List of Universities in Kenya and their Location

Chartered public universities in Kenya in the early 2000s were only 6,  serving the whole population of high school leavers. These were the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, JKUAT, and Maseno Universities. Back then, only four percent of form four leavers were allowed to join public universities.

Currently, this population has greatly increased with the demand for university degrees by Kenyans increasing by the day.

Every year, data from the release of KCSE results by the Ministry of Education indicates that at least 150,000 high school graduates qualify for undergraduate courses in Kenyan universities.

See also: List of Accredited Engineering Courses in Universities in Kenya

This number cannot be absorbed by public universities alone hence students who miss out on chances in public universities have an opportunity to join private universities of their choice.

The Ministry has set the current minimum university entry grade to be C+ (Plus), for both public and private universities. Those below this grade are encouraged by the ministry to join public TVET colleges, to pursue their dream careers, albeit at diploma or certificate levels.

Difference between a University and a University College

A university is an institution of higher learning where students study for degrees, masters, and PhDs and academic research is done.

Zetech University granted a charter by the then President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta.

A university must be chartered by the government before being allowed to offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Kenya. The charter gives authority to universities to offer certain courses and to confer degrees in these courses.

A university encompasses many schools or faculties each dealing with a set of academic disciplines. A good example is the School of Pure and Applied Sciences which offers courses touching on areas like sciences, biochemistry, analytical and industrial chemistry.

All universities in Kenya are regulated by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

A university college on the other hand is a constituent of another university and only offers a limited number of undergraduate and graduate courses, along with diploma courses. A university college is a college permitted to offer degree courses.

Read: TVET Approved Courses in Kenya

That being said, I present a comprehensive list of public and private universities in Kenya and the county they are located.

Public Chartered Universities in Kenya and Their Location

1. The University of Nairobi – Nairobi County
2. Moi University – Uasin Gishu
3. Kenyatta University – Kiambu
4. Egerton University – Nakuru
5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology – Kiambu
6. Maseno University – Kisumu
7. Chuka University – Tharaka Nithi
8. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – Nyeri
9. Kisii University – Kisii
10. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology – Kakamega
11. Pwani University – Kilifi
12. Technical University of Kenya – Nairobi County
13. Maasai Mara University – Narok
14. Meru University of Science and Technology – Meru
15. Multimedia University of Kenya – Nairobi County
16. South Eastern Kenya University – Kitui
17. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology – Siaya
18. Laikipia University – Laikipia
19. University of Kabianga – Kericho
20. Karatina University – Nyeri
21. University of Eldoret – Uasin Gishu
22. Kibabii University – Bungoma
23. Kirinyaga University – Kirinyaga
24. Machakos University – Machakos
25. Murang’a University of Technology – Murang’a
26. Rongo University – Migori
27. Taita Taveta University – Taita Taveta
28. The Co-operative University of Kenya – Nairobi County
29. University of Embu – Embu
30. Garissa University – Garissa
31. Kaimosi Friends University – Vihiga
32. Alupe University – Busia
33. Tom Mboya University – Homa Bay
34. Tharaka University- Tharaka Nithi
35. Open University of Kenya (Online)

University of Nairobi premises. One of the oldest chartered universities in Kenya.

Public University Colleges

• Turkana University College – Turkana
• Bomet University College – Bomet

Read: How to Apply/Revise for KUCCPS Courses and Colleges Online

Private Chartered Universities

1. University of Eastern Africa – Uasin Gishu
2. Catholic University of Eastern Africa – Nairobi County
3. Daystar University – Machakos
4. Scott Christian University – Machakos
5. United States International University – Nairobi County
6. Africa Nazarene University – Kajiado
7. Kenya Methodist University – Meru
8. St. Paul’s University – Kiambu
9. Pan Africa Christian University – Nairobi County
10. Kabarak University – Baringo
11. Strathmore University – Nairobi County
12. Africa International University – Nairobi County
13. Kenya Highlands Evangelical University – Kericho
14. Mount Kenya University – Kiambu
15. Great Lakes University of Kisumu- Kisumu
16. Adventist University of Africa – Kajiado
17. KCA University – Nairobi County
18. KAG – East University – Kajiado
19. Lukenya University – Machakos
20. Zetech University – Kiambu
21. Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology – Nairobi
22. The East African University – Kajiado

Zetech University Ruiru Campus premises

Private University Colleges

• Tangaza University College – Nairobi County
• Marist International University College – Nairobi County
• Regina Pacis University College – Nairobi County
• Uzima University College – Kisumu
• Hekima University College – Nairobi County

Private Universities with Letters of Interim Authority

• Aga Khan University – Nairobi County
• GRETSA University – Kiambu
• Presbyterian University of East Africa – Kiambu
• Management University of East Africa – Nairobi County
• Pioneer International University – Nairobi County
• Riara University – Nairobi County
• Umma University – Kajiado County
• International Leadership University – Nairobi County
• RAF International University – Nairobi County
• AMREF International University

We have reached the end. I hope this information will help you choose a certified and recognized university in Kenya to further your dreams.