The most common metrics used to rank universities worldwide include academic reputation, student employment rate (measured 6-12 months after graduation), staff-to-student ratio, international faculty ratio, international student ratio, and faculty research involvement.
The following is a list of Kenya’s top 10 universities and colleges, compiled based on their academic reputation, consistency from web sources, and national and international university rankings. The list depends on independent web intelligence sources’ valid, unbiased, and non-influenceable web metrics.
Here Is a Complete List of The Top 10 Universities in Kenya.
1 University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi is the largest in Kenya and a collegiate research institution in Nairobi. Although it has a history as an educational institution dating back to 1956, it only became an independent university in 1970. The University has consistently been ranked as the number one university in Kenya, the eleventh in Africa, and in the 501-600 category globally among the best universities by Times Higher Education (THE).
The University boasts 11 campuses, ten faculties, 236 academic programs, 45,000 students, 1,500 academic staff, 2,300 administrative and technical staff, 500 project staff, 1,350 international collaborations, over 500 scholarships, Kshs 4.5 billion annual research kitty, and over 250,000 alums. Today, it is one of the top universities in East Africa, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study, including business, engineering, medicine, law, and more.
2 Kenyatta University (KU)
Kenyatta University (K.U.) is a public research university in Nairobi, Kenya. It became a university in 1985, making it the third University in Kenya after the University of Nairobi and Moi University. Organizations including the Commission of University Education, Inter-university Council for East Africa, Africa Association of Universities, International Association of Universities, and Commonwealth Universities accredit Kenyatta University.
3 Moi University
Moi University, the second public University in Kenya, was established in 1984 by an Act of Parliament (Moi University Act, 1984), with the recommendation of a Presidential Working Party chaired by Prof. Collins B. Mackay, which had sought the views of Kenyans about the need for such an institution of higher learning.
President Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi, who was deeply and selflessly committed to advancing education at all levels in Kenya, pioneered establishing a university in a rural setting. Moi University offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts and social sciences, business and economics, education, engineering, information sciences, law, medicine, and agriculture. The University is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence and research.
4. Strathmore University
Strathmore University is a private institution located in Nairobi, Kenya. The University started in 1961 as a college providing accountancy courses. Over the years, it has become one of the top private universities in East Africa, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields like business, information technology, law, humanities, and social sciences. The University’s Charter was published under the Universities Act (CAP 210B) in the ‘Kenya Gazette’ supplement no. 47 (legislative supplement no. 27) through legal notice no. 86.
The charter outlines the University’s establishment, functions, membership, governance, administration, financial provision, and statutes. Strathmore University aims to produce graduates who are both academically qualified and well-prepared for the professional world. It fosters partnerships with industries to enhance the employability of its graduates. The University is renowned for blending experiential programs with comprehensive training courses for executives and leadership development across East Africa to keep pace with the evolving workforce.
5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university in Juja, Kenya. It was established in 1981 and named after Kenya’s first President, Jomo Kenyatta. JKUAT is well-known for its excellent agriculture, engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship programs.
The University offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in multiple disciplines such as business, economics, computing, agriculture, engineering, environmental sciences, and more. With its modern facilities and highly qualified faculty, JKUAT is fully committed to providing its students with quality education and research opportunities.
6. Egerton University
Egerton University is a public university located in Njoro, Kenya. It was established in 1939 as an agricultural college and became a university in 1987. Egerton University is known for its strong focus on farming and applied sciences, but it also offers courses in other fields, such as engineering, business, education, environmental studies, and more. The University has official recognition by the Commission for University Education of Kenya.
It offers a variety of courses and programs that lead to higher education degrees such as certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in various fields of study. It is committed to providing quality education, research, and community service to its students and society.
7. United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa)
Have you heard of United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa)? It’s a private university located in Nairobi, Kenya. It is one of the accredited international universities in Africa and is associated with the United States International University (USIU) system. The University started in 1969 as a United States International University branch in San Diego, California. The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields, such as business, psychology, international relations, and more. The University has a diverse student body from over 70 countries and prides itself on providing a globally focused education.
8. Maseno University
Maseno University is a public university in the Maseno district of Kisumu County, Kenya, along the Equator. It became a fully-fledged university in 2001 after being a ten-year constituent college of Moi University. The University has a student population of over 10,000 pursuing various campus programs. It is one of the best universities in Kenya, as per its ranking. Maseno University, founded in 1991, is a unique institution as it is the only University in the world that lies along the Equator (00).
It is one of the original seven universities in Kenya. It has several campuses, including the Main Campus located in Maseno Township along Kisumu-Busia road, 25 km from Kisumu City and approximately 400 km west of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Other campuses include the Kisumu Campus, Odera Akang’o in Siaya County, and the eCampus.
9. The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K)
The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) is a public university in Nairobi, Kenya. It was established in 1956 as Kenya Technical Institute to provide technical education and training in Kenya. 1979 it changed to a polytechnic and was upgraded to a university in 2013. TU-K offers a wide range of engineering, applied sciences, technology, business, and social sciences courses. The University strongly focuses on practical training and research, with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty members. It is committed to producing graduates who are well-equipped to meet the demands of the job market and contribute to the development of Kenya and the world.
10. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
Mount Kenya University (MKU) is a private university in Thika, Kenya. It was established in 1996 and has since grown to become one of the largest private universities in the country. The University offers various undergraduate and postgraduate business, education, social sciences, engineering, and health sciences programs. In 2011, the University was awarded a charter by the government of Kenya upon the recommendation of the Commission of Higher Education. MKU is committed to providing quality education and preparing its students for successful careers in their respective fields.
