Have you ever wondered which are the best universities in Kenya?
Perhaps you’re thinking of studying in Kenya and want to know which schools you should apply to, or perhaps you already attend one of these great Kenyan universities and want to make sure it’s really as good as everyone says. Well, wonder no more!
Since Kenya has some of the most wonderful colleges and universities in the world, it can be difficult to choose which one to attend.
This list gives you a chance to look at some of the best universities in Kenya, including their rankings and notable alumni from each school.
Best Universities in Kenya
1. University of Nairobi
The University of Nairobi is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and is also the largest higher collegiate research institution. It was founded as an educational institution back in 1956 but fully gained independence in 1970.
This research-intensive University has a solid reputation for excellence with a strong and vibrant research culture that has impacted the whole of Kenya as a country.
There are 10 faculties such as agriculture, science & technology, law, engineering, health sciences, veterinary medicine and so much more.
The University of Nairobi also has a handful of notable Alumni such as Dr. James Mwangi, Isaac O. Awunodo, Dr. Betty Gikonyo, Bishop David Oginde, and Eugene Wamalwa to mention a few.
2. Kenyatta University
It was formerly called Kenyatta College between 1965 to 1975 but got elevated to university status on the date of establishment on September 1st, 1985.
KU (Kenyatta University) is the third public research university with its main campus in Nairobi County.
Kenyatta University has a good reputation for quality education with a current enrollment of approximately 71,000 students and 1,500 academic staff. KU offers bachelor’s, doctoral, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Many programs can be completed on a part-time basis, making them especially appealing to working professionals.
Some prominent alumni that are educated by the Kenyatta University are former Kenya president Mwai Kibaki, Kalonzo Musyoka, Daniel arap Moi, Dr. James Mwangi, and so many more notable individuals.
3. Strathmore University
Located on Langata Road, Nairobi, Strathmore University was founded in 1961 and also ranked No1 by Eduniversal. It is a private institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Strathmore University is the first multi-racial and multi-religious higher institution of its kind.
4. United States International University Africa
USIU-Africa is a private university sitting on a 726-acre campus near Nairobi National Park and offers a variety of programs to students from different countries.
USIU-Africa’s goal is to produce well-rounded individuals who will not only be successful in their own right but also contribute positively to their communities. Due to its location, USIU-Africa has access to some of Africa’s most prestigious museums as well as its rich history and culture.
There are several student clubs on campus where students can network with peers that share similar interests. Overall, USIU-Africa promotes a family atmosphere while offering top-notch educational opportunities.
5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Located in Juja, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a university that mainly focuses on agriculture. The institution was founded in 1994 and currently has more than 29,500 students enrolled.
The main campus is located near Juja, 36 kilometers northeast of Nairobi. Despite its focus on agriculture, JKUAT offers many other academic programs including engineering, education, veterinary medicine as well as law studies.
Prominent Alumni are Dr. Paul Chepkwony, Emma Miloyo, and Aden Duale.
6. Egerton University
Egerton University is statistically the oldest higher institution in Kenya, one of Kenya’s leading public universities, and was originally founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton.
Many alumni from Egerton University are in public office now, contributing significantly to Kenya’s development over time.
Egerton University currently has 10 faculties that offer programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels. Some of these faculties are law, engineering and technology, science, veterinary medicine and surgery, health sciences and so many more.
7. Moi University
Moi University was founded by Daniel arap Moi, a Kenyatta University alumni in 1984. The Department of Forestry was the only faculty students can enroll in at the time of MU’s creation.
But more faculties such as agriculture and natural resources, aerospace science, engineering, education, law, tourism hospitality and events management, business, and economics have been added over the years.
Moi higher institution has been growing in size with 52,815 students enrolled, 47,458 Undergraduates, and 5,357 Postgraduates.
8. Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University is a private chartered high institution committed to a broad-based education system and was founded in 1996. Its main campus is located in Thika, which is approximately 29 miles northeast of Nairobi.
Although MKU programs are mostly based around business, Mount Kenya University also offers degrees in engineering and technology, social sciences, computing and informatics, and health sciences.
It has a highly ranked business program and attracts students from across Africa to take classes here.
9. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
CUEA (The Catholic University of Eastern Africa) was established in 1984 as a private international university whose sole mission is to educate and produce individuals who can contribute positively to their society.
CUEA doesn’t discriminate as they accept both national and international students to study on-campus. This university offers students numerous programs to choose from. Students who are enrolled here can take courses in Business, Education, Law, Theology and so many more.
10. Technical University of Kenya
The Technical University of Kenya is a chartered public institution that was established in 1956. TUK has 3 faculties that have been subdivided to have multiple departments under them.
TUK was intended to be a polytechnic but got elevated to full university status in later years. Some notable alumni include Michael Olunga, Amos Kipngeno Misik, and Ferdinand Waititu.
Conclusion
Choosing a university can be a difficult task for many students. Some institutions claim to provide excellent education but often fall short of their claims.
To guarantee you’re choosing an institution that will enable you to reach your goals and meet your needs, you must do research on all of your options.
By considering each institution’s location, ranking, programs offered, and tuition rates among other factors, you will have a higher chance of enrolling at a school that provides an ideal learning environment.
I hope this list of “best universities in Kenya” will help you decide or at least have a sight of your prospective university.
