Universities in Kenya ^New

Explore the uniRank League Table and University Ranking of 69 Universities in Kenya

The Republic of Kenya is divided into 47 counties. The majority of higher education institutions that meet the uniRank selection criteria are located in Nairobi County, which hosts the capital and largest city, Nairobi. The following uniRank league tables and sub-rankings consider all counties that include at least one Kenyan higher education institution meeting the uniRank selection criteria.

Bungoma (1)  
Busia (1)  
Embu (1)  
Garissa (1)  
Homa Bay (1)  
Kajiado (1)  
Kakamega (1)  
Kericho (2)  
Kiambu (4)  
Kilifi (1)  
Kirinyaga (1)  
Kisii (1)  
Kisumu (3)  
Kitui (1)  
Laikipia (1)  
Machakos (3)  
Meru (2)  
Migori (1)  
Mombasa (1)  
Muranga (1)  
Nairobi (27)  
Nakuru (2)  
Narok (1)  
Nyeri (2)  
Siaya (1)  
Taita-Taveta (1)  
Tharaka Nithi (1)  
Tharaka-Nithi (1)  
Uasin Gishu (3)  
Vihiga (1)  

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Overview of Kenya Universities

Kenya's higher education system comprises public and private universities regulated by the Commission for University Education. With 69 institutions nationwide, the landscape includes 34 public universities and 33 private universities. Kenyan universities offer comprehensive and specialized programs across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. Key characteristics include research-focused public institutions like the University of Nairobi and niche private universities such as Strathmore University specializing in business and technology. Most universities are concentrated in urban centers like Nairobi, with regional campuses expanding access nationwide.

Top 10 Kenya Universities

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
   Country Rank: 1 | World Rank: 1179 | Nairobi | Est. 1970 | Public | Comprehensive | Fields: All major disciplines | Levels: UG to PhD
2. Kenyatta University (KU)
   Country Rank: 2 | World Rank: 2369 | Nairobi | Est. 1985 | Public | Comprehensive | Fields: Education, Health Sciences, Engineering | Levels: UG to PhD
3. Strathmore University (SU)
   Country Rank: 3 | World Rank: 2972 | Nairobi | Est. 2002 | Private | Specialized | Fields: Business, IT, Law | Levels: UG to PhD
4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
   Country Rank: 4 | World Rank: 3538 | Nairobi | Est. 1994 | Public | Specialized | Fields: Engineering, Agriculture, Built Environment | Levels: UG to PhD
5. United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa)
   Country Rank: 5 | World Rank: 3885 | Nairobi | Est. 1989 | Private | Comprehensive | Fields: International Relations, Pharmacy, Psychology | Levels: UG to PhD
6. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
   Country Rank: 6 | World Rank: 4105 | Thika, Kiambu | Est. 2008 | Private | Comprehensive | Fields: Health Sciences, Education, Hospitality | Levels: UG to PhD
7. Egerton University (EU)
   Country Rank: 7 | World Rank: 4218 | Njoro, Nakuru | Est. 1987 | Public | Comprehensive | Fields: Agriculture, Environmental Science, Engineering | Levels: UG to PhD
8. Moi University (MU)
   Country Rank: 8 | World Rank: 4525 | Eldoret, Uasin Gishu | Est. 1984 | Public | Comprehensive | Fields: Medicine, Forestry, ICT | Levels: UG to PhD
9. Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
   Country Rank: 9 | World Rank: 4655 | Meru | Est. 1997 | Private | Comprehensive | Fields: Nursing, Theology, Business | Levels: UG to PhD
10. KCA University (KCAU)
    Country Rank: 10 | World Rank: 5235 | Nairobi | Est. 2007 | Private | Specialized | Fields: Finance, Technology, Digital Media | Levels: UG to PhD

Analysis of University Types

Kenya has 69 universities with near-equal distribution between public (34 institutions, 49%) and private (33 institutions, 48%) sectors. A small percentage (3%) have unreported control types. Public universities dominate research output and receive state funding, while private institutions often specialize in market-driven programs like business and technology. Regional distribution shows concentration in Nairobi (hosting 5 top-10 universities), with others strategically located in major towns like Eldoret, Meru and Thika.

Global Ranking and Standing

While no Kenyan universities currently rank in the global top 200, several appear in major international rankings. The University of Nairobi leads at world rank 1179. Approximately 0% of Kenya's universities feature in the top 1,000 globally. This reflects growing international recognition while highlighting opportunities for enhanced research investment and global partnerships to boost competitiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Kenya's top-ranked university?
The University of Nairobi consistently ranks as Kenya's #1 university and is East Africa's highest-ranked institution.

Are private universities in Kenya accredited?
Yes, all recognized private universities undergo rigorous accreditation by the Commission for University Education, ensuring quality standards.

Which Kenyan university is best for engineering?
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and the University of Nairobi are renowned for engineering programs.

Do Kenyan universities offer online degrees?
Most universities provide blended or fully online programs, with KCA University and Mount Kenya University being distance education pioneers.

What is the largest university in Kenya?
The University of Nairobi has the highest enrollment with over 84,000 students across multiple campuses.

Since 2005, UniRank provides original research, valuable information and resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about Kenyan universities and their online presence.

• Oldest Universities in Kenya
  Explore the most traditional and long-established Kenyan post-secondary institutions according to uniRank's original research.
• A-Z Universities in Kenya
  Search for Kenyan higher education institutions listed alphabetically from A to Z.
• Kenyan Universities by Town
  Look for tertiary institutions located in a particular Kenyan town or city.
• Top Public Universities in Kenya
  Discover Kenyan public higher education institutions with potentially lower tuition fees.
• Top Private Universities in Kenya
  Find out about Kenyan private higher education institutions.
• Top Non-Profit Universities in Kenya
  Explore Kenyan not-for-profit higher education institutions that may offer lower tuition fees.
• Top For-Profit Universities in Kenya
  Look for Kenyan for-profit higher education institutions.
• Top Kenyan Universities on Facebook
  See which tertiary institutions in Kenya have the most followers on Facebook, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Kenyan Universities on Twitter
  Discover the Universities in Kenya that are most followed on Twitter, based on uniRank's original research.
• Top Kenyan Universities on Instagram
  Find out which post-secondary institutions in Kenya are the most followed on Instagram, according to uniRank's original research.
• Top Kenyan Universities on YouTube
  Explore the Universities in Kenya with the most subscribed channels on YouTube, based on uniRank's original research.