Publishing from Kenya: what CUE asks of your papers
In Kenya, the Commission for University Education's 2014 standards say a doctoral candidate should normally show that two papers have been accepted in refereed journals before the degree is awarded. Draft regulations put out for consultation in 2026 would add one paper for master's students and ask for indexed journals.
Every rule below links to the official document it comes from. Read on 10 October 2026.
What the rules ask
National (CUE): Before a doctoral degree is awarded, the candidate shall normally show proof that at least two papers have been accepted for publication in refereed journals (Universities Standards and Guidelines, 2014). (source: Commission for University Education (CUE), read 10 October 2026)
National (CUE): Research makes up at least two thirds of a doctoral programme, and the thesis is normally at least 50,000 words. (source: Commission for University Education (CUE), read 10 October 2026)
National (CUE): The 2014 standards set no publication rule for master's students. Research is at least a third of the programme, and the thesis normally runs to 20,000 words or more. (source: Commission for University Education (CUE), read 10 October 2026)
National (CUE): Academic promotion runs on publication points. A refereed journal article earns 2 points and a non-refereed one 1; a lecturer needs 4 points, a senior lecturer 6, an associate professor 8 and a professor 10. (source: Commission for University Education (CUE), read 10 October 2026)
National (CUE) (draft): Proposed in the draft Universities (General) Regulations, 2026: a master's candidate would show proof that at least one paper has been accepted in a refereed journal before the award. (source: Commission for University Education (CUE) and Ministry of Education, read 10 October 2026)
National (CUE) (draft): Proposed in the same draft: doctoral candidates would need two papers accepted in scientifically indexed refereed journals, and a doctorate would run for at least three academic years. (source: Commission for University Education (CUE) and Ministry of Education, read 10 October 2026)
Check the references: Reference Check flags retracted papers, broken DOIs and citations missing from the list.
Questions
Does CUE require master's students to publish?
Not under the 2014 standards now in force. The 2026 draft regulations propose one accepted paper in a refereed journal; until they are adopted, your university's own rules decide.
Are the 2026 regulations in force?
CUE's downloads page listed them as a draft for public consultation when we read it on 10 October 2026, with consultation sessions held in June 2026. We will update this page when they are adopted.
How many promotion points does one refereed article earn?
Two under the 2014 standards, against one for a non-refereed journal. The 2026 draft proposes a new table in which one refereed article can earn up to 8 points.
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