List of universities and colleges in Kenya

Location of Kenya

This is a list of universities and colleges in Kenya. Kenya has several universities and other institutions of higher learning. There are 36 public universities, 3 specialised universities,7 public university constituent colleges,30 chartered private universities and 4 universities with Letter of Interim Authority (LIA).

These universities are established through institutional Acts of Parliament under the Universities Act, 2012 which provides for the development of university education, the establishment, accreditation and governance of universities. According to a 2004 report on reforming higher education in Kenya, the rapid expansion of university education in the country was a spontaneous response to the increasing demand for higher education necessitated by the increasing flow of students from schools.

From July 2014, all government and private institutions offering technical and vocational education and training were put under TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training). This act normalized this sector as it had become tainted by unaccredited institutions offering substandard education as revealed by The Standard and The Star. As of October 10, 2016 there were 540 institutions accredited by the Authority.

Public universities

NO Name Area Year chartered Original name Year established Campus
1 University of Nairobi Nairobi 1970 Royal Technical College, Royal College, Nairobi 1956 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 Kesses 1984 Moi University 1984 Odera Akang'o Yala Campus, Mombasa Campus, Kericho Campus, Nairobi Campus, Alupe Campus, Bomet University College
3 Kenyatta University Nairobi 1985 Kenyatta University College 1965 Main campus, Parklands campus, Ruiru campus, City campus, Kitui campus, Mombasa campus, Nakuru campus.
4 Egerton University Njoro 1988 Egerton Farm School, Egerton Agricultural College 1939 Main campus - Njoro, Nakuru Town Campus College (NTCC), Kenyatta campus.
5 Maseno University Maseno 1991 Maseno Govt. Training Institute, Siriba Teachers College 1955 Oginga Odinga University
6 Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kiambu 1994 Jomo Kenyatta College of Agriculture 1981 Multimedia University College of Kenya, Meru University College of Science and Technology, Murang'a University College
7 Technical University of Mombasa Mombasa 2007

Mombasa Institute of Muslim Education (MIOME)

 1948
8 Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Kakamega 2007 Western College of Arts and Applied Sciences 1972
9 Dedan Kimathi University of Technology Nyeri 2012 Kimathi Institute of Technology, Kimathi University College of Technology (2007) as a constituent college of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 1972 Main Campus, Nyeri
10 Chuka University Chuka 2012 Chuka University College, Chuka University College (2004) as a constituent college of Egerton University 2004 Main Campus, Chuka
11 Laikipia University Laikipia 2013 LSFTC (1965), AHITI (1979), Egerton University Campus (1990), Laikipia University College, as a constituent college of Egerton University Main Campus, Nyahururu town Campus, Naivasha Campus, Nakuru Campus, Maralal Campus
12 South Eastern Kenya University Kitui 2013 Ukamba Agricultural Institute (Ukai), South Eastern University College (Seuco) 2008 SEKU Main Campus, Kitui Town Campus, Mtito-Andei Campus, Migwani Center
13 Kisii University Kisii 2012 Primary Teachers College, Secondary Teachers College (Diploma), Kisii University College, 1942 by Brighton Main Campus, Eldoret Campus, Nairobi Campus, Kapenguria Campus, Kericho Campus
14 Multimedia University of Kenya Nairobi 2013 Central Training School (CTS) to serve East African Posts Training School (1948), (KCCT) Kenya College of Communications Technology (1992), Multimedia University College of Kenya 2008 (MMU) Main Campus
15 University of Kabianga Kericho 2013 The Government School, Kabianga (1925), Kabianga Teachers' Training College (1929), Kabianga Framers Training Centre (1959), Kabianga Campus of Moi University (2007), Kabianga University College 2009 (UoK) Main Campus, Kapkatet Campus, Kericho Satellite Campus, Satellite Campus
16 Karatina University Karatina 2013 Moi University Central Kenya Campus, Karatina University College 2008 Main Campus, Karatina Town Campus, Itiati Campus, Nanyuki Campus, Riverbank Campus
17 Meru University of Science and Technology Meru 2013 (MECOTECH) Meru College of Technology (1979), (MUCST) Meru University College of Science and Technology 2008 MUST Main Campus, Meru Town Campus
18 Kirinyaga University Kerugoya 2016 Kirinyaga Technical Institute (1971), Kirinyaga University College (2011) 2016 Main Campus, Kutus town, Kirinyaga County
19 Pwani University Kilifi[circular reference] 2013 Kilifi Institute of Agriculture 2007 Main Campus(Kilifi), Mombasa Campus
20 Murang'a University of Technology Murang'a 2016 Murang'a College of Technology, Murang'a University College
21 Machakos University Machakos 2016 (MTTI) Machakos Technical Training Institute (1979), (MUC) Machakos University College 2013 MksU Main Campus
22 University of Eldoret Eldoret, Kenya 2013 Chepkoilel Constituency College of Moi University 2013 Main Campus (Chepkoilel, Eldoret), Eldoret Town Campus
23 Kibabii University Bungoma County 2015
24 Maasai Mara University Narok 2009 Narok Teachers Training College, Moi University Constituent College 2013 Narok
25 The Co-operative University of Kenya Nairobi 2016 Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 2016 CUK Main campus, Karen
26 Rongo University Rongo, Migori 2016

Moi Institute of Technology (MIT), Rongo University College

 1983 (RU) Main Campus
27 Technical University of Kenya Nairobi 2013 Kenya Polytechnic 1961 Main Campus (Nairobi)
28 Garissa University Garissa 2017 Main Campus (Garissa)
29 Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology Bondo 2013 Bondo University College 2009 Main Campus (Bondo)
30 Taita Taveta University Voi 2016 Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology(JKUAT) Taita Taveta Campus 2007 Main Campus (Voi)
31 Tharaka University Tharaka 2022 Tharaka University 2017 Main Campus

Marimanti

32 University of Embu Embu 2016 Embu Agricultural Staff Training (EAST) College 1947 Main Campus (Embu)
33 Tom Mboya University Homabay County 2022 Tom Mboya University College 2015 Main Campus (Homabay)
34 Kaimosi Friends University Vihiga 2022 Kaimosi Friends University College (KAFUCO) 2015 Main Campus (Kaimosi)
35 Alupe University Busia 2022 Alupe University College 2015 Main Campus (Busia)
36 Bomet University Bomet 2026 Bomet University College 2017 Main Campus (Bomet)

Public Specialised Universities

These are government-owned universities, but run on different models from mainstream universities

No. Name Location Specialisation Year Chartered
1. National Defence University - Kenya Nakuru Military Sciences 2021
2. National Intelligence Research University Nairobi Intelligence 2024
3. Open University of Kenya Konza Virtual Educational 2023
4. Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology Konza Science and Technology postgraduate 2026

Private universities

University name Original name Year established
1 K.A.G East University East Africa School of Theology 2024
2 Mount Kenya University (MKU) Thika Institute of Technology 2006
3 Uzima University College (constituent college of CUEA)
4 University of Eastern Africa, Baraton Baraton Animal Husbandry Research Station 1980
5 Daystar University Daystar University College 1989
6 Africa Nazarene University African Nazarene University 1994
7 Scott Christian University Scott Theological College 1962
8 Kabarak University Kabarak University 2001
9 United States International University Africa (USIU - Africa) United States International University, Nairobi Campus 1970
10 Strathmore University Strathmore College 1961
11 Zetech University Zetech College 1990
12 Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology 2001
13 Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) Catholic Higher Institute of Eastern Africa 1984
14 Pan Africa Christian University Bible College 1978
15 Kenya Methodist University Kenya Methodist University 1997
16 Adventist University of Africa Adventist University of Africa 2005
17 Gretsa University Gretsa University 2006
18 Great Lakes University of Kisumu Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development 1998
19 Presbyterian University of East Africa Presbyterian College 1994
20 St. Paul's University St Paul's Divinity School, St Paul's United Theological College 1903
21 KCA University Kenya College of Accountancy 1989
22 Africa International University Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology 1983
23 Riara University 2012
24 Management University of Africa Management University of Africa 1993
25 Amref International University (AMIU) Amref International Training Centre (AITC) 2017
26 Umma University (UMMA) Thika College for Sharia and Islamic Studies 1997
27 Aga Khan University 1958(Pakistan)
28 Kenya Highlands University (KHU) Kenya Highlands Bible College 1932

Public University Constituent Colleges

These are fully independent institutions that rely on already established universities for curriculum development, and once fully mature, they are granted charter to confer degrees.

No. Constituent College Location Mentor Institution
1. Turkana University College Lodwar Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
2. Mama Ngina University College Gatundu Kenyatta University
3. Koitalel Arap Samoei University College Nandi University of Nairobi
4. Nyandarua University College Nyandarua University of Nairobi
5. Kabarnet University College Baringo Moi University
6. Makueni University College Wote South Eastern Kenya University

Approved universities in Kenya

The following tables list universities approved by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in accordance with the Universities Act (Cap 210) as of 12 March 2026.

Public chartered universities

No. University Year Chartered
1University of Nairobi2013
2Moi University2013
3Kenyatta University2013
4Egerton University2013
5Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology2013
6Maseno University2013
7Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology2013
8Dedan Kimathi University of Technology2012
9Chuka University2013
10Technical University of Kenya2013
11Technical University of Mombasa2013
12Pwani University2013
13Kisii University2013
14University of Eldoret2013
15Maasai Mara University2013
16Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology2013
17Laikipia University2013
18South Eastern Kenya University2013
19Meru University of Science and Technology2013
20Multimedia University of Kenya2013
21University of Kabianga2013
22Karatina University2013
23Kibabii University2015
24Rongo University2016
25The Co-operative University of Kenya2016
26Taita Taveta University2016
27Murang’a University of Technology2016
28University of Embu2016
29Machakos University2016
30Kirinyaga University2016
31Garissa University2017
32Alupe University2022
33Kaimosi Friends University2022
34Tom Mboya University2022
35Tharaka University2022
36Bomet University2026

Private chartered universities

No. University Year Chartered
1University of Eastern Africa, Baraton1991
2Catholic University of Eastern Africa1992
3Daystar University1994
4Scott Christian University1997
5United States International University1999
6Africa Nazarene University2002
7Kenya Methodist University2006
8St. Paul’s University2007
9Pan Africa Christian University2008
10Strathmore University2008
11Kabarak University2008
12Mount Kenya University2011
13Africa International University2011
14Kenya Highlands Evangelical University2011
15Great Lakes University of Kisumu2012
16KCA University2013
17Adventist University of Africa2013
18KAG EAST University2016
19Umma University2019
20Presbyterian University of East Africa2020
21Aga Khan University2021
22Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology2022
23The East African University2022
24Zetech University2022
25Lukenya University2022
26Management University of Africa2024
27Tangaza University2024
28Islamic University of Kenya2024
29Riara University2025
30Uzima University2025
31Gretsa University2025
32Amref International University2025

Specialized degree-awarding universities (public)

No. University Year
1National Defence University–Kenya2021
2Open University of Kenya2023
3National Intelligence Research University2024

Technical and vocational education, and training institutions

Proprietary schools

References

  1. ↑ "Kenya Law Report" (PDF).
  2. ↑ "TVETA". Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  3. ↑ "Background information – Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority". Tvetauthority.go.ke. Archived from the original on 2016-10-10. Retrieved 2018-08-10.
  4. ↑ "The Standard".
  5. ↑ "The Star". 2 December 2015.
  6. ↑ "Register" (PDF). www.tvetauthority.go.ke. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-10-10. Retrieved 2016-10-11.
  7. ↑ "Egerton University Campuses". Retrieved 2021-10-08.
  8. ↑ "Murang'a University College - Home". Archived from the original on 2014-05-08. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  9. ↑ "Student Guidebook" (PDF). Pwani University. 2014.
  10. ↑ Kilifi County
  11. ↑ "Commission for University Education - Downloads - Approved Universities and Universities Academic Programmes". www.cue.or.ke. Archived from the original on 2025-07-19. Retrieved 2026-02-04.
  12. ↑ Commission for University Education (2026). "Approved Universities in Kenya as at 12 March 2026".
  13. ↑ "ADMI - Africa Digital Media Institute - Passion to Profession". Africa Digital Media Institute. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  14. ↑ richie (2018-09-22). "AirSwiss International College Fees Structure 2020". Kenyadmission.com. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  15. ↑ "Home - Amboseli Institute of Hospitality & Technology". Amboseli Institute of Hospitality & Technology.
  16. ↑ "Adept College of Professional Studies - Courses, Fees Structure, Contacts". Elimu Centre. 2016-10-22. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  17. ↑ "Home - Bungoma North Technical Vocational College". Bungoma North Technical Vocational College.
  18. ↑ "Home - Consolata Cathedral Institute". Consolata Cathedral Institute.
  19. 1 2 "Home - Cascade Institute of Hospitality". Cascade Institute of Hospitality.
  20. 1 2 "ADMI - ELDORET TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE - an ideology for the betterment of Humanity". eldorettti.ac.ke. Retrieved 2018-03-13.
  21. ↑ "Courses offered at Emma Daniel Arts Training Institute | Study in Kenya". studyinkenya.co.ke. Retrieved 2020-05-25.
  22. ↑ "Havard Institute". www.havardinst.ac.ke.
  23. ↑ "Hemland College of Professional and Technical Studies". www.hemlandcollege.ac.ke.
  24. ↑ Jaffery Institute of Professional Studies
  25. ↑ "Kipkabus Technical and Vocational College – Technology and Innovation". ktvc.ac.ke.
  26. ↑ "Rift Valley Technical Training Institute – Eldoret – Technology and Innovation". rvti.ac.ke.
  27. ↑ Savannah Institute for Business and Informatics Archived 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine
  28. ↑ "Thika Technical Training Institute". Archived from the original on 2022-12-28.
  29. ↑ "ETTI-Leading Agricultural College, Engineering, Civil And Building, Nutrition & Health Trainer - ETTI". etti.
  30. ↑ "ICT COLLEGE-Leading Fire Fighter1, EMT, Health and Safety and Disaster Management Trainer - ICT COLLEGE". ICT COLLEGE.
  31. ↑ Karatina Institute of Technology Archived 2016-04-12 at the Wayback Machine
  32. ↑ "Welcome to Keiway". keiwayminingtech.ac.ke.
  33. ↑ Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute Deprecated link archived 2013-06-17 at archive.today
  34. ↑ "Language School in Kenia". www.languageschoolkenya.org. Retrieved 2024-07-12.
  35. ↑ "Sacred Lake Institute of Technology - Knowledge by Hand and Mind". 25 September 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-09-25.