University of Nairobi Reigns Supreme: Tops Latest Global Rankings Over Kenyatta University
The institution scored high in academic reputation and demonstrated strong research output, with 33.1 papers per faculty and 35.7 citations per paper.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) has solidified its dominance in Kenyan higher education by outperforming Kenyatta University (KU) in the freshly released UNIRANKS 2026 World University Rankings.
Key Ranking Highlights
UoN clinched the top spot nationally with a stellar score of 77.35, securing a global rank of 952nd and 14th in Africa, while earning the prestigious UNIRANKS Platinum Award and Elite University status.
KU followed at global rank 2015 with 66.89 points, praised for its diverse programs and community focus but trailing UoN’s research and global visibility.
Other standouts include Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) at 2176 (65.57) and Moi University at 2261 (64.91).
Broader Kenyan University Landscape
Out of 47 verified Kenyan institutions, eight earned “Top by Country” status and six “Top by Region (Africa),” highlighting a competitive field amid growing emphasis on research, innovation, and international collaboration.
Private universities like Strathmore (3501, 56.18) and USIU (5419, 45.64) also shone, reflecting Kenya’s expanding higher education sector that now rivals regional peers.
University of Nairobi (UoN) leads Kenya’s universities in the UNIRANKS 2026 World University Rankings at global rank 952 with a score of 77.35, followed closely by Kenyatta University (KU) at 2015 and 66.89.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) ranks 2176 with 65.57, while Moi University sits at 2261 and 64.91.
Egerton University follows at 2940 and 60.11, with Strathmore University Nairobi at 3501 and 56.18. Maseno University achieves 3880 with 53.42, and the Technical University of Kenya scores 52.25 at rank 4042.
United States International University ranks 5419 with 45.64, Catholic University of Eastern Africa at 6007 and 43.32, and Mount Kenya University at 6498 with 41.32.
Daystar University (6598, 40.93), Kenya Methodist University (6761, 40.24), Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology (6800, 40.1), Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (7433, 38.05), and Kabarak University (7598, 37.6) round out the top performers.
Lower in the list, Meru University of Science & Technology ranks 8486 with 35.5, University of Eldoret at 8516 and 35.42, and Saint Paul’s University Limuru at 8518 with the same score.
The rankings extend to over 40 Kenyan institutions, including University of Eastern Africa Baraton (8905, 34.65), African Virtual University (9023, 34.4), Karatina University (9049, 34.33), and others down to Kenya School of Government at 12252 with 28.29, showcasing broad participation from public, private, and specialized universities
These rankings underscore UoN’s edge in fields like medicine, engineering, and social sciences, making it a prime choice for ambitious learners seeking global exposure.
For Kenya, the results signal progress in academic excellence but call for sustained investment to boost more institutions into the global top 1,000, fostering economic growth through skilled graduates.
As competition heats up, prospective students should weigh factors like program fit and employability alongside rankings.