University of Nairobi

Overview

The University of Nairobi (UoN) is Kenya’s premier public university and one of the most influential higher learning institutions in Africa. Founded in 1956 as the Royal Technical College and granted university status in 1970, UoN has grown into a major teaching and research institution with a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate options across multiple disciplines.

With the main campus in Nairobi, students benefit from easy access to internships, government and NGO offices, industry events, and professional networks. UoN is especially well known for strong offerings in areas such as medicine, law, engineering, and agriculture, and it continues to support national development through research and innovation.

2. General Information

Name	University of Nairobi (UoN)
Established	1956 (Royal Technical College) 1970 (University status)
Type	Public Research University
Location	Nairobi, Kenya
Website	https://www.uonbi.ac.ke

3. Fee Structure

Tuition fees at UoN typically vary by program, year of study, and the specific campus or school administering the course. The figures below are approximate ranges to help you budget, and you should always confirm the latest fee guide from the university before applying.

Program	Tuition Fee (per year, approx.)
Bachelor of Arts/Science	KSh 50,000 – 170,000
Bachelor of Medicine	KSh 270,000 – 420,000
Bachelor of Law (LLB)	KSh 130,000 – 210,000
Bachelor of Engineering	KSh 160,000 – 260,000
Master’s Programs	KSh 110,000 – 330,000

4. Academic Programs

UoN organizes teaching through colleges, schools, and institutes. Below are key academic units you may come across when exploring degree options.

College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
College of Architecture and Engineering
College of Biological and Physical Sciences
College of Education and External Studies
College of Health Sciences
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
School of Law
School of Business
Institute of Tropical Medicine
Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology

If you’re comparing options across Kenya, you can also review similar public university choices such as Moi University and Egerton University, depending on whether you want stronger agricultural, technology, or general science pathways.

5. Facilities

Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library (largest in East Africa)
Teaching hospitals and clinical training environments
Modern engineering laboratories
Extensive sports facilities including swimming pool
Computer laboratories with high-speed internet
Agricultural research farms
Student centers and cafeterias

For students interested in technology and applied learning models, it can also help to compare how different universities structure practical training. For example, Mount Kenya University is often considered when students prioritize hands-on schedules and flexible learning.

6. Accommodation

The University of Nairobi provides both on-campus and off-campus housing options. On-campus accommodation usually comes through halls of residence, and availability can be limited during peak admission intakes.

11 halls of residence across campuses
Single, double and triple occupancy rooms
24-hour security and medical services
Common study areas and recreational facilities
Dining halls and kitchen facilities
Annual fees: KSh 18,000 – 60,000

Before budgeting, confirm the current accommodation fee guidance and any hall-specific requirements, especially if you are applying for health-related programs that may have additional practical schedules.

7. Contact Information

Email: info@uonbi.ac.ke
Phone: +254 20 491 0000
Address: University Way, Nairobi, P.O Box 30197-00100, Kenya

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