Best Universities in Kenya

Kenya has some of the best universities in Africa and across the world. The University of Nairobi is the best Kenyan university. It is also among the top African universities. Studying in some of these top universities in Kenya will give you a competitive advantage in the job market. High school graduates compete to get slots in these universities. When selecting a university, make sure it is accredited by Commission for Higher Education. The following are the best universities in Kenya. 

Best Public Universities in Kenya

1. University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi was started in 1956 as Royal Technical College. It offers courses that are recognized locally and abroad. It offers certificate, diploma courses, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees. It is the best university in Kenya and is ranked top 100 in Africa.

2. Kenyatta University

Kenyatta University is ranked as the second-best university in Kenya. It is located in Nairobi and has campuses across the country. It is the largest University in Kenya and has some of the best infrastructures. It offers certificate and diploma courses, degrees, masters and doctorate programmes.

3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

JKUAT is the third best public university in Kenya. It was established in 1981 and is located in Juja. It offers certificate, diploma, bachelors, master and doctorate programs. It is recognized as the best university in Engineering, Science, Architecture and Building courses. At its inception, it was majorly focused on Agriculture.

4. Egerton University

Egerton University was established in 1939 and is located in Njoro, Nakuru. It was started to help European youths gain agricultural skills. It offers certificates, diplomas, bachelor's degrees, masters and doctorate programs. It offers education, natural resources, science, engineering and education courses.

Read also: Most marketable courses in Kenya.

5. Moi University

Moi University is the 5th best university in Kenya. It was established in 1984 and is located in Eldoret. The university was started through an Act of parliament as the second university in Kenya.

It was among the best universities in Kenya during its early years. It offers a wide variety of courses in certificate, diploma, bachelor degrees, Master and doctorate levels.

Other Public Universities in Kenya

6. Maseno University – Maseno
7. Technical University of Kenya – Nairobi
8. Masinde Muliro University f Science & Technology
9. Murang’a University of Technology – Murang’a
10. Machakos University – Machakos
11. Multimedia University of Kenya – Nairobi
12. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – Nyeri
13. South Eastern Kenya University – Kitui
14. Chuka University – Chuka
15. Maasai Mara University – Narok
16. Pwani University – Kilifi
17. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology – Bondo
18. University of Eldoret – Eldoret
19. Kisii University – Kisii
20. Karatina University – Karatina
21. University of Embu – Embu
22. Technical University of Mombasa – Mombasa
23. Kibabii University – Bungoma
24. Meru University of Science and Technology – Meru
25. Garissa University – Garissa
26. Laikipia University – Nyahururu
27. Kirinyaga University – Kutus
28. Rongo University – Rongo
29. Taita Taveta University – Voi

Best Private Universities in Kenya

The following are the leading private universities in Kenya.

1. Strathmore University

Strathmore University is the leading private university in Kenya. It was started in 1961 and was initially offering Science and Arts courses. It is widely recognized for business courses and especially commerce. It offers a wide variety of courses on all levels.

2. United States International University Africa (USIU)

USIU is the second best private university in Kenya. It was started in 1989 and is located in Nairobi. It offers certificate, diploma, bachelor degrees, Masters and Doctorate programs. It has scholarship programs and students can even study abroad. It also offers online courses and distance learning.

3. Mt Kenya University

Mount Kenya University is the third-best private University in Kenya. It was established in 2008 and its main campus is located in Thika. It has many campuses across the country.

The university admits self-sponsored and government-sponsored students. It offers certificate, diploma, bachelor degree, Master and doctorate programs.

Read also: Top performing high schools in Kenya.

4. Daystar University

Daystar University was founded in Zimbabwe in 1974. It later relocated to Nairobi, Kenya. It has campuses around the country and has some of the best facilities.

Daystar University is best known for journalism courses and has produced some of the best journalists in Kenya. 

5. Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)

KEMU was started in 1977 in Meru. It is recognized by the Commission for University Education and has branches in Nairobi and Mombasa. It offers a wide variety of courses in all levels. 

5. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa – Nairobi
6. Kabarak University – Nakuru
7. African Nazarene University – Nairobi
8. University of Eastern Africa Baraton – Eldoret
9. KCA University – Nairobi
10. Africa International University – Nairobi
11. St. Paul’s University – Limuru
12. Riara University – Nairobi
13. Zetech University – Ruiru
14. Gretsa University – Thika
15. Amref University International University – Nairobi
16. Umma University – Kajiado
17. Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology – Nairobi
18. Pioneer International University – Nairobi
19. Adventist University of Africa – Nairobi

Summary of the Best Universities in Kenya

If you are looking to enroll for a certificate, diploma, bachelor's degree, Master's degree, or doctorate program, you can consider the above Kenyan Universities. Their courses are accredited and recognized by employers. 

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