List of Universities in Kenya 2025: Everything You Need

List of Universities in Kenya 2025. Kenya has become one of Africa’s most trusted hubs for higher education. With over 60 accredited universities in Kenya, the country provides a strong mix of affordable, accessible, and career-relevant learning opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing a degree in engineering, law, health sciences, or the arts, you’ll find institutions built to support local and international students alike.

The growth in the number of universities and colleges in Kenya is backed by educational policies such as the Universities Act 2012, which ensures all programs meet academic and professional standards through regulation by the Commission for University Education Kenya.

Many students are choosing Kenya for its balanced cost of living, multicultural campuses, and increasing global partnerships. It’s not just about getting a degree — it’s about receiving quality education that meets international benchmarks. This article breaks down everything you need to know, starting with the different types of universities.

Types of Universities in Kenya

When considering higher education in Kenya, it’s important to understand the three main categories of universities:

1. Public Universities in Kenya

These are government-funded institutions known for their affordability and wide course options. There are over 30 recognized public universities in Kenya, each offering programs across sectors like medicine, engineering, education, and agriculture.

They are regulated and funded under national policies, making them accessible for both local and regional applicants.

Public universities are commonly managed under the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), which oversees student admissions. Here are some leading names you’ll encounter:

University of Nairobi – Offers top-tier programs in law, medicine, and business. [University of Nairobi contact: info@uonbi.ac.ke]
Moi University – Known for health sciences and education programs
Egerton University – A national leader in agriculture-related degrees
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) – Offers specialized training in tech and agriculture

2. Private Universities in Kenya

Over 30 private universities in Kenya have received full accreditation. These institutions typically provide more personalized services, flexible learning paths, and modern facilities.

They cater to students who may not find placement in public universities or prefer niche courses like business leadership, international relations, or theology.

Private universities often operate independently of KUCCPS, accepting direct applications and setting their own admission criteria. Some well-known examples include:

Strathmore University – Ranked among the top universities in Kenya for business and IT
United States International University (USIU) – Popular for psychology, business, and media
Mount Kenya University (MKU) – One of the fastest-growing universities in East Africa
Africa International University – Offers programs in theology, education, and leadership

3. Universities with Letter of Interim Authority (LIA)

These are emerging institutions that are still in the process of full accreditation. They hold a Letter of Interim Authority from the Commission for University Education Kenya, which allows them to operate while final reviews are ongoing.

While they may not yet be fully chartered, many of these institutions offer unique programs and are building partnerships with well-known universities both in and outside Kenya.

List of Public Universities in Kenya

*University*	*Location*	*Key Programs*
University of Nairobi	Nairobi	Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering
Moi University	Uasin Gishu County	Education, Health Sciences, Engineering
Egerton University	Nakuru	Agriculture, Arts, Education
JKUAT	Nairobi	IT, Agriculture, Engineering
Kenyatta University	Nairobi	Education, Public Health, Economics
Maseno University	Kisumu	Social Sciences, Arts, Business
Technical University of Kenya	Nairobi	Technical and Vocational Education

These universities also participate in national research efforts and play a major role in advancing the quality of Kenyan higher education institutions.

List of Private Universities in Kenya

University	Location	Key Programs
Strathmore University	Nairobi	Law, Business, Data Science
USIU-Africa	Nairobi	Psychology, International Relations
Mount Kenya University	Kiambu	Education, Nursing, Business
Africa International University	Nairobi	Theology, Leadership, Education
Zetech University	Kiambu	Media Studies, IT, Entrepreneurship

Always verify these schools through the official list of accredited universities in Kenya on the Commission’s website to confirm their current accreditation status.

Top 10 Universities in Kenya for 2025

The Kenya university rankings are influenced by factors such as alumni reputation, research output, global partnerships, and innovation. Based on available data and third-party ranking platforms, here are the institutions ranked among the best in 2025:

University of Nairobi – Flagship institution for law, health, and business
Kenyatta University – Strong in education and social sciences
Strathmore University – Business, tech, and executive education leader
JKUAT – Applied sciences and innovation powerhouse
Moi University – Trusted for teaching and healthcare training
Egerton University – Agriculture and rural development
USIU-Africa – Known for global education standards
MKU – Flexible learning and large student enrollment
Technical University of Kenya – Focuses on hands-on and technical careers
Maseno University – Strong in IT and social sciences

These top universities in Kenya have contributed to placing the country at the center of Africa’s academic excellence.

How to Choose the Best University in Kenya

Selecting the right institution can be challenging. With so many universities and colleges in Kenya, you need to consider a few important factors that go beyond just rankings.

1. Accreditation and Legal Status

Start by confirming whether the institution is listed under accredited universities in Kenya by the Commission for University Education Kenya. Only those recognized under the Universities Act 2012 should be considered valid for national and international academic progression.

2. Program Availability and Quality

Review the courses offered. If you want to study medicine, law, engineering, or education, ensure the university has a strong faculty, well-equipped labs, and a proven record in that field. Not all universities offer every course — cross-check the academic catalog on their official site.

3. Tuition Fees and Scholarships

Tuition can vary widely. Public universities in Kenya tend to be more affordable, while private universities in Kenya might offer scholarships or payment plans to help with tuition. Institutions like Strathmore and USIU often have need-based or merit-based aid.

4. Location and Accessibility

Many students prefer universities in Nairobi due to better infrastructure and job opportunities after graduation. Nairobi is home to several top-ranked institutions and is also where you’ll find 27 universities, both public and private.

5. Facilities and Campus Life

Consider the availability of libraries, internet access, accommodation, labs, student organizations, and general campus safety. A university’s environment plays a big role in academic success.

Admission Requirements for Kenyan Universities

Each university may have slightly different criteria, but here are the general guidelines most institutions follow for undergraduate entry:

KCSE Mean Grade: A minimum of C+ is required for many degree programs.
Cluster Points: Some competitive programs (medicine, engineering, law) may demand higher scores in related subjects.
Application Process:
- For public institutions: Apply through KUCCPS
- For private institutions: Apply directly through the university’s online portal or admission office
International Students:
- Must provide certified academic transcripts
- May need to submit TOEFL or IELTS for English proficiency
- Valid student visa required before registration

Always check individual university websites for updated application timelines and documentation requirements.

Universities in Kenya for International Students

Kenya is increasingly welcoming students from neighboring countries and beyond. The mix of quality education and reasonable living costs makes it attractive for foreign applicants.

Here are some good options for international students:

United States International University (USIU-Africa): Offers American-style education and is globally accredited.
Strathmore University: Partners with institutions in Europe, the US, and Asia for exchange and dual-degree programs.
University of Nairobi: Located in the capital with a large, diverse student population and robust course selection.

Visa Application

International students are required to apply for a student visa through the Kenyan embassy or consulate. You’ll also need an acceptance letter from the university and proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.

Affordable Universities in Kenya

Cost is a major factor in choosing a university. If you’re looking for affordable options that still provide quality programs, consider:

Egerton University – Offers strong agriculture and education courses at lower tuition rates.
Kisii University – Known for budget-friendly fees and flexible programs.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) – One of the most accessible private institutions with multiple campuses and online study options.

These options make higher education in Kenya attainable even for students with limited financial resources.

Kenyan Universities by County

To help students who want to stay closer to home or explore different regions, here is a breakdown of Kenyan universities by county:

County	Notable Universities
Nairobi County	University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Strathmore, USIU-Africa, JKUAT
Kiambu County	Mount Kenya University, Zetech University, St. Paul’s University
Kisumu County	Maseno University
Uasin Gishu	Moi University
Nakuru County	Egerton University
Mombasa County	Technical University of Mombasa

This distribution shows that Kenyan higher education institutions are spread across the country, giving students various choices regardless of location.

FAQs

Which Kenyan universities are accredited by the CUE?

Over 60 universities — both public and private — are currently recognized by the Commission for University Education Kenya. You can verify the full list on their official website.

Which is the cheapest university in Kenya?

Some of the most affordable options include Egerton University, Kisii University, and Bomet University College. Fees vary based on programs.

Which university is the largest in Kenya?

The University of Nairobi is often regarded as the largest by enrollment and campus size.

Which is the best university in Kenya?

According to multiple ranking platforms, the University of Nairobi continues to lead in overall quality, followed by Strathmore, Kenyatta, and Moi Universities.

Which university has the most campuses?

Mount Kenya University and Kenyatta University operate multiple campuses across different counties.

Is there a university exclusively for girls in Kenya?

Yes, Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology is dedicated solely to women.

Final Thoughts

With a wide variety of universities and colleges in Kenya, students have more control over their academic and career paths than ever before. Whether you’re looking for affordability, international exposure, or specific programs like agriculture, business, or engineering, Kenya has accredited options to suit your needs.

Before applying, always verify recognition through the Kenya Education Network universities portal or directly with the Commission for University Education Kenya.

For more assistance or inquiries, consider reaching out to the University of Nairobi contact or KUCCPS portal to guide your next step in the academic journey.