Kenyatta University

Overview

Kenyatta University is one of Kenya’s leading public universities and is widely recognized for producing graduates in education, business, and health sciences. It was established in 1965 as a teacher training college and later gained full university status in 1985. The main campus spans about 1,100 acres in Kahawa, roughly 23 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center, and the university also operates additional campuses across the country.

With a student population of more than 70,000, Kenyatta University plays a major role in expanding access to higher education in Kenya. Prospective students commonly choose KU for its broad academic offering, established teaching and research activities, and international collaborations that support learning and exchange opportunities.

2. General Information

Name	Kenyatta University
Established	1965 (as Kenyatta College) 1985 (university status)
Type	Public Research University
Location	Main Campus: Kahawa, Nairobi, Kenya
Website	www.ku.ac.ke

3. Fee Structure

Tuition varies by program, study mode, and year, so applicants are advised to confirm the latest fee breakdown with the university’s admissions and finance offices before applying. The figures below are approximate annual ranges based on commonly advertised tuition bands.

Program	Tuition Fee (per year, approx.)
Bachelor of Education	KSh 60,000 – 120,000
Bachelor of Commerce	KSh 80,000 – 150,000
Bachelor of Medicine	KSh 300,000 – 400,000
Bachelor of Science	KSh 70,000 – 180,000
Master’s Programs	KSh 120,000 – 250,000

4. Academic Programs

Kenyatta University organizes its teaching through multiple schools that cover both professional and academic disciplines. If you’re comparing KU with other major Kenyan institutions, you may also want to review options at the University of Nairobi for related business and science pathways.

School of Education
School of Business
School of Medicine
School of Engineering and Technology
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
School of Pure and Applied Sciences
School of Agriculture
School of Hospitality and Tourism
School of Creative Arts, Film and Media Studies
School of Security, Diplomacy and Peace Studies

5. Facilities

KU is known for learning support facilities that support both classroom teaching and practical training. Depending on your course, you may interact with lab spaces, studios, and training setups in addition to the university library. For students looking at other university ecosystems, it can also help to compare campus support structures across institutions such as Moi University and Mount Kenya University.

Modern library with over 400,000 volumes
Teaching and referral hospital
State-of-the-art science and engineering labs
Olympic-size swimming pool
International students hostel
Extensive sports facilities including stadium
Incubation hub for student enterprises
Performing arts center

6. Accommodation

Kenyatta University provides extensive on-campus housing options across its 16 hostels. Accommodation demand can be competitive, so students are encouraged to plan early and follow hostels’ allocation processes based on their category and program requirements. The university may also provide guidance for students seeking off-campus housing.

16 halls of residence (8 for male, 8 for female students)
Single, double and triple occupancy rooms
24-hour security and health services
Dining halls and kitchen facilities
Laundry services
Annual fees: KSh 12,000 – 45,000

7. Contact Information

Email: info@ku.ac.ke
Phone: +254 20 8710901-19
Address: P.O. Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya

More Universities in Kenya

For students comparing KU with technology, entrepreneurship, and applied training alternatives, it may also be useful to look at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Strathmore University.

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