Here Are Top 12 Public Universities In Kenya

There are several factors to consider in the ranking of the best public universities in Kenya. The ranking is based on the school’s number of alumni who have secured employment, published research projects, the quality of its learning facilities and other assets, the students’ population, and its regional and global reputation, among other things.

It’s no secret that education has the power to change lives. It’s a vital tool for the future of any society. On the other hand, employers continually look for people with skills and experience to flourish in the coming centuries.

Thousands of people are continually applying to universities and colleges every year. Most of them consider choosing nearby institutions while others select institutions of higher education in Kenya depending on their ranks.

Most Kenyan scholars prefer institutions that are at the top of the global and national ranking lists. Hence, this creates a competitive environment whereby schools at the top in a particular year are not guaranteed the same position in the future.  In Eastern Africa, Kenya is one of the countries to look up to when it comes to education.

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)

The University of Nairobi is one of the top public universities in Nairobi, Kenya. Established in 1970, the University of Nairobi is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi.

It trains most of Kenya’s workforce and is among East Africa’s best higher learning institutions. UoN ranks higher among public universities in Kenya, and it offers about 900 courses. It has six colleges located throughout the city on seven separate campuses.

2. Kenyatta University (KU)

Kenyatta University is among the biggest universities in Kenya and a leading public research institute. Founded in 1985, Kenyatta University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi.

This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Mombasa, Kitui, Nakuru, Embu, Ruiru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kericho, and Dadaab. The admission rate range is 90-100% making this Kenyan higher education organization a least selective institution

3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is a public university that is situated in Juja, 36 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, along the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway. The school plays an active role in developing technology and agriculture in the country. JKUAT’s campuses and centers are evenly spread across the country

4. Egerton University

Egerton University is a premier Agricultural University in Kenya and was established in 1939. The institution has maintained the position of the premier Agricultural public university in Kenya for decades and broadened its course list. The University now offers more programs, including applied sciences, natural resources, computer science, education, engineering, business studies, and medical sciences.

5. Moi University

Moi University is a public university located in Kesses, Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu county, in the former Rift Valley Province of Kenya.  It was established in 1984 by the Moi University Act of the Parliament of Kenya, after recommendations from the McKay Commission

The university has four campuses; the Main Campus, Eldoret West Campus, Town Campus, and Odera Akang’o Campus. The main campus currently has over 52,000 students.

6. Technical University of Kenya

The Technical University of Kenya is among the best public universities in Kenya that offers engineering and architectural courses. It’s located in Nairobi and accommodates more than 23,000 students who enroll in bachelor’s degree programs, diplomas, and certificates.

Before it was officially launched as TUK in 2012, the institution served as a polytechnic university college. Currently, it has a mandate in the provision of technology research.

7. Murang’a University of Technology

Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) is the Successor of Murang’a University College, a former constituent College of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Murang’a College of Technology (MCT) based in Murang’a County.

Founded in 2011, the university provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

8. Maseno University

Maseno University is a public institution established by an Act of Parliament in 1991. From its humble beginnings as a government training institute, Maseno University has become a modern institution of higher education committed to advanced learning and research

9. Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology

Located at the heart of Kakamega town, MMUST is one of the best public universities in Western Kenya. The institution specializes in science and technology courses but also offers education, and art, among others.

The university was fully accredited in 2007. It has campuses in Nairobi, Webuye, and Budalangi. Previously, it was known as the Western University College of Science and Technology. It was a constituent of Moi University before its accreditation

10. University of Embu

Founded in 2011, the University of Embu is a coeducational Kenyan higher education institution. The University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students

11. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology

The Dedan Kimathi University of Technology is a public, coeducational technological university in Nyeri, Kenya. It is one of 22 public universities in Kenya, having been a constituent college of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology since the year 2007 until it was chartered to become a fully-fledged public university on 14 December 2012

12. Multimedia University of Kenya

Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) is a chartered public university established by the Kenyan Government. Its main campus is on 115 hectares of land 25 kilometers south of Nairobi along Magadi road, a kilometer from Ongata Rongai.

The main campus has about 3,610 students, while the Nairobi CBD campus at Uniafric House-Loita Street, 4th Floor, has about 100 students undertaking certificates, diplomas, and degree programs.