Kenya’s top universities continue to attract students based on academic strength, research output, graduate employability, and reputation, with the University of Nairobi (UoN) retaining its position as the country’s leading institution, according to rankings by EduRank.
Top of the list
UoN, established in 1970 and tracing its roots to the Royal Technical College founded in 1956, leads the pack with over 90,000 students, more than 2,000 PhD-holding academic staff, and about 900 courses offered across six colleges and seven campuses.
Kenyatta University follows closely in second place, boasting over 70,000 students and 13 campuses nationwide, while Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) ranks third, known for its strength in technology and agriculture.
Moi University and Strathmore University round out the top five, with Strathmore standing out as a leading private institution, particularly recognised for producing a significant share of the country’s CPA finalists since 2007.
Rest of the top 10
Egerton University, Kenya’s oldest higher learning institution founded in 1939, ranks sixth, followed by Maseno University, Mount Kenya University, the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
Affordability and reputation
Public universities remain the most budget-friendly options, with UoN, Kenyatta University, and Moi University often cited among the cheapest for government-sponsored students. UoN also retains its title as Kenya’s most famous and prestigious university, owing to its size, history, and long-standing academic reputation.