This article contains a list of the top ten best universities in Kenya.

With Kenya trying to rise in rank as one of the most developed countries in Africa, the country’s education system has a huge part in it. Tertiary institutions in Kenya are developing day by day. There are 22 Public (government-funded) universities, 14 Chartered Private universities, and 12 universities with Letter of Interim Authority (LIA) bringing the total to about 48 universities in Kenya. Below is a list of the best universities in Kenya according to Uni Rank.

Best Universities in Kenya

1. University of Nairobi

The inception of the University of Nairobi can be traced back to 1956 when the Royal Technical College was established. University of Nairobi (UoN) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details.

This 50 years old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate range is 40-50% making this Kenyan higher education organization an averagely selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. UoN also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

The University of Nairobi was the only institution of higher learning in Kenya for quite a long time. There is no doubt that the University of Nairobi is among the best African institutions of higher learning and the best University in Kenya, a record it has held for a long time in history especially in producing good engineers. This record includes achievements in teaching, research, and development.

2. Kenyatta University

The concept of Kenyatta University started in  1965 with the handover of Templar Barracks to the newly formed government of Kenya. Today, the university is located in Nairobi, Kenya with the main campus in Kahawa Sukari. This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Mombasa, Kitui, Nakuru, Embu, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kericho, Dadaab. Officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, Kenyatta University (KU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational Kenyan higher education institution.

Kenyatta University (KU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 35 years old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate range is 90-100% making this Kenyan higher education organization a least selective institution. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

KU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services. In addition to being among the best universities in Kenya, it is the second-largest institution in Kenya and has a track record for being among the educational pride of Kenya.

3. Strathmore University Nairobi

Strathmore University started Strathmore College in 1961 as an Advanced-level Sixth Form College with a group of professionals that were offering Science and Arts subjects. Strathmore University has become one of the leading non-profit private universities in Kenya and has remarkable interest and achievements in commerce and information technology.

Strathmore holds a peerless reputation for quality in both academic and professional education and personal formation. It has one of the best web reputations among placing it among the top universities in Kenya.

4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology was established in 1981 as a Middle-Level College (Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture and Technology (JKCAT)) by the Government of Kenya.

IT is located in Juja, 36 kilometers North East of Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Thika Highway. However, it was finally established as a University through the JKUAT Act, 1994, and inaugurated on 7th December 1994.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology offers courses in Engineering, Science, Architecture, and Building sciences and has a very strong research interest in the areas of biotechnology and engineering.

5. United States International University Africa (USIU Africa)

USIU Africa was established in 1989.  The university is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Formerly known as the WASC Senior College and University Commission, United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 7,000-7,999 students) coeducational Kenyan higher education institution.

United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 31 years old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students’ past academic records and grades.

The admission rate range is 60-70% making this Kenyan higher education organization a somewhat selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. USIU-Africa also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

6. Egerton University

Egerton University is the premier Agricultural public University in Kenya that became established in 1939. The school’s original purpose was to prepare white European youth for careers in agriculture but since its inception, the institution has broadened to other areas of research and teaching such as natural resources, applied sciences, education, computer science, medical sciences, education, engineering, and business studies.

This 33 years old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy This higher education institution has an open admission policy. EU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

7. Moi University

Moi University is a government-owned university located in Eldoret, western Kenya established in 1984 by the Moi University Act of Parliament. Historically, it was one of the first public universities in Kenya to be established with the University of Nairobi being the first while Moi university was the second.

The University is committed to quality work and a learning environment that is grounded in intellectual and academic freedom, teamwork, and the quest for academic excellence.

8. Maseno University

Maseno University was founded in 1991 and is located in Maseno, Kenya and in 2000, Maseno University was enacted to be a fully-fledged university. despite its recent historical landmarks and dates, it is one of the high-ranking Kenyan universities with a respectable web presence and research interests. This institution also has a branch campus in Kisumu.

Officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, Maseno University (MU) is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 4,000-4,999 students) coeducational Kenyan higher education institution. Maseno University (MU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. MU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

9. Daystar University

Daystar University was initially founded in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, by S.EMotsoko-Pheko, a political refugee from South Africa, and Dr. Donald Smith & MrsFaye Smith, an American missionary couple.

Following the eruption of civil war in Zimbabwe in 1974, Daystar relocated its headquarters to Nairobi, Kenya, where the institution was incorporated as a non-profit organization the previous year.

The University is recognized for some impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research striving for excellence in its teaching and research methods.

Daystar is home to thousands of students both local and international and sits on 300 acres of land and has since been breaking new grounds to establish campuses across Kenya.

10. Mt. Kenya University

Established in 2008, Mount Kenya University is a private higher education institution located in Thika, Kiambu which has a population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants. This institution has several branch campuses in the following locations: Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega, Nkubu Meru. Officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, Mount Kenya University (MKU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over-45,000 students) coeducational Kenyan higher education institution.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. MKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

With so many tertiary institutions in Kenya, students have a variety to choose from. To know more about the best universities in Kenya and Africa at large or to be featured in our news press, follow and contact us at Bizna Kenya.