Kenya’s university sector has experienced a dramatic expansion over the past decade, with student enrolment increasing by 152% from 240,551 in 2012 to 606,488 in 2024, according to a new report by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
The report, presented to the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Education, attributes this rapid growth to government policies that expanded access to higher education. One key driver was the decision to admit all students meeting the minimum university entry requirements, ensuring greater inclusion in tertiary education.
Additionally, the introduction of the Privately Sponsored Students Programme (PSSP), also known as Module II, played a crucial role in accommodating more learners beyond the government-sponsored cohort. The report highlights that public chartered universities currently absorb the largest proportion of students, revealing a significant imbalance in enrolment distribution between public and private institutions.
CUE also pointed to the broader growth of the sector, with the number of universities in Kenya more than doubling from 33 in 2012 (7 public and 26 private) to 67 in 2025, comprising 38 public and 29 private institutions. Another 13 universities are in various stages of accreditation. This 41% increase positions Kenya fifth in Africa in terms of the number of universities, following Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Ghana.
The commission emphasized that the expansion of university education is vital for the country’s technical and social development, helping build the human capacity required for national progress.
The report was a response to an official inquiry by the parliamentary committee, which sought detailed information on university admissions, capacity, accreditation processes, and compliance with quality standards. Lawmakers also requested updates on regulatory challenges, actions taken against institutions offering unapproved graduations, and the issuance of unaccredited degrees.
As Kenya continues to invest in higher education, stakeholders are being urged to ensure quality keeps pace with expansion, to safeguard the integrity of degrees and the future of the country’s workforce.
