Teaching remains one of the most popular career choices among Kenyan students, driven by the high demand for qualified teachers in public and private schools across the country.
Every year, thousands of students apply for Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programmes through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), hoping to join institutions known for producing highly skilled educators.
Students seeking admission into B.Ed. Arts or Science programmes must meet the minimum university requirements.
Applicants are required to have at least a KCSE mean grade of C+, with at least a C+ in two teaching subjects. Additionally, applicants must have a C+ in English.
KUCCPS notes that applicants pursuing Education Science must have at least a C+ in Mathematics and a D+ for those pursuing Education Arts.
Below are some of the best public and private universities in Kenya for Education degree courses:
Kenyatta University – Public
Kenyatta University is widely regarded as Kenya’s leading institution for teacher education. Originally established as a teacher training college, the university has maintained a strong focus on education for decades.
Its School of Education offers a wide range of programmes, including early childhood development, special needs education, educational psychology, and secondary school teaching.
The university is also known for its extensive teaching practice networks that provide students with practical classroom experience.
University of Nairobi – Public
The University of Nairobi’s School of Education, largely based at Kikuyu Campus, is among the country’s most established teacher training faculties.
The institution is particularly strong in secondary school teacher training, curriculum studies, educational administration, and policy research.
Its graduates benefit from a strong professional network across government and the education sector.
Moi University – Public
Located in Eldoret, Moi University offers one of the most comprehensive education programmes outside Nairobi. The university is well known for science education, technology education, and special needs education.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology – Public
JKUAT, located in Juja, Kiambu County, offers education programmes with a strong science and technology focus. The university is particularly suitable for students pursuing teaching careers in mathematics, sciences, and technical subjects.
Maseno University – Public
Based in Kisumu County, Maseno University has built a strong reputation in teacher education, especially in preparing graduates to work in rural and peri-urban schools across Western Kenya and other underserved regions.
Egerton University – Public
Egerton University, located in Nakuru County, is highly regarded for specialised education programmes such as agriculture education, environmental education, and home science education.
Daystar University – Private
Located in Athi River, Daystar University offers one of the strongest education degree programmes among private universities.
Its programmes emphasise ethical leadership, transformational teaching, and holistic child development grounded in Christian values.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa – Private
CUEA, located along Lang’ata Road in Nairobi, has one of the oldest and most respected education faculties among private universities in Kenya. The institution has trained teachers serving in Catholic, public, and international schools across East Africa.
Mount Kenya University – Private
Mount Kenya University has campuses across the country, making it one of the most accessible private institutions offering education courses. The university provides programmes from certificate to postgraduate level.
Kenya Methodist University (KeMu) – Private
KeMU offers education programmes centred on transformational teaching and community-focused learning. The university has built a strong reputation in the Mount Kenya and Eastern regions.
Africa Nazarene University – Private
Africa Nazarene University offers faith-based education programmes that are popular among students intending to teach in church-sponsored and community schools.
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