Study in Australia
Universities in Kenya
  1. Kenya
  2. Top Private Universities

Top Private Universities in Kenya

What are the top private Universities in Kenya? uniRank answers this question by publishing a complete list of 34 private Kenyan higher education institutions ranked by the 2026 uniRank University Ranking and meeting uniRank's selection criteria:

  • Official Recognition: institutions must be officialy chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate higher education-related organization in Kenya.
  • Degree Authority: they must be authorised to grant bachelor's degrees of at least three years' duration and/or postgraduate master's or doctoral degrees.
  • Delivery Mode: they must deliver courses predominantly in a traditional, face-to-face, non-distance education format.

Top Private Universities in Kenya


browse by: ranking a-z town oldest
filter by: public private non-profit for-profit

List of Kenyan private universities by university country ranking position
# University Town/City
2 Strathmore University Nairobi
4 Mount Kenya University Thika
6 United States International University Africa Nairobi
10 Kenya Methodist University Meru
11 The Catholic University of Eastern Africa Nairobi
12 KCA University Nairobi
16 Daystar University Nairobi
18 Zetech University Ruiru
20 Tangaza University Nairobi
21 Kabarak University Nakuru
25 Africa Nazarene University Nairobi
27 University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Eldoret
37 St. Paul's University Limuru
39 Amref International University Nairobi
41 Great Lakes University of Kisumu Kisumu
42 Riara University Nairobi
43 Africa International University Nairobi
45 Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology Nairobi
49 Management University of Africa Nairobi
50 The Presbyterian University of East Africa Kikuyu
52 Adventist University of Africa Nairobi
56 Pan Africa Christian University Nairobi
57 Umma University Kajiado
58 Scott Christian University Machakos
59 KAG East University Nairobi
60 Uzima University Kisumu
61 Lukenya University Kambu
62 Pioneer International University Nairobi
63 The East African University Nairobi
64 International Leadership University, Kenya Nairobi
66 GRETSA University Thika
67 Islamic University of Kenya Kisaju
68 Kenya Highlands University Kericho
Un Aga Khan University, Kenya Nairobi
Legend: Un Unranked + Add University

Useful? Don't forget to share these 34 private Universities in Kenya with your friends 👇

Country Featured Universities

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Online Courses You Can Trust

Coursera Courses

University Sector Breakdown Chart

Kenyan University Sector Breakdown

Source: uniRank data

Frequently Asked Questions

How many private universities are there in Kenya?

There are 34 officially chartered, licensed or accredited private Kenyan higher-education institution(s) that meet uniRank's selection criteria.

Related Kenyan University Lists

Since 2005, uniRank has provided original research, valuable information and useful resources to help you explore and make informed decisions about the best private Kenyan universities and their online presence. Check out these additional resources: