Are you searching for affordable universities with the best quality education in Africa? This article on theTop 10 Universities in Kenya - Best Universities in Kenya is just for you. Education is highly valued in Kenya, there are 48 universities in kenya, 22 of which are public and 26 private. Kenya has 2 of its public universities ranking among the top 100 universities in Africa according to Times Higher Education, 2024.

Although education is more accessible at the primary and secondary level, the Kenyan government and other international educational bodies have implemented structures, funds and policies to support students, locally and internationally who wish to pursue an education in Kenya. If you wish to learn about studying in Kenya and how to apply to Kenyan universities, this article will help you find top universities in Kenya to study.

 

Table Of Contents

1.  Benefits of Studying In Kenya

2. Table Showing the top 10 universities in Kenya

3. Top 10 universities in Kenya

   •  University of Nairobi

   •  Kenyatta University

   • Moi University

   • Egerton University

   • Maseno University

   • Strathmore University

   • Technical University of Kenya

   • Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

   • University of Embu

   • Daystar University

4. Conclusion

Read:  25 African American Scholarships 2024.

 

Benefits of Studying in Kenya

There are so many wonderful things to enjoy as a student in Kenya. Whether you're looking for affordable tuition rates, rich cultural environment or top class education, the universities in Kenya are sure to deliver all of these benefits and so much more. Here are some of the reasons why you should study in Kenya;

 

1. Affordable tuition rates

Getting admission at an affordable University should be your top priority as an international student. Although the tuition fee you pay is dependent on the school you apply to, Kenya still has cheap, affordable tuition rates so you can enjoy your education without worrying about working extra jobs to afford your tuition or cost of living.

 

2. Peaceful Culture

Kenya is a peaceful country with warm and welcoming people so it is easy for you to adapt to the new culture. Additionally, it has an incredibly diverse ethnicity, you can learn about its different traditional values and rich cultural heritage.

 

3. Safe and Secure Study Environment

Generally speaking, Kenya is said to be one of the safest countries for foreign students when compared to other African countries. Although students are still advised to take extra precaution to ensure their safety especially when they explore local areas outside their school campus or accommodation.

 

4. Diverse course options

Universities in Kenya have a wide range of courses for students to choose from. A large number of initiatives have been set up by Kenyan universities and academic exchange programs to make sure foreign students enjoy the best standard education while continuing their professional development.

 

Table Showing the Top 10 Universities in Kenya 2024

S/N	Universities	Tuition Fee
1	University of Nairobi	Ksh. 26,000
2	Kenyatta University	Ksh. 126,000
3	Moi University	Ksh. 133,200
4	Egerton University	Ksh. 110,000
5	Maseno University	Ksh. 164,000
6	Strathmore University	Ksh. 6,000,000
7	Technical University of Kenya	Ksh. 70,000
8	Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology	Ksh. 65,000
9	University of Embu	Ksh. 134,500
10	Daystar University	Ksh. 145,000

 

Top 10 Universities in Kenya

1. University of Nairobi

Located in the beautiful city of Nairobi, Kenya. The University of Nairobi is an academic research institute and is said to be the largest and best it universities in Kenya. It is ranked among the top 100 best universities in Kenya according to the world in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Since 2009, it has held its peerless reputation for academic excellence and vibrant international student community. UoN is regarded as one of the best universities in Kenya.

 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 26000

Admission Requirements

Applicants must possess one of the following academic qualifications;

• KCSE mean grade C+ or equivalent

• KCSE mean grade C- or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma

• Level Division II or equivalent plus a Diploma

• Level Division III or equivalent plus a Certificate and Diploma

• Level Division III or equivalent plus a three-year Diploma from a recognized post-secondary Institution for admissions to Bachelor of Education

• Diploma from University of Nairobi or other recognized institutions and an aggregate of C in KCSE or equivalent

• A Level with two principal passes or equivalent in relevant subjects Only Applicants whose results are available at the time of application will be considered

• CPAII/CPSII/CIPS or equivalent for Commerce and Arts and should have attained an aggregate of C in KCSE or O level Division III

• P1 from a two-year post-secondary training institution for entry into Bachelor of Education with Minimum KCSE Mean Grade C or O Level Division III

• Higher National Diploma in relevant fields and should have attained an aggregate of C in KCSE

 

Learn more about the admission requirements

 

2. Kenyatta University

Founded in 1985, Kenyatta University is one of the top 10 best public universities in Kenya after the University of Nairobi and Moi University. The University has 12 separate campuses which offer a variety of programs including degree, Diploma and certificate programs. It is said to be the best universities in kenya offering business courses. Kenyatta University has a very flexible academic curriculum with modernized learning options such as e-learning, school-based, part-time and full-time programs, so students can study effectively and still have ample time for extracurricular activities. Kenyatta University is the top university in Kenya, it is also one of the universities offering accounting courses in Kenya.

 

Location: Nairobi County, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 126,000

Admission Requirements

• For a Bachelor of Education course, applicants must have a mean grade C+ at KSCE and at least C+ in each of the two required subjects

• For a Bachelor of Education(Science), applicants must have a mean grade of C+ at KSCE with at least C in Mathematics and C+ in each of the two teaching subjects or 2 Principal passes and 1 Subsidiary pass at A’ Level in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Diploma in Education

• For a Bachelor of Education(Arts), applicants must have a mean grade of C+ at KSCE with at least C+ in each of the two subjects chosen, two(2) Principal passes at A’Level and one (1) Subsidiary in relevant subjects, Diploma in Education.

 

Learn more about the application process

 

3. Moi University

Moi University is the second official public university commissioned in Kenya. It was established in 1984 by the Moi University Act of the Parliament of Kenya. Moi University is the best colleges offering tourism courses in kenya. The University is located in the heart of Kesses, Eldoret Town, Uasin Gishu County in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is one of the best colleges offering diploma courses with over 30000 students from different backgrounds spread across its five campuses. The University takes pride in building innovation and talent in science, technology and development. Moi University is considered to be one of the top 10 universities in Kenya.

 

Location: East of Eldoret Town, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 133,200

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must submit a clear passport sized photograph

• Kenyan applicants who are above 18 years must present a scanned copy of their National ID. Non-Kenyan applicants should provide their scanned international passport

• Applicants must also submit at least two academic certificates; KSCE & KCPE

• An application fee of 500 for diploma, 1000 for undergraduate, 2000 for Masters and PhD respectively

 

Learn more about the admission requirements

 

4. Egerton University

Founded in 1839 as a farm school by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tattoo,  Egerton is one of the oldest public educational institutions with the best university courses in Kenya. It is one of the top colleges offering certificates in electrical engineering in kenya. Egerton was specifically established to provide academically oriented students with top class education, innovative research and promote the advancement of science and technology and its applications to solve the needs in various sectors and communities in Kenya. Egerton University has the best engineering courses in Kenya.

 

Location: Njoro, Nakuru, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 150,020

Admission Requirements

• Applicants must meet all specific entry requirements specified by the respective departments they are applying to

• Applicants must have the KSCE with an average grade of C passed in one sitting, in relevant subjects

 OR

• Applicants must hold a certificate from a recognized institution with C grade/'credit' pass or higher or equivalent certification

 

Learn more about the admission requirements

 

5. Maseno University

Maseno University is among the top schools of hospitality and tourism management in Kenya committed to drive African excellence through standard teaching, research and development by

educating students who can make real differences and contribute effectively to the improvement of the social, economical and technological development in Kenya. Maseno is another University ranked among the top 10 public universities in Kenya.

 

Location: Kisumu, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 1,640,000

Admission Requirements

• Applicants should have a KSCE mean grade of C+ and above or grade C in relevant subjects.

• Candidates applying for postgraduate courses are required to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited higher institution in courses related to the program applied for.

 

Learn more about the admission process

 

6. Strathmore University

Sixth on our list of top ten universities in Kenya, Strathmore University is an outstanding private University located in Nairobi. It is one of the best journalism schools in Kenya with the best university business schools in Kenya, courses in IT, management, best law universities in kenya, Hospitality. Strathmore's mission is to help students nurture their academic, professional and personal development skills to increase their chances of building successful careers after graduation.  Strathmore is one of the top schools for hospitality and tourism management in Kenya.

 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 600,000

Admission Requirements

• A copy of ID or international passport or birth certificate

• All applicants are required to pay a compulsory non-refundable Kshs. 2000 entrance examination fee

• Applicants must submit original copies of academic, professional, certificates including KCSE result slip

• Applicants must also hold a KSCE qualifications (or equivalent) with a minimum aggregate of C

• A KACE qualification with a minimum of two principal passes and a minimum of a subsidiary pass in Mathematics and English at KCE

 

Learn more about the admission process

 

7. Technical University of Kenya

Technical University of Kenya is the best university in Kenya 2024. It was formerly known as Kenya Polytechnic University College before it was upgraded to an official university. It is one of the best universities offering civil engineering in kenya.

TUK offers quality bachelors and masters degrees as well technical and vocational education and personal training programs. It is the best engineering universities in Kenya.

 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 70000

Admission Requirements

• An average grade of C+ in the compulsory subjects( Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology or any Group III, Group IV or Group V subjects)in KSCE
• Candidates applying with A levels results or equivalent should have a minimum of two principal passes in Mathematics and Physics and a subsidiary level pass in Chemistry with a good pass in English at O level

 

See the full list of Technical University of Kenya's admission requirements

 

Read also: 25 Best Universities in South Africa 2024.

 

8. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Founded in 2007, it was formerly called Western University College of Science and Technology. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is a leading non-profit best public universities offering architecture in kenya. It is the best colleges offering medical courses in Kenya. The University is split into ten faculties including the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology, School of Arts and Social Science, School of Business and Economics best accounting school in kenya, School of Computing and Informatics, School of Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance, School of Education, School of Engineering and the built environment, School of Medicine with the best medicine courses in kenya,  School of Natural Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedics, and the School of Public health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology. It is the best nursing universities in Kenya.

 

Location: Kakamega, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 65,000

Admission Requirements

• Applicants are required to get an average grade of C+ in KSCE and above in related subjects or equivalent

• Postgraduate candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university

 

Learn more about the admission requirements

 

9. University of Embu

Established in 1947, the University of Embu is an independent institution which aims to be the best universities offering computer science in Kenya through world class learning, research and innovation to aid the expansion of opportunities for students. It has the best geography courses in Kenya. The University of Embu is the best computer science universities in Kenya.

 

Location: Embu, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 134,500

Admission Requirements

• Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of Ksh. 4000 for PhD, Ksh. 2000 for Masters and Bachelors, Ksh. 1000 for Diploma

• Applicants need an average grade of C+ in Mathematics, or KACE or equivalent academic qualifications

• Masters program applicants are required to have a Bachelor's degree(second class upper) or a second class lower division from the University of Embu or other recognized universities with at least two years of relevant professional experience

 

Learn more about the admission requirements

 

10. Daystar University

Daystar University is one of the best universities in Nairobi. It is a non-profit liberal Arts christian institution placed among the best private universities in kenya 2024. It was established in 1989 to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills in a christ-centered environment. It is regarded as one of the best universities in Kenya due to its impressive academic facilities, innovative research programs, qualified teachers and conducive learning environment.

 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Tuition Fee: Ksh. 145,000

Admission Requirements

• Applicants will need a KSCE average grade of D+, 3 credits in IGSCE requirements or its academic equivalence to apply into a Daystar Certificate program

• Candidates applying for the diploma program should present a KSCE mean grade of C-, or a mean grade of C plain or higher in their IGSCE or academic equivalence

• Undergraduate applicants are required to have a mean grade of C+ and above in KSCE, or a minimum of 4 credits in IGSCE with at least credit passes in A levels

• Applicants are required to pay a non refundable application fee of kshs. 2000

• Official copies of all secondary, post-secondary, college and university certificates

• Graduate students are required to submit official undergraduate transcript, resume and a copy of all academic related certificates

• Foreign applicants are required to get a Kenya National Qualifications Authority letter along with a certificate of good conduct

 

Learn more about the admission requirements

 

Conclusion

For further information about which school to pick, you can simply visit the official websites of each university to understand the admission requirements to study at the top ten best universities in Kenya, so you can begin your application process.

Be thorough with your research, weigh your options carefully and try to get as much information as required before applying to avoid mistakes that could hinder the success of your application.

 

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