Kenya has the largest university education system in East Africa – seven public universities with 14 constituent colleges and three campuses. The university colleges will become independent universities after three years.As of now, some have one year and others two to become full-fledged institutions.

Kenya has seven public universities with 14 constituent colleges and three cumpuses.

Public Universities in Kenya

• Egerton University  – 1987
• Jorno Kenyatta University – 1994
• Kenyatta University – 1985
• Maseno University – 2001
• Masinde Muliro University – 2007
• Moi University – 1984
• University of Nairobi – 1970

Public University Colleges in Kenya

• Chuka University College
• Kisii University College
• Kirnathi University College of technology
• Pvvani University College – Kenyatta University
• Kenya Polytechnic University College
• Mombasa Polytechnic University College
• South Eastern University College
• Kabianga University College
• Multi-Media University College
• Narok University College
• Bondo University College
• Laikipia University College
• Meru University College of Science and Technology

Kenya had 24 private universities – 11 chartered universities, nine with letters of interim authority and four registered.

Private Universities in Kenya

• Africa Nazarene University
• Catholic University 0f Eastern Africa
• Daystar University
• Kenya Methodist University
• Scott Theological College
• United States International University
• University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
• Pan Africa Christian University
• St Paul’s University
• Strathmore University
• Kabarak University

Universities with Letters of Interim Authority in Kenya

• Great Lakes University  – 2006
• Gretsa University – 2006
• KCA university – 2007
• Kiriri Women’s University of Science and Technology – 2002
• Presbyterian University of East Africa – 2007
• Mt. Kenya University – 2008
• Adventist University of Africa – 2008
• Inoorero University – 2009
• Aga Khan University 2002

Registered Private Universities in Kenya

• Kenya Highlands Bible College (charter approved)
• East African School of Theology
• Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology
• Nairobi International School of Theology

NB: The last category comprises institutions that had offered degrees before the
commission for Higher Education was set up.

Student enrolment in universities rose by 44.7 per cent from 122,847 in 2008 to 177,735 in 2009.

Enrolment in public universities increased from 100,649 students in the 2008-2009 academic year to 142,556 in 2009-2010. Part-time students at public universities constituted 32 per cent of the total enrolment. Students in private accredited universities accounted for 35,179 or 19.8 per cent of the total student enrolment.

Public universities student intake through the joint Admission Board increased by 23.4 per cent from 17,100 in 2008-2009 to 21,100 in 2009-2010. This was attributed to the establishment of more constituent colleges which boosted access to university education. The number have risen to 24,000 in the 2010-2011 academic year.

But women enrolment declined from 40.1 per cent in 2008-2009 to 37.9 per cent in 2009-2010. To boost the numbers, the joint board has an affirmative policy of admitting female students with a point lower than their male counterparts.