Kenyatta University emerged as Kenya’s most preferred university in the 2026/2027 Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) placement, attracting 11,224 students.
Speaking to The Kenya Times, Education and Strategy Expert, Jonathan Wesaya, attributed the university’s performance to a combination of its long-standing reputation, strategic location, affordable cost of living, modern infrastructure, and the changing way students choose universities.
According to KUCCPS placement results, Kenyatta University admitted the highest number of students among public universities.
It was followed by Moi University, which admitted 8,869 students, while the University of Nairobi is set to admit 8,604 learners.
Other universities that recorded high placements include Chuka University (7,946), Kisii University (7,903), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (7,586), the University of Eldoret (6,671), and Tharaka University (6,336).
Wesaya said Kenyatta University belongs to a group of institutions that have built strong reputations over many years, making them the first choice for many students.
“Kenyatta, Nairobi, Moi and Egerton Universities are what we can call legacy universities that have been around. This generation of learners has heard about them from their parents and grandparents. From a legacy point of view, it becomes an obvious choice,” he said.
He noted that for many years, courses such as medicine and law were available only at a few universities, shaping public perception of where students should study.
“For a long time, some courses were limited to certain universities. If you failed to get medicine or law at the University of Nairobi, people believed you had missed out completely. That perception has remained even though many universities now offer the same programmes,” he said.
Education Expert Jonathan Wesaya Says Location Gives Kenyatta University an Edge
Wesaya said Kenyatta University’s location has become one of its biggest competitive advantages.
He explained that the institution appeals to today’s students because it allows them to balance their studies with work or business while living in an affordable area.
According to Wesaya, many students now work part-time or run small businesses while pursuing their studies.
“In the current economic setup, Kenyatta University sits in a unique space. If you combine its legacy and location, you get a mix that attracts modern, independent students,” he told The Kenya Times.
“Kenyatta University gives students that flexibility. You can attend classes, run a business or work part-time and still find affordable housing close to the university.”
He added that students studying in the Kahawa area benefit from relatively affordable housing, food and transport compared to universities located in Nairobi’s city centre.
“If you need affordable housing around Nairobi University, you have to move further from the city. The farther you move, the higher the transport costs, making it difficult to strike a balance,” he said.
Also Read: How First-Year Students Can Download University Admission Letters
Infrastructure Supports Growth
Wesaya also credited years of investment in infrastructure for positioning Kenyatta University to accommodate more students and expand its academic programmes.
He said facilities developed during the tenure of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Olive Mugenda are now supporting the university’s growth.
The Educationist added that unlike some universities that struggle with limited space, Kenyatta University has room to introduce new programmes and accommodate more students.
“At the time, there were complaints that too much attention was being given to infrastructure. Today, that infrastructure has matured and is being fully utilized,” he said.
“They have more space and more course offerings. Other universities may ask where new faculty members will sit if another programme is introduced. Kenyatta is no longer facing that challenge.”
Also Read: KUCCPS Releases 2026 University Placement Results; How to Check
Students are Making Informed Choices
Wesaya said access to information has transformed how students choose universities and courses.
He noted that previously, students were told by their parents, teachers or relatives what to study, but today they have information at the click of a button and can compare universities and programmes before making a choice.
He said students are increasingly selecting courses based on their interests rather than family expectations.
“You may admit someone for medicine, but they choose graphic design because that is what they want. It is now their decision,” he said.
According to Wesaya, many students also research university policies before joining campus and become familiar with options such as inter-faculty transfers.
Reputation Continues to Influence Choices
Despite students having more information than ever before, Wesaya said university reputation and successful alumni still shape their decisions.
He added that stories associated with universities continue to influence prospective students.
“If Wangari Maathai is your inspiration as an environmentalist, you will want to study where she studied. The same applies to other successful professionals. People want to follow in the footsteps of those they admire,” he said.
“Students listen, interpret information and make decisions long before they report to university. Those traditions and success stories still influence where they choose to study.”
Wesaya said Kenyatta University’s blend of history, location, affordability, infrastructure and a wide range of academic programmes has enabled it to remain the top choice for thousands of students in this year’s KUCCPS placement.
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