List of All Universities in Kenya and their Locations In 2023
Learn about Kenya's higher education landscape, a fascinating tale of growth, dedication, and innovation.
Kenya's journey toward becoming a hub of higher education is a fascinating tale of growth, dedication, and innovation. Not too long ago, in the early 2000s, there were only six public universities in the country. The demand for university education was rapidly growing, and so was the number of high school graduates.
Can you imagine a nation with a growing thirst for knowledge, limited by just six universities? That's where Kenya was, and its growing story is both inspiring and instructive.
Today, Kenya boasts over 30 public universities and several private ones, accommodating over 100,000 high school leavers with a minimum score of C+. But how did this transformation happen? Let's dive into the details and explore Kenya's thriving world of higher education.
The Growth of Public Universities in Kenya
In the early 2000s, there were only six public universities in Kenya: the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, Egerton University, JKUAT, and Maseno Universities. These institutions were responsible for educating the entire population of high school leavers. Only four percent of form four leavers had the opportunity to join public universities, leaving many students without options.
Now, the number of universities has greatly increased, with many public and private options available. This dramatic growth signifies the commitment of the Kenyan government and private sector's commitment to educating its people.
Public Chartered Universities and their Locations
The list of public chartered universities in Kenya is vast, with institutions in almost every county. Here are some notable examples:
| No. | Name | Location | Branches in Kenya |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nairobi | Nairobi | Main campus, Kikuyu campus, Chiromo campus, Lower Kabete campus, Upper Kabete campus, Parklands campus, Kenya Science Campus, Kisumu campus, Mombasa campus |
| 2 | Moi University | Eldoret | Odera Akang’o Yala Campus, Mombasa Campus, Kericho Campus, Nairobi Campus, Alupe Campus |
| 3 | Kenyatta University | Nairobi | Main campus, Parklands campus, Ruiru campus, City campus, Kitui campus, Mombasa campus, Nakuru campus |
| 4 | Egerton University | Njoro | Main campus – Njoro, Nakuru Town Campus College (NTCC), Kenyatta campus |
| 5 | Maseno University | Maseno | Oginga Odinga University |
| 6 | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agric. & Tech. | Kiambu | Multimedia University College of Kenya, Meru University College of Science and Technology, Murang’a University College |
| 7 | Technical University of Mombasa | Mombasa | |
| 8 | Masinde Muliro Univ. of Science & Tech. | Kakamega | |
| 9 | Dedan Kimathi Univ. of Technology | Nyeri | Main Campus, Nyeri |
| 10 | Chuka University | Chuka | Main Campus, Chuka |
| 11 | Laikipia University | Laikipia | Main Campus, Nyahururu town Campus, Naivasha Campus, Nakuru Campus, Maralal Campus |
| 12 | South Eastern Kenya University | Kitui | SEKU Main Campus, Machakos Town Campus, Kitui Town Campus, Wote Town Campus, Mtito-Andei Campus, Nairobi City Campus |
| 13 | Kisii University | Kisii | Main Campus, Eldoret Campus, Nairobi Campus, Kapenguria Campus, Kericho Campus |
| 14 | Multimedia University of Kenya | Nairobi | (MMU) Main Campus |
| 15 | University of Kabianga | Kericho | (UoK) Main Campus, Kapkatet Campus, Kericho Satellite Campus, Satellite Campus |
| 16 | Karatina University | Karatina | Main Campus, Karatina Town Campus, Itiati Campus, Nanyuki Campus, Riverbank Campus |
| 17 | Meru University of Sci. & Tech. | Meru | MUST Main Campus, Meru Town Campus |
| 18 | Kirinyaga University | Kerugoya | Main Campus, Kutus town Kirinyaga County |
| 19 | Pwani University | Kilifi | Main Campus(Kilifi), Mombasa Campus |
| 20 | Murang’a University of Technology | Murang’a | |
| 21 | Machakos University | Machakos | MksU Main Campus |
| 22 | University of Eldoret | Eldoret, Kenya | Main Campus (Chepkoilel, Eldoret), Eldoret Town Campus |
| 23 | Kibabii University | Bungoma County | |
| 24 | Maasai Mara University | Narok | Narok |
| 25 | The Co-operative Univ. of Kenya | Nairobi | CUK Main campus, Karen |
| 26 | Rongo University | Rongo, Migori | (RU) Main Campus |
| 27 | Technical University of Kenya | Nairobi | Main Campus (Nairobi) |
| 28 | Garissa University | Garissa | Main Campus (Garissa) |
| 29 | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Univ. of Sci. & Tech. | Bondo | Main Campus (Bondo) |
| 30 | Taita Taveta University | Voi | Main Campus (Voi) |
| 31 | University of Embu | Embu | Main Campus (Embu) |
| 32 | National Defence University | Nakuru | Main Campus (Nakuru) |
Top 10 Performing Public Universities in Kenya
Excellence is also a hallmark of Kenyan universities. The top performers include:
- University of Nairobi.
- Maseno University, Kisumu
- Kenyatta University, Nairobi.
- Egerton University, Njoro.
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja Kiambu Country.
- Moi University, Eldoret.
- Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi
- Chuka University, Chuka Town.
- Kisii University, Kisii. And finally,
- Machakos University, Machakos.
These institutions are known for their high academic standards and comprehensive programs.
Private Universities and Their Contributions
Private Chartered Universities
Not to be left behind, private universities also play a crucial role in Kenyan higher education. These institutions offer diverse and specialized programs, from the University of Eastern Africa in Uasin Gishu to Strathmore University in Nairobi County.
Understanding the Academic Landscape
A. Difference Between a University and a University College
Understanding the academic landscape requires distinguishing between a university and a university college. A university offers degrees, master's, and Ph.D. programs and conducts academic research. A university college, on the other hand, is a constituent of another university and offers limited undergraduate and graduate courses.
B. Regulation and Standards
All universities in Kenya are regulated by the Commission for University Education (CUE), ensuring quality and consistency in the education provided.
READ ALSO: HELB Portal Account Registration and Activation for Kenyan Students
Conclusion
Kenya's higher education landscape is a remarkable tale of growth and potential. From just six public universities to an elaborate network of public and private institutions, the journey is a testament to the nation's dedication to education.
Whether you are a student looking to embark on an academic journey or an academic exploring new opportunities, Kenya's universities offer a world of possibilities.
Disclaimer: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the universities in Kenya, both public and private, as per the information available at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, consulting the respective universities or relevant government agencies for the most current information is advisable.
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