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Private (International) · Nairobi

United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa)

An American-accredited international university in Nairobi offering global business, psychology, and IT degrees.

Established
1969
57 years running
Students
7,000
Enrolled student body
Employment rate
77%
Graduate employment
Annual fees
Ksh 180,000 to Ksh 650,000
Tuition range per year

The institution

Who they are, how big, and how they rank.

About

Established in 1969 as the Africa extension of the United States International University, USIU-Africa was chartered in 1999 as a private university. Located in Roysambu, Nairobi, the university serves over 7,000 students from over 70 nationalities, making it one of Kenya's most culturally diverse campuses.

The university operates schools of Business, Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, and Communication. Its programmes are dually accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in Kenya and the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United the institution, a unique dual-accreditation advantage.

Accredited by CUE, USIU-Africa ranks 19th nationally. Its American-style semester system, liberal arts curriculum, and dual US-Kenya accreditation make it the preferred choice for students seeking internationally transferable degrees in Kenya.

The numbers

Student to staff
1:20
Chartered
1999
Scholarships
Offered

Research and innovation

USIU-Africa conducts research across disciplines including data science, public health, international relations, and business innovation, with growing output in peer-reviewed publications and doctoral programmes. The School of Science and Technology advances research in information systems, data analytics, and technology-driven development, while the Chandaria School of Business investigates entrepreneurship, corporate governance, and business innovation in African markets. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences contributes to research on international relations, peace studies, and cross-cultural communication, and the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences conducts research on pharmaceutical sciences and public health. Partnerships with Alliant International University and the University of California (USA), Copenhagen Business School (Denmark), and the University of Melbourne (Australia) support faculty exchange and joint research. Collaboration with Aga Khan University (Kenya) strengthens health sciences research. USIU-Africa's dual accreditation ensures its research meets both American and Kenyan quality standards, giving its publications international recognition and relevance.

Accredited by

2 regulatory bodies

League tables and rankings

#6 in Kenya (uniRank 2026)

What they teach

Faculties, departments and the programmes on offer.

Admission requirements

A C+ mean grade in KCSE is the minimum for Bachelor's programmes. USIU-Africa accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. International students must meet equivalent requirements.

Intakes

  • January
  • May
  • September

Schools and faculties

6 in total
  • Chandaria School of Business (CSOB)

    Main Campus, Kasarani

  • School of Science and Technology (SST)

    Main Campus, Kasarani

  • School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS)

    Main Campus, Kasarani

  • School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (SPHS)

    Main Campus, Kasarani

  • School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts (SCCCA)

    Main Campus, Kasarani

  • School of Graduate Studies (SGS)

    Main Campus, Kasarani

Courses offered

84 programmes

Campus and beyond

Where you would be, and who they are connected to.

Campuses

  • Kasarani Campus, Nairobi

    Main campus

  • Main Campus

    Nairobi

    Roysambu, Kasarani, 12 km NE of Nairobi CBD

On campus

  • Academic Library and Learning Resource Centre with comprehensive print collection and digital academic journal access
  • Modern Computer Laboratories and ICT Resource Centre equipped with high-speed internet and e-learning terminals
  • Specialized Science & Research Laboratories supporting biology, chemistry, physics, and agricultural practical training
  • On-Campus Student Hostels providing secure residential accommodation with 24/7 perimeter security
  • Multi-purpose Outdoor Sports Grounds with football pitch, volleyball, netball, and athletics facilities
  • Student Health and Wellness Centre providing outpatient medical consultations, first aid, and referral services
  • University Cafeteria and Student Dining Halls serving affordable, nutritious student meals
  • Campus-wide High-Speed Wi-Fi connectivity and digital smart classrooms for hybrid lecture delivery

Notable alumni

3 verified
  • Vimal Shah

    Chairman, BIDCO Africa

    Graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USIU-Africa; transformed BIDCO into one of East Africa's largest consumer goods conglomerates.

  • Catherine Mturi-Wairi

    Former Managing Director, Kenya Ports Authority

    Graduated with an MBA from USIU-Africa; certified public accountant who led operations and infrastructure modernization at the Port of Mombasa.

  • Esther Passaris

    Nairobi County Woman Representative

    Graduated with a BSc in International Business Administration (2017) from USIU-Africa; prominent social entrepreneur and two-term parliamentarian.

International partnerships

2 institutions
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

    United StatesInstitutional Dual Accreditation

    USIU-Africa holds dual accreditation with CUE in Kenya and WSCUC in the United States, enabling seamless credit transfers and globally accredited degrees.

  • Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

    CanadaFull Undergraduate Scholarships

    Multi-million dollar endowment providing comprehensive higher education scholarships, mentorship, and career placement for marginalized youth and refugees across Africa.

Further reading