History
The University of Nairobi owes its origin to several developments in higher education within the country and the region. The idea of an institution for higher learning in Kenya goes back to 1947 when the Kenya Government drew up a plan for the establishment of a technical and commercial institute in Nairobi.
Education
The only institution of higher learning in Kenya for a long time, the University of Nairobi responded to the national, regional and Africa's high level manpower training needs by developing and evolving strong, diversified academic programmes and specializations in basic sciences, applied sciences, technology, humanities, social sciences and the arts.
Research
The university is proud of its distinguished record of achievements in teaching, research, development and consultancy while strategizing for a greater future as the centre of academic, research and professional excellence
Short Courses
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
1001
2023
1001
2022
1001
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
1201 -600
2023
601 -100
2022
501
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
794 -15
2022
779
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Library services
The Mission of the University of Nairobi Library is to provide quality information services that will empower the University in carrying out its core activities of teaching, learning, research, community services and consultancy to the highest international standard. The University of Nairobi Library System is composed of twelve libraries grouped into six college libraries plus a central library
ICT services
The University has several well-stocked computer labs established on all campuses, which are specifically tailored to address computing needs for students. An extensive intercampus WAN and Campus Wide backbone network enables the labs to tap to several network based services, including 24x7 Web access, E-mail facilities, file-sharing services, library services among other shared server services
Medical services
University Health Services was established with the following clear mandates:
- To provide health care services: curative, preventive as well as rehabilitative services.
- To advise on health matters generally to the university community.
Campus life
- The Main Campus which is at the heart of Nairobi City hosts the Colleges of Architecture and Engineering and that of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- The College of Biological and Physical Sciences is located in the serene Chiromo Campus.
- The College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences is situated at the Upper Kabete Campus.
- This Campus hosts the University of Nairobi’s School of Business.
- The Kenyatta National Hospital hosts College of Health Sciences. This is a strategic and well-serviced location within the city of Nairobi as the clinical departments are located at the Kenyatta National Hospital, the teaching hospital of the University.
Sports facilities
Several sports and games are offered at the University of Nairobi. These sports and games are categorized as indoors and outdoors. Available indoor activities include table tennis, scrabble, chess, darts, just to mention a few. Outdoors sports include track or field athletics, football, rugby, basketball, hockey, handball, volleyball, netball and others.
The University has an excellent team responsible for coaching, managing and supervising and administering sport activities in various colleges and the University at large.
Student clubs
The University has various students' bodies, which represent students’ interests. Through the various representatives, students access all decision-making levels from the halls to the Senate, all the way to the Council. SWA recognizes organized student governments and encourages students’ participation in decision-making, planning and implementation of the plans
The Campus is accredited by the Commission for University Education and the School of Law is accredited by the Council of Legal Education.