Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

Overview

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) is Kenya’s leading institution for agricultural and technology-focused education, research, and innovation. Established in 1981 as a middle-level college, it was granted full university status in 1994 and continues to grow as a practical, industry-facing university. JKUAT’s focus on agriculture, engineering, technology, and applied sciences is reflected in its training approach, where students learn with a strong emphasis on real-world application and research-led learning.

The university’s main campus is in Juja (Kiambu County), roughly 36 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, and it sits on about 1,200 acres of land that supports both academic activities and agricultural-related programs. With strong partnerships across the agriculture and technology sectors, JKUAT helps students build industry-ready skills through laboratory work, applied projects, and research exposure. If you’re comparing options, you may also want to review how other Kenyan public universities fit your goals, such as Kenyatta University or the University of Nairobi.

2. General Information

Name	Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
Established	1981 (as Jomo Kenyatta College) 1994 (university status)
Type	Public Research University
Location	Main Campus: Juja, Kiambu County, Kenya
Website	https://www.jkuat.ac.ke

3. Fee Structure

Note: Tuition varies by program, year of study, and campus requirements. The figures below are approximate ranges and should be confirmed with the university’s current fee schedules before applying.

Program	Tuition Fee (per year, approx.)
Bachelor of Agriculture	KSh 80,000 – 120,000
Bachelor of Engineering	KSh 120,000 – 180,000
Bachelor of Science (IT)	KSh 100,000 – 150,000
Bachelor of Architecture	KSh 150,000 – 200,000
Master’s Programs	KSh 150,000 – 250,000

4. Academic Programs

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
College of Engineering and Technology
College of Human Resource Development
College of Pure and Applied Sciences
College of Health Sciences
Institute of Biotechnology Research
Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology
School of Computing and Information Technology
School of Food and Nutrition Sciences
School of Architecture and Building Sciences

If your interest is strongly centered on agriculture and agribusiness, you may also compare similar strengths at Egerton University, which is well known for agricultural education. For technology-focused pathways, reviewing computing and applied sciences options across universities like Mount Kenya University can help you narrow down what best matches your career plan.

5. Facilities

Modern agricultural research farms
Engineering workshops and laboratories
ICT center with high-performance computing
Food processing and biotechnology labs
University library with digital resources
Teaching and referral hospital
Students’ innovation and incubation center
Sports complex and recreational facilities

JKUAT facilities are designed to support practical learning. For example, students in engineering and applied sciences benefit from hands-on workshop training, while learners in agriculture, biotechnology, and related fields gain experience through laboratory work and field-relevant research activities. The presence of digital library resources also supports coursework, project writing, and self-study.

6. Accommodation

JKUAT provides on-campus housing in 12 hostels, though demand can exceed capacity, especially during peak intake periods. For students who are unable to secure hostel space right away, the university assists with options in the surrounding Juja area.

12 halls of residence (6 for male, 6 for female students)
Single, double and triple occupancy rooms
24-hour security and health services
Dining halls and kitchen facilities
Study rooms and common areas
Annual fees: KSh 15,000 – 50,000

When planning your budget, remember that accommodation fees are only one part of student living costs. It can be helpful to set aside additional funds for reading materials, transport, and personal expenses, particularly during the first semester when you may also need items for hostel study and daily routines.

7. Contact Information

Email: info@jkuat.ac.ke
Phone: +254 67 58791-4
Address: P.O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya

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