NAIROBI, Kenya – The University of Nairobi (UoN) has solidified its position as Kenya’s top higher education institution, ranking 1st nationally, 8th in Africa, and 805th globally in the 2025 EduRank assessment.
This marks a steady rise from its 2024 global ranking of 824, reinforcing its academic and research influence on the continent.
EduRank, which evaluated 14,131 universities worldwide—including 1,104 in Africa and 63 in Kenya—bases its rankings on three key factors: research output, non-academic prominence, and alumni influence.
UoN’s strong research credentials played a key role in its improved ranking.
The university contributed 21,723 publications, cited 364,314 times, highlighting its global academic impact.
The institution ranked in the top 50% worldwide across 129 research fields, with Environmental Science, Public Health, and Agricultural Economics making it into the top 10%—disciplines critical to Kenya’s economic and social development.
UoN’s strengths in Chemistry, Engineering, and Computer Science further cement its role as a hub for innovation and scientific advancement in Africa.
Beyond research, UoN’s influence extends into society, securing the 730th spot globally for non-academic prominence.
Its location in Nairobi places it at the crossroads of government, industry, and international organizations, enabling it to shape policies, drive innovation, and address public health challenges.
Through partnerships with over 60 global institutions, UoN fosters knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration.
Initiatives such as UoN Career Services and the Green Jobs Centre emphasize entrepreneurship, while the university’s pivotal role in Kenya’s COVID-19 response underscores its societal relevance.
UoN’s impact is also reflected in the prominence of its alumni, with 106 notable figures shaping industries and governance.
Among them are Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai and President William Ruto, whose leadership underscores the university’s role in producing influential figures in politics, business, and social change.
Their global success enhances UoN’s reputation, attracting talent, funding, and strategic partnerships.
Other Kenyan institutions featured in the 2025 EduRank rankings include Kenyatta University (2nd), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (3rd), Strathmore University, and Moi University.
With its latest EduRank performance, UoN continues to set the benchmark for academic excellence in Kenya and Africa.
By excelling in research, fostering societal impact, and producing influential alumni, the university reaffirms its role as a leader in higher education, shaping the future of knowledge and development.
