Every year, thousands of KCSE graduates apply for university courses without a clear picture of what is actually available, which institution offers it, or what cluster points they need to qualify. The result? Misplaced KUCCPS applications, course regrets, and missed opportunities.
This guide is your definitive reference for degree courses offered at public universities in Kenya in 2026. Whether you are checking the UoN courses list, browsing KU courses, or comparing government universities in Kenya across different faculties, this article gives you the structured, accurate breakdown you need to make a confident KUCCPS application.
From Medicine and Engineering to Journalism, Agriculture, and Fine Art — Kenya’s public universities offer far more than most students realise. Read on to discover what is available, where, and how to qualify.
Overview: Public Universities in Kenya 2026
Kenya’s public universities are funded and regulated by the government through the Commission for University Education (CUE). Placement into these institutions is managed by KUCCPS based on KCSE cluster points and subject combination requirements.
Key Facts at a Glance
- 35+ chartered public universities and constituent colleges nationally
- Governed by: Commission for University Education (CUE)
- Placement managed by: KUCCPS (Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service)
- Funding tracks: Government-sponsored and self-sponsored
- Academic year: September – August (two semesters)
- Financial support: HELB loans available for eligible government-sponsored students
Major Public Universities in Kenya
| University | Abbreviation | Main Campus |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nairobi | UoN | Nairobi |
| Kenyatta University | KU | Kahawa, Nairobi |
| Moi University | MU | Eldoret |
| Egerton University | EU | Njoro, Nakuru |
| Jomo Kenyatta Univ. of Agriculture & Technology | JKUAT | Juja, Kiambu |
| Maseno University | MaSU | Kisumu |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology | MMUST | Kakamega |
| Dedan Kimathi University of Technology | DeKUT | Nyeri |
| Technical University of Kenya | TUK | Nairobi |
| Technical University of Mombasa | TUM | Mombasa |
| Laikipia University | LU | Nyahururu |
| Kisii University | KiSU | Kisii |
| Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University | JOOUST | Bondo, Siaya |
| South Eastern Kenya University | SEKU | Kitui |
| Pwani University | PU | Kilifi |
| Chuka University | CU | Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi |
| Machakos University | MachU | Machakos |
| Kirinyaga University | KyU | Kerugoya |
| Murang’a University of Technology | MUT | Murang’a |
| Embu University | EmU | Embu |
Degree Courses Offered at Public Universities in Kenya by Faculty
1. Health Sciences
Health sciences are among the most competitive degree courses offered at public universities in Kenya. They require the highest cluster points but offer outstanding graduate employment rates and a clear career pathway.
Full List of Health Science Courses
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Public and Community Health
- Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
- Bachelor of Science in Radiography and Imaging
- Bachelor of Science in Optometry
- Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health
Where to Study Health Sciences
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| MBChB (Medicine) | UoN, Moi University, Egerton University |
| BSc Nursing | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno, JKUAT |
| BPharm | UoN, KU, Moi University |
| BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences | UoN, JKUAT, Maseno, Moi |
| BSc Public Health | KU, UoN, Maseno, MMUST, Kisii University |
| BSc Physiotherapy | UoN, Moi University |
| BSc Nutritional Sciences | Egerton, KU, UoN |
Minimum KCSE Requirements — Health Sciences
| Course | Min. Grade | Cluster | Min. Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBChB | A plain / A- | Cluster 1 | 60+ |
| BPharm | A- | Cluster 1 | 56+ |
| BSc Nursing | B plain | Cluster 1 | 50+ |
| BSc Medical Lab Sciences | B plain | Cluster 1 | 48+ |
| BSc Public Health | C+ | Cluster 2 | 44+ |
| BSc Nutritional Sciences | C+ | Cluster 2 | 44+ |
2. Engineering and Technology
Engineering programmes are offered widely across Kenya’s government universities and produce graduates for infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors — all of which are growing rapidly under Vision 2030.
Full List of Engineering Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Mechatronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
- Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering
Where to Study Engineering in Kenya
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| Civil Engineering | UoN, JKUAT, TUK, Moi, DeKUT, MMUST, TUM |
| Electrical Engineering | UoN, JKUAT, TUK, DeKUT, TUM, MMUST |
| Mechanical Engineering | UoN, JKUAT, TUK, Moi, DeKUT |
| Chemical Engineering | UoN, JKUAT, Moi University |
| Mechatronics Engineering | JKUAT, DeKUT, TUK, Murang’a University |
| Aerospace Engineering | UoN (only public university offering this) |
| Mining Engineering | UoN, Masinde Muliro University |
| Agricultural Engineering | JKUAT, Egerton University, Moi |
Minimum KCSE Requirements — Engineering
| Course | Min. Grade | Cluster | Min. Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil / Electrical / Mechanical | B+ | Cluster 1 | 54+ |
| Chemical Engineering | B+ | Cluster 1 | 52+ |
| Mechatronics | B plain | Cluster 1 | 50+ |
| Agricultural Engineering | B plain | Cluster 2 | 48+ |
3. Computing and Information Technology
ICT is the fastest-growing faculty at most public universities in Kenya, reflecting the country’s digital economy ambitions. New specialisations in Data Science, Cybersecurity, and AI are now available at select institutions.
Full List of ICT Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Analytics
- Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Networks and Communication
Where to Study ICT in Kenya
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science | UoN, KU, JKUAT, Maseno, Moi, DeKUT, MMUST |
| BSc Information Technology | UoN, KU, JKUAT, Kisii, Laikipia, Chuka |
| BSc Software Engineering | JKUAT, DeKUT, Murang’a University |
| BSc Cyber Security | JKUAT, KU |
| BSc Data Science | UoN, JKUAT |
| BSc Computer Engineering | JKUAT, DeKUT, TUK |
Minimum KCSE Requirements — ICT
| Course | Min. Grade | Cluster | Min. Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science | B plain | Cluster 2 | 48+ |
| BSc Software Engineering | B plain | Cluster 2 | 46+ |
| BSc Information Technology | C+ | Cluster 2 | 44+ |
| BSc Cyber Security | B plain | Cluster 2 | 46+ |
| BSc Data Science | B+ | Cluster 2 | 50+ |
4. Business and Economics
Business degrees are the most widely offered programmes across all public university degrees in Kenya. Nearly every public university has a school of business, making these programmes accessible to students across the country regardless of region.
Full List of Business Courses
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) — Accounting, Finance, Marketing, HRM, Management
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science in Finance
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics
- Bachelor of Science in Procurement and Contract Management
- Bachelor of Real Estate
- Bachelor of Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Hospitality Management
Where to Study Business in Kenya
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) | UoN, KU, Moi, Egerton, Maseno, Kisii, JKUAT, most public unis |
| Actuarial Science | UoN, JKUAT, Maseno, DeKUT |
| Bachelor of Economics | UoN, KU, Moi, Egerton, Maseno |
| BSc Statistics | UoN, KU, JKUAT, Egerton |
| BSc Entrepreneurship | KU, JKUAT, Kisii, Laikipia, Chuka |
| Tourism Management | KU, Moi, Maseno, Pwani, SEKU |
Minimum KCSE Requirements — Business
| Course | Min. Grade | Cluster | Min. Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BCom / BBA | C+ | Cluster 3 | 44+ |
| Actuarial Science | B+ | Cluster 2 | 52+ |
| BSc Statistics | B plain | Cluster 2 | 48+ |
| Bachelor of Economics | C+ | Cluster 3 | 44+ |
| Tourism Management | C+ | Cluster 3 | 42+ |
5. Law
Law faculties in Kenya’s public universities produce advocates who serve in the judiciary, private practice, NGOs, county governments, and national legal departments.
Courses Available
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Arts in Law and Governance
Where to Study Law in Kenya
| University | Notes |
|---|---|
| University of Nairobi — School of Law | Oldest and most prestigious law school in Kenya |
| Moi University — School of Law | Strong public interest and human rights law |
| Egerton University — Faculty of Law | Competitive intake, growing reputation |
| Maseno University — School of Law | Newer programme, Western Kenya focus |
| Kisii University — Faculty of Law | Growing regional programme |
Minimum KCSE Requirements: B+ | Cluster 1 | 52+ points
6. Education
Education faculties produce Kenya’s teachers for primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. With the CBC curriculum fully operational and school enrolment rising, B.Ed courses at KU and other public universities are among the most applied-for annually.
Full List of Education Courses
- Bachelor of Education (Arts) — B.Ed Arts
- Bachelor of Education (Science) — B.Ed Science
- Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Development) — ECDE
- Bachelor of Education (Special Needs Education)
- Bachelor of Education (Physical Education and Sports Science)
- Bachelor of Education (Technical Education)
- Bachelor of Education (Home Science)
- Bachelor of Education (Business Studies)
- Bachelor of Arts in Education
- Bachelor of Science in Education
Where to Study Education in Kenya
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| B.Ed Science | KU, Moi, UoN, Maseno, Egerton, MMUST, Kisii |
| B.Ed Arts | KU, Moi, UoN, Maseno, Egerton, Laikipia |
| B.Ed ECDE | KU, Moi, Maseno, Kisii, Chuka, Laikipia |
| B.Ed Special Needs | KU, Maseno, Moi University |
| B.Ed Technical | JKUAT, TUK, Moi University |
| B.Ed Physical Education | KU, Moi, Maseno |
Minimum KCSE Requirements — Education
| Course | Min. Grade | Cluster | Min. Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Ed Science | C+ | Cluster 3 | 44+ |
| B.Ed Arts | C | Cluster 3 | 40+ |
| B.Ed ECDE | C- | Cluster 4 | 36+ |
| B.Ed Special Needs | C | Cluster 4 | 38+ |
7. Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agriculture contributes nearly 40% of Kenya’s GDP. Egerton University and JKUAT lead in this space, offering programmes aligned with agri-tech, food processing, and export value chains.
Full List of Agriculture Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
- Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Soil Science
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
- Bachelor of Science in Forestry
- Bachelor of Science in Range Management
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology
- Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Extension
Where to Study Agriculture in Kenya
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| BSc Agriculture | Egerton, JKUAT, Moi, Maseno, Laikipia, Embu |
| BSc Agribusiness | Egerton, JKUAT, KU, Kisii, Chuka |
| BSc Food Science and Technology | Egerton, JKUAT, Moi, Maseno |
| BSc Horticulture | Egerton, JKUAT, Moi |
| BSc Forestry | Moi University, Egerton, JKUAT |
| BSc Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences | Maseno, JOOUST, Pwani, Moi |
Minimum KCSE Requirements: C+ | Cluster 3 | 44+ points (for most agriculture courses)
8. Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
These programmes produce graduates for government, media, diplomacy, NGOs, and research. Most are accessible at C+ or above, making them options for a wide range of students.
Full List of Arts and Humanities Courses
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) — various subject combinations
- Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Literature
- Bachelor of Arts in History and Government
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Development Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Bachelor of Science in Library and Information Science
Where to Study Arts and Humanities
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| BA (General Combinations) | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno, Egerton, most public unis |
| BA Communication / Journalism | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno, Kisii |
| BA International Relations | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno |
| BA Criminology | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno |
| BSc Library and Info Sciences | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno |
| BA Political Science | UoN, KU, Moi, Maseno, Egerton |
Minimum KCSE Requirements: C to C+ | Cluster 3 and 4 | 38 – 44+ points depending on course
9. Architecture and Built Environment
Highly relevant to Kenya’s affordable housing programme and rapid urbanisation. JKUAT and UoN lead in this space nationally.
Courses Available
- Bachelor of Architecture
- Bachelor of Science in Construction Management
- Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying
- Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
- Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Land Economics
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Design
Where to Study
| Course | Universities Offering It |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Architecture | UoN, JKUAT, TUM |
| BSc Quantity Surveying | UoN, JKUAT, TUM, TUK |
| BSc Urban and Regional Planning | UoN, JKUAT, Maseno |
| BSc Land Economics | UoN, JKUAT |
| BSc Construction Management | JKUAT, TUK, TUM, DeKUT |
University of Nairobi (UoN) Courses List 2026 — Summary
The University of Nairobi is Kenya’s oldest and most prestigious public university, offering over 200 undergraduate degree programmes across 12 colleges.
| College / Faculty | Key Degree Courses |
|---|---|
| College of Health Sciences | MBChB, BPharm, BSc Nursing, BSc Physiotherapy, BSc Medical Lab |
| School of Law | LLB (Bachelor of Laws) |
| Faculty of Engineering | BSc Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace Engineering |
| School of Computing & Informatics | BSc Computer Science, Data Science, IT, Cyber Security |
| School of Business | BCom, BSc Actuarial Science, BSc Finance, BSc Accounting |
| Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences | BA Journalism, International Relations, Criminology, Linguistics |
| Faculty of Architecture & Built Environment | Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Urban Planning, Land Economics |
| Faculty of Science & Technology | BSc Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biochemistry |
| Faculty of Agriculture | BSc Agriculture, Food Science, Soil Science, Horticulture |
| School of Education | B.Ed Science, B.Ed Arts, B.Ed ECDE |
For the complete, up-to-date UoN courses list visit: www.uonbi.ac.ke
Kenyatta University (KU) Courses List 2026 — Summary
Kenyatta University is Kenya’s second-largest public university and a national leader in Education, Health Sciences, and Business, offering over 150 undergraduate programmes.
| School / Faculty | Key Degree Courses |
|---|---|
| School of Education | B.Ed Science, B.Ed Arts, B.Ed ECDE, B.Ed Special Needs |
| School of Health Sciences | BSc Nursing, BSc Public Health, BSc Nutrition, BPharm |
| School of Business | BCom, BBA, BSc Accounting, BSc Marketing, BSc HRM |
| School of Computing | BSc Computer Science, BSc IT, BSc Cyber Security |
| School of Pure & Applied Sciences | BSc Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biochemistry |
| School of Humanities & Social Sciences | BA Linguistics, BA History, BA Sociology, BA Gender Studies |
| School of Economics | BSc Economics, BSc Statistics, BSc Actuarial Science |
| School of Law | LLB |
| School of Engineering | BSc Mechanical Engineering, BSc Civil Engineering |
| School of Agriculture | BSc Agriculture, BSc Agribusiness, BSc Food Science |
For the complete, up-to-date KU courses list visit: www.ku.ac.ke
How KUCCPS Placement Works for Public University Courses
Step-by-Step KUCCPS Application Process
- Receive your KCSE results — released by KNEC, usually in February or March.
- Access the KUCCPS portal — log in at www.kuccps.ac.ke using your KCSE index number.
- Check your cluster points — the portal automatically calculates your cluster scores.
- Browse available programmes — filter by institution, cluster, and grade requirements.
- Make your course choices — select up to six course and institution combinations in order of preference.
- Submit your application — pay the application fee (currently KES 1,500) before the deadline.
- Await placement results — KUCCPS releases lists usually in June or July.
- Confirm your placement — report to the university during the stated reporting dates.
KUCCPS Cluster System Explained
| Cluster | Subject Groups | Common Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster 1 | English/Kiswahili, Biology, Chemistry, Maths/Physics | Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Engineering |
| Cluster 2 | English/Kiswahili, Maths, Sciences, Technical | Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science |
| Cluster 3 | English/Kiswahili, Humanities, Business, Sciences | Education, Business, Agriculture |
| Cluster 4 | English/Kiswahili, Languages, Arts, Social Sciences | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences |
Expert Tips for Choosing Courses at Public Universities in Kenya
- Verify your subject cluster before applying. Many students select a dream course only to discover their subject combination does not meet cluster requirements. Check the KUCCPS portal early.
- Do not dismiss regional universities. Maseno, MMUST, Pwani, and SEKU offer quality programmes with less competition and more government-sponsored slots.
- Apply for government sponsorship, not self-sponsorship. Government-sponsored slots are subsidised. Only fall back to self-sponsorship if you miss the sponsored cut-off.
- Fill all six KUCCPS choices. Students who list only one or two preferences risk missing placement entirely if cut-offs shift.
- Check HELB eligibility early. Apply immediately after placement confirmation — processing takes several weeks.
- Monitor historical cut-off point trends. KUCCPS publishes previous years’ cluster cut-offs. Use these to gauge your realistic chances before the window opens.
- Consider constituent colleges. UoN and KU operate constituent colleges across the country — same degree, lower living costs, and often less competition.
Common Mistakes When Applying for Public University Courses in Kenya
- Not checking subject cluster requirements — a strong overall grade does not guarantee qualification if specific cluster subjects are weak.
- Choosing a university based on prestige alone — regional universities often offer the same degree at lower cost with better government-sponsored slot availability.
- Missing the KUCCPS deadline — applications close firmly. Once the window shuts, you must wait for the revision window or the next cycle.
- Selecting only popular courses — Medicine and Law attract the most applicants. Listing realistic alternatives protects you from missing placement entirely.
- Ignoring university location and living costs — choosing a campus far from home without budgeting for accommodation and transport leads to financial hardship or dropping out.
- Confusing a constituent college with a main campus — confirm your specific campus, facilities, and available programmes before accepting placement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many public universities are there in Kenya in 2026?
Kenya has over 35 chartered public universities and several constituent colleges. These range from large national universities such as UoN and KU to regional universities like Pwani University, South Eastern Kenya University, and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University.
2. What are the most applied-for degree courses at public universities in Kenya?
The most applied-for degree courses offered at public universities in Kenya are Medicine (MBChB), Bachelor of Laws (LLB), BSc Computer Science, BCom (Accounting/Finance), BSc Nursing, and B.Ed (Science). These programmes attract the highest KUCCPS applications annually.
3. What is the UoN courses list for 2026?
The UoN courses list for 2026 includes over 200 undergraduate degree programmes spanning health sciences, engineering, law, business, computing, agriculture, arts, education, and architecture. The full and updated list is available at www.uonbi.ac.ke.
4. What are the KU courses available in 2026?
Kenyatta University (KU) offers over 150 undergraduate degree programmes. The most popular KU courses include B.Ed (Science and Arts), BSc Nursing, BCom, BSc Computer Science, LLB, and BSc Public Health. The full KU courses list is at www.ku.ac.ke.
5. Can I change my KUCCPS course choice after placement?
Yes. KUCCPS opens a revision window after initial placement where students can apply to change their course or institution. However, revision placements depend on available slots and are not guaranteed.
6. Which public university in Kenya is best for Engineering?
JKUAT, the University of Nairobi, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology are the top public universities for engineering in Kenya. JKUAT is particularly strong in applied and mechatronics engineering, while UoN has the most established industry links for civil, electrical, and chemical engineering graduates.
7. What are the degree courses at public universities with the lowest cluster requirements?
Programmes with lower entry requirements at government universities in Kenya include B.Ed Arts (C | 40+ points), BA General (C | 38+ points), BSc Agriculture (C+ | 44+ points), BSc Public Health (C+ | 44+ points), and BCom (C+ | 44+ points). These still lead to strong careers with the right skills and certifications added on.
Conclusion
Kenya’s public universities offer an extraordinary range of degree courses — from Medicine and Engineering to Agriculture, Journalism, and International Relations. The challenge is not a lack of options. It is knowing where to look, understanding the entry requirements, and making smart, strategic KUCCPS applications.
Whether you are targeting the prestigious UoN courses list, exploring KU courses in Education and Health Sciences, or considering a regional university closer to home, remember that your choice of institution matters less than your commitment once you arrive. The best degree for you is the one that matches your cluster scores, your strengths, and the career you genuinely want to build.
Use this guide to plan ahead, apply strategically through KUCCPS, and choose a course that positions you for success — not just placement.
Read also:
- Degree Courses Offered at Private Universities in Kenya
- Requirements for Degree Courses in Kenya: The Complete 2026 Admission Guide
- KUCCPS Degree Courses List Kenya 2026: Complete Guide to Programs, Cluster Points & Placement
- Degree Courses with High Job Opportunities in Kenya 2026: Complete Career Guide
