5 Best Universities Offering Business Courses in Kenya and Their Fees
Kenya, over the years, has had bright students in the field of business. This is a course where, once you secure a job, you earn a huge payslip, and for innovative and creative students, you can build systems that become useful to society through their final year projects.
Business, just like the name suggests, is required in every discipline, be it engineering, health, or even religion. Every sector needs a marketer, accountant, and economist. The course does not just open doors for jobs but also for leadership roles and entrepreneurship.
Kenya has several institutions, from colleges to universities, offering business courses. They are not the same, though, as they have strengths in different areas. In this article, we look at the top universities across the country that offer business courses.
1. University of Nairobi (UoN)
Established in 1972, the UoN MBA is known for its rigor and for producing high-caliber managers for both the private and public sectors.
It has a massive network of influential alumni, some of whom hold top job positions in the country, for example, Dr. James Mwangi, the CEO and Managing Director of Equity Group Holdings; Julius Kipng’etich, former COO of Equity Bank and former CEO of KWS; and Joshua Oigara, former CEO of KCB Group.
UoN graduates are highly sought after by major corporations.
According to a Commission for University Education (CUE) report, 84% of employers prefer hiring graduates from the University of Nairobi over other local institutions. Employers in banking, consulting, and the public sector specifically favor UoN business graduates for their readiness to meet industry demands.
2. Kenyatta University (KU)
The university maintains strong partnerships with the private sector and county governments, creating a pipeline for networking and job opportunities.
Unlike many others, KU offers dedicated degrees like the Bachelor of Economics and Finance and the Bachelor of Human Resource Management.
KU has produced influential figures who lead major Kenyan and regional institutions, like Dr. James Mwangi, CEO of Equity Group Holdings; Dr. Eddah Gachukia, Academic Director of Riara Group of Schools; Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa, former Presidents of Tanzania (alumni and honorary recipients).
3. Strathmore University
Strathmore is often preferred by those seeking a faster, highly disciplined, and more internationally connected academic experience.
It was established in partnership with IESE Business School (Spain) and maintains strong links with Harvard Business School, giving students exposure to global faculty and the case-study method.
Strathmore is an ACCA Premier Plus tuition provider. Its Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program is unique because it allows students to gain exemptions for several ACCA levels, effectively finishing both a degree and professional status simultaneously.
Beyond the traditional MBA, they offer specialized tracks like the MSc in Mathematical Finance and the MBA in Healthcare Management.
4. United States International University – Africa (USIU-Africa)
USIU-Africa is often ranked among the best for business because it offers a truly global education experience that is unique in the region. Its Chandaria School of Business is known for blending international standards with the specific needs of the African market.
It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This ensures that a business degree from USIU-Africa is recognized globally, making it easier for graduates to work or pursue further studies in North America and Europe.
The university hosts a diverse student body representing over 70 nationalities. For business students, this environment acts as a “global classroom” where they learn to negotiate and collaborate across different cultures—a critical skill in international business and trade.
USIU-Africa has high-quality online learning programs, allowing professionals to earn a top-tier MBA while working.
USIU-Africa has a reputation for producing high-profile leaders across business and media, including Vimal Shah, Chairman of Bidco Africa; Geoffrey Odundo, former CEO of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE); and Linus Gitahi, Chairman of Tropikal Brands (Africa).
5. KCA University
KCA University is widely regarded as Kenya’s top institution for Accounting and Finance, uniquely positioned as the “budget-friendly alternative” to elite private schools like Strathmore. Originally established in 1989 as the Kenya College of Accountancy by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), it has maintained a deep, specialized focus on commerce and professional certifications.
It is the only university in East Africa started by a professional accounting body, which ensures its curriculum remains strictly aligned with the latest industry standards.
The university maintains a strong relationship with KASNEB and ACCA, making it a top-tier choice for students simultaneously pursuing CPA, ACCA, or CFA qualifications.
Because of its roots, KCA has a massive alumni base within Kenya’s corporate and financial leadership. The university actively fosters this through its Alumni Mentorship Program and industry-specific forums.
Fees of the Business Courses Across the Universities
The cost of studying business courses in Kenyan universities depends on whether a student is government-sponsored or self-sponsored. Government-sponsored students usually pay much lower fees, making public universities the most affordable option.
For example, government-sponsored students at the University of Nairobi pay around KSh 28,500 per year, while self-sponsored students may pay between KSh 240,000 and KSh 259,000 depending on the number of units. At Kenyatta University, government-sponsored fees vary widely from about KSh 31,000 to KSh 177,000 due to the new funding model, while self-sponsored students pay around KSh 183,600.
Private universities are generally more expensive. At KCA University, fees range between KSh 110,000 and KSh 140,000 per year, with cheaper options available for distance learning. United States International University Africa charges between KSh 440,000 and KSh 660,000 annually, usually billed per semester. Similarly, Strathmore University has high tuition fees ranging from KSh 450,000 to KSh 550,000 per year.
Overall, public universities are more affordable for government-sponsored students, while private universities offer more facilities but at a higher cost.
