Public universities opened their doors to a record 164,423 first-year students for the 2025/2026 academic year, with the University of Nairobi (UoN) topping the list at 11,700 admissions, followed closely by Kenyatta University with 11,079 and Kisii University with 8,213.
The students, placed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), began reporting in August and September.
Orientation and registration were carried out across all 42 public universities and constituent colleges, as the new entrants settle into campus life under a reduced fee structure introduced this year.
These reforms are intended to ease the cost burden on parents while expanding opportunities for disadvantaged students. Many institutions, including UoN and Egerton University, are embracing blended learning models — combining physical and online instruction — and encouraging students to acquire laptops and digital devices to meet the demands of modern teaching.
Admissions Snapshot
Kenyatta University admitted 11,079, followed by Kisii University 8,213, Maseno University 7,988, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology 7,625. Other oversized intakes include Egerton University (6,444), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (6,437), and Chuka University (6,528).
Mid-sized universities such as Moi University (6,045), University of Eldoret (5,370), and Tharaka University (4,587) also recorded healthy numbers. At the same time, regional players like Rongo University (4,182) and Karatina University (4,507) continued to attract strong interest.
Smaller campuses played their part, with Garissa University admitting 941, Alupe University (1,251), Turkana University College (2,220), and Kabarnet University College (648). Nyandarua University College had the lowest intake with 173 students, reflecting its relatively young status.
| S/No. | University/University College | Number of First Years |
| 1 | University of Embu | 3,692 |
| 2 | University of Nairobi | 11,700 |
| 3 | Kenyatta University | 11,079 |
| 4 | Moi University | 6,045 |
| 5 | Egerton University | 6,444 |
| 6 | Maasai Mara University | 3,599 |
| 7 | University of Eldoret | 5,370 |
| 8 | Maseno University | 7,988 |
| 9 | Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Agriculture | 7,625 |
| 10 | Kirinyaga University | 3,209 |
| 11 | Kibabii University | 3,609 |
| 12 | Rongo University | 4,182 |
| 13 | Karatina University | 4,507 |
| 14 | Kisii University | 8,213 |
| 15 | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology | 2,950 |
| 16 | Pwani University | 3,136 |
| 17 | Laikipia University | 3,533 |
| 18 | South Eastern Kenya University | 2,465 |
| 19 | Machakos University | 3,578 |
| 20 | Murang’a University of Technology | 4,546 |
| 21 | Co-operative University of Kenya | 2,617 |
| 22 | Technical University of Mombasa | 2,636 |
| 23 | Taita Taveta University | 1,380 |
| 24 | Multi-Media University | 2,728 |
| 25 | Meru University of Science and Technology | 3,440 |
| 26 | Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology | 6,437 |
| 27 | Chuka University | 6,528 |
| 28 | Dedan Kimathi University of Technology | 2,097 |
| 29 | Kaimosi Friends University | 2,300 |
| 30 | Garissa University | 941 |
| 31 | Alupe University | 1,251 |
| 32 | University of Kabianga | 3,934 |
| 33 | Tom Mboya University | 4,009 |
| 34 | Turkana University College | 2,220 |
| 35 | Koitaleel Samoei University College | 1,427 |
| 36 | Tharaka University | 4,587 |
| 37 | Bomet University College | 3,207 |
| 38 | Technical University of Kenya | 2,747 |
| 39 | Mama Ngina University College | 814 |
| 40 | Open University Of Kenya | 832 |
| 41 | Nyandarua University College | 173 |
| 42 | Kabarnet University College | 648 |
The government through Higher Department of Learning under Ministry of Education has promised continued investment in digital infrastructure, affordable housing for students, and financial support through HELB to ensure equity.
From Nairobi to Narok, Kisii to Turkana, public universities are buzzing with new energy as first-years take their first steps into higher education — a journey that will define their futures and, ultimately, the nation’s.
By Joseph Mambili
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