Thousands of high school leavers with a minimum score of C+ qualify for undergraduate courses in Kenyan universities. The country is one of the recommended destinations if you want to school in Eastern Africa.
If you are looking to study any course of your choice in a Kenyan public university, we have reviewed some of the best based on the quality of learning facilities, prestige, student population, global reputation, published research project, as well as the number of alumni who have secured reasonable employment after graduation.
Our top picks on the best public universities in Kenya
- University Of Nairobi
- Moi University
- Egerton University
- Technical University of Mombasa
- Kenyatta University
- University of Embu
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
University Of Nairobi
- Tuition fee:
- University Of Nairobi Admission Requirement Page
- University Of Nairobi Tuition Details page
Apart from being among the oldest higher institution sitting in Kenya, the University of Nairobi has a solid reputation for producing professionals in their study fields of focus which is Law and engineering. But it’s also an excellent choice for any student looking to further in any course.
It is our top recommendation for the best public university to attend in Kenya right now as the school ticks the right boxes on teaching quality, research, and development.
Being a public university, the tuition fee is also affordable. With this school’s name on your CV, you stand a better chance of landing high-paying jobs after graduation due to its reputation.
The entry requirements are also easy to meet.
Moi University
- Tuition fee: usually between 43 500 and 71 000 SEK
- Moi University Admission Requirement Page
- Moi University Tuition Details page
Moi University is another excellent public institution worth applying to in Kenya. The higher institution is among the oldest there is in the country and they have branches around Kenya. For example, the Moi School of Engineering, the School of Medicine, and the School of Human Resources.
So the course you are looking to study in this prestigious institution will determine what school you will enroll in.
The public universoffersffer courses like Public Relations, Journalism, Graphics, HRM, Strategic Management, and Entrepreneurship among others through its School of Human Resources while engineering students in fields of electrical to textile study at the university’s campus in Kesses.
This is an alsfantasticatic place to be if you are looking to study courses like Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Community Development, Tourism, Actuarial Science, or Political Science at a Kenyan public university.
Egerton University
- Tuition fee: range from 110,000 p.a to 137,700 p.a., depending on the course chosen.
- Egerton University Admission Requirement Page
- Egerton University Tuition Details page
Egerton University has a premier Agricultural university in Kenya. It is one of the oldest in the country and we strongly recommend this option to students looking to study courses in law, agriculture, education, arts and social sciences, commerce, medicine, or Engineering in a public Kenyan university.
Egerton University’s main campus is seated at Njoro in Nakuru but they have other branches across Kenya.
Technical University of Mombasa
- Tuition fee:
- Technical University of Mombasa Admission Requirement Page
- The Technical University of Mombasa Tuition Details page
The Technical University of Mombasa is a new institution. It opened its doors in 2007 and has since then remained one of the best public institutions in Kenya.
The non-profit public higher education institution is ideal for students looking for a school environment around the urban setting of the metropolis of Mombasa
The university is vetted by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, and it offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees in several areas of study.
The best part is that as a fresh student, you get access to both academic and non-academic facilities and services such as a library, as well as administrative services.
Kenyatta University
- Tuition fee: 1,000 USD per year for master’s study
- Kenyatta University Admission Requirement Page
- Kenyatta University Tuition Details page
Kenyatta University is a vibrant public institution for high school leavers who want to study courses in science, building sciences, engineering as well as architecture. The university has an impressive interest in research on biotechnology and engineering.
So if you’re an IT student looking to further your education at a Kenyan public university, this might be the best option for you. The school is located in Nairobi and has been named one of Keyan’s best, with reputable graduates in the fields of Agriculture, Engineering, and Technology
University of Embu
- Tuition fee:
- University of Embu Admission Requirement Page
- The University of Embu Tuition Details page
Being a coeducational Kenyan higher education institution, the University of Embu or UoEm offers programs leading to the award of education degrees in several areas of study.
The school has been operating since 2011 in the small city of Embu in Kenya and is vetted by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, it is one of the best when it comes to public higher education in the country.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Tuition fee: Kes. 60,000 per semester
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Admission Requirement Page
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Tuition Details page
This is another non-profit public higher education institution that is worth your application.
The university has campuses in Nairobi, Bungoma, Kaimosi, and Bumbe. With an enrollment range of between 4,000 and 5,000 students, the Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology is great for those who would prefer a small school environment.
They offer courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees, bachelor degrees, master’s degrees, and even doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
The Selective admission policy of this university is also worth noting. Students are accepted based on their past academic records and grades.
With an admission rate of between 70 and 80 percent, you may find it quite competitive to get into this institution but once you do, you’ll love the academic and non-academic facilities and services offered.
Students at MMUST enjoy the library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses, and distance learning opportunities.
Are public universities in Kenya free?
Similar to the public university system in many other African countries, the public universities in Kenya are funded partly by the government. In other words, the students are required to pay a certain number of fees to cover registration, accommodation, and tuition.
But it is going to be affordable compared to the cost of attending a Keyan private university. For example, in the last 30 years, the average tuition fee for Kenyan public universities sit around Sh16,000 per year.
Meanwhile, in the fall of 2022, the Kenyan government announced that it will no longer fund public universities and colleges.
According to the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, the current financial crisis affecting the institutions warranted alternative sources of income for the institutions to ease pressure on the government.
Since then, we have witnessed a few public institutions in Kenya embracing innovation, research, and technology to generate individual revenue so that students don’t have to pay high tuition fees.
The Bottom line
Keya is one of the best destinations to consider for public higher education in the Eastern part of Africa. However, the best institution for you will depend on the course you want to study and other relevant preferences (location, for example)
After combing through the data of every active public institution of higher education in Kenya, the AmericaAbroad team has come to the verdict that Moi University and the University of Nairobi are the best options for you, especially if you want to study Medicine, Law, or Business in a public university in Kenya.
Whereas, Kenyatta University is ideal for students pursuing courses in Education, Economics, and Business. Meanwhile, the JKUAT public institution appears to be an excellent choice for IT students who want to further higher education in a public university in Kenya, particularly in Engineering, Technology, or even Agriculture.
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