University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi (UoN) stands as a pillar of academic excellence and intellectual growth in Kenya and East Africa. As the oldest and one of the largest universities in the region, UoN has played a key role in shaping the educational, social, and economic landscapes of Kenya since its establishment in 1956. A center for scholarly inquiry, innovation, and leadership, the University of Nairobi continues to be at the forefront of higher education and research, producing graduates who are poised to make meaningful contributions to society and the global community.

Our Mission and Vision

The University of Nairobi is committed to providing high-quality education, fostering creativity and innovation, and serving the aspirations of both the Kenyan people and the global community. Our mission is to create, preserve, integrate, transmit, and apply knowledge in ways that positively impact society.

• Mission: To provide quality university education and training and embody the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global community through the creation, preservation, integration, transmission, and utilization of knowledge.
• Vision: To be a world-class university that nurtures intellectual growth and fosters innovations for the advancement of society.

Our Core Values

At the heart of UoN’s educational philosophy are a set of core values that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions:

Freedom of Thought and Expression: UoN promotes and defends academic freedom, ensuring that all intellectual inquiry and activities are guided by an open exchange of ideas.

• Innovativeness and Creativity: We champion creativity and innovation in all our endeavors, fostering an environment where change is embraced and new ideas thrive.
• Good Corporate Governance: UoN is committed to practicing transparency, accountability, and efficiency in all processes and decisions, ensuring a participatory, consultative, and meritocratic system.
• Team Spirit and Teamwork: Collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to UoN’s success. We cultivate a team-oriented atmosphere that values collective effort and shared responsibility.
• Professionalism: We uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior, professional integrity, and honesty in all our interactions.
• Quality Customer Service: UoN is dedicated to providing exceptional services to all our stakeholders, ensuring that the needs of students, staff, and the community are met with excellence.
• Responsible Corporate Citizenship: UoN is committed to environmental conservation and social responsibility, fostering a culture of responsible citizenship that makes a positive impact on society.

A Diverse Academic Landscape

The University of Nairobi offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in their chosen fields. With a diverse academic landscape, UoN is structured into several faculties and schools, each offering specialized programs:

• Faculty of Arts: Offering programs in literature, history, philosophy, linguistics, and social sciences, this faculty nurtures critical thinkers who engage with the world through an interdisciplinary lens.
• Faculty of Commerce: This faculty provides education in business administration, economics, finance, and accounting, preparing students to become leaders in the corporate world.
• Faculty of Education: UoN trains the next generation of educators and researchers, equipping them with the pedagogical skills needed to inspire and shape young minds.
• Faculty of Engineering: With programs in civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering, the Faculty of Engineering produces graduates who drive technological innovation and infrastructure development.
• Faculty of Law: This prestigious faculty offers comprehensive legal education and research opportunities, preparing students for careers in law, public policy, and international relations.
• Faculty of Science: Offering programs in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental sciences, the Faculty of Science produces graduates who contribute to scientific research, innovation, and solutions to societal challenges.

Research and Innovation

As a leading research institution, the University of Nairobi is at the cutting edge of scientific, technological, and social research. Our faculty and students engage in groundbreaking research that addresses pressing societal challenges in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, climate change, technology, and social sciences. UoN is home to several research centers and institutes that facilitate multidisciplinary research and innovation, providing an environment where ideas flourish and solutions are developed.

Through our focus on research, UoN contributes to the advancement of knowledge and plays a pivotal role in shaping public policy, fostering entrepreneurship, and creating solutions that benefit local and global communities.

A Vibrant Campus Life

The University of Nairobi offers a dynamic campus life, enriching students’ academic journeys with extracurricular activities that promote personal growth, leadership, and social responsibility. With a diverse student body from across Kenya and the region, UoN is a hub for cultural exchange, creativity, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of clubs, societies, and sports activities, contributing to their holistic development.

Key Campus Activities:

• Sports and Recreation: UoN supports a wide range of sporting activities, fostering physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit.
• Cultural Events: The university celebrates diversity through cultural festivals, music performances, art exhibitions, and other activities that promote a rich cultural exchange.
• Student Leadership and Governance: UoN offers opportunities for students to engage in leadership roles, promoting responsible citizenship and providing valuable leadership experiences.

A Global Perspective

UoN’s international collaborations and partnerships with leading universities and research institutions around the world expand the horizons for both students and faculty. Through exchange programs, joint research projects, and academic conferences, UoN students have the opportunity to engage with global networks and gain exposure to international academic practices and perspectives.

These global connections not only enrich the learning experience but also provide UoN students with a competitive edge in the global job market.

Why Choose the University of Nairobi?

By choosing the University of Nairobi, students are embarking on a journey towards academic excellence and professional success. UoN provides a world-class education, a vibrant campus life, and extensive opportunities for research and innovation. With a commitment to quality, creativity, and social responsibility, UoN equips its graduates to make a significant impact on society and contribute to global progress.

Join us today and become part of the legacy of excellence at the University of Nairobi—where knowledge meets opportunity and future leaders are made.

Discover Your Future at the University of Nairobi

Explore our programs, connect with our faculty, and learn how the University of Nairobi can help you achieve your academic and professional aspirations. Welcome to UoN, where your future begins!

Why study at University of Nairobi

Based in Nairobi, University of Nairobi is the largest and highest ranked University in Kenya with a rich history in research and has a wide array of diploma, degree, masters and doctorate programmes.

Universtiy of Nairobi is guided by the following core values: 

Freedom of thought and expression. We shall promote and defend freedom of thought and expression in academic inquiry and other activities.

Innovativeness and creativity. Innovativeness and creativity shall be the hallmark of our activities as we initiate and adapt to change.

Good corporate governance. We embrace and practice good corporate governance. In this regard, we shall ensure that all our processes and procedures are marked by efficiency, effectiveness and transparency; we are accountable for our decisions and actions; our decision-making processes are participative and consultative; and our decisions and actions reflect meritocracy and are open and transparent;

Team spirit and teamwork. We shall foster a work environment characterized by team spirit and teamwork.

Professionalism. In all our actions and interactions, we shall maintain ethical behaviour, professional etiquette and honesty.

Quality customer service. We shall provide quality services to our clients.

Responsible corporate citizenship and strong social responsibility. We shall nurture responsible corporate citizenship and strong social responsibility. * Respect for and conservation of the environment. In all our activities, we shall strive to respect and protect the environment.

University of Nairobi - History

The inception of the University of Nairobi is traced back to 1956, with the establishment of the Royal Technical College which admitted its first lot of A-level graduates for technical courses in April the same year.

The Royal Technical College was transformed into the second University College in East Africa on 25th June, 1961 under the name Royal College Nairobi and was admitted into a special relations with the University of London whereupon it immediately began preparing students in the faculties of Arts, Science and Engineering for award degrees of the University of London. Meanwhile, students in other faculties such as the Faculty of Special Professional Studies (later renamed Faculty of Commerce) and Faculty of Architecture continued to offer diplomas for qualifications of professional bodies/ institutions.

On 20th May 1964, the Royal College Nairobi was renamed University College Nairobi as a constituent college ofinter-territorial, Federal University of East Africa, and henceforth the enrolled students were to study for degrees of the University of East Africa and not London as was the case before. In 1970, the University College Nairobi transformed into the first national university in Kenya and was renamed the University of Nairobi.

In view of the rapid expansion and complexities in administration, the University underwent a major restructuring in 1983 resulting in decentralization of the administration, by creation of six (6) campus colleges headed by principals.

The following are the names and respective locations of the colleges:

College of Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences situated at Upper Kabete Campus

College of Architecture & Engineering situated at the Main Campus

College of Biological & Physical Sciences situated at Chiromo Campus

College of Education & External Studies situated at Kikuyu Campus

College of Health Sciences situated at the Kenyatta National Hospital

College of Humanities and Social sciences situated at the Main Campus -Faculty of Arts ; Parklands-Faculty of Law; Lower Kabete Campus -Faculty of Commerce

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