Currently, there are more than fifty (50) universities and colleges in Kenya. 23 of these universities are notable public universities and over 30 of them are private universities.
Although education has not always been a hot bun in Kenya, it is now! The Kenyan government has made it a priority and Kenyan universities are ranking globally.
So, in this article, we will show you all the best universities in Kenya in 2022 and those that are best for a medical degree. We will also give you an insight into what Education in Kenya looks like. Stay with us.
Now to make things much easier for you, quickly peruse the table of content to get a view of the quality of information you will garner in the course of reading this article.
What Is Education In Kenya Like?
Education began in Kenya a long time ago. You can trace the School at Rabai near Mombasa far back to 1846, but education has never been for all, with its high cost. In 1963 after Kenya’s independence, Kenya began a campaign for free education. In the 70s Kenyan government abolished primary school fees but the same government introduced a cost-sharing measure between the government and citizens in the mid-80s. So you see, citizens could not afford to pay their own quota, hence the high dropout rate within that period. In 2003, however, the Kenyan government again promised free primary education to its citizens. From that time till present, the growth of Kenya’s education sector has exceeded expectations. Kenya established its first university in 1970 and from that time till present, the country has established over fifty more universities, both public and private. While the admission requirement for public universities in Kenya may be stringent, private universities exist to contain more Kenyans. This saves Kenyans from looking abroad to get an accredited university. Also, with later reformations that saw old institutions in Kenya gaining accreditation, the quality of education in Kenya improved. A good number of higher education institutions, including private and public universities in Kenya, now has accreditation by the relevant accreditation body. In Kenya, it takes a semester to complete a Certificate program and 2 semesters to complete an Ordinary diploma. The undergraduate degree takes 8 semesters, the postgraduate diploma takes 2 semesters, and the master’s degree takes 4 semesters. All these are the minimum time of completion.
How Many Universities Are In Kenya?
As stated above, there are over fifty (50) universities and colleges in Kenya. 23 of which are notable public universities and over 30 of which are private universities. Here is the list:
University of NairobiKenyatta UniversitySt. Paul’s UniversityJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyUnited States International University AfricaStrathmore UniversityMoi UniversityMount Kenya UniversityEgerton UniversityThe Catholic University of Eastern AfricaTechnical University of KenyaAfrica Nazarene UniversityKenya Methodist UniversityMaseno UniversityDaystar UniversityKabarak UniversityUniversity of Eastern Africa, BaratonChuka UniversityAfrica International UniversityKisii UniversityMachakos UniversityThe Masinde Muliro University of Science and TechnologyDedan Kimathi University of TechnologyMeru University of Science and TechnologyUniversity of EldoretKCA UniversityKibabii UniversityUniversity of EmbuPwani UniversityMaasai Mara UniversityAdventist University of AfricaSouth Eastern Kenya UniversityMultimedia University of KenyaPan Africa Christian UniversityTechnical University of MombasaRiara UniversityManagement University of AfricaKaratina UniversityThe Co-operative University of KenyaAmref International UniversityMurang’a University of TechnologyJaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and TechnologyLaikipia UniversityUniversity of KabiangaZetech UniversityScott Christian UniversityUmma UniversityThe Presbyterian University of East AfricaKiriri Women’s University of Science and TechnologyRongo UniversityKirinyaga UniversityGarissa UniversityGretsa UniversityPioneer International UniversityTaita Taveta UniversityThe East African UniversityKAG East UniversityInternational Leadership University, KenyaGreat Lakes University of KisumuLukenya UniversityKenya Highlands Evangelical UniversityRAF International University
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Public Universities In Kenya
Before December 13, 2012, public universities were created by the individual Acts of Parliament. After the promulgation of the Universities Law No. 42 of 2012, state universities have since been established by granting the charter. All individual laws were repealed and previous public universities were re-accredited by awarding laws after reviewing institutional quality. Below is the list of public universities that have been fully accredited as of 30th June 2013.
University of Nairobi (UoN) – established in 1970 and chartered in 2013Moi University (MU) – established in 1984 and chartered in 2013Kenyatta University (KU) – established in 1985 and chartered in 2013Egerton University (EU) – established in 1987 and chartered in 2013Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) – established in 1994 and chartered in 2013Maseno University (MSU) – established in 2001 and chartered in 2013Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) – established in 2007 and chartered in 2013Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DKUT) – 2012Chuka University (CU) – 2013Technical University of Kenya (TUK) – 2013Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) – 2013Pwani University (PU) – 2013Kisii University (EU) – 2013University of Eldoret – 2013Maasai Mara University – 2013Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology – 2013Laikipia University – 2013South Eastern Kenya University – 2013Meru University of Science and Technology – 2013Multimedia University of Kenya – 2013University of Kabianga – 2013Karatina University – 2013
Public University Constituent Colleges
These are established by a Legal Order upon satisfying set minimum standards by the Commission for University Education. These are:
Murang’a University College (JKUAT) – 2011Machakos University College (UoN) – 2011The Co-operative University College of Kenya (JKUAT) – 2011Embu University College (UoN) – 2011Kirinyaga University College (KU) – 2011Rongo University College (MU) – 2011Kibabii University (KIBU) – 2011Garissa University College (EU) – 2011Taita Taveta University College (JKUAT) – 2011
Private Universities In Kenya
University education is very important and the Kenyan government is making great efforts to ensure that Kenya has the best higher education institutions. In recent years, there has been rapid growth in the number and quality of private education. This growth will surely continue in the future. So, presently, there are over 30 private institutions in Kenya. However, these universities are in three categories namely:
Chartered Universities: These are private universities with full accreditation by the Commission for Higher Education.Universities which had been offering degrees long before the Commission for Higher Education began operating, andUniversities with authorization to operate with Letters of Interim Authority.
So, from these, here is a list of private schools in Kenya.
Chartered Universities
Strathmore University.University of Eastern Africa, Baraton.United States International University – Africa (USIU-A).Catholic University of Eastern Africa – CUEA.Daystar University.Kabarak University.KAG East UniversityKenya Methodist University. (KeMU)Africa Nazarene University.St. Paul’s University.Kenya Methodist University.Pan Africa Christian University.Scott Christian University.Maasai Mara University.Machakos University.Mount Kenya University.Kenya Highlands Evangelical University. Formerly Kenya Highlands Bible College – KHBCGreat Lakes University of KisumuAfrica International University (formerly NEGST)KCA UniversityZetech UniversityAdventist University of Africa (Rongai).Pan Africa Christian University
Universities with Letters of Interim Authority (LIA)
Aga Khan University.Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology.The Presbyterian University of East Africa.Gretsa University.The East African UniversityUMMA UniversityManagement University of AfricaRiara UniversityPioneer International University
Universities operating with Certificates of Registration
The Nairobi International School of Theology
See also the 13 Best Private Institutions in Kenya
Universities That Offer Medicine In Kenya
Medical courses are one of the most marketable courses in Kenya today, as we have a great shortage of doctors in various fields in Kenya. The government puts a lot of resources into this field to ensure excellence. “Bright students” after a high school diploma in Kenya generally go or, alternatively, apply for competitive courses such as engineering and medicine. Other students who don’t meet the high cut off points can go for the self-sponsored option. Currently, there are 11 approved Medical and Dental schools in Kenya by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB). These institutions are thoroughly audited and approved by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board (KMPDB), the same board also issues practising licenses to the medical students who qualify after the rigorous six-year practice. Below is a list of the universities that offer medicine in Kenya;
University of Nairobi Medical SchoolMoi University Medical SchoolKenya Medical Training CollegeKenyatta University Medical SchoolKenya Methodist University Medical SchoolMaseno University School of MedicineJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Medical SchoolEgerton University Medical FacultyMount Kenya University Medical SchoolUzima University Medical School
Best University in Kenya 2022
Our criteria for selecting the best thirteen (13) out of the above universities are simple. Obviously, the best universities are the ones with accreditation (or chartered). Also, these schools offer a wide variety of degree programs and are ranking well in any notable ranking authority. We are using uniRanking University ranking in this case. So, here are our best 13 Universities in Kenya 2022:
University of NairobiKenyatta UniversitySt. Paul’s UniversityJomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and TechnologyUnited States International University AfricaStrathmore UniversityMoi UniversityMount Kenya UniversityEgerton UniversityThe Catholic University of Eastern AfricaTechnical University of KenyaAfrica Nazarene UniversityKenya Methodist University
1. University of Nairobi
Established in 1970, the University of Nairobi is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). This institution has branch campuses in the following location(s): Kikuyu, Parklands, Lower Kabete, Upper Kabete, Chiromo, Kisumu. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya. The University of Nairobi (UoN) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over 45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution. The University of Nairobi is one of the prominent public universities.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 40-50%. Visit School
2. Kenyatta University
Kenyatta University is one of the best universities in Kenya and also a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). This institution has branch campuses in the following location(s): Mombasa, Kitui, Nakuru, Embu, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kericho, and Dadaab. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Kenyatta University (KU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: over 45,000 students) coeducational higher education institution. Kenyatta University (KU) also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 90-100%. Visit School
3. St. Paul’s University
Established in 1989, St. Paul’s University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the medium-sized town of Limuru (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Kiambu. St. Paul’s University (SPU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees in several areas of study. St. Paul’s University is also a private university in Kenya.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya. Visit School
4. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is a non-profit public educational institution located in the suburban environment of the great city of Nairobi (population between 1,000,000-5,000,000). JKUAT also offers courses and programs that lead to officially recognized degrees, such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e certificates, diplomas, associates, or foundation certificates), bachelor’s, masters, and Ph.D. degrees in several fields.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 90-100%. Visit School
5. United States International University Africa
The United States International University Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). The 31-years-old higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on academic history and students ’prior qualifications. The admission rate ranges from 60 to 70%, making this Kenyan Higher Education Institution somewhat selective. International applicants are eligible to apply for registration. This school is also one of the best private universities.
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 60-70%. Visit School
6. Strathmore University
Strathmore University is known as one of the private universities in Kenya and also a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya. SU is a small (uniRank enrollment range: 4,000-4,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. This 18-year-old higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance tests, academic history, and students’ past grades. The admission rate ranges between 30 and 40%, which makes this Kenyan Higher Education Institution very selective. International students are eligible for registration.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 30-40%. Visit School
7. Moi University
Moi University, founded in 1984, is a public, non-profit, educational institution located in the suburban area of the large city of Eldoret (with a population of 50,000- 249,999 people), Uasin Gishu. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Eldoret West Campus, Nairobi, Kitale, Kericho, Odero Akang’o. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Moi University (MU) is a very large (uniRank enrollment range: 30,000-34,999 students) coeducational higher education institution.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 80-90% Visit School
8. Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University is one of the best private universities in Kenya. Also, Founded in 2008, Mount Kenya University is a private higher education institution located in the large town of Thika (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Kiambu. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega, and Nkubu Meru. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya. Visit School
9. Egerton University
Founded in 1987, Egerton University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the village of Njoro (population range of under 2,500 inhabitants), Nakuru. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Laikipia, Kisii, Nakuru Town. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Egerton University (EU) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Egerton University (EU) also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya. Visit School Have you considered applying for the15 Ongoing Local Scholarships in Kenya 2022 [Updated]
10. The Catholic University of Eastern Africa
The Catholic University of Eastern Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Eldoret. The Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) also offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized degrees in various fields of study. CUEA is also one of the best universities in Kenya in 2022.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 80-90%. Visit School
11. Technical University of Kenya
The Technical University of Kenya is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, the Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) is a coeducational higher education institution. The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study. The school is also one of the best public universities in Kenya.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya. Visit School
12. Africa Nazarene University
Established in 1993, Africa Nazarene University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants). Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Africa Nazarene University (ANU) is a very small (uniRank enrollment range: 1,000-1,999 students) coeducational higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Evangelical religion. This 27-years-old higher education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance tests, academic history, and previous student grades.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate range is 80-90%. Visit School
13. Kenya Methodist University
Established in 1997, Kenya Methodist University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large town of Meru (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants). This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Nairobi, Mombasa. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, Kenya Methodist University (KEMU) is a medium-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 8,000-8,999 students) coeducational higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Methodist religion. Kenya Methodist University is also one of the best universities in Kenya.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Acceptance Rate
The admission rate range is 80-90%.
Visit School
Below is the list of the most expensive universities in Kenya:Strathmore University University of Nairobi (UoN) Daystar University United States International University (USIU) University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Kabarak University Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Kenyatta University (KU) Mount Kenya University (MKU)Moi University.
Below is the list of the cheapest University in Kenya:Maseno UniversityKenyatta UniversityMasinde Muliro University of Science and TechnologyPaul’s UniversityPwani UniversityAfrica International UniversityAfrica Nazarene UniversityStrathmore UniversityUniversity of Eastern Africa, BaratonKCA UniversityKabarak UniversityDaystar University
Primary education is free and compulsory in Kenya. Secondary education is also free, but it is not compulsory. Primary education lasts 8 years in Kenya (standards 1 to 8). Students are usually 6 years old when they start school and 14 years old upon completion of their primary education.
Kenya is a country of great risk, although major city centres are safe during the day. Violent crimes are common in Kenya, including kidnappings, theft, armed robbery, and burglary. Street crime is a major concern, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Since 1985, general education in Kenya is based on a system of 8 to 4 years, with eight years of primary education followed by four years of high school and four years of college or university. There are a large number of public and private universities in the country, as well as middle-level colleges.
Conclusion
Education in Kenya today is far from what it was in the past. Gone are the days when Kenyans must travel abroad to get a good education. Some may still choose to travel abroad to study, but based on their preferences and not on the inefficiency of the Kenyan education system. However, use this post as a guide if you’ll study in any of the best universities in Kenya in 2022 as listed above. Our list of the best 13 and they are with full accreditation and they offer just about any course you’re interested in.
References
https://www.4icu.org/ke/ https://victormatara.com/list-of-best-public-universities-in-kenyahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_universities_and_colleges_in_Kenya
Editors Recommendation
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