Universities Ranking in Kenya in 2025: Which University Ranks Top?
Selecting the right university plays a crucial role in shaping a successful career. While rankings influence the decision, other factors such as campus location, available courses, student life, and tuition fees also matter.
Attending a well-ranked institution can significantly enhance academic and professional opportunities.
Factors Influencing Rankings
The ranking of universities in Kenya depends on various elements, including research output, student population, employability of graduates, and both regional and global recognition.
Since these aspects constantly evolve, universities may not maintain the same position year after year, fostering competitiveness within the education sector.
University Rankings in Kenya
Many students prefer institutions that top both national and global rankings. Kenyan universities primarily focus on disciplines such as computer sciences, technology, humanities, and social sciences. Below is an overview of Kenya’s leading universities according to Uni Rank.
1. University of Nairobi
- Full name: University of Nairobi
- Acronym: UON
- Founded: 1970
- Motto: Unitate et Labore (In Unity and Work)
- Colours: Sky blue
The University of Nairobi holds the top position among Kenyan universities in 2025. Established in 1970, the main campus is situated in Nairobi. Over time, it has expanded with branch campuses in Parklands, Kikuyu, Upper Kabete, Lower Kabete, Kisumu, and Chiromo.
The institution provides diverse academic programs, including pre-bachelor’s degrees (certificates, diplomas, associate, or foundation programs), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees.
Additionally, students benefit from various academic and non-academic facilities, such as libraries, housing, sports facilities, financial aid, scholarships, study abroad programs, online courses, and distance learning options.
2. Kenyatta University
- Full name: Kenyatta University
- Acronym: KU
- Founded: 1985
- Motto: Transforming Higher Education, Enhancing Lives
- Colours: Sky blue
Kenyatta University (KU) is recognized as one of Kenya’s leading public universities, enrolling over 50,000 students. It offers pre-bachelor, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in multiple disciplines.
Admission is based on previous academic performance, but the institution has an acceptance rate ranging between 90% and 99% for both local and international applicants. The university operates branches in Kahawa (main campus), Mombasa, Kitui, Nakuru, Embu, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kericho, and Dadaab.
3. Strathmore University
- Full name: Strathmore University
- Acronym: SU
- Founded: 2002
- Motto: Ut omnes unum sint (That all may be one)
- Colours: Gold, blue, and red
Originally founded in 1961 as an Advanced-level Sixth Form College, Strathmore University transitioned into a university in 2002, receiving its charter in June 2007. Located in Madaraka Estate along Ole Sangale Road, the university serves over 4,000 full-time and part-time students.
It offers programs in accountancy, administration, commerce, finance, management, and information technology.
4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Full name: Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Acronym: JKUAT
- Founded: 1994
- Motto: Setting Trends in Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Colours: Green and blue
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, located in Juja along the Nairobi-Thika Highway, is highly regarded in Kenya. Established in 1981 as a middle-level college, it attained university status on December 7, 1994.
The institution produces skilled professionals in fields such as agriculture, enterprise development, engineering, health sciences, technology, built environment, social sciences, and applied sciences.
Apart from its main campus, JKUAT operates four additional campuses and six centers, including locations in Karen, Westlands, Kigali, Nairobi CBD, Arusha, Mombasa CBD, Kitale, Nakuru CBD, Kisumu, and Kakamega.
5. Mount Kenya University
- Full name: Mount Kenya University
- Acronym: MKU
- Founded: 2008
- Motto: Unlocking Infinite Possibilities
- Colours: Blue
Mount Kenya University, one of Kenya’s top private universities, originated in 1996 as the Thika Institute of Technology’s Computer Outreach Program. By 2008, it gained recognition as a fully-fledged private institution.
The main campus is situated on General Kago Road in Thika town, with additional campuses in Nairobi, Parklands, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nkubu, Meru, and Kakamega.
MKU offers accredited programs across various disciplines, with professional recognition from regulatory bodies such as the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB), the Commission for Legal Education (CLE), and the Clinical Officers Council (COC).
Other accrediting bodies include the Kenya Nutritionists & Dieticians Institute (KNDI), Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board (KMPDB), Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK), Public Health Officers and Technicians Council (PHOTC), and Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board (KMLTTB).
6. United States International University Africa
Full name: United States International University
Acronym: USIU
Founded: 1989
Motto: Education to take you places
Colours: Blue and gold
United States International University Africa is among the top private, non-profit higher learning institutions in Kenya. Established in 1989, it received its charter in 1995. Presently, the university accommodates over 70 nationalities enrolled in 30 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Academic programs are categorized under the following schools and departments:
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Chandaria School of Business
- School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts
- School of Science and Technology
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- School of Graduate Studies, Research and Extension
7. Egerton University
Full name: Egerton University
Acronym: EU
Founded: 1987
Motto: Transforming Lives through Quality Education
Colours: Green, red, gold, and grey
Egerton University is recognized as one of Kenya’s top-ranked higher learning institutions. Being one of the oldest universities, it was initially established in 1939 as a Farm School and officially chartered in 2013. The main campus, located in Njoro, houses various faculties, including:
- Agriculture
- Arts and Social Sciences
- Education and Community Studies
- Engineering and Technology
- Environment and Resources Development
- Science and Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
Apart from its main campus, Egerton University has additional branches:
- Kenyatta Campus: Dedicated to the School of Open and Distance Learning programs
- Nakuru Town Campus College: Home to commerce, health sciences, and law faculties
8. Moi University
Full name: Moi University
Acronym: MU
Founded: 1984
Motto: Foundation of Knowledge
Colours: Green and white
Moi University is a prestigious public institution in Kenya, situated in Kesses, Eldoret, within Uasin Gishu County. Established in 1984, it initially offered only the Department of Forestry. However, by the early 2010s, several of its campuses transitioned into fully-fledged universities.
The university operates additional campuses, including:
- Town Campus: Accommodating the College of Health Science, School of Aerospace Sciences, and School of Law
- Nairobi Campus
- Coast (Pwani) Campus
9. Kenya Methodist University
Full name: Kenya Methodist University
Acronym: KeMU
Founded: 1997
Motto: The Future is Here
Colours: Maroon, gold, and blue
Kenya Methodist University is a highly-ranked private institution in Kenya. It is situated in woodlands on the slopes of Mount Kenya, a few kilometers from Meru town. The Methodist Church established the university as part of its education policy, and it attained full university status in June 2006.
KeMU has three main campuses:
- Nairobi
- Meru
- Mombasa
It offers a variety of programs, including:
- Certificate
- Diploma
- Degree
- Postgraduate Diploma
- Master’s
- Doctorate (PhD)
- Professional Courses
10. KCA University
Full name: KCA University
Acronym: KCAU
Founded: 2007
Motto: Advancing Knowledge, Driving Change
Colours: Gold and dark blue
KCA University is a leading private higher learning institution in Kenya. It was founded in 1989 by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). The university’s main campus is located in Ruaraka along Thika Road, within the Nairobi region.
KCA University operates additional campuses in:
- Nairobi CBD
- Kisumu
- Kitengela
The university offers various academic programs through the following faculties:
- School of Technology
- School of Business
- KCAU Professional and Technical Training Institute
- School of Education, Arts, and Social Sciences
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Conclusion
The above-listed universities rank among the best in Kenya, offering quality education and research opportunities. University rankings serve as an essential guide for students in selecting the best higher learning institutions for their academic and professional aspirations.
Universities Ranking in Kenya in 2025: Which University Ranks Top?
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