Best Universities in Kenya 2024 | Ranking

Many students wonder if there are good universities in Kenya that meet international standards. Actually, there are quite a number of them.

Currently, there are more than fifty (50) universities and colleges in Kenya. 23 of these universities are notable public universities and over 30 of them are private universities.

Although education has not always been a hot bun in Kenya, it is now! The Kenyan government has made it a priority and Kenyan universities are ranking globally.

So, in this article, we will show you all the best universities in Kenya in 2024 and those that are best for a medical degree. We will also give you an insight into what Education in Kenya looks like. Stay with us.

To make things much easier for you, quickly peruse the table of contents to get a view of the quality of information you will garner while reading this article.

What Is Education In Kenya Like?

Education began in Kenya a long time ago. You can trace the School at Rabai near Mombasa far back to 1846, but education has never been for all, with its high cost.

In 1963 after Kenya’s independence, Kenya began a campaign for free education. In the 70s Kenyan government abolished primary school fees but the same government introduced a cost-sharing measure between the government and citizens in the mid-80s.

So you see, citizens could not afford to pay their own quota, hence the high dropout rate within that period. In 2003, however, the Kenyan government again promised free primary education to its citizens.

From that time till present, the growth of Kenya’s education sector has exceeded expectations. Kenya established its first university in 1970 and from that time till present, the country has established over fifty more universities, both public and private.

While the admission requirement for public universities in Kenya may be stringent, private universities exist to contain more Kenyans. This saves Kenyans from looking abroad to get an accredited university.

Also, with later reformations that saw old institutions in Kenya gaining accreditation, the quality of education in Kenya improved. A good number of higher education institutions, including private and public universities in Kenya, now has accreditation by the relevant accreditation body.

In Kenya, it takes a semester to complete a Certificate program and 2 semesters to complete an Ordinary diploma. The undergraduate degree takes 8 semesters, the postgraduate diploma takes 2 semesters, and the master’s degree takes 4 semesters. All these are the minimum time of completion.

How Many Universities Are In Kenya?

As stated above, there are over fifty (50) universities and colleges in Kenya. 23 of which are notable public universities and over 30 of which are private universities.

Here is the list:

• University of Nairobi
• Kenyatta University
• St. Paul’s University
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• United States International University Africa
• Strathmore University
• Moi University
• Mount Kenya University
• Egerton University
• The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
• Technical University of Kenya
• Africa Nazarene University
• Kenya Methodist University
• Maseno University
• Daystar University
• Kabarak University
• University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
• Chuka University
• Africa International University
• Kisii University
• Machakos University
• The Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
• Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
• Meru University of Science and Technology
• University of Eldoret
• KCA University
• Kibabii University
• University of Embu
• Pwani University
• Maasai Mara University
• Adventist University of Africa
• South Eastern Kenya University
• Multimedia University of Kenya
• Pan Africa Christian University
• Technical University of Mombasa
• Riara University
• Management University of Africa
• Karatina University
• The Co-operative University of Kenya
• Amref International University
• Murang’a University of Technology
• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
• Laikipia University
• University of Kabianga
• Zetech University
• Scott Christian University
• Umma University
• The Presbyterian University of East Africa
• Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology
• Rongo University
• Kirinyaga University
• Garissa University
• Gretsa University
• Pioneer International University
• Taita Taveta University
• The East African University
• KAG East University
• International Leadership University, Kenya
• Great Lakes University of Kisumu
• Lukenya University
• Kenya Highlands Evangelical University
• RAF International University

Check out this MasterCard Foundation Scholarship for Kenyan Students, 2023

Public Universities In Kenya

Before December 13, 2012, public universities were created by the individual Acts of Parliament. After the promulgation of the Universities Law No. 42 of 2012, state universities have since been established by granting the charter. All individual laws were repealed and previous public universities were re-accredited by awarding laws after reviewing institutional quality.

Below is the list of public universities that have been fully accredited as of 30th June 2013.

• University of Nairobi (UoN) – established in 1970 and chartered in 2013
• Moi University (MU) – established in 1984 and chartered in 2013
• Kenyatta University (KU) – established in 1985 and chartered in 2013
• Egerton University (EU) – established in 1987 and chartered in 2013
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) – established in 1994 and chartered in 2013
• Maseno University (MSU) – established in 2001 and chartered in 2013
• Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) – established in 2007 and chartered in 2013
• Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DKUT) – 2012
• Chuka University (CU) – 2013
• Technical University of Kenya (TUK) – 2013
• Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) – 2013
• Pwani University (PU) – 2013
• Kisii University (EU) – 2013
• University of Eldoret – 2013
• Maasai Mara University – 2013
• Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology – 2013
• Laikipia University – 2013
• South Eastern Kenya University – 2013
• Meru University of Science and Technology – 2013
• Multimedia University of Kenya – 2013
• University of Kabianga – 2013
• Karatina University – 2013

Public University Constituent Colleges

These are established by a Legal Order upon satisfying set minimum standards by the Commission for University Education. These are:

• Murang’a University College (JKUAT) – 2011
• Machakos University College (UoN) – 2011
• The Co-operative University College of Kenya (JKUAT) – 2011
• Embu University College (UoN) – 2011
• Kirinyaga University College (KU) – 2011
• Rongo University College (MU) – 2011
• Kibabii University (KIBU) – 2011
• Garissa University College (EU) – 2011
• Taita Taveta University College (JKUAT) – 2011

Private Universities In Kenya

University education is very important and the Kenyan government is making great efforts to ensure that Kenya has the best higher education institutions. In recent years, there has been rapid growth in the number and quality of private education. This growth will surely continue in the future.

So, presently, there are over 30 private institutions in Kenya. However, these universities are in three categories namely:

• Chartered Universities: These are private universities with full accreditation by the Commission for Higher Education.
• Universities which had been offering degrees long before the Commission for Higher Education began operating, and
• Universities with authorization to operate with Letters of Interim Authority.

So, from these, here is a list of private schools in Kenya.

Chartered Universities

• Strathmore University.
• University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.
• United States International University – Africa (USIU-A).
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa – CUEA.
• Daystar University.
• Kabarak University.
• KAG East University
• Kenya Methodist University. (KeMU)
• Africa Nazarene University.
• St. Paul’s University.
• Kenya Methodist University.
• Pan Africa Christian University.
• Scott Christian University.
• Maasai Mara University.
• Machakos University.
• Mount Kenya University.
• Kenya Highlands Evangelical University. Formerly Kenya Highlands Bible College – KHBC
• Great Lakes University of Kisumu
• Africa International University (formerly NEGST)
• KCA University
• Zetech University
• Adventist University of Africa (Rongai).
• Pan Africa Christian University

Universities with Letters of Interim Authority (LIA)

• Aga Khan University.
• Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology.
• The Presbyterian University of East Africa.
• Gretsa University.
• The East African University
• UMMA University
• Management University of Africa
• Riara University
• Pioneer International University

Universities operating with Certificates of Registration

• The Nairobi International School of Theology

See also the 13 Best Private Institutions in Kenya

Universities That Offer Medicine In Kenya

Medical courses are one of the most marketable courses in Kenya today, as we have a great shortage of doctors in various fields in Kenya.

The government puts a lot of resources into this field to ensure excellence. “Bright students” after a high school diploma in Kenya generally go or, alternatively, apply for competitive courses such as engineering and medicine.

Other students who don’t meet the high cut off points can go for the self-sponsored option. Currently, there are 11 approved Medical and Dental schools in Kenya by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB).

These institutions are thoroughly audited and approved by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB), the same board also issues practising licenses to the medical students who qualify after the rigorous six-year practice.

Below is a list of the universities that offer medicine in Kenya;

• University of Nairobi Medical School
• Moi University Medical School
• Kenya Medical Training College
• Kenyatta University Medical School
• Kenya Methodist University Medical School
• Maseno University School of Medicine
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Medical School
• Egerton University Medical Faculty
• Mount Kenya University Medical School
• Uzima University Medical School

Best University in Kenya 2023

Our criteria for selecting the best thirteen (13) out of the above universities are simple. Obviously, the best universities are the ones with accreditation (or chartered).

Also, these schools offer a wide variety of degree programs and are ranking well in any notable ranking authority. We are using uniRanking University ranking in this case.

So, here are our best 13 Universities in Kenya 2024:

• University of Nairobi
• Kenyatta University
• St. Paul’s University
• Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
• United States International University Africa
• Strathmore University
• Moi University
• Mount Kenya University
• Egerton University
• The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
• Technical University of Kenya
• Africa Nazarene University
• Kenya Methodist University

1. University of Nairobi

Established in 1970, the University of Nairobi is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

This institution has branch campuses in the following location(s): Kikuyu, Parklands, Lower Kabete, Upper Kabete, Chiromo, Kisumu. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over 45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution.

The University of Nairobi is one of the prominent public universities.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 40-50%.

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2. Kenyatta University

Kenyatta University is one of the best universities in Kenya and also a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

This institution has branch campuses in the following location(s): Mombasa, Kitui, Nakuru, Embu, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kericho, and Dadaab. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Kenyatta University (KU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over 45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Kenyatta University (KU) also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 90-100%.

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3. St. Paul’s University

Established in 1989, St. Paul’s University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Limuru (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Kiambu.

St. Paul’s University (SPU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees in several areas of study.

St. Paul’s University is also a private university in Kenya.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

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4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is a non-profit public educational institution located in the suburban environment of the great city of Nairobi (population between 1,000,000-5,000,000).

JKUAT also offers courses and programs that lead to officially recognized degrees, such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e certificates, diplomas, associates, or foundation certificates), bachelor’s, masters, and Ph.D. degrees in several fields.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 90-100%.

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5. United States International University Africa

The United States International University Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

The 31-years-old higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on academic history and students ’prior qualifications. The admission rate ranges from 60 to 70%, making this Kenyan Higher Education Institution somewhat selective. International applicants are eligible to apply for registration.

This school is also one of the best private universities.

Accreditation

WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 60-70%.

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6. Strathmore University

Strathmore University is known as one of the private universities in Kenya and also a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.

SU is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 4,000-4,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

This 18-year-old higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance tests, academic history, and students’ past grades.

The admission rate ranges between 30 and 40%, which makes this Kenyan Higher Education Institution very selective. International students are eligible for registration.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 30-40%.

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7. Moi University

Moi University, founded in 1984, is a public, non-profit, educational institution located in the suburban area of the large city of Eldoret (with a population of 50,000- 249,999 people), Uasin Gishu.

This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Eldoret West Campus, Nairobi, Kitale, Kericho, Odero Akang’o. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Moi University (MU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 30,000-34,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 80-90%

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8. Mount Kenya University

Mount Kenya University is one of the best private universities in Kenya. Also, Founded in 2008, Mount Kenya University is a private higher education institution located in the large town of Thika (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Kiambu.

This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega, and Nkubu Meru. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

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9. Egerton University

Founded in 1987, Egerton University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the village of Njoro (population range of under 2,500 inhabitants), Nakuru. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Laikipia, Kisii, Nakuru Town.

Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Egerton University (EU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.

Egerton University (EU) also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

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Have you considered applying for the15 Ongoing Local Scholarships in Kenya 2024 [Updated]

10. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Eldoret.

The Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees in various fields of study. CUEA is also one of the best universities in Kenya in 2024.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 80-90%.

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11. Technical University of Kenya

The Technical University of Kenya is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) is a coeducational higher education institution.

The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.

The school is also one of the best public universities in Kenya.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

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12. Africa Nazarene University

Established in 1993, Africa Nazarene University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Africa Nazarene University (ANU) is a very small (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Evangelical religion.

This 27-years-old higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance tests, academic history, and previous student grades.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate range is 80-90%.

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13. Kenya Methodist University

Established in 1997, Kenya Methodist University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Meru (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants).

This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Nairobi, Mombasa. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Kenya Methodist University (KEMU) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 8,000-8,999 students) coeducational higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion.  Kenya Methodist University is also one of the best universities in Kenya.

Accreditation

Commission for University Education, Kenya.

Acceptance Rate

The admission rate range is 80-90%.

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FAQs

Below is the list of the most expensive universities in Kenya:
Strathmore University
University of Nairobi (UoN)
Daystar University
United States International University (USIU)
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
Kabarak University
Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
Kenyatta University (KU)
Mount Kenya University (MKU)
Moi University.

Below is the list of the cheapest University in Kenya:
Maseno University
Kenyatta University
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Paul’s University
Pwani University
Africa International University
Africa Nazarene University
Strathmore University
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
KCA University
Kabarak University
Daystar University

Primary education is free and compulsory in Kenya. Secondary education is also free, but it is not compulsory. Primary education lasts 8 years in Kenya (standards 1 to 8). Students are usually 6 years old when they start school and 14 years old upon completion of their primary education.

Kenya is a country of great risk, although major city centres are safe during the day. Violent crimes are common in Kenya, including kidnappings, theft, armed robbery, and burglary. Street crime is a major concern, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa.

Since 1985, general education in Kenya is based on a system of 8 to 4 years, with eight years of primary education followed by four years of high school and four years of college or university. There are a large number of public and private universities in the country, as well as middle-level colleges.

Conclusion

Education in Kenya today is far from what it was in the past. Gone are the days when Kenyans must travel abroad to get a good education. Some may still choose to travel abroad to study, but based on their preferences and not on the inefficiency of the Kenyan education system.

However, use this post as a guide if you’ll study in any of the best universities in Kenya in 2024 as listed above. Our list of the best 13 and they are with full accreditation and they offer just about any course you’re interested in.

References

• https://www.4icu.org/ke/
• https://victormatara.com/list-of-best-public-universities-in-kenya
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_and_colleges_in_Kenya

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