50 Cheapest Universities for Kenyan Students in 2026
Affordable tuition is a top priority for many Kenyan students. This guide highlights 50 universities and institutions offering some of the most competitive fees, ranging from as low as KES 82,350 for a Bachelor of Business Administration to KES 15,000 annually at the University of Nairobi for subsidized programs. Fees vary significantly by program, so it is always wise to confirm directly with the institution before applying.
Public Universities with Low Tuition Costs
Public universities remain the most affordable option, benefiting from government subsidies.
1. University of Nairobi – One of Kenya’s most respected institutions with many subsidized programs. Annual tuition can be as low as KES 15,000 for some undergraduate programs, though fees vary by course.
2. Kenyatta University – Popular for education, business, IT, and health-related programs with competitive government-subsidized fees.
3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) – Excellent for engineering, technology, and business studies with affordable tuition rates.
4. Egerton University – Known for agriculture, science, and affordable learning options.
5. Maseno University – A respected public institution with competitive tuition rates. Offers BBA with IT at KES 184,000 annually.
6. Moi University – Offers Bachelor of Business Management at KES 183,600 annually.
7. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology – BBA program available at KES 172,800 annually.
8. Meru University of Science and Technology – BBA program at KES 183,600 annually.
9. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology – BBA with IT at KES 183,600 annually.
10. Technical University of Mombasa – BBA and Office Management at KES 183,600 annually.
11. Kisii University – BBA and Management programs at KES 206,635 annually.
12. Kirinyaga University – BBA, BIT, and Business Management programs at KES 183,600–204,000 annually.
13. South Eastern Kenya University – BIT program at KES 204,000 annually.
14. Taita Taveta University – BIT program at KES 204,000 annually.
15. University of Eldoret – Business Management at KES 183,600 annually.
16. University of Kabianga – Business Management at KES 204,000 annually.
17. Chuka University – BBA program at KES 183,600–196,000 annually.
18. Garissa University – BBA at KES 183,600 annually.
19. Kaimosi Friends University – Offers BBA, Business Management, and BIT programs.
20. Murang’a University of Technology – BIT and BBA programs at KES 183,600–204,000 annually.
21. Kibabii University – Offers Business Management programs.
22. Rongo University – Affordable business and management programs.
23. Alupe University – Emerging public university with competitive fees.
24. Turkana University College – A constituent college with affordable programs.
25. Mama Ngina University – Offers competitive tuition for various programs.
26. Machakos University – Business Management and related programs.
27. Multimedia University of Kenya – Good for media, IT, and business programs.
28. Karatina University – Business and management programs available.
29. Tharaka University – Emerging institution with affordable programs.
30. Coast Institute of Technology – Offers diploma and degree programs at low costs.
Private Universities with Affordable Tuition
Private institutions often have higher fees but some offer competitive rates for specific programs.
31. Mount Kenya University – One of the most affordable private universities, with fees starting around KES 82,350 for the Bachelor of Business Administration. It offers flexible payment plans and over 95 programs in various fields.
32. Daystar University – A respected Christian university with competitive fees, offering a wide range of undergraduate courses. Fees vary by program.
33. Africa Nazarene University – Offers affordable programs with flexible payment options.
34. United States International University – Africa – While known for quality education, it offers some competitive options. This is among the most affordable private universities in Kenya according to recent rankings.
35. KCA University – Good for business, IT, and law programs with relatively affordable fees.
36. Strathmore University – While generally more expensive, offers financial aid options. Some programs like BSc have fees around KES 650,000 per year for international students.
37. Kenya Methodist University – Affordable private university with a range of programs.
38. Pan Africa Christian University – Offers competitive fees for various courses.
39. University of Eastern Africa, Baraton – Adventist university with affordable programs.
40. Scott Christian University – Known for affordable education in arts and sciences.
Technical and Vocational Institutions
TVET institutions offer some of the most affordable practical training options.
41. Thika Technical Training Institute – Known for low fees and quality technical programs.
42. Rift Valley Technical Training Institute – Offers practical courses at very affordable rates.
43. Eldoret Polytechnic – One of the leading polytechnics with low tuition fees.
44. Kisumu Polytechnic – Affordable technical programs in various fields.
45. Nairobi Technical Training Institute – Central location with competitive fees.
46. Embu Technical Training Institute – Known for affordable technical training.
47. Machakos Technical Training Institute – Offers practical programs at low cost.
48. Nyeri National Polytechnic – Government-supported polytechnic with low fees.
49. Mombasa Technical Training Institute – Coastal institution with affordable programs.
50. Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology – Offers diploma and certificate programs at low rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which university in Kenya has the lowest tuition fees?
Mount Kenya University offers the Bachelor of Business Administration at KES 82,350, making it one of the most affordable private universities. The University of Nairobi also offers some subsidized programs as low as KES 15,000 annually.
Are fees in public universities lower than private?
Yes. Public universities are heavily subsidized by the government, making them significantly cheaper than private institutions for most programs.
Do I need to pay full fees before joining?
Most universities offer flexible payment plans, including installment options. Mount Kenya University, for example, allows fee payment in installments.
Is funding available for private universities?
Yes. Many students in private universities access HELB loans, government bursaries, and scholarships. HELB funding is available for both public and private university students.
What is the average tuition fee in Kenya?
Undergraduate fees at public universities range from KES 15,000 to KES 200,000 annually. Private universities typically cost between KES 80,000 and KES 650,000 depending on the course.
Can I study part-time to reduce costs?
Many universities offer part-time, evening, and weekend classes which often have lower fees than full-time programs. For instance, Mount Kenya University and the University of Nairobi both offer flexible learning options.
