The University of Nairobi (UoN) has retained its position as Kenya’s top-ranked university in the UNIRANKS 2026 World University Rankings, placing 952nd globally and 14th in Africa.
According to the latest results released by the global ranking body, out of 47 verified universities in Kenya, only eight institutions were classified as Top by Country, six as Top by Region (Africa). In contrast, one institution earned Elite University status.
“In the UNIRANKS 2026 Rankings, Kenya stands out with 47 verified universities, of which 8 are ranked as Top by Country, 6 as Top by Region, and 1 have earned the prestigious Elite University status. Explore Kenya’s leading institutions based on performance, global presence, and academic excellence,” read part of the ranking report.
The University of Nairobi emerged as the strongest performer, scoring 77.35 and earning the UNIRANKS Platinum Award. It was the only Kenyan university ranked within the global top 1,000.
UoN Beats Kenyatta University in Latest University Rankings
Established in 1970, the University of Nairobi (UoN) is Kenya’s leading institution of higher learning and the country’s highest-ranked university in the UNIRANKS 2026 World University Rankings.
UoN has been widely recognized for its commitment for research output, academic breadth, and community engagement, offering programmes across medicine, engineering, law, social sciences, education, agriculture, and technology.
In recognition of its academic performance and global visibility, the University of Nairobi has been awarded UNIRANKS Elite University status and is officially recognized and verified by UNIRANKS.
Kenyatta University (KU)
Kenyatta University is recognized for its diverse academic programs and research initiatives.
With a global rank of 2015 and a score of 66.89, the university has been recognized for its quality education and community engagement.
The institution fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to participate in research and service projects that address local and global challenges.
Also Read: Makerere vs UoN: Medicine Course Four Times Cheaper in Uganda’s Top University
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT)
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology is a notable institution in Kenya, recognized for its focus on agricultural sciences and technology.
With a global rank of 2176 and a score of 65.57, the university has been recognized for its research and innovation, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge projects.
According to UNIRANKS, the institution fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Also Read: Kenyatta University Beats UoN Again in Latest Rankings
List of Other Recognized Universities
Below is a table showing other Kenyan Universities that have been ranked globally.
| University | Rank 2026 | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Moi University | 2261 | 64.91 |
| Egerton University | 2940 | 60.11 |
| Strathmore University Nairobi | 3501 | 56.18 |
| Maseno University | 3880 | 53.42 |
| Technical University of Kenya | 4042 | 52.25 |
| United States International University | 5419 | 45.64 |
| Catholic University of Eastern Africa | 6007 | 43.32 |
| Mount Kenya University | 6498 | 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 |
| Kabarak University | 7598 | 37.6 |
| Meru University of Science & Technology | 8486 | 35.5 |
| University of Eldoret | 8516 | 35.42 |
| Saint Paul’s University Limuru | 8518 | 35.42 |
| University of Eastern Africa Baraton | 8905 | 34.65 |
| African Virtual University | 9023 | 34.4 |
| Karatina University | 9049 | 34.33 |
| Kenya Forestry Research Institute | 9155 | 34.11 |
| Machakos University | 9225 | 33.96 |
| Murang’a University of Technology | 9300 | 33.82 |
| University of Embu | 9320 | 33.78 |
| KCA University | 9362 | 33.7 |
| Africa Nazarene University | 9429 | 33.58 |
| South Eastern Kenya University | 9645 | 33.21 |
| Multimedia University of Kenya | 10053 | 32.41 |
| Pwani University | 10525 | 31.55 |
| Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science & Technology | 10750 | 31.13 |
| Zetech University | 11464 | 29.79 |
| Chuka University | 11483 | 29.77 |
| University of Kabianga | 11532 | 29.68 |
| Africa International University | 11543 | 29.65 |
| Kisii University | 11559 | 29.62 |
| Masai Mara University | 11644 | 29.42 |
| Pan Africa Christian University | 11718 | 29.27 |
| Kenya Medical Training College | 11892 | 28.98 |
| Riara University | 12012 | 28.77 |
| Technical University of Mombasa | 12164 | 28.46 |
| Great Lakes University of Kisumu | 12230 | 28.33 |
| Kenya School of Government | 12252 | 28.29 |
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
![Uon Beats Kenyatta University In Latest University Rankings [Full List]](https://cdn.thekenyatimes.com/uploads/2025/07/Kenyatta-University-2025.png "Uon Beats Kenyatta University In Latest Rankings [Full List]")
