Kenya, officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is an East African nation with a population of 47.6 million as of 2019. It ranks as the 28th most populous country globally and the 7th most populous in Africa. Nairobi serves as the capital city, while Mombasa is the second-largest and oldest city in Kenya.
Returning to our main article, we will explore the most expensive and most affordable universities currently available in Kenya. If you're interested in discovering the "Top Best Expensive Universities in Kenya" or the "Top Best Cheapest Universities in Kenya," this article will provide you with the relevant lists.
Major Available Courses in Kenya Universities Offers
Most of all Kenya universities and degree colleges provide a range of courses, both technical and non-technical, for students. However, before enrolling, candidates must pass entrance exams conducted by the university to select the best talent from the large pool of interested students. Below are some key courses commonly offered by universities in Kenya.
Major Degree Courses Offer By Universities Based in Kenya
- Bachelor of Education Arts (degree)
- Master of Education Arts
- Bachelor of Arts
- Master of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Master of Commerce
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies, etc.
Top Cheapest Degree Colleges and Universities in Kenya
Here is the full list of the most affordable universities in Kenya that offer a variety of degree programs at very low fees. These institutions are budget-friendly for all types of students who successfully pass their entrance exams.
1. The University of Nairobi (UON)
The University of Nairobi is known as the premier university in Kenya that offers several degree courses with the lowest fee structure which is between KSH 160,653 to KSH 189,550 per academic year including courses like Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies.
However, The courses of Bachelor of Arts (Gender and Development Studies) and Bachelor of Arts offer in the fees of KSH 160,653 and KSH 175,950. For more simplification just understand USD$1 = KSH 130, as of 2024.
2. University of Eldoret
The University of Eldoret is the second institution providing a variety of affordable programs, with an annual fee of KSH 183,600. This fee covers courses such as Bachelor of Education in Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship, Bachelor of Science in Project Planning Management, and Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
3. Technical University of Kenya
For technical courses, the "Technical University of Kenya" is an excellent choice, particularly for the course of Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy. You can enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy program here for just KSH 135,000 per academic year.
The fee for the "Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology" program is KSH 162,000. Both the "Bachelor of Technology in Business Information Technology" and the "Bachelor of Technology in Office Administration and Technology" programs have a fee of KSH 150,000 per academic year, making them highly affordable for a large number of students.
4. Strathmore University
Looking for a private university at an affordable price “Strathmore University” is the best university in Kenya that offers multiple courses to study at an affordable price. It was introduced in 1961, as the first multi-racial, multi-religious advanced-level sixth-form college offering science and arts courses but their major focus is on Business and Accounting courses.
5. Kenyatta University (KU)
Kenyatta University is another Kenya-based university that offers multiple bachelor's degree courses like Bachelor of Education in Library Science, Bachelor of Education in Arts Fine, Bachelor of Economics and Finance, Bachelor of Education in Physical Education, Bachelor of Education Arts in Home Economics, “Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies”, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Arts, and “Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Administration” between the fees structure of KSH 153,000 to KSH 183,600.
6. Moi University (Oldest University in Kenya)
Moi University is a public and 2nd oldest university in Kenya which was founded in 1984 after the University of Nairobi. It is granted university through an act of parliament from the McKay Commission, which was formerly ranked as the third-best university in Kenya. Moi University offers multiple courses in both bachelor’s and master's degrees such as:
- Bachelor in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
- Bachelor of Arts in Community Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- Bachelor of Arts in English
- Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television
- Bachelor of Arts in French, and more courses which you check on their website (https://www.mu.ac.ke/).
7. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
The "Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology", sometimes also refer as KJUAT fees structure is very effective for students who are looking for courses like:
- Bachelor of Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Innovation and Technology Management
- Bachelor of Science in Community Development and Environment
- Bachelor of Science in Strategic Management
- Bachelor of Project Management, and more
8. Egerton University
Egerton University was founded in 1939 as Egerton Farm School, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. Originally Egerton University was designed to study agriculture or you can also say that agricultural-based learning institution in Kenya. It offers courses to study here such as:
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Faculty of Agriculture, Law, Science, and Social Science
- Agricultural Engineering
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Department of Civil Engineering
- M.sc In Soils Science
- School Of Distance Learning, and more
9. United States International University (USIU)
United States International University is a private university that also sometimes refer as USIU or UAIU Africa. It was founded in 1969 as the Nairobi campus of USIU San Diego Main Campus. However, in 1999, the institution disengaged from its mother campus and established itself as an independent university by the name USIU Africa that offers courses like:
- Bachelor of Global Leadership and Governance
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management
- Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems & Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Pharmacy
- Bachelor of Technology in Analytical Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- Bachelor of Arts in Animation
- Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
10. Kenya Methodist University (KEMU)
The KEMU University or Kenya Methodist University is also one of the popular and cheapest universities that offer multiple courses to study here at very affordable prices such as:
- Certificate Programmes
- Diploma Programmes
- Degree Programmes
- Postgraduate Diploma Programmes
- Masters Programmes
- Doctorate (PhD) Programmes
- Professional Courses