25 Best Universities In Kenya For International Students 2026

If you are looking to study in Kenya, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 63 universities and colleges in Kenya, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 63 universities in Kenya, University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University are the top-performing schools in Kenya. This list covers both public and private institutions in Kenya.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Kenya. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Kenya.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Kenya?

Applying to the universities in Kenya involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Kenya to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Kenya?

Tuition fees at Kenya’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 15,000 KES to 535,500 KES , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 21,000 KES to 435,600 KES. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Kenya!

As we cover the best universities in Kenya for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Kenya for International Students

Considered the largest university in Kenya, the University of Nairobi is a leading public university dedicated to serving the needs of Kenyan society as well as the entire African region. It currently has seven campuses in the nation’s capital city and offers over 300 academic programs tailored to impart students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for them to thrive in the professional world. The university also takes pride in its strong research culture and vast network of industry connections.

Founded in 1965, Kenyatta University is a prominent institution in Kenya that operates across 13 locations, with its main campus situated in Nairobi County. The primary campus, which covers over 1,000 acres, offers a peaceful and well-equipped environment conducive to educational growth. The university is widely respected for its outstanding programs and esteemed faculty, earning global acclaim. It emphasizes hands-on learning and skill development, fostering strong partnerships with industries to provide real-world experience. The university is accredited by reputable organizations and is committed to providing high-quality education, promoting academic excellence, and instilling ethical principles for sustainable personal and societal progress.

Strathmore University is a well-known institution located in Nairobi, Kenya. The university originated in 1961 as Strathmore College, established by a team of professionals aiming to create a diverse educational institution offering a wide variety of subjects. Over the years, Strathmore University has gained recognition for its outstanding accounting program, which has produced numerous CPA finalists in Kenya. In 2002, Strathmore achieved university status, with a Faculty of Commerce, and a Faculty of Information Technology. The university received its official charter in 2007, solidifying its position as a respected institution of higher education. Today, Strathmore University is celebrated for its exceptional education in commerce and information technology.

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university located in Juja, Nairobi, Kenya. It was established in 1981 as Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture and Technology (JKCAT) and has since evolved into a well-regarded university. With a strong focus on education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, JKUAT equips students for success in diverse fields such as Agriculture, Engineering, Technology, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences. The university aspires to be a global hub of excellence in education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, making significant contributions to both national and global development.

Founded in 1939, Egerton University is the oldest university in Kenya. Originally established as Egerton Farm College by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, it started as a Farm School and has since grown to become Egerton University in 1987. The university has four campuses, including the main Njoro campus, and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Egerton University is known for its significant contributions to knowledge generation through research initiatives, particularly in agricultural research and policy analysis. The university also focuses on expanding access to higher education in Kenya and has established partnerships and initiatives dedicated to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and cultural exchange.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) is a chartered university located in Thika, Kenya. It was established in 1996 as the Thika Institute of Technology, initially functioning as a computer outreach program before expanding to offer management and computer training programs as a commercial college. Recognized as a higher education institution by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, MKU expanded its offerings to include paramedical, information technology, and business education. Today, MKU is dedicated to providing a broad, holistic, and inclusive education. It maintains global partnerships and accreditation from various professional bodies, with its main campus located in Thika and several campuses and study centers across the country.

 

Moi University, established in 1984, is Kenya’s second public university. It was created with the vision of becoming a center for science, technology, and development, focused on addressing the country’s rural development challenges. Over the years, Moi University has expanded significantly, leading to the establishment of several constituent colleges nationwide. The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various fields and is committed to providing high-quality education, encouraging innovation, upholding integrity, and embracing diversity. Today, Moi University continues to play an important role in Kenya’s development.

Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) is a privately chartered Christian university located in Meru, Kenya, with branch campuses in Nairobi and Mombasa. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its career-focused courses, industry connections, and practical learning opportunities. KeMU aims to develop professionals with global competitiveness and cultivate influential leaders through high-quality education, research, and altruistic service. With a network of over 32,000 alumni, KeMU has positioned itself as a prominent institution in global higher education.

The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) has a rich legacy and played a key role in establishing the first three higher education institutions in East Africa. Its history dates back to the 1920s when leaders in the East African Territories advocated for improved access to higher education. Their efforts led to the upgrading of Makerere Institute to Makerere University College in 1949, as well as the founding of the Royal Technical College of East Africa (RTCEA) in Nairobi in 1952. Today, TU-K is committed to providing high-quality technological education and training and strives to make significant contributions to society through research and innovation. The university’s motto, “Education and training for the real world,” reflects its dedication to preparing students for practical success.

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) is located in Kenya and is a prominent global university with nearly 40 years of history. It was initially established as the Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa (CHIEA) on 3 September 1984, focusing on graduate-level theology studies. In 1992, the institution was granted a Civil Charter and was renamed the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The university is known for providing comprehensive value-based education and producing innovative and employable graduates. It is accredited by the Commission for University Education and offers flexible study options, outstanding learning resources, and a supportive environment that prioritizes student well-being. Emphasizing both moral and intellectual growth, CUEA aims to cultivate influential leaders for both the church and society.

Established in 1969, the United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa) is a well-regarded private university located in Nairobi, Kenya. It was originally founded in 1927 as Balboa Law College and has since evolved into a prominent global university. USIU-Africa is dedicated to providing an international educational experience and has campuses in Mexico City, London, Tokyo, and Nairobi. The university offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs and is committed to delivering high-quality education through global research partnerships and collaborations, preparing students for success in an interconnected world.

Founded in 1991, Maseno University is one of the pioneering universities in Kenya. It is known for being the only university located along the Equator. Offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the university’s main campus is situated in Maseno Township. Maseno University is committed to promoting teaching, research, and development to meet the socio-economic and technological needs of Kenya and the Eastern African Region. With a focus on preparing graduates for the knowledge economy, the university provides high-quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

Pwani University is a public institution of higher learning located in the resort town of Kilifi. The university campus encompasses a vast 239-hectare land area, providing ample room for future expansions. Established in 2007 with only 200 students, it has grown to offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses across several disciplines. This institution continues to push forward to become a leading university in Kenya and worldwide.

Daystar University, established in 1994, is a prestigious Christian institution located in Nairobi, Kenya. Its primary mission is to nurture and equip Christian servant leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on both the church and society. Daystar University places great importance on the seamless integration of faith and education, aiming to develop graduates who possess transformative leadership qualities. The university’s academic programs, teaching methodologies, and research endeavors are all deeply rooted in Christian principles and values, providing students with a holistic and values-based education.

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) is a prestigious public university. It was established in 2012 under the University Act 2012 by the Government of Kenya. The university is dedicated to delivering high-quality education, conducting research, fostering innovation, and advancing technology transfer. DeKUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including engineering, health sciences, business management, and computing. The university places a strong emphasis on research and aims to create an environment that nurtures innovation and technological advancement. Additionally, DeKUT actively seeks partnerships and collaborations to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the country.

MUT, also known as Murang’a University of Technology, is a public university in Kenya that was granted its charter in 2016. It has a rich history dating back to its predecessor, Murang’a College of Technology, established in 1975. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as engineering, information technology, business, and agriculture. With a strong commitment to providing excellent education, MUT places a significant emphasis on research and innovation.

Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is a public higher education institution that provides high-quality and research-driven programs. With a strong belief in the vitality of science and technology in the pursuit of national development, the university facilitates various research and development projects for the improvement of industries and other sectors of society. It currently caters to 15,000 students from different parts of the world.

Located in Eldoret, an urban center in Kenya, the University of Eldoret is a public institution of higher education in the country offering programs in agriculture, business and management, engineering, and environmental sciences, among others. Since it was founded in 1946 as a training center, this institution has grown significantly to have nine schools and a total student population of more than 14,000. Being an agricultural university, its campus encompasses 1,054 acres of land, part of which is used for agricultural production.

The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) is an internationally renowned institution situated in Mombasa, Kenya. Originally established in 1951 as the Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education, TUM has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university comprises five schools and two institutes, all dedicated to providing quality education and fostering academic excellence. TUM is committed to becoming a globally recognized technical university and is guided by its core values of excellence, integrity, professionalism, equity, teamwork, creativity, innovativeness, and environmental sustainability. With a strong emphasis on advancing knowledge, science, and technology, the university’s primary mission is to serve both the industry and the community through its focus on teaching, research, and innovation.

South Eastern Kenya University is a fully-fledged institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was chartered in 2013 but opened its doors as early as 1976 when it was established as the Ukamba Agricultural Institute. The university’s main campus and the Migwani Center are located in Kitui Town, while the Wote campus and the Mtito Andei Center are in Makueni County. Led by its motto, “Arid to Green … Transforming Lives,” this institution commits to providing accessible, quality education with emphasis in the fields of dry-land agriculture, natural resources, and environmental management.

Established in 2009, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) is a prestigious public university located in Bondo, Siaya County, Kenya. Situated on the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria, JOOUST is focused on preserving Kenya’s cultural heritage and utilizing natural resources. Recognized by the Ministry of Education as a leading science and technology university, the university is committed to providing relevant and high-quality academic programs that contribute to socio-economic development. JOOUST is well-known for its excellence in education, research, and community engagement, providing practical and market-driven courses. It maintains a strong stance against corruption, ensuring timely and quality services.

Founded in 2004, Chuka University is a public institution established to provide more opportunities for the youth in Kenya’s eastern region to gain top-notch education and training. It has a diverse range of program offerings and is most well-known for its courses in agriculture, business, and environment studies. In addition to its state-of-the-art facilities, the university also takes pride in its farms intended for various research projects and agricultural activities.

KCA University, previously known as Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA), was established in 1989 by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). It is a private, non-profit institution located in Nairobi, Kenya, with the objective of providing specialized training for accountants in the nation. In 2007, KCA University received a Charter from the Kenyan government, officially transitioning into a comprehensive university. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs including accounting, business, information technology, law, and social sciences. KCA University is accredited by the Commission for University Education and is recognized for its academic excellence, research, and community engagement.

Established in 2011, the University of Embu (UoEm) has a rich history that can be traced back to 1947 when it was founded as an agricultural training school. Since then, it has grown and transformed into a comprehensive university, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. UoEm is dedicated to providing exceptional training and research opportunities to foster the advancement of humanity. With a strong emphasis on values such as integrity, innovation, professionalism, customer focus, and teamwork, UoEm is fully committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in today’s competitive job market.

Kabarak University, located in Nakuru, Kenya, was established in 2000 by the late Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi, who served as the 2nd President of Kenya. As a fully accredited private institution, Kabarak University is committed to providing comprehensive education, conducting research, and engaging with the community. Guided by Christian principles, the university aims to become a distinguished academic institution that delivers high-quality education with a transformative impact. Kabarak University’s mission is to provide a holistic education that is guided by Christian values and principles.