The University of Nairobi, Strathmore University and Kenyatta University continue to lead Kenya’s postgraduate landscape. This guide presents our selection of the 10 best universities for master’s degrees in Kenya in 2026.
- 10 Best Universities for Master’s Degrees in Kenya in 2026
- General Master’s Admission Requirements
- Detailed Profiles
- 1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
- 2. Strathmore University
- 3. Kenyatta University (KU)
- 4. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
- 5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- 6. United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa)
- 7. Moi University
- 8. Egerton University
- 9. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
- 10. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
- How to Choose the Right University
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
The selection considers the 2026 UniRank position alongside postgraduate programme availability, institutional reputation, programme strengths and study options. UniRank itself is a web-based university ranking and should not be interpreted as a standalone measure of academic quality.
Important note on fees: Master’s fees in Kenya vary significantly by programme, study mode, duration and nationality. There is no single university-wide annual fee. The figures below are current programme-specific examples only (as of 24 August 2026). Always confirm the latest schedule directly with the university before applying.
10 Best Universities for Master’s Degrees in Kenya in 2026
| Rank | University | Type | Key Strengths | Current Fee & Duration Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nairobi (UoN) | Public | Business, Law, Medicine, Development Studies | MBA: KES 602,250 total | Duration: 2 years (min. 4 semesters) |
| 2 | Strathmore University | Private | Data Science, Finance, IT, Executive MBA | MSc Information Technology: KES 952,500 total over 6 semesters | Duration: 2 years Master of Commerce: KES 800,000 | Duration: 2 years |
| 3 | Kenyatta University (KU) | Public | Education, Public Health, Security Studies | Many M.Ed programmes: KES 246,000 per year | Duration: 2 years |
| 4 | Mount Kenya University (MKU) | Private | Health Sciences, Business, Cyber Security | Many master’s programmes: KES 90,000 per semester | Duration: typically 2 years (4 semesters) LLM: KES 150,000 per semester |
| 5 | JKUAT | Public | ICT, Engineering, Biotechnology, Data Analytics | MSc Information Technology: KES 505,000 (2-year full-time) | Duration: 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time MSc Artificial Intelligence: KES 508,200 | Duration: 2 years |
| 6 | USIU-Africa | Private | International Relations, Business, Psychology | Standard MBA: from KES 159,750 per semester (Kenyan students) | Duration: typically 18–24 months |
| 7 | Moi University | Public | Medicine, Communication, Engineering | Programme-specific; confirm current fees and duration with the university |
| 8 | Egerton University | Public | Agriculture, Environmental Science, Agribusiness | Arts & Social Sciences example: Tuition KES 120,000/year + other charges | Duration: usually 2 years |
| 9 | Technical University of Kenya (TUK) | Public | Architecture, Engineering, Computing, Design | Programme-specific; confirm current fees and duration with the university |
| 10 | Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) | Private | Health Sciences, Business, Education | Programme-specific; confirm current fees and duration with the university |
Swipe left/right on mobile to view the full table.
General Master’s Admission Requirements
Most universities follow the Commission for University Education baseline:
- Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) from a recognised institution.
- Second Class Honours (Lower Division) is usually accepted with at least two years of relevant work experience or a postgraduate diploma.
- Official transcripts, two recommendation letters, a concept note or statement of purpose, and a national ID or passport.
Detailed Profiles
1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
UoN remains Kenya’s top-ranked university and the strongest research and public-sector brand.
Popular programmes: MBA, LLM, Master of Arts in International Studies, MSc Computer Science, Master of Public Health.
Current fee & duration: MBA total programme cost is KES 602,250. Minimum duration is 4 semesters (2 years); maximum is 15 semesters.
Key strength: Extensive alumni networks across government, business and research in East Africa.
2. Strathmore University
Strathmore is the highest-ranked private university in the 2026 UniRank list.
Popular programmes: MSc Data Science and Analytics, MSc Information Technology, Executive MBA, Master of Commerce.
Current fee & duration examples:
- MSc Information Technology: KES 952,500 total (payable over six semesters) | Duration: 2 years
- Master of Commerce: KES 800,000 programme fee | Duration: 2 years
Key strength: Strong industry partnerships and high employability in tech and finance.
3. Kenyatta University (KU)
KU holds third place and remains a leader in education and public health.
Popular programmes: Master of Education (various specialisations), MSc Public Health, Master in Security Management and Police Studies.
Current fee & duration: Many Master of Education programmes cost KES 246,000 per year for East African students | Duration: 2 years.
Key strength: Flexible Digital School options for working professionals.
4. Mount Kenya University (MKU)
MKU ranks fourth and is known for flexible multi-campus delivery.
Popular programmes: Master of Public Health, MSc Cyber Security, Master of Arts in Governance, MBA, LLM.
Current fee & duration examples (2026/27 prospectus):
- Many master’s programmes (including Master of Education): KES 90,000 per semester | Duration: typically 2 years (4 semesters)
- LLM: KES 150,000 per semester
- MSc Nursing: KES 105,000 per semester (excluding project and practical fees)
Key strength: Evening, weekend and online options across several campuses.
5. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
JKUAT is Kenya’s leading technology and engineering university.
Popular programmes: MSc ICT Management, MSc Civil Engineering, MSc Data Science, MSc Artificial Intelligence.
Current fee & duration examples:
- MSc Information Technology: KES 505,000 for the two-year full-time programme | Duration: 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time
- MSc Artificial Intelligence: KES 508,200 | Duration: 2 years
Key strength: Strong STEM research and industry incubation centres.
6. United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa)
USIU-Africa offers dual Kenyan and US accreditation.
Popular programmes: MA International Relations, MBA, MSc Clinical Psychology.
Current fee & duration: Standard MBA starts from approximately KES 159,750 per semester for Kenyan students | Duration: typically 18–24 months.
Key strength: International student body and strong credentials for global careers.
7. Moi University
Located in Eldoret, Moi University is strong in medicine and communication.
Popular programmes: Master of Public Health, Master of Science in Communication Studies, Executive MBA.
Fees & duration: Programme-specific; confirm current fees and duration with the university. Most programmes run for 2 years.
Key strength: Strong medical and engineering networks in western Kenya.
8. Egerton University
Egerton remains the leading agricultural university in East Africa.
Popular programmes: MSc Agribusiness Management, MSc Environmental Science, MSc Animal Nutrition.
Current fee example: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences master’s programmes currently list tuition of KES 120,000 per year plus supervision, examination, library and other charges | Duration: usually 2 years.
Key strength: Deep links with international agricultural research bodies.
9. Technical University of Kenya (TUK)
TUK focuses on applied science, engineering and design.
Popular programmes: Master of Technology (various fields), MSc Applied Statistics, Master of Architecture.
Fees & duration: Programme-specific; confirm current fees and duration with the university. Most programmes run for 2 years.
Key strength: Hands-on workshop and industrial application focus.
10. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)
KeMU completes the UniRank top 10 and is a strong private option, especially in health sciences.
Popular programmes: MBA, Master of Public Health, MSc Health Systems Management, Master of Education.
Fees & duration: Programme-specific; confirm current fees and duration with the university. Most programmes run for 2 years.
Key strength: Growing health sciences and business programmes with multi-campus delivery (Meru, Nairobi, Mombasa).
How to Choose the Right University
- Match the programme to your career goals and the university’s known strengths.
- Check research output and faculty expertise in your field.
- Consider flexibility (evening, weekend, modular or online options).
- Compare total cost including statutory fees and living expenses.
- Verify CUE accreditation and any additional international recognition.
Related:Top Universities in Kenya (2026)
—Most Marketable Master’s Degrees in Kenya 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which university is best for a master’s in Kenya in 2026?
The University of Nairobi leads overall. Strathmore is the strongest private university for business, data science and IT. The best choice depends on your specific field.
2. How much does a master’s degree cost in Kenya?
There is no single figure. Fees are programme-specific. Current examples (with durations) are provided above. Always request the latest fee structure from the university.
3. Can I study part-time while working?
Yes. Most of the listed universities offer evening, weekend, modular or digital options. Kenyatta University and Mount Kenya University are particularly flexible.
4. Do I need work experience?
Upper Second Class Honours usually does not require experience. Lower Second Class Honours often requires two years of relevant work experience or a postgraduate diploma.
5. Is UniRank the official ranking?
No. UniRank is an independent web-based ranking. It is useful for visibility and popularity but should be read together with programme quality, research and career outcomes.
Kenya’s postgraduate options remain competitive in 2026. Always confirm the latest fees, intake dates and requirements directly on the university websites before applying.
Sources
- UniRank 2026 Kenyan University Rankings
- Tuko – 2026 UniRank summary
- University of Nairobi MBA official fee and duration (KES 602,250 | 2 years / min. 4 semesters)
- Strathmore University official programme pages (MSc IT KES 952,500 over 6 semesters | 2 years; Master of Commerce KES 800,000 | 2 years)
- Kenyatta University Master of Education fee data (KES 246,000 p.a. | 2 years)
- Mount Kenya University 2026/27 Prospectus (semester fees and typical 2-year duration)
- JKUAT official programme pages (MSc IT KES 505,000 | 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time; MSc AI KES 508,200 | 2 years)
- USIU-Africa current tuition & fees schedule
- Egerton University postgraduate fee structures
- Official university websites for Moi, TUK and KeMU
Last updated: 24 August 2026. Fee figures and programme durations are based on currently available university information and are subject to change. Confirm the latest fees, duration, admission requirements and intake details directly with each university before applying.