is to accredit universities, ensure the maintenance of standards, quality and relevance in all aspects of university education, training and research. The council also monitors quality assurance practices in higher education and encourages continuous improvement in the management of quality university education. This process is mainly accomplished through a peer process of audits and reviews. The Council for Higher Education is also charged with planning and coordination of education and training courses offered in post-secondary institutions. The mandate for the Council for Higher Education to cover quality assurance in public universities was provided through the Universities Act 2012.
The council also has established a comprehensive validation programme for post-secondary school institutions. Candidates graduating from validated institutions are eligible to apply for admission to university education. Validated institutions can seek authority from the council to collaborate with.
In 2013, the validated post-secondary institutions in Kenya were as follows:
- Kenya School of Professional Studies
- Australian Studies Institute
- Centre for Tourism Training & Research, Wildlife Clubs of Kenya
- Augustana College
- Institute of Advanced Technology
- Consolata Institute of Philosophy
- Holy Rosary College Tala
- Thika Institute of Technology
- Kenya Institute of Professional Counseling
- Nairobi Institute of Technology
- Jaffrey Institute of Professional Studies
- AMREF International Training Centre
- Wiselnen Training & Consultants Ltd
- Intel College
- Oshwal College
- Graffins College
- Loreto College Msongari
- Regional Institute of Business Management
- Kenya Armed Forces Technical College
- Thika College for Sharia & Islamic Studies
- Swiss Management Academy (K)
- Regional Institute for Mapping of Resources for Development
- Kima International School of Theology
- Nairobi Institute of Business Studies
- Co-operative College of Kenya
- Paul Mark Training Institute
- Tec Institute of Management
- Pioneer International College
- National Defence College
- Digital Advisory and Learning Centre
- National Intelligence Academy
- Kenya Utalii College
- Cornerstone Training Institute
- Kenya College of Communications Technology
- Kenya Institute of Management
- Nairobi Aviation College
- Computer Pride Training Centre
- Zetech College
- Defence Staff College
- Premese Africa Development Institute
- Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development
- Kenya Association of Professional Counsellors
- East Africa School of Journalism
- Dreamline College
- Elgonview College
- Alphax College
- Kenya Christian Industrial Training Institute
- Amicus School
- Institute of Personnel Management (IPM)
- Africa International College (AICO)
- Kesses
- Riccatti Business of East Africa (RBCEA)
- Muranga College of Technology
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Training Centre, Eldoret
- TES College
- Trans-Eastern Airlines Aviation College
- Intraglobal Training Institute
- Kenya Institute of Professional Studies
- Vision Institute of Professionals
- Dima College
- Shang Tao Media Arts College
- Kenya School of Monetary Studies