Education

Comprehensive Guide to Approved Universities in Kenya and Fee Structures for 2026: What Students Need to Know

As the 2026 academic year approaches, prospective university students and their families are seeking clarity on approved institutions and the financial commitments required for higher education.

The Commission for University Education (CUE), Kenya’s statutory regulatory body for university education, has released its latest list of accredited institutions, while significant fee reforms continue to reshape the affordability landscape for students nationwide.

Understanding Kenya’s University Education Landscape in 2026

The Commission for University Education plays a critical role in maintaining educational standards across Kenya’s tertiary sector. According to the latest data published in November 2025, the regulatory body has accredited a total of 35 public universities, 32 private universities, three specialized public degree-awarding institutions, eight public university constituent colleges, two private university constituent colleges, and three institutions operating under Letters of Interim Authority.

This comprehensive regulatory framework ensures that students enrolling in these institutions receive quality education that meets both national and international standards. CUE has issued strong warnings to prospective students and their families to verify that their chosen institution appears on the official list of accredited universities.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any institution operating as a university or awarding degrees that does not appear on our approved list is illegal, and its degrees will not be recognized in Kenya,” the commission stated in its recent public notice.

Major Fee Reforms: Government Slashes University Costs

In a landmark decision announced in July 2025, the Kenyan government implemented sweeping reductions in university tuition fees across all public institutions. The revised fee structure, which took effect on September 1, 2025, applies to both first-year and continuing students and represents one of the most significant education reforms in recent years.

Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, emphasized the government’s commitment to accessible education. “Following extensive consultations with the public, students, and higher education stakeholders, the Government of Kenya is pleased to announce a landmark rationalization of public university fees based on the Student-Centred Funding Model,” she stated.

The new funding model combines reduced tuition fees with government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans, with support levels determined by individual student financial needs and economic backgrounds.

Understanding the New Fee Structure

The revised public university fees vary significantly based on the program of study. Here are the key fee ranges per semester for major academic clusters:

Medicine and Health Sciences:

Medicine (Pre-Clinical and Clinical): Ksh 12,343 to Ksh 75,000 per semester
Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy: Ksh 12,343 to Ksh 75,000 per semester
Nursing and other health programs: Variable rates within this range

Engineering and Technology:

Engineering and Surveying: Ksh 14,256 to Ksh 57,024 per semester
Architecture: Ksh 12,960 to Ksh 57,888 per semester
Computing and Information Technology: Ksh 12,960 to Ksh 51,840 per semester

Business and Social Sciences:

Business-related programs: Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 45,000 per semester
Arts and Humanities: Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 35,000 per semester
Education programs: Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 40,000 per semester

It is crucial to note that the government confirmed in December 2025 that there would be no fee increases for the 2026 academic year, providing financial certainty for families planning for university education.

Top Public Universities and Their Fee Structures

University of Nairobi (UoN)

As Kenya’s premier public university, the University of Nairobi offers a comprehensive range of academic programs. For government-sponsored students in 2026, first-year tuition remains affordable at approximately Ksh 16,000 per year, though this figure excludes statutory fees, accommodation, and other charges.

The university has updated its admissions and finance portals to reflect the new Student-Centred Funding Model, making it easier for students to understand their financial obligations. Self-sponsored students pay considerably higher fees, typically ranging from Ksh 100,000 to over Ksh 400,000 per year depending on the program.

Contact Information:

Location: University Way, Nairobi
Website: www.uonbi.ac.ke
Email: info@uonbi.ac.ke

Kenyatta University (KU)

Kenyatta University has implemented the new fee structure with notable reductions across all programs. Government-sponsored students now pay between Ksh 5,000 and Ksh 75,000 per semester, depending on their chosen program and funding band classification.

For self-sponsored undergraduate students, annual fees range from approximately Ksh 100,000 to over Ksh 400,000, plus statutory fees covering identification cards, library access, examinations, and other services. The university offers three intakes annually—September, January, and May—providing flexibility for prospective students.

Contact Information:

Location: Thika Road, Kahawa, Nairobi
P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi
Website: www.ku.ac.ke

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

JKUAT, renowned for its engineering and agricultural programs, charges government-sponsored students between Ksh 37,440 and Ksh 45,197 per year, depending on the program. Self-sponsored students face higher costs, with detailed fee structures available through the university’s admissions portal.

Under the new funding model, students must access their Higher Education Funding (HEF) Band classification through the JKUAT admission system to understand their exact financial obligations.

Contact Information:

Location: Juja, approximately 36km northeast of Nairobi
Website: www.jkuat.ac.ke

Egerton University

Egerton University offers diverse Arts and Science degree programs with competitive fees under the government-sponsored scheme. The university has published its 2025/2026 cutoff points and fee structures, making the application process transparent for prospective students.

Regional Public Universities

Several regional public universities provide quality education at standardized government-regulated fees:

Kisii University: Located in Kisii County, offering programs across multiple disciplines
Pwani University: Serving the coastal region with specialized maritime and environmental programs
Rongo University: Providing accessible higher education in the South Nyanza region
Moi University: One of Kenya’s largest public universities with multiple campuses
Maseno University: Strong reputation in sciences and education programs
Technical University of Mombasa: Specializing in technical and engineering courses
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology: Focus on science, technology, and engineering

Leading Private Universities and Fee Structures

Mount Kenya University (MKU)

Mount Kenya University stands as one of Kenya’s largest private universities, with over 70,000 students across 16 campuses nationwide. Despite being private, MKU offers competitive tuition rates compared to many other private institutions.

Fee Structure for 2026:

Undergraduate Programs:

Bachelor’s degrees (Business, IT, Education): Ksh 45,550 to Ksh 59,550 per semester
Health-related courses: Ksh 54,550 to Ksh 85,550 per semester
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery: Ksh 129,550 per semester (three terms per year)
Bachelor of Pharmacy: Ksh 125,000 per semester (three terms per year)
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Ksh 83,500 per semester (three terms per year)
Bachelor of Clinical Medicine: Ksh 80,000 per semester
Law (LLB): Ksh 85,000 per semester

Postgraduate Programs:

Master’s degrees (general): Ksh 59,550 per semester
Health-related Master’s programs: Ksh 70,000 to Ksh 79,550 per semester
Clinical Medicine Master’s: Ksh 104,550 per semester

Diploma Programs:

Ksh 20,550 to Ksh 34,550 per semester

Certificate Programs:

Ksh 20,550 to Ksh 33,600 per semester

Contact Information:

Main Campus: General Kago Road, Thika
P.O. Box 342-01000, Thika
Website: www.mku.ac.ke
Phone: +254 67 2492 3000

Zetech University

Zetech University has built a reputation as an affordable private institution offering career-focused degree programs. The university’s fee structure for 2026 demonstrates its commitment to accessible quality education.

Fee Structure for 2026:

Undergraduate Programs: The university charges uniform fees for most undergraduate programs including Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Business Information Technology, Media and Digital Communication, and Journalism:

Year 1, Semester 1: Ksh 80,400 (Tuition: Ksh 66,000 + Admin: Ksh 14,400)
Year 1, Semester 2: Ksh 74,900 (Tuition: Ksh 66,000 + Admin: Ksh 8,900)
Subsequent semesters follow similar patterns with total costs ranging from Ksh 74,900 to Ksh 80,400

Master’s Programs:

MBA and other Master’s programs: Similar semester structure with fees ranging from Ksh 74,900 to Ksh 80,400 per semester

Doctorate Programs:

PhD programs: Ksh 74,900 to Ksh 80,400 per semester over six semesters

TVET Programs: Certificate and diploma programs through the Zetech Business and Technical Institute (ZBTI) range from Ksh 27,400 to Ksh 32,400 per term, with courses examined by KNEC, KASNEB, IATA, and ICM.

Contact Information:

Location: Off Thika Road, Ruiru
P.O. Box 2768-00200, Nairobi
Email: info@zetech.ac.ke
Phone: 0719034500
WhatsApp: 0706622557

Strathmore University

Strathmore University, established in 1961, ranks among Kenya’s top private institutions, particularly strong in business, law, information technology, and accounting. The university integrates professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, and CISA into its degree programs, providing graduates with both academic and professional credentials.

Fee Structure for 2026:

Undergraduate Programs:

Business and Economics courses: Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 250,000 per semester
Information Technology programs: Ksh 160,000 to Ksh 240,000 per semester
Law programs: Variable rates, typically in the higher range
Communication and Media: Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 220,000 per semester

Postgraduate Programs:

Master’s programs: Ksh 120,000 to Ksh 370,000 per year for East African students
International students pay higher fees, typically ranging from US$2,500 to US$4,999 annually

Diploma Programs:

Ksh 80,000 to Ksh 150,000 per semester

Annual costs at Strathmore typically range from Ksh 400,000 to over Ksh 500,000 depending on the program, making it one of the more premium private universities in Kenya.

Contact Information:

Location: Ole Sangale Road, Madaraka Estate, Nairobi
P.O. Box 59857-00200, Nairobi
Phone: +254 703 034 000 / +254 730 734 000
Website: www.strathmore.edu

Other Notable Private Universities

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa): Known for American-style education and strong international partnerships.

Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA): Offers diverse programs with emphasis on ethics and social responsibility.

Daystar University: Christian-based university with strong programs in communication, business, and development studies.

Africa Nazarene University: Focus on holistic education integrating faith and learning.

Kabarak University: Fee structure for 2025/2026 shows Business and Economics programs at Ksh 94,350 to Ksh 95,850 per semester including administrative charges.

Aga Khan University: Premium institution with particular strength in health sciences and education.

Riara University: Smaller private university offering personalized attention and competitive programs.

Understanding the Student-Centred Funding Model

The new funding model introduced by the Kenyan government represents a paradigm shift in how higher education is financed. Rather than the previous one-size-fits-all approach, the model categorizes students into different funding bands based on family economic status and need.

Funding Band Categories

Band 1 (Most Vulnerable):

Government scholarship: 70% of program cost
Government loan: 25% of program cost
Family contribution: 5% of program cost
Upkeep allowance: Ksh 60,000

Band 2 (Vulnerable):

Government scholarship: 60% of program cost
Government loan: 30% of program cost
Family contribution: 10% of program cost
Upkeep allowance: Proportionate to need

Band 3 (Less Vulnerable):

Government scholarship: 50% of program cost
Government loan: 30% of program cost
Family contribution: 20% of program cost

Band 4 (Able/Least Vulnerable):

Government scholarship: 40% of program cost
Government loan: 30% of program cost
Family contribution: 30% of program cost

Students dissatisfied with their band placement have the right to appeal through established channels, with deadlines typically announced through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and university portals.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond government funding, students have access to various scholarship and bursary programs:

Government Bursaries:

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans
National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries
County government bursaries

Private Sector Scholarships:

Safaricom scholarships for technology and business students
Equity Bank Wings to Fly continuation scholarships
KCB Foundation scholarships
Corporate-sponsored programs in specific fields

University-Specific Programs: Many universities offer their own scholarship schemes for academically excellent students, sports persons, students with disabilities, and orphans and vulnerable children.

Important Considerations for 2026 Applicants

Verification of Accreditation

Before making any financial commitments, prospective students must verify that their chosen institution appears on the official CUE list. The commission maintains an updated database accessible through its website at www.cue.or.ke.

Illegal Institutions to Avoid: CUE has warned against 16 unauthorized institutions including Eldoret Bible College, Grace Life Bible College, Africa Theological Seminary, The Africa Talent University, Breakthrough Bible College, Logos University, Bradegate International University, and Dominion Mission Theological University.

Application Process

Most universities have automated their admission processes for 2026:

Scan and save all required documents in PDF or JPG format
Prepare recent passport-size photographs
Have copies of KCSE results or equivalent qualifications
Keep identification documents ready (National ID or Birth Certificate)
For international students: valid passport and student visa documentation

Application Fees:

Undergraduate programs: Ksh 1,000 to Ksh 1,500
Postgraduate programs: Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 2,050

Payment Methods

Universities have standardized payment systems:

Bank transfers to designated university accounts
Mobile money payments (M-Pesa) through university paybill numbers
Direct bank deposits at specified bank branches
Most universities no longer accept cash, personal cheques, or money orders

Multiple Intakes

Many universities offer flexibility with multiple intake periods:

January/February intake: Primary intake for most programs
May intake: Available at select universities
September intake: Main intake for KUCCPS-placed students
Some private universities offer additional intakes in April, August, and December

Looking Ahead: Trends in Higher Education Financing

Several trends are shaping the future of university education financing in Kenya:

Digital and Blended Learning: Universities increasingly offer online and hybrid programs at 20-30% lower costs than traditional on-campus programs while maintaining quality standards.

Income Share Agreements (ISAs): Some education financiers are exploring models where students repay education costs as a percentage of future income rather than fixed amounts, reducing upfront financial stress.

Employer-Sponsored Education: Growing numbers of employers are funding employees’ degree and diploma programs, particularly in technical fields.

Corporate Partnership Scholarships: Increased private sector investment in education through targeted scholarship programs in technology, business, and specialized fields.

Practical Advice for Families

Education experts recommend the following steps for families planning for university education in 2026:

Start Early: Begin researching universities and programs at least one year before intended enrollment
Visit Campuses: Where possible, visit shortlisted universities to assess facilities and learning environment
Understand Total Costs: Consider not just tuition but accommodation, meals, books, transport, and other expenses
Explore All Funding Options: Apply for government funding, scholarships, and bursaries simultaneously
Read Fee Structures Carefully: Ensure you understand what is included and what additional costs may arise
Verify Accreditation: Always check the CUE website to confirm institutional legitimacy
Plan for Incremental Payments: Many universities offer installment payment plans to ease financial burden
Consider Program Duration: Factor in the total cost over the entire program period, not just per semester

Conclusion

The 2026 academic year presents unprecedented opportunities for Kenyan students seeking quality higher education. With 70 fully accredited universities (public and private), comprehensive government funding reforms, and increased transparency in fee structures, access to university education has never been more achievable.

The government’s commitment to affordable education, demonstrated through the September 2025 fee reductions and the Student-Centred Funding Model, shows tangible progress toward making higher education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. However, students and families must remain vigilant in verifying institutional accreditation and understanding their financial obligations before enrollment.

For the most current information on specific programs, fee structures, and application processes, prospective students should:

Visit university websites directly
Contact admissions offices via official communication channels
Check the KUCCPS portal for placement-related information
Regularly review the CUE website for updates on accredited institutions
Subscribe to HELB communications for funding opportunities and deadlines

With proper planning, financial preparation, and informed decision-making, the pathway to quality university education in Kenya remains open to all deserving students in 2026 and beyond.

Key Resources:

Commission for University Education: www.cue.or.ke
Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service: www.kuccps.net
Higher Education Loans Board: www.helb.co.ke

Disclaimer: Fee structures are subject to change by individual universities. Always verify current fees directly with your chosen institution before making financial commitments. This information is accurate as of January 2026.

For more information on specific universities or programs, contact the institutions directly using the contact details provided in this guide.