Top Degree Programs in Kenya, Best Universities, Fees, and Admission Requirements


This is the list of top degree programs in Kenya and the best universities offering those courses, fees, and admission requirements.

  Staff Writer /  Education /  Oct 30, 2023
Top Degree Programs in Kenya, Best Universities, Fees, and Admission Requirements
Table of contents

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, and Medical Sciences

Doctors and medical professionals are always in high demand in Kenya and abroad. Subsequently, individuals who study for a medical degree have lucrative opportunities to work in Kenya or emigrate to developed countries where doctors are among the top earners.

Apart from being easily employed as doctors, individuals with medical degrees can make extra income by working part-time through locum or starting a private hospital or clinic to serve their communities.

To enroll for a medical degree in any Kenyan university, applicants should have good grades, typically B+ and above, and have selected science subjects such as Biology and Chemistry.

A typical medical degree takes five years to complete and requires earnest dedication and determination to avoid failing. 

Other lucrative medical-related degrees include nursing, pharmacy, and lab technology.


Best universities to study Medicine in Kenya.

A total of 25 universities in Kenya are accredited to offer Medicine. To most, the University of Nairobi (UON) remains the top favorite university in Kenya for studying medicine.

Other viable universities to study medicine in Kenya include

Kenyan University offering Medicine

Ranking in Africa

Ranking in the World

Acceptance Rate

University of Nairobi

17

867

66%

Moi University

67

1870

93%

Kenyatta University

84

2055

70%

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

85

2066


92%



Egerton University

137

3139

33%

Maseno University

157

3503

10%

Mount Kenya University

209

4389



The cost of a Bachelor of Medicine degree in Kenya is Ksh. 3,806,000 at the University of Nairobi.


Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Software Engineering.

The digitalization of various industries has created a high demand for custom-built software, thus increasing the demand for software engineers.

Apart from working for tech firms, software engineers can work freelancing on freelancing sites such as Upwork and Fiverr or build software for local clients.

Similarly, internal tech firms employ Kenyans to work remotely as software engineers and earn international rates.

While software engineering can be studied under Computer Science, a degree in software engineering stands out from the more general computer science.

To succeed in software engineering, learners must dedicate themselves to learning various programming languages and frameworks that keep evolving. 

Thus, by choosing software engineering, you become a lifetime student who must keep up-to-date with changing technologies.

To be a successful software engineer, you must have a passion for science and technology. Other qualities required to succeed in software engineering include:

Problem-solving

Creativity 

Good team player

Attention to details

Adaptability

Quick learner

Good time management 

Excellent communication skills

Best universities to study Computer Science or Software Engineering.

Software engineering rarely exists as an independent course but as an option in Computer Science. 

However, some universities have introduced the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering program geared towards the market, although it is still in its infancy. 

Nevertheless, you can easily pursue a Masters in Software Engineering at the postgraduate level. 

The University of Nairobi leads other Kenyan universities in offering Computer Science with an option to study software engineering. Top universities offering computer science programs include:

Kenyan University offering Computer Science/Software Engineering

Ranking in Africa

Ranking in the world

Acceptance rate

University of Nairobi

38

1715

66%

Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology

96

2804

92%

Moi
University

106

3051

93%

Kenyatta University

116

3318

70%

Egerton
University

158

4141

33%


The cost of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in Kenya is Ksh. 1,604,000 at the University of Nairobi.

Bachelor of Law (LLB) Degree program.

Lawyers are crucial in all life matters, from land buying, marriage and divorce, contract signing, legal representation in court, running business, and other areas.

Their deep understanding of a country’s laws makes them invaluable to people seeking to avoid problems, especially in signing contracts.

Lawyers’ signatures are also mandatory when making various declarations, such as applying for higher education loans (HELB) and changing names, among others. 

Subsequently, the legal profession remains one of the most lucrative, with lawyers earning up to $100 per hour (Ksh. 15,000) and demanding the same rates to represent people in court. Similarly, a simple answer to a legal question may fetch as much or even more depending on the complexity.

Other functions of legal personnel include drafting documents, dispute resolution, and advocacy for human rights.

Apart from earning high incomes as lawyers, they can progress to become magistrates and judges. Additionally, they can become law professors or join politics and become lawmakers.

While being employed as a lawyer can be difficult immediately after graduation, law graduates usually succeed and join the upper echelons of society. 

To fast-track success, some lawyers begin by providing pro-bono services to individuals who cannot afford representation or advocating for marginalized groups. Such cases allow them to gain experience, showcase their talent, or earn trust in the community, thus accelerating their careers.

The cost of the Bachelor of Law degree in Kenya is Ksh. Ksh. 1,023,000 at the University of Nairobi.


Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering deals with the construction and maintenance of national infrastructure such as roads, buildings, bridges, water and sewerage systems, and airports, among others.

Civil engineers are involved in the designing, analysis, risk assessment, project management, and ensuring compliance. 

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is a five-year course with core science and mathematical subjects. Typically, applicants should have excelled in high school and be very comfortable in mathematics and sciences, especially physics.

At the program's start, students learn mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer programming, and engineering drawing using design software such as CAD, among other general subjects such as communication skills. 

In later years, the students learn core engineering units such as Structural analysis, Fluid Mechanics, Civil Engineering Materials, Transportation and Highway Engineering, advanced Engineering Drawing and Design, Engineering Management, Water Resources Engineering, and  Environmental Engineering.

After graduating, Civil Engineers must fulfill certain conditions to be registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya to practice engineering in Kenya.


Best universities to study civil engineering.

In Kenya, six public universities are most recognized for offering the best civil engineering courses.

University offering civil engineering

Ranking in Africa

Ranking in the world

Acceptance rate

University of Nairobi 

37

1339

66%

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

57

1781

92%

Kenyatta University

92

2300

70%

Egerton University

119

2655

33%

Moi University

133

2794

93%

University of Eldoret

164

3139

52%


The total cost of a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at the University of Nairobi in Kenya is Ksh 2,188,000, broken down as follows:

Year

Sem 1

Sem 2

Total

Year 1

Ksh. 233,750

KSh. 207,250

Ksh 441,000

Year 2

Ksh. 228,750

Ksh. 228,750

Ksh. 436,000

Year 3

Ksh. 229,250

Ksh. 207,750

Ksh. 437,000

Year 4

Ksh. 229,750

Ksh. 208,250

Ksh. 438,000

Year 5

Ksh. 228,750

Ksh. 207,250

Ksh. 436,000

Total



Ksh. 2,188,000


For students joining under government sponsorship (JAB, KUCCPS, or IAB), the fee is about KSh. 30,000 per year.



Bachelor of Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture is among the most degree courses that lead to a lucrative architectural career. 

Architects work with various private and government organizations in planning and designing structures such as residential and commercial buildings, dams, transport infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, schools, banks, supermarkets, and airports, among others.

The Bachelor of Architecture degree is a 6-year program, with the first part of the course lasting four years and earning the student a Bachelor of Architectural Studies. An additional two years of the program earns the student a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Of the last two years, the last year of the program involves writing a thesis and completing a design project under the university’s supervision.

The cost of attaining a Bachelor of Architecture in Kenya at the University of Nairobi is Ksh. 2,545,000.

Top Degree ProgramsBest UniversitiesFeesAdmission Requirements
Image Credits: Image Credits: University of Nairobi/Twitter
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