United States International University Africa (USIU-Africa)
An American-accredited international university in Nairobi offering global business, psychology, and IT degrees.
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 bodiesLeague 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 totalChandaria 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- Bachelor Science in Business Information Technology
- Bachelor of Accounting and Finance
- Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Sociology and Political Science)
- Bachelor of Arts in Animation
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Journalism
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Security Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and Directing
- Bachelor of Arts in Film Production, Animation and Gaming
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
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.