Last updated on July 26th, 2023 at 01:59 pm
If you missed a chance in all the public universities in Kenya, don’t give up yet- there are a couple Private Universities in Kenya you can join and still pursue your dream career.
This article will introduce you to the topnotch Private Universities in Kenya including their locations, contacts, websites, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Let’s get started.
Private Universities In Kenya [Best Private Universities In Kenya]
So, which are the best Chartered private universities in Kenya that you can attend to fulfill your educational dreams?
Here is the complete list…
Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University (main campus) is in Thika.
It’s a fully certified university and has branches in a number of counties in Kenya.
It has heavily invested in ICT not to mention other technologies which aid in delivering quality learning.
Note that at MKU, learning is flexible and favorable to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.
You can join full Digital learning , Full time classes, Part time study (weekends/evenings) and even Institution-based learning (for teachers who want to study during school holidays).
Keep in mind that MKU is considered one of the cheap private universities in Kenya – the fees is generally cheaper than in most private universities).
MKU Contacts:
Telephone: +254 709 153 200
Website: www.mku.ac.ke
Strathmore University
This is one of the top leading universities in Kenya. It is at Ole Sangale Rd, just off Langata Rd, in Madaraka Estate (Nairobi).
Believe you me, Strathmore University is among the best private universities not only in Kenya but also in the eastern Africa region.
This exceptional university teaches nearly everything from medicine, ICT, and to engineering.
Strathmore Contacts:
Telephone: (0) 703-034000/200/300
Website: www.strathmore.edu
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Daystar University
Another one of the top 20 best private universities in Kenya is Daystar University. It is situated 40km from Nairobi CBD in Athi River(main campus) in a serene area.
You will love its classic science and computer laboratories, futuristic media studios, and roomy and comfortable classes.
More importantly, students enjoy holistic education (Christian values are also instilled).
Daystar University Contacts:
Telephone: 0724256408, 0735992991
Website: www.daystar.ac.ke
Kiriri Women’s University of Science & Technology (KWUST)
KWUST is unique in that it is the only women-only private university in Kenya.
The university concentrates on Science, Technology, and Innovation studies and is in Mwihoko area, near Githurai 45, Nairobi.
Kiriri Women’s University Contacts:
Telephone: 0736 329642 /0718 896 389
Website: https://www.kwust.ac.ke/
Catholic university of eastern Africa(CUEA)
CUEA is another church-owned private university in Kenya (it was founded by the Catholic Church).
The main campus is sited in Langata, Bogani East Road, just off Magadi Road, Nairobi.
It is best known for education, theology, and law programs.
Catholic university Contacts:
Telephone: 0709 691 000
Website: cuea.edu
African Nazarene University
This institution is in Nairobi Kenya too and is still church owned- it is sponsored by the international Church of Nazarene, whose vision and mission follows the unique Wesleyan holiness tradition.
There are over 13 degree programs in the University’s 5 schools- Law school, Business school, School of science/Technology, School of Religion/Christian Ministry, and School of Humanities/Social sciences.
Nazarene university Contacts:
Telephone: 0713 587 980
Website: https://www.anu.ac.ke/
Riara University (RU)
This fast-growing private university is located in Nairobi along ,Mbagathi Way next to Nyayo Highrise estate.
Riara empowers student to become the finest they can by ensuring high quality teaching.
It has an amazing law school.
Riara university Contacts:
Telephone: 0703 038 000
Website: http://www.riarauniversity.ac.ke
USIU University
United States International University Africa is accredited by the CUE (Commission for University Education) in Kenya plus the WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
It is one of the best thanks to outstanding facilities, higher graduate absorption rate (in the labour market), and professional management.
And oh, you will mingle with a significant number of international students at USIU.
USIU university Contacts:
Telephone: 0730116000, 0730116690, 0730116300, 0730116522
Website: https://www.usiu.ac.ke/
Kabarak University
Kabarak University is yet another private Christian university. It is established on an expansive 600-acre farm, about 20kilometres from Nakuru (along Nakuru–Eldama Ravine rd).
The campus offers magnificent academic, recreational, and religious facilities in a quiet environment.
The university has campuses in Nakuru and Nairobi too.
Kabarak University Contacts:
Telephone: 0729 223 370
Website: https://kabarak.ac.ke/
Zetech University
Zetech University was founded by renowned Engineer Ken Mbiuki(in 1999) and it mainly majors in business, ICT, and hospitality courses.
It has its main campus in Ruiru, just along the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway.
Zetech University Contacts:
Telephone: 0719 034500
Website: zetech.ac.ke
KCA University
The former Kenya College of Accountancy is now a respected business university.
It has also expanded its programmes to include courses in technology, education, and even social sciences.
KCAU is along Thika Road (in Ruaraka), Nairobi, Kenya.
KCA University Contacts:
Telephone: 020 2211263
Website: https://www.kca.ac.ke/
Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
KEMU is also a chartered private university in Kenya.
It was sponsored by Methodist Church and has been in operation since 1997.
KEMU is in Meru County, approximately five kms from Meru Town CBD.
Kenya Methodist University Contacts:
Telephone: 0724-256162, 0734-310655
Website: https://kemu.ac.ke/
Other Private Universities in Kenya
- Saint Paul’s University Limuru
- University of Eastern Africa Baraton
- Africa International University (Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology)
- Pan Africa Christian University
- Adventist University of Africa
- Management University of Africa
- Tangaza University College
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu
- Umma University
- Presbyterian University of East Africa (PUEA)
- AMREF International University
- Scott Christian University
- Gretsa University
- Uzima University College
- The East African University Kitengela
- Pioneer International University
- Kenya Highlands University
- Lukenya University
- KAG East University
- International Leadership University (Nairobi International School of Theology)
Are Private Universities Worth The Cost?
Private universities are widely believed to be the most expensive universities in Kenya which is largely true (when you are privately sponsored).
For example, USIU and Strathmore are quite pricey with Kabarak University following closely.
So, are they worth the cost?
Well, in my opinion, if you can afford these private institutions, they truly are worth the cost.
Here is why:
- Smaller sizes of classrooms- this is a great advantage since the professor-student ratio is low. This largely contributes to improved learning because as a student, you are able to acquire additional personalized teaching
- Open enrollment- Unlike many public universities where the intake calendar is controlled by the government through CUE (commission of university education) and KUCCPS, there is flexibility in private universities- you can join your degree of choice soon after the release of KCSE results in some.
- Academic excellence– it is an open secret that graduates from some private institutions (think of Strathmore) are considered better qualified by employers compared to graduates from some public universities. That again boils down to the higher quality training here.
Which is the most expensive university in Kenya?
Strathmore university- in order to finance your education at Strathmore, you will definitely dig deeper into your pocket.
Fees may go up to Ksh. 250,000 and beyond per year. All the same education here is of high quality.
How many private universities are there in Kenya?
More than 30- believe it or not, there are more than 30 Private Universities In the country.
That said, it is good to note that only 20 are chartered (at the time of writing this).
These are:
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)
- Daystar University
- Scott Christian University
- United States International University
- Africa Nazarene University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Paul’s University
- Pan Africa Christian University
- Strathmore University
- Kabarak University
- Mount Kenya University
- Africa International University
- Kenya Highlands Evangelical University
- Great Lakes University of Kisumu
- KCA University
- Adventist University of Africa
- KAG EAST University Registered
- Umma University
- Presbyterian University of East Africa
Which are the top private universities locally?
Here is the list of how the top private universities across the country rank according to the webometrics rakings (at the time of writing this).
| Ranking (among both public and private universities in Kenya) | World Rank | University |
| 8 | 4183 | Strathmore University |
| 12 | 5723 | USIU |
| 13 | 6304 | Daystar University |
| 16 | 7649 | Mount Kenya University |
| 24 | 10077 | Kabarak University |
| 26 | 10172 | Kenya Methodist University |
| 29 | 10724 | Catholic University |
| 30 | 11127 | Saint Paul’s University (Limuru) |
| 35 | 13084 | Africa Nazarene University |
| 40 | 14565 | KCA University |
| 43 | 14960 | University of Eastern-Africa, Baraton |
| 44 | 15104 | Zetech University |
| 47 | 15305 | Africa International University (AIU) (Nairobi Evangelical GraduateSchool of Theology) |
| 48 | 16236 | Riara University |
| 50 | 16460 | PACU(PanAfrica Christian University) |
| 51 | 16489 | Adventist University of Africa |
| 52 | 16642 | MUA(Management University of Africa) |
| 56 | 17665 | Tangaza University College |
| 58 | 18016 | Great Lakes University (of Kisumu) |
| 61 | 18772 | Kiriri Women’s University |
| 62 | 18845 | Umma University |
| 63 | 18903 | Presbyterian University |
| 64 | 18903 | AMREF International University |
| 68 | 19519 | Scott Christian University |
| 69 | 19654 | Gretsa University |
| 75 | 21289 | Uzima University College |
| 76 | 21716 | East African University(Kitengela) |
| 79 | 21914 | Pioneer International University |
| 80 | 21979 | Kenya Highlands University |
| 84 | 22432 | Lukenya University |
| 85 | 22432 | KAG East University |
| 91 | 23482 | International Leadership University (Nairobi-International-School-of-Theology) |
Note: These ranks keep changing so it’s best to visit the webometrics website for the latest ranking.
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