Kenya has now grown to offer globally acceptable quality higher education. Kenya students no longer need to look for institutions abroad to gain a tertiary education. There is the option of public and private universities and colleges for Kenyans.
So, if you’ve chosen to study at a private university or college in Kenya in 2023, you will need to pick from the best private universities in Kenya.
Presently, 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.
Although education hasn’t always been a hot cake in Kenya, it is now! The government of Kenya has made it a priority and Kenyan universities are ranking globally.
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking places the University of Nairobi around 1,001+ universities in the world.
This is a notable recognition of Higher Education in Africa. With time universities in Africa will claim spots in the first 100 and higher Institutions in Kenya would not be left behind.
Also, Public universities in Kenya are not the only ones in the international spotlight. uniRank University ranking ranks Private universities at top spots in Kenya and around 3000+ in the world.
This shows that private universities fight head to head with public universities in Kenya for quality education and recognition.
So, this post will show you all the private universities in Kenya and then reveal the best 13. We will also give you an insight into education in Kenya. Stay with us.
Table of contents
- Education in Kenya
- List of Private Universities in Kenya
- Best Private Universities in Kenya
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
- United States International University Africa
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa
- Strathmore University
- Kabarak University
- St. Paul’s University
- Africa International University
- Mount Kenya University
- Daystar University
- Africa Nazarene University
- KCA University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Pan Africa Christian University
- Conclusion:
- We Also Recommend:
Education in Kenya
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; however, Kenya began a campaign for free education. In the 70s, the 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, 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.
More about Kenyan education
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 which saw old universities 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.
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, Postgraduate diploma takes 2 semesters, and Master’s degree takes 4 semesters. All these are the minimum time of completion.
List of Private Universities in Kenya
University education is very important and the Kenyan government means to see to it that Kenya have 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 universities in Kenya. However, these universities are in three categories namely:
- Chartered Universities: These are private universities in Kenya with full accreditation by the Commission for Higher Education.
- Universities which had been offering degrees long before the Commission for Higher Education began operating, and
- Universities with authorization to operate with Letters of Interim Authority.
So, from these, here is a list of private universities 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 University
- Kenya 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 – KHBC
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu
- Africa International University (formerly NEGST)
- KCA University
- Zetech University
- Adventist University of Africa (Rongai).
- Pan Africa Christian University
- Aga Khan University.
- Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology.
- The Presbyterian University of East Africa.
- Gretsa University.
- The East African University
- UMMA University
- Management University of Africa
- Riara University
- Pioneer International University
Universities operating with Certificates of Registration
- The Nairobi International School of theology
Best Private Universities in Kenya
Our criteria for selecting the best thirteen (13) out of the above private universities in Kenya is simple. The best universities are the ones with accreditation (or chartered).
Then 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 private universities and colleges in Kenya.
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
- United States International University Africa
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa
- Strathmore University
- Kabarak University
- St. Paul’s University
- Africa International University
- Mount Kenya University
- Daystar University
- Africa Nazarene University
- KCA University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Pan Africa Christian University
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
Location(s): Eldoret, and Nairobi.
The University of Eastern Africa or UEAB tops our list as the best private university. This is a non-profit private higher education in Kenya located in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu. It has a campus in Nairobi, however.
This private college in Kenya began operating in 1978, making it one of the oldest private universities in Kenya.
UEAB has a total student population of over 3,000 students. Yet it offers Associates, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in several disciplines.
The university has an admission rate of 60-70% and has accreditation by the Commission for University Education.
Although UEAB initially has an affiliation to the Seventh-day Adventist, it has a Business School, School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Science and Technology, and School of Health Sciences.
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United States International University Africa
Location(s): Nairobi
United States International University Africa or USIU-Africa is another reputable private university in Kenya. It began its operation in 1989 and has its campus in Nairobi.
USUI-Africa offers programs leading to higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
UniRanks ranks USIU-Africa as the 8th university in Kenya, making it one of our best private colleges in Kenya.
Also, USIU-Africa has a total student population of over 7,000 students. WASC Senior College and University Commission accredits USIU-Africa’s degree programs.
Some of the popular faculties of this Kenya private university are the Chandaria School of Business, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the School of Science and Technology.
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Location(s): Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kisumu.
Like USIU-Africa, Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) began operation as a higher education institution in Kenya in 1989.
Catholic University’s main campus is in Nairobi, but it has branch campuses in Eldoret, Kisumu. Furthermore, CUEA ranks 13th in the uniRank best Kenya Universities ranking, making it one of our best private university in Kenya.
This Kenyan university has a small overall student population of over 5,000 students as well as accreditation by the Commission for University Education.
Although CUEA has affiliation with the catholic church, it offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in several areas of study.
Its major faculties include the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Commerce, Faculty of Education, Science Faculty, and Faculty of Theology.
Strathmore University
Location(s): Nairobi.
Strathmore University or SU is a more recent university. It started in 2002 as a non-profit private higher education institution in Nairobi, Kenya.
uniRank ranks Strathmore as the 4th best university in Kenya and 3,515 in the world. SU is undoubtedly one of the best universities in Kenya offering programs leading to Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees.
Meanwhile, SU has a total student population of over 4,000 students and accreditation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.
SU offers long-distance learning as well as financial aid to its students. Strathmore is one of the private universities in Kenya with the most number of program offers.
It has several faculties, including its Faculty of Information Technology, School of Accountancy, and School of Graduate Studies.
Kabarak University
Location(s): Nakuru, and Nairobi.
Kabarak University, like Strathmore, began operation in 2002 as a non-profit private higher education institution in Kenya.
It is located in Nakuru but has a campus in Nairobi. Although Kabarak is a small private university with about 2,000 students, it ranks as one of the best private colleges in Kenya.
While Kabarak university ranks as the 22nd university in Kenya in uniRank university ranking, this private school offers Associate’s bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees.
Kabarak is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian Church, yet it is one of the notable private colleges in Kenya to acquire a business, engineering, and law degree.
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St. Paul’s University
Location(s): Limuru, Nairobi, Kapsabet, and Maseno.
St. Paul’s University or SPU started in 1989 in Limuru, Kenya. However, this not-for-profit private university has branch campuses in Nairobi, Kapsabet, and Maseno.
It ranks as one of our best universities in Kenya, especially as uniRank ranks it as the 11th best university in Kenya. SPU has accreditation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya and a total student population of over 3,000 students.
St. Paul’s as the name suggests, has affiliation with the protestant sect of Christianity, however, it offers diverse programs in several fields of study towards the attainment of an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree.
Additionally, SPU provides financial aids to its students to reduce the burden of educational cost, as well as offer a long-distance learning option.
Africa International University
Location(s): Nairobi.
Africa International University (AIU) is a more recent university in Kenya. It started operating as a higher educational institution in Nairobi, Kenya in 2011.
Yet this private university ranks as one of our best colleges in Kenya, with uniRank ranking it the 33rd best university in Kenya.
AIU has accreditation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, as well as an affiliation with the Evangelical Christian Church.
Nonetheless, Africa International University offers a wide array of programs in several fields of study towards a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate program.
Some of AIU’s notable Schools are the school of Theology, School of Business and economics, and School of Education, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Mount Kenya University
Location(s): Thika, Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega, and Nkubu Meru.
Mount Kenya is one of Kenya’s most polupular private university, although it commeneced operation as a higher education institution in 2008.
The schools takes a spot as one of our best colleges in Kenya while ranking as the 7th best college in Kenya in uniRanks’s university ranking.
Mount Kenya’s main campus is in Thika, Kiambu. However, it has campuses in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega, and Nkubu Meru.
Even though Mount Kenya offer only programs towards the attainment of a Bachelor’s degree, the private university has a total enrollment of over 45,000 students.
Also, like most of the private university in Kenya, Mount Kenya has accreditation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Daystar University
Location(s): Nairobi.
Daystar is another of the oldest private universities in Kenya. It commenced operation as a higher education institution in Nairobi, Kenya in 1989.
However, the university has a total student body of over 1,000 students. Nonetheless, it ranks as one of our best colleges in Kenya, while maintaining a uniRank ranking as the 16th best university in Kenya.
Daystar university also has accreditation by Commission for University Education and it offers a wide variety of programs in various disciplines towards a certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree.
This private university has an 80-90% admission rate and it offers scholarships and aids to its students. Some of Daystar’s faculties are the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science and Technology, and Faculty of Social Sciences.
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Africa Nazarene University
Location(s): Nairobi.
Africa Nazarene University (ANU) is another small private university in Kenya with a total student population of over a thousand students.
This higher education institution began operation in Nairobi, Kenya in 1993 and has affiliation with the Evangelical Christian Mission.
All ANU’s programs towards a certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD. degree has affiliation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.
Although Africa Nazarene is a small private college, you can get the best Arts & Humanities, Business and Social Sciences, and Science programs in the school.
Some of ANU’s departments and schools include Law School, Business School, Education Department, and Computer and Information Technology Department.
KCA University
Location(s): Nairobi, and Kisumu.
KCA University (KCAU) began in 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya. However, it has a branch campus in Kisumu.
With a total student population of over 15,000 students and a variety of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, KCAU ranks as one of our best private university in Kenya in 2020.
The university ranks as uniRank’s 15th best university in Kenya, and it has accreditation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya.
KCAU’s admission rate is between 60 to 70%. However, the Kenyan private university provides scholarships to its students to make them get the best value for tertiary education.
Some of KCAU’s faculty includes the Faculty of Computing and Information Management, Faculty of Education and Arts, and School of Professional Programs.
Kenya Methodist University
Location(s): Meru, Nairobi, and Mombasa.
Kenya Methodist (KEMU) is another of the best non-profit private university in Kenya in 2023. This university began operation in the town of Meru in 1997.
However, it soon spread to have branch campuses in Nairobi and Mombasa. Even though – as the name suggests – Kenya Methodist University has affiliation with the Methodist Church, it offers Certificate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degree programs in a variety of disciplines.
Additionally, KEMU is one of the few private universities in Kenya with a School of Medicine. Thus, it is not surprising for uniRank to rank it as the 14th best university in Kenya.
KEMU has over 8,000 students who study in its academic schools including the school of Education and Social Sciences, School of Science and Technology, and School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Pan Africa Christian University
Location(s): Nairobi.
Pan Africa Christian University or PAC traces its beginning back to 1989 in Nairobi, Kenya where it is located. It is one of the oldest as well as one of the best private universities in Kenya in 2020.
The university has accreditation by the Commission for University Education, Kenya, and a total student population of over 3,000 students.
Also, PAC has affiliation with the Protestant Christian Sect, yet it offers academic programs in non-religious fields of study.
PAC’s academic programs are towards a certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees. The school has an admission rate of 70-80%, offers scholarships and aid to its students, and provides a Long Distance Learning option.
Some of its distinguished schools are its School of Leadership, Business, and Technology; School of Humanities and Social Sciences; and School of Theology.
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FAQs on the Private Universities in Kenya
University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
United States International University Africa
Catholic University of Eastern Africa
Strathmore University
Kabarak University
St. Paul’s University
Africa International University
Mount Kenya University
Daystar University
Africa Nazarene University
KCA University
Kenya Methodist University
Pan Africa Christian University
Chartered Universities: These are private universities in Kenya with full accreditation by the Commission for Higher Education.
Universities that had been offering degrees long before the Commission for Higher Education began operating, and
Universities with authorization to operate with Letters of Interim Authority.
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 University
Kenya Methodist University. (KeMU)
Africa Nazarene University.
St. Paul’s University.
Kenya Methodist University.
Pan Africa Christian University.
Aga Khan University.
Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology.
The Presbyterian University of East Africa.
Gretsa University.
The East African University
UMMA University
Management University of Africa
Riara University
Pioneer International University
Conclusion:
Education in Kenya today is far from what it used to be in the past. Gone are the days when Kenyans must travel abroad to get a quality education.
Some may still choose to travel abroad to study but based on preference and not on the incompetence of the Kenyan Education system.
Private schools in Kenya are performing excellently as they are ranking head to head with public universities and colleges.
Also, many of these private universities in Kenya are enrolling as many students yearly as public universities, with their favorable enrollment rate.
However, use this post as a guide if you’ll study in a private university or college in Kenya in 2023. Our list of the best 13 private universities are universities with full accreditation and they offer just about any course you’re interested in.
References:
- Wikipedia: Education in Kenya
- uniRank: Top Private Universities in Kenya
- Times Higher Education (THE): Study in Kenya
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