Public universities in Kenya remain the backbone of higher education, enrolling the majority of students nationwide and offering subsidised tuition through government support.
Regulated by the Commission for University Education (CUE), these institutions admit students through KUCCPS and self-sponsored programmes.
Based on academic reputation, national prominence, student enrolment, and breadth of programmes, here are 10 of the best public universities in Kenya and what they offer, including approximate student numbers and course diversity.
1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
The University of Nairobi is Kenya’s oldest and most internationally recognised public university, consistently ranking highest nationally.
Location: Nairobi
Estimated student population: ~41,000 students
Estimated programmes: 200+ across undergraduate and postgraduate levels
What it offers:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Law
- Engineering
- Architecture and Urban Planning
- Business and Economics
- Journalism and Media Studies
- Education and Social Sciences
UoN attracts some of the highest-cut-off courses in Kenya and is a leading institution for professional and research-based training.
2. Kenyatta University (KU)
Kenyatta University is one of the largest public universities in Kenya by enrolment and admissions.
Location: Kahawa, Nairobi
Estimated student population: ~36,000 students
Estimated programmes: 150+
What it offers:
- Education (primary, secondary, special needs)
- Nursing and Public Health
- Pharmacy
- Psychology and Counselling
- Environmental Studies
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Business and Economics
KU is especially popular for teacher training and health-related courses.
3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
JKUAT is widely regarded as Kenya’s leading science and technology university.
Location: Juja, Kiambu County
Estimated student population: ~44,000 students
Estimated programmes: 120+
What it offers:
- Engineering (Civil, Electrical, Mechatronics)
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Biotechnology
- Agriculture and Food Sciences
- Architecture and Construction Management
- Business and Entrepreneurship
JKUAT is a top choice for students pursuing STEM and innovation-driven careers.
4. Moi University
Moi University played a key role in expanding public university education outside Nairobi and remains influential in western Kenya.
Location: Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County
Estimated student population: ~27,000 students
Estimated programmes: 100+
What it offers:
- Medicine and Surgery
- Nursing and Biomedical Sciences
- Education
- Forestry and Environmental Studies
- Engineering
- Law
- Arts and Social Sciences
It is well known for medical training and agricultural studies.
5. Egerton University
Egerton University is one of Kenya’s oldest institutions, with a strong reputation in agriculture and environmental sciences.
Location: Njoro, Nakuru County
Estimated student population: 20,000+ students
Estimated programmes: 90+
What it offers:
- Agriculture and Agribusiness
- Animal Health and Production
- Environmental Science
- Economics
- Education
- Biological Sciences
- Commerce
Egerton remains a key institution supporting food security and environmental sustainability.
6. Maseno University
Maseno University serves western Kenya with a balanced mix of arts, sciences, and health-related programmes.
Location: Kisumu County
Estimated student population: ~25,000 students
Estimated programmes: 80+
What it offers:
- Education
- Public Health
- Nursing
- Economics and Development Studies
- Information Technology
- Sociology and Social Work
- Environmental Studies
It is particularly known for community health and teacher education.
7. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
The Technical University of Kenya focuses on technical, industrial, and applied skills aligned with national development needs.
Location: Nairobi CBD
Estimated student population: 10,000+ students
Estimated programmes: 70+
What it offers:
- Engineering Technology
- Architecture and Building Sciences
- Information Technology
- Fashion Design and Creative Arts
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Applied Sciences
TUK attracts students seeking practical, skills-based education.
8. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
MMUST is a growing science-oriented university serving western Kenya.
Location: Kakamega County
Estimated student population: 10,000–15,000 students
Estimated programmes: 60+
What it offers:
- Computer Science and IT
- Engineering
- Food Science and Nutrition
- Education
- Agriculture
- Environmental Studies
The university continues to expand its infrastructure and academic scope.
9. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT)
Dedan Kimathi University is a specialised public university with a strong engineering focus.
Location: Nyeri County
Estimated student population: 8,000–12,000 students
Estimated programmes: 50+
What it offers:
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Computer Science
- Industrial Technology
- Applied Sciences
- Business and Management
DeKUT is popular among students pursuing technical and innovation-driven careers.
10. Machakos University
Machakos University is one of the newer public universities but has grown steadily in enrolment.
Location: Machakos County
Estimated student population: 10,000+ students
Estimated programmes: 60+
What it offers:
- Education
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Environmental Studies
- Economics
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Social Sciences
It attracts students from eastern Kenya seeking affordable public university education.
Why public universities matter in Kenya
Public universities in Kenya:
- Enrol over 70 percent of all university students nationally
- Offer subsidised tuition and government scholarships
- Support national priorities in health, education, technology, and agriculture
- Provide regional access to higher education across counties
When choosing a public university, students should consider course availability, institutional size, location, and career relevance, not rankings alone.
