Private University Enrollment in Nairobi Hits Record High

Enrollment in private universities within Kenya has surged to unprecedented levels, with institutions in Nairobi reporting significant gains as students increasingly opt for alternatives to public universities. According to the Commission for University Education (CUE), total university student numbers across the country rose from 240,551 in 2012 to 606,488 by 2024 — a 152 per cent increase over 12 years. Among this growth, private institutions, many based in Nairobi or drawing Nairobi‑region students, have seen application figures nearly double: in 2024, some 18,557 prospective students sought placements in private universities compared with 9,622 the previous year.
The shift reflects growing capacity and evolving preferences in the higher‑education landscape. In Nairobi, private universities such as Catholic University of Eastern Africa and Tangaza University have long operated in the capital and are now increasingly seen as viable alternatives, offering programmes that cater to niche and international student segments. CUE’s report noted that Nairobi County produced the highest numbers of students enrolled in private chartered universities — 21,681 representing 31.9 % of national private university enrolment at earlier data points. The momentum is attributed to factors including expanded programme offerings, more flexible admissions pathways such as the Privately Sponsored Students Programme (PSSP), and the growing reputation of private institutions.
Reactions from the higher‑education sector have been mixed: while the enrollment boom signals expanded access and choice for students, policymakers caution that rapid growth must be matched with quality assurance. A report noted that although student numbers have risen sharply, many private and smaller universities still grapple with accreditation, resourcing and sustainability. Looking ahead, education analysts say Nairobi’s dominance in private higher education places it at the centre of strategic reform efforts. Ensuring that private university growth in Nairobi translates into graduate employability, equitable access and institutional quality will be key to harnessing the enrollment surge for Kenya’s broader development.