By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
Kenya has at least 60 universities, half of which are public and the others private.
These universities offer different courses with their unique standards.
We take a look at the top 10 universities in Kenya for 2024, based on the UniRank ranking.
The ranking criteria used by the organization include the institution being chartered and, licensed or accredited by the appropriate Kenyan higher education-related organization, as well as offering at least three-year bachelor’s degrees or postgraduate master’s or doctoral degrees.
10. Kenya Methodist University
Established in 1997, the Kenya Methodist University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in Meru.
The university also has a branch campus in Nairobi and Mombasa.
It has a student enrolment of between 8,000-8,999. The university is affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion.
9. Moi University
Moi University is one of the oldest public institutions of higher learning in Kenya. It was established in 1984.
Its main campus is in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County. It also had branch campuses in Eldoret West Campus, Nairobi, Kitale, Kericho and Odero Akang’o – most of which were closed due to financial challenges.
Moi University has an enrollment range of 30,000-34,999 students.
8. KCA University
The university was established in 2007. It is located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi. The institution also has a branch campus in Kisumu. It is considered a large-sized university with an enrollment range of between 15,000-19,999 students.
7. Egerton University
Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton.
Its main campus is located in the suburban setting of the small town of Njoro, Nakuru. It also has branch campuses in Laikipia, Kisii and Nakuru Town.
Overall, Egerton University’s range of enrolment is 20,000-24,999 students.
6. USIU
The United States International University Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi.
It was established in 1989. It is officially recognized by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, United States International University Africa.
USIU-Africa is a medium-sized university with a 7,000-7,999 students enrolment.
5. JKUAT
The public university was established in 1994. It is located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi and also has branch campuses in Mombasa, Taita Taveta, Nakuru, Kisii, Kitale and Arusha (Tanzania).
JKUAT has between 20,000 and 24,999 students enrolment.
4. MKU
Mount Kenya University (MKU) considers itself an international destination for higher education
It is a private university located in the urban setting of the small city of Thika, Kiambu. The institution also has branch campuses in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega and Nkubu Meru.
3. Strathmore University
Strathmore University is a private university founded in 2002. It has its main campus within Nairobi City.
Its estimated students’ enrolment range between 4,000-4,999.
2. Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University (KU) is a public research university with its main campus in Nairobi. It acquired the status of a university in 1985, being the third university after the University of Nairobi (1970) and Moi University.
The university also has campuses in Mombasa, Kitui, Nakuru, Embu, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kericho and Dadaab.
Kenyatta University is considered a very large institution with an enrollment range of over 50,000 students.
1. University of Nairobi
Established in 1970, the University of Nairobi is a public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi.
UoN also has branch campuses in Kikuyu, Parklands, Lower Kabete, Upper Kabete, Chiromo and Kisumu.
Like the other 9 institutions, the University of Nairobi is officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya (CUE).
It is a very large-sized institution with an enrollment range of over-50,000 students.
During the 2023 academic year, the university had 49,047 students, of whom 35,897 were undergraduates and 11,003 were postgraduates.
UoN has been ranked the best in Kenya for several years now.