The Centre for Self Sponsored Programmes (CESSP) was established by the University of Nairobi vide Statute XXXV in 2005.
It remained un-operational as its functions were being carried out by the University of Nairobi Enterprises and Services (UNES) Limited, a fully-owned subsidiary company of the University. UNES was formed by the University in 1996 with the mandate of carrying out commercial activities on behalf of the University.