Top 40 Best Universities In Kenya: Tuition Fees, Hostel Accommodation And Student Capacity (2026)

Choosing the right university, but overwhelmed by options and unclear about costs? Kenya has over 70 accredited universities, but finding one that fits your budget, offers quality education, and provides accommodation can be confusing.

Whether you’re a Form Four leaver, parent, or career changer, this comprehensive 2026 guide ranks the top 40 best universities in Kenya with exact tuition fees, hostel availability, student capacity, and programs offered — everything you need to make an informed decision.

How We Ranked These Universities

Our ranking considers:

• Academic reputation (Commission for University Education accreditation)
• Quality of programs (course variety and industry relevance)
• Student-to-lecturer ratio
• Employment rates of graduates
• Research output and publications
• Infrastructure (libraries, labs, ICT facilities)
• Affordability (tuition fees and financial aid availability)
• Hostel accommodation availability
• Student reviews and satisfaction rates

Top 40 Best Universities in Kenya (2026 Complete Guide)

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)

• Type: Public
• Location: Nairobi (Main Campus), Multiple campuses
• Student Capacity: 84,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 120,000 – 600,000 (varies by program)
  • Medicine: KES 600,000+
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (limited, balloting system)
• Hostel Fees: KES 20,000 – 40,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, Arts, Agriculture, Sciences
• Notable Features: Oldest and largest university, strong research focus, internationally recognized
• Website: www.uonbi.ac.ke

2. Kenyatta University (KU)

• Type: Public
• Location: Nairobi (Ruiru/Kahawa)
• Student Capacity: 70,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus hostels available)
• Hostel Fees: KES 18,000 – 35,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Health Sciences, Engineering, Business, Hospitality, Pure Sciences
• Notable Features: Largest campus in East Africa, strong teacher training programs
• Website: www.ku.ac.ke

3. Moi University

• Type: Public
• Location: Eldoret (Main Campus), Nairobi
• Student Capacity: 50,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 120,000 – 550,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (ample on-campus housing)
• Hostel Fees: KES 15,000 – 30,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Medicine, Engineering, Education, Agriculture, Law, Business
• Notable Features: Second-oldest public university, strong medical school
• Website: www.mu.ac.ke

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

• Type: Public
• Location: Juja (Kiambu County), Nairobi CBD
• Student Capacity: 60,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 150,000 – 600,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (multiple hostels)
• Hostel Fees: KES 20,000 – 40,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Engineering, Agriculture, ICT, Architecture, Health Sciences, Business
• Notable Features: Top engineering and technology university, strong industry partnerships
• Website: www.jkuat.ac.ke

5. Egerton University

• Type: Public
• Location: Njoro (Nakuru County), Nairobi
• Student Capacity: 40,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (extensive on-campus housing)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 28,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Education, Engineering, Sciences, Business
• Notable Features: Leading agricultural university, beautiful campus
• Website: www.egerton.ac.ke

6. Strathmore University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Madaraka)
• Student Capacity: 10,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 300,000 – 800,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Limited (mainly off-campus referrals)
• Hostel Fees: N/A (private accommodation KES 15,000 – 40,000/month)
• Programs Offered: Business, Actuarial Science, Law, ICT, Accounting, Governance
• Notable Features: Top-ranked private university, excellent employability rates, CPA excellence
• Website: www.strathmore.edu

7. United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Kasarani)
• Student Capacity: 7,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 450,000 – 1,200,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus dorms)
• Hostel Fees: KES 80,000 – 150,000 per semester (includes meals)
• Programs Offered: Business, Psychology, International Relations, Pharmacy, Clinical Medicine
• Notable Features: American-style education system, diverse international student body
• Website: www.usiu.ac.ke

8. Maseno University

• Type: Public
• Location: Maseno (Kisumu County)
• Student Capacity: 25,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 25,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Sciences, Health Sciences, Arts, Business
• Notable Features: Strong science programs, growing research reputation
• Website: www.maseno.ac.ke

9. Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Langata)
• Student Capacity: 8,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 200,000 – 600,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus for limited students)
• Hostel Fees: KES 35,000 – 60,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Theology, Law, Business, Education, Social Sciences, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Strong moral and ethical foundation, quality education
• Website: www.cuea.edu

10. Daystar University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Athi River), Nairobi CBD
• Student Capacity: 5,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 250,000 – 550,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (both campuses)
• Hostel Fees: KES 40,000 – 70,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Communication, Business, Theology, Development Studies, Psychology
• Notable Features: Top communication school, Christian values-based education
• Website: www.daystar.ac.ke

11. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)

• Type: Public
• Location: Nairobi (Haile Selassie Avenue)
• Student Capacity: 15,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 120,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Limited (mainly off-campus)
• Hostel Fees: N/A
• Programs Offered: Engineering, Built Environment, Applied Sciences, Social Sciences
• Notable Features: Former Kenya Polytechnic, strong technical programs
• Website: www.tukenya.ac.ke

12. Multimedia University of Kenya

• Type: Public
• Location: Nairobi (Ongata Rongai)
• Student Capacity: 8,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 18,000 – 35,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: ICT, Media Studies, Business, Engineering
• Notable Features: Specialized in ICT and media, modern facilities
• Website: www.mmu.ac.ke

13. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)

• Type: Public
• Location: Kakamega
• Student Capacity: 20,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 25,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Engineering, Sciences, Education, Agriculture, Business
• Notable Features: Growing reputation in Western Kenya
• Website: www.mmust.ac.ke

14. Mount Kenya University (MKU)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Thika (Main), Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Nakuru, Meru
• Student Capacity: 50,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 120,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (all campuses)
• Hostel Fees: KES 25,000 – 45,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Medicine, Nursing, Business, Education, ICT, Law, Engineering
• Notable Features: Largest private university network, flexible learning options
• Website: www.mku.ac.ke

15. Pwani University

• Type: Public
• Location: Kilifi
• Student Capacity: 10,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 24,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Marine Sciences, Agriculture, Education, Business, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Coastal location, strong marine biology programs
• Website: www.pu.ac.ke

16. Kabarak University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nakuru (Kabarak)
• Student Capacity: 8,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 180,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (mandatory for first years)
• Hostel Fees: KES 35,000 – 55,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Law, Business, Education, Engineering, Agriculture, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Seventh-Day Adventist values, strict discipline, quality education
• Website: www.kabarak.ac.ke

17. Africa Nazarene University (ANU)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Ongata Rongai)
• Student Capacity: 5,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 200,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 40,000 – 65,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Business, Theology, Music, Education, Communication, Social Work
• Notable Features: Holistic education, Christian values, music excellence
• Website: www.anu.ac.ke

18. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT)

• Type: Public
• Location: Nyeri
• Student Capacity: 12,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 120,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 15,000 – 30,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Engineering, ICT, Business, Pure Sciences, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Focus on technology and innovation
• Website: www.dkut.ac.ke

19. Chuka University

• Type: Public
• Location: Chuka (Tharaka Nithi County)
• Student Capacity: 15,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 24,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Agriculture, Sciences, Business, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Serene learning environment, affordable
• Website: www.chuka.ac.ke

20. Riara University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Mbagathi Way)
• Student Capacity: 3,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 250,000 – 600,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Limited (off-campus referrals)
• Hostel Fees: N/A
• Programs Offered: Business, Law, Communication, Psychology, Education
• Notable Features: Small class sizes, personalized attention
• Website: www.riarauniversity.ac.ke

21. KCA University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Ruaraka), Kitengela
• Student Capacity: 7,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 180,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (Ruaraka campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 30,000 – 50,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Business, Accounting, ICT, Education, Social Sciences
• Notable Features: Strong accounting and CPA programs
• Website: www.kcau.ac.ke

22. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU)

• Type: Public
• Location: Kitui
• Student Capacity: 10,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 24,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Agriculture, Sciences, Business, Engineering
• Notable Features: Growing university in Eastern Kenya
• Website: www.seku.ac.ke

23. Murang’a University of Technology (MUT)

• Type: Public
• Location: Murang’a
• Student Capacity: 8,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 120,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 15,000 – 28,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Engineering, ICT, Business, Pure Sciences
• Notable Features: Focus on technology and entrepreneurship
• Website: www.mut.ac.ke

24. Kirinyaga University

• Type: Public
• Location: Kerugoya (Kirinyaga County)
• Student Capacity: 6,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 22,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Business, Sciences, Agriculture, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: New university with modern facilities
• Website: www.kyu.ac.ke

25. Laikipia University

• Type: Public
• Location: Nyahururu
• Student Capacity: 8,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 24,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Natural Resources, Business, Sciences, Agriculture
• Notable Features: Peaceful environment, wildlife conservation programs
• Website: www.laikipia.ac.ke

26. Karatina University

• Type: Public
• Location: Karatina (Nyeri County)
• Student Capacity: 10,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 25,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Agriculture, Education, Business, Pure Sciences, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Strong agricultural programs
• Website: www.karu.ac.ke

27. Machakos University

• Type: Public
• Location: Machakos
• Student Capacity: 12,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 25,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Business, Sciences, Agriculture, ICT
• Notable Features: Growing reputation in Lower Eastern Kenya
• Website: www.machakosuniversity.ac.ke

28. Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST)

• Type: Public
• Location: Meru
• Student Capacity: 15,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 120,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 15,000 – 28,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Engineering, Agriculture, Health Sciences, Business, Education
• Notable Features: Strong community engagement
• Website: www.must.ac.ke

29. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST)

• Type: Public
• Location: Bondo (Siaya County)
• Student Capacity: 10,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 24,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Engineering, Health Sciences, Education, Business, Agriculture
• Notable Features: Growing research capacity
• Website: www.jooust.ac.ke

30. Taita Taveta University

• Type: Public
• Location: Voi (Taita Taveta County)
• Student Capacity: 5,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year:
  • Government-sponsored: KES 16,000 – 48,000
  • Self-sponsored: KES 100,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 22,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Education, Business, Natural Resources, Health Sciences
• Notable Features: Strategic location near Tsavo National Parks
• Website: www.ttu.ac.ke

31. Pioneer International University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Nairobi West)
• Student Capacity: 2,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 150,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Limited (off-campus referrals)
• Hostel Fees: N/A
• Programs Offered: Business, ICT, Education, Social Sciences
• Notable Features: Affordable private university option
• Website: www.piu.ac.ke

32. Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Kikuyu (Kiambu County)
• Student Capacity: 4,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 180,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 30,000 – 50,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Theology, Business, Education, Development Studies, ICT
• Notable Features: Presbyterian Church-affiliated, values-based education
• Website: www.puea.ac.ke

33. St. Paul’s University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Limuru (Kiambu County)
• Student Capacity: 6,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 200,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 35,000 – 60,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Communication, Theology, Business, Education, Development Studies
• Notable Features: Anglican Church-affiliated, strong communication programs
• Website: www.spu.ac.ke

34. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Meru
• Student Capacity: 8,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 180,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 30,000 – 50,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Business, Education, Health Sciences, Theology, Agriculture
• Notable Features: Methodist Church-affiliated, holistic education
• Website: www.kemu.ac.ke

35. Pan Africa Christian University (PAC)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Langata, off Naivasha Road)
• Student Capacity: 5,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 200,000 – 500,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 35,000 – 60,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Theology, Business, Education, Communication, Social Sciences
• Notable Features: Christian values, character development focus
• Website: www.pacuniversity.ac.ke

36. Great Lakes University of Kisumu

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Kisumu
• Student Capacity: 3,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 150,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 25,000 – 45,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Business, Education, Health Sciences, Social Sciences
• Notable Features: Affordable private university in the Nyanza region
• Website: www.gluk.ac.ke

37. Umma University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Kajiado
• Student Capacity: 2,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 120,000 – 350,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 20,000 – 40,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Health Sciences, Education, Business, Islamic Studies
• Notable Features: Muslim-founded, open to all faiths, affordable
• Website: www.umma.ac.ke

38. Adventist University of Africa (AUA)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (off Thika Road)
• Student Capacity: 1,500+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 250,000 – 550,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus, mandatory for some programs)
• Hostel Fees: KES 40,000 – 70,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Theology, Business, Public Health, Education, Development Studies
• Notable Features: Seventh-Day Adventist Church, postgraduate focus
• Website: www.aua.ac.ke

39. Zetech University

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Ruiru), Nairobi West
• Student Capacity: 10,000+
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 180,000 – 450,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (Ruiru campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 30,000 – 55,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Business, ICT, Hospitality, Aviation, Engineering, Architecture
• Notable Features: Modern facilities, industry partnerships, and an aviation school
• Website: www.zetech.ac.ke

40. Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology (KWUST)

• Type: Private (Charter)
• Location: Nairobi (Githurai)
• Student Capacity: 2,000+ (women only)
• Tuition Fees per Year: KES 150,000 – 400,000
• Hostel Accommodation: Yes (on-campus)
• Hostel Fees: KES 25,000 – 45,000 per semester
• Programs Offered: Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, ICT
• Notable Features: Only women’s university in Kenya, with an empowerment focus
• Website: www.kwust.ac.ke

University Comparison Table: Quick Overview

Cost Breakdown: Public vs Private Universities (2026)

Public Universities

• Government-Sponsored (KUCCPS): KES 16,000 – 48,000/year
• Self-Sponsored (Module II): KES 100,000 – 600,000/year
• Parallel Programs: KES 120,000 – 500,000/year
• Hostel Fees: KES 12,000 – 40,000/semester
• Other Costs: Exam fees, activity fees, library fees (KES 5,000 – 15,000/year)

Private Universities

• Average Tuition: KES 180,000 – 800,000/year
• Premium Universities (Strathmore, USIU): KES 300,000 – 1.2M/year
• Mid-Range Private: KES 180,000 – 500,000/year
• Affordable Private: KES 120,000 – 350,000/year
• Hostel Fees: KES 25,000 – 80,000/semester

How to Choose the Right University

✅ Consider Your Budget

• Low Budget (Under KES 100K/year): Apply for KUCCPS government sponsorship to public universities
• Medium Budget (KES 100K – 300K/year): Self-sponsored programs in public universities or affordable private universities
• High Budget (KES 300K+/year): Premium private universities (Strathmore, USIU, Daystar)

✅ Check Program Accreditation

• Verify with Commission for University Education (CUE): www.cue.or.ke
• Ensure your desired program is accredited
• Check if professional bodies recognize the degree (for Medicine, Law, Engineering, etc.)

✅ Location Matters

• Nairobi: More opportunities, higher living costs
• Upcountry: Lower cost of living, serene environment
• Consider: Distance from home, transport costs, safety

✅ Hostel Availability

• On-campus hostels: Convenient, cheaper long-term, build community
• Off-campus: More freedom, may be expensive (KES 8,000 – 40,000/month)
• Day scholar: Save money if you live nearby

✅ Graduate Employability

• Research employer perceptions of different universities
• Check graduate employment statistics
• Consider universities with strong industry partnerships

✅ Student-Lecturer Ratio

• Lower ratio = more personalized attention
• Public universities: Often 1:50+
• Private universities: Usually 1

Additional University Costs to Budget For

Financial Aid & Scholarships Available

1. HELB (Higher Education Loans Board)

• Loan Amount: Up to KES 60,000/year
• Who Qualifies: All Kenyan students in accredited universities
• Repayment: After graduation, 1% of the monthly income
• Apply: www.helb.co.ke

2. University Scholarships

• Merit-based: For top performers (A- and above in KCSE)
• Need-based: For students from low-income families
• Sports/Talent: For exceptional athletes or artists
• Check with individual universities

3. County Government Bursaries

• Apply through your County Education Office
• Amount: KES 10,000 – 50,000/year
• Varies by county financial capacity

4. Private Scholarships

• Equity Bank Wings to Fly
• KCB Foundation Scholarships
• Safaricom Foundation
• Corporate scholarships (inquire at the university financial aid office)

5. CDF Bursaries

• Apply through your Constituency Development Fund office
• Amount: KES 5,000 – 30,000/year

How to Apply to Kenyan Universities

For Government-Sponsored (KUCCPS)

1. Sit for the KCSE exam and attain a minimum C+ (or C plain for Diploma)
2. Apply through the KUCCPS portal: www.kuccps.ac.ke
3. Select your preferred courses and universities (up to 4 choices)
4. Wait for placement results (released in May/June)
5. Report to your assigned university with the required documents

For Self-Sponsored/Private Universities

1. Visit university website or the admissions office
2. Fill online/physical application form
3. Submit required documents:
   • KCSE certificate or equivalent
   • National ID/Birth Certificate
   • Passport photos
   • Application fee (KES 1,000 – 5,000)
4. Wait for admission letter (2 weeks – 2 months)
5. Accept the offer and pay the fees

FAQs

1. What is the cheapest university in Kenya?
Public universities through KUCCPS government sponsorship (KES 16,000 – 48,000/year). Among private universities, Umma University and Pioneer International University are the most affordable (KES 120,000 – 150,000/year).

2. Which is the best university in Kenya in 2026?
University of Nairobi leads in overall ranking, but “best” depends on your program. Strathmore excels in business/actuarial, JKUAT in engineering, Daystar in communication, and Moi in medicine.

3. Can I study in a university without HELB?
Yes. HELB is optional financial aid. You can pay fees from personal savings, family support, scholarships, or work while studying.

4. Which universities have the best hostels?
USIU-Africa, Strathmore (limited), Kabarak, Egerton, and Moi University have well-maintained on-campus hostels. Most newer public universities also have modern hostel facilities.

5. Do all universities accept Module II (self-sponsored) students?
Most public universities do. Check individual university websites for specific program availability and entry requirements.

6. Can I transfer from one university to another?
Yes, through credit transfer. Requirements vary by university. You typically need at least 1 year completed and good academic standing.

7. Which university is easiest to get into?
Private chartered universities generally have more flexible admission compared to top public universities. However, ensure the university and program are CUE-accredited.

8. Are online/distance learning degrees recognized?
Yes, if from CUE-accredited universities. Many universities (UoN, KU, Moi, JKUAT) offer accredited online programs.

Tips for Success in University

✅ Before Enrollment

• Visit the campus physically if possible
• Talk to current students about their experience
• Verify accreditation status
• Compare tuition and hidden costs
• Apply for HELB and scholarships early

✅ During Your Studies

• Maintain good academic standing (GPA above 3.0)
• Build relationships with lecturers and peers
• Join clubs and professional associations
• Seek internships and attachments early
• Utilize campus resources (library, career center)
• Network for future job opportunities

✅ Managing Costs

• Create a realistic budget
• Cook your own meals when possible (cheaper than cafeteria)
• Buy second-hand textbooks
• Apply for multiple scholarships/bursaries
• Consider part-time work (but don’t compromise studies)

Important University Resources

📞 Commission for University Education (CUE): www.cue.or.ke | +254 20 2246639
📞 KUCCPS: www.kuccps.ac.ke | +254 20 328 0000
📞 HELB: www.helb.co.ke | +254 20 2213926
📞 Universities Fund: www.universitiesfund.go.ke

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right university in Kenya depends on your budget, career goals, preferred location, and desired campus experience. Whether you opt for the prestige of the University of Nairobi, the affordability of public universities through KUCCPS, or the specialized programs of private institutions like Strathmore and USIU-Africa, ensure the university and program are CUE-accredited. Start your application early, apply for financial aid, and choose a program that aligns with your passion and career aspirations. Your university choice will shape your next 4+ years and future career — choose wisely.

📌 Bookmark this page and share it with Form Four students and parents making university decisions in 2026.

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