Top 10 Best Private Universities In Kenya

In Kenya, most children are brought up with the aim of going to universities or colleges. This is because education in Kenya is perceived as a key to a successful future.  Private universities are taking over and making headlines by producing the best graduates in specific industries.

The government introduced a system whereby their sponsored students can apply to private universities as well.  This has enabled those who cannot afford the fee of Kenyan private universities to get an equal chance as those who can as well as ensure every student gets to receive a quality education.

The country has 30 public universities, 30 chartered private universities, and 30 universities with a Letter of Interim Authority (LIA). Tens of thousands of students apply to these institutes yearly.

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.

1. Strathmore University

Founded in 2002, Strathmore University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi. Strathmore is no doubt one of the leading private universities in Kenya.

It has been ranked number 44 in Africa by The Times Higher Education World University. Also, Strathmore University was ranked the top private university in Kenya in the 2015 Webometrics System of Ranking Universities. When it comes to courses, Strathmore University is known to produce the best finance and accounting graduates.

2. United States International University Africa

Established in 1989, United States International University Africa is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi. It is one of the best private universities in Kenya that attracts the highest number of international students.

USIU-A is governed by a board of trustees comprising seven Americans and four top local chief executives. Its board’s current chairman is Dr. Chandaria (a British citizen). The board consists of seven Americans, two Ghanaians, and four Kenyans.

3. Mount Kenya University (MKU)

Mount Kenya University is East and Central Africa’s largest private university and one of the few institutes that offer students an opportunity to complete their degree programs faster. In addition, students get exceptions for their previous studies in academic courses approved by the Senate.

4. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

Founded in 1984, Catholic University has come to be renowned in the academic field boosts of one the most prestigious Faculty of Law and Theology degree programs. The school initially offered a two-year Licentiate/MA program in Theology.

Today, it has expanded into a center of excellence in teaching, research, and learning for more courses. It offers doctorate, master, undergraduate degree, diploma, and certificate courses in canon law, social justice, ethics, and regional integration and development. It has the Nairobi, Eldoret, and Nairobi campuses.

5. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)

Established in 1997, Kenya Methodist University is owned by the Methodist Church and has campuses in Meru, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa. It corresponds to the educational needs of Kenyans and is the answer to the most demanding areas of the labor force. It has been at the forefront of transforming society by offering high-quality education.

6. Daystar University

Daystar University is one of the most recognized East African private universities and is also ranked among the top in the continent. The university is famous for producing the best graduates in the field of communication and journalism. A good number of media personalities in Kenya coincidentally happen to be from Daystar University.

7. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

Founded in 1978, the University of Eastern Africa is an accredited private Christian institution located in Baraton, approximately 315 from Nairobi city and about 50 kilometers from Eldoret, Kenya. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton is a coeducational Seventh-day Adventist institute.

8. Africa Nazarene University

Established in 1993, Africa Nazarene University is owned by the Church of Nazarene International, which follows the Wesleyan Holiness Tradition. The main campus is situated in the middle of the Masaai savannah, on 124 acres (50 ha), near Ongata Rongai

9. KCA University

Formally known as the Kenya College of Accountancy, KCA University is also one of the best private institutions in the field of finance and IT. Some of the IT courses that you can pursue at KCA include Bachelor of Science (Information and Communications Technology), and Bachelor of Science (Information Technology), among others.

10. Paul’s University (SPU)

St. Paul’s University is another Christian higher-learning institution formed in 1903 through a partnership of the four churches, ACK (50%), PCEA (20%), MCK (10%), RCEA (10%), and NCCK (10%). The main campus is in Limuru, approximately 33 kilometers from Nairobi. It also has campuses in Nairobi, Machakos, and Nakuru.

Related Content: Here Are Top 12 Public Universities In Kenya