Top 15 Best Universities in Kenya (Ranked by Quality & Impact)

With over 70 accredited universities in Kenya, choosing the best one for your education can be overwhelming. Kenya is home to some of the most competitive and well-respected institutions in East Africa—both public and private. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the Top 15 Best Universities in Kenya. We'll go beyond just names—we’ll look at each university’s strengths, campuses, accreditations, and what makes them stand out.

This isn’t just another ranking. It’s your guide to making an informed decision that will shape your academic and professional future.

Top 15 Best Universities in Kenya

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)

2. Kenyatta University (KU)

3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

4. Strathmore University

5. United States International University-Africa (USIU-A)

6. Moi University

7. Egerton University

8. Daystar University

9. Mount Kenya University (MKU)

10. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)

11. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

12. KCA University

13. Africa Nazarene University

14. University of Eldoret

15. Kirinyaga University

Criteria for Ranking

These universities are ranked based on:

• Academic reputation and research output
• Graduate employability
• Facilities and student support
• Regional and international rankings
• Accreditation and international collaborations

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)

Type: Public Research University

Established: 1956 (as a college), 1970 (as a university)

Main Campus: Nairobi CBD

Website: uonbi.ac.ke

Overview

UoN is Kenya’s flagship university and the oldest higher education institution in the country. It leads in research, graduate output, and international visibility.

Accreditations

Commission for University Education, Association of Commonwealth Universities, Inter-University Council for East Africa.

Key Faculties

Medicine, Engineering, Law, Business, Agriculture, and Architecture.

Notable Facts

• Over 80,000 students
• More than 10 campuses including Chiromo, Kikuyu, and Kabete

2. Kenyatta University (KU)

Type: Public Research University

Established: 1985

Main Campus: Kahawa, Nairobi (17.5 km from CBD)

Website: ku.ac.ke

Overview

Kenyatta University is known for its strong programs in education, public health, and environmental studies. It sits on over 1,000 acres and offers expansive facilities.

Accreditations

Commission for University Education, IUCEA, AAU, IAU, ACU

Key Faculties

Education, Health Sciences, Business, Environmental Studies, Engineering.

Campuses

• Ruiru Campus
• Parkland Campus
• Kitui Campus
• Mombasa Campus
• City Centre Campus (Nairobi CBD)
• Nyeri Campus
• Nakuru Campus
• Dadaab Campus
• Embu Campus

3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

Type: Public University

Established: 1994 (as a university)

Main Campus: Juja

Website: jkuat.ac.ke

Overview

A leader in science, technology, engineering, and innovation. JKUAT is globally recognized for agriculture, ICT, and engineering.

Accreditations

ISO Certified, IUCEA, Commission for University Education

Campuses

Karen, Westlands, Kisii, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kitale

4. Strathmore University

Type: Private University

Established: 2002 (as a university)

Main Campus: Madaraka, Nairobi

Website: strathmore.edu

Overview

Strathmore is a top-ranked private institution known for its rigorous academics and values-based education. It has an outstanding reputation in business, IT, and law.

Accreditations

CUE, AACSB (Business School Accreditation in process), International collaborations with Harvard and MIT.

Strengths

• Graduate employment rate over 85%
• Executive education programs

5. United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa)

Type: Private, American-Accredited University

Main Campus: Kasarani, Nairobi

Website: usiu.ac.ke

Overview

USIU-A is the only university in the region offering a US-accredited curriculum. It’s a popular destination for both local and international students.

Accreditations

WASC Senior College and University Commission (USA), CUE

Faculties

International Relations, Psychology, Business, Journalism, Computer Science

6. Moi University

Type: Public University

Established: 1984

Main Campus: Eldoret

Website: mu.ac.ke

Overview

Famous for its medical school and research in science and technology. Moi University hosts the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Accreditations

CUE, IUCEA, AAU

7. Egerton University

Type: Public University

Established: 1939 (as agricultural college), 1987 (as university)

Main Campus: Njoro, Nakuru County

Website: egerton.ac.ke

Overview

Kenya’s premier institution for agriculture and environmental science. Strong focus on sustainability, rural development, and applied research.

8. Daystar University

Type: Private Christian University

Campuses: Athi River (Main), Valley Road

Website: daystar.ac.ke

Overview

Known for communication, journalism, and theology programs. Offers a faith-based, liberal arts education.

9. Mount Kenya University (MKU)

Type: Private University

Main Campus: Thika

Website: mku.ac.ke

Overview

One of the fastest-growing private universities in East Africa. Offers flexible modes of study and strong e-learning platforms.

10. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)

Type: Public Technical University

Main Campus: Nairobi CBD

Website: tukenya.ac.ke

Overview

Focuses on applied sciences, engineering, and technology programs. Strategically located in Nairobi with strong industry linkages.

11. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

Type: Private, Catholic University

Main Campus: Lang’ata, Nairobi

Website: cuea.edu

Overview

Specializes in theology, canon law, philosophy, and education. Widely respected in religious and academic circles.

12. KCA University

Type: Private University

Main Campus: Ruaraka, Nairobi

Website: kca.ac.ke

Overview

Originally founded by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya. Strong in business, finance, and IT education.

13. Africa Nazarene University

Type: Private Christian University

Main Campus: Ongata Rongai

Website: anu.ac.ke

Overview

Offers programs in business, law, theology, and computer science. Emphasis on leadership and ethics.

14. University of Eldoret

Type: Public University

Main Campus: Eldoret

Website: uoeld.ac.ke

Overview

Focuses on environmental science, agriculture, and natural resources.

15. Kirinyaga University

Type: Public University

Main Campus: Kutus, Kirinyaga County

Website: kyu.ac.ke

Overview

STEM-focused, relatively young but growing in reputation. Strong in applied science and engineering.

Conclusion

Kenya’s universities offer world-class education in diverse disciplines—from medicine and engineering to media and theology. Whether you’re looking for a public powerhouse like UoN, a tech-forward hub like JKUAT, or a values-driven institution like Daystar, this list helps you find the best fit.

Don’t just pick a university—choose a future. Visit their official websites, read alumni reviews, and attend open days if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which is the best university in Kenya?

The University of Nairobi is the best university in Kenya. It ranks highest nationally and is known for its research output, diverse academic programs, and strong global reputation.

Which university in Kenya is best for medicine?

The University of Nairobi is the best university for medicine in Kenya. Its College of Health Sciences and affiliation with Kenyatta National Hospital make it the top choice for medical training and research.

Which university in Kenya is best for engineering?

JKUAT (Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology) is the leading engineering university in Kenya. It offers top programs in civil, electrical, mechanical, and mechatronics engineering.

Which university in Kenya is best for business studies?

Strathmore University is the best for business studies in Kenya. Its business school is recognized for quality education, leadership development, and strong links with the private sector.

Which university in Kenya is best for law?

The best universities for law in Kenya are:

• University of Nairobi – for its long-standing academic tradition and top-ranked law faculty.
• Strathmore University – for its modern curriculum and strong focus on international law.

Which is the best private university in Kenya?

Strathmore University is the best private university in Kenya. It is known for academic excellence, ethical leadership training, and international accreditation.

Which university in Kenya has the best research output?

The University of Nairobi has the highest research output in Kenya. It leads in publications, research funding, and collaborations with global institutions.

Which university in Kenya has the most international students?

USIU-Africa (United States International University – Africa) hosts the most international students in Kenya. Its American-style education and diverse campus attract learners from across Africa and beyond.