Top 10 Worst Universities in Kenya: A Critical Guide for Prospective Students

Joining a university of choice here in Kenya can be a tedious process, there are so many factors that have to be considered such as if it actually has your preference course of study. But there are a few very common aspects that you can check to ascertain your choice for those of us who are not very sure.

When I wanted to select my preferred institution, in my case the decision was rather straight forward, I had already settled on pursuing a course in computing and probable fields included computer science, information technology, computer engineering and maybe other areas like data science. All I had to do is look for an institution with a good reputation and that’s how I settled on Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

Understandably, my case could be very different from yours, there are a few areas that you could look into to find a reputable institution that has checks almost all of your list in a positive way. At the same time you can utilize available resources to eliminate some institutions.

Picking the university of choice is indeed a major decision in your life that might affect how you get education and what work opportunities become available later on. So, it’s very important to collect all kinds of data for making an informed choice.

Every year, Kenya lists down university rankings based on teaching, research, and other indicators. These rankings play an important role in ensuring the quality of education in the country as millions of students graduate, do research, and publish scientific papers. These ranking can form a god guidance for those looking for institutions to study their preferred courses.

The rankings are based on a selection of indicators that allow for comprehensive and fair comparisons. These rankings are trusted by students, educators, university administrators, industry professionals and governments. We have taken the last 10 performing universities or if you like the worst ten universities in Kenya.

List of Top Ten Worst Universities In Kenya

From different performance indicators, these are the 10 universities in Kenya that show worrying performance in academic standards, student satisfaction and graduate employment rates:

Here’s a closer look at the universities listed and some additional guidance for prospective students in Kenya:

Detailed Analysis of the Listed Universities

1. Lukenya University
   • Score: 0.23
   • Concerns: Noted for low academic standards and poor infrastructure.
2. KAG East University
   • Score: 0.36
   • Concerns: Issues with curriculum relevance and student services.
3. Pioneer International University
   • Score: 0.72
   • Concerns: Low research output and limited academic resources.
4. International Leadership University (Nairobi International School of Theology)
   • Score: 0.95
   • Concerns: Specialized focus limiting broader academic opportunities.
5. Uzima University College
   • Score: 1.08
   • Concerns: Problems with accreditation and course delivery.
6. The East African University Kitengela
   • Score: 1.37
   • Concerns: Inconsistent academic performance and graduate employment issues.
7. Tangaza University College
   • Score: 1.84
   • Concerns: Limited course offerings and student support services.
8. Umma University
   • Score: 1.96
   • Concerns: Low student satisfaction and inadequate infrastructure.
9. Kirinyaga University
   • Score: 2.21
   • Concerns: High student-teacher ratio and inadequate facilities.
10. Presbyterian University of East Africa
    • Score: 2.34
    • Concerns: Financial instability and accreditation issues.

Recommendations for Prospective Students

1. Research Extensively:

• Use official university websites, educational forums, and independent reviews.
• Speak with alumni and current students to get first-hand insights.

2. Align with Career Goals:

• Ensure the university offers strong programs in your area of interest.
• Look for industry partnerships and internship opportunities.

3. Cost Assessment:

• Calculate total costs, including tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses.
• Explore scholarship opportunities and financial aid options.

4. Location Fit:

• Consider the university’s location in terms of climate, lifestyle, and proximity to family and work opportunities.

Additional Tips for Making Your University Selection

• Accreditation: Confirm that the university is properly accredited by relevant educational authorities.
• Graduate Success: Investigate the employment rates of graduates and the university’s career support services.
• Academic Resources: Check the availability of libraries, laboratories, and online resources.
• Campus Life: Look into extracurricular activities, student organizations, and campus culture.
• International Exposure: For those interested, check for exchange programs and international partnerships.

Conclusion

The universities mentioned above might have some challenges yes, but it’s important to understand that each one of them has their own varied list of challenges as well as strongholds, and therefore the process of selecting your preferred institution should be based on solid research as well as putting into consideration your personal and professional goals.