Kenyatta University has secured the largest share of students placed in universities this year, cementing its position as the country's top choice for degree applicants as thousands prepare to join higher learning institutions in September.
The latest placement results also expose a widening gap between universities attracting thousands of students and others that continue to record low admissions despite expanding their academic programmes and facilities.
Figures released by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) show that Kenyatta University received 11,224 students, the highest among all public universities.
Maseno University followed with 9,196 students, ahead of Moi University which received 8,869. The University of Nairobi admitted 8,604 students, while Chuka University got 7,946, Kisii University 7,903 and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology 7,586.
The latest admissions paint a picture of student preferences that continue to favour established universities, leaving several institutions with lower enrolment despite efforts to expand courses and improve infrastructure.
Following the announcement, universities moved quickly to welcome the new students expected to report in September.
Maasai Mara University Vice-Chancellor Prof Peninah Aloo-Obudho said the placement of 3,230 students marked another important step for the institution.
"We continue to celebrate the placement of 3,230 students to Maasai Mara University. As one of Kenya’s leading institutions of higher learning, we remain committed to academic excellence, innovation and empowering future leaders," she said.
Bomet University also welcomed the outcome after 3,889 students were placed at the institution.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Patrick Ojera said the incoming students would be joining a university that continues to grow its academic programmes.
"We are delighted to welcome you to Bomet University. You are beginning an academic journey that can take you all the way to becoming professors, researchers and professionals who will transform society," he said.
Kisii University Vice-Chancellor Prof Nathan Ogechi also welcomed the university's 7,903 students, saying they would acquire knowledge, lifelong friendships and skills that would prepare them for the future.
The latest placement has also renewed concerns about universities that continue to admit relatively few students despite years of investment in learning facilities and academic programmes.
John Mutie said universities recording lower admissions should review what they offer and how they present themselves to prospective students.
"Some universities like Pwani University can do better. It is surprising that institutions established many years ago are attracting fewer students than newer universities. That should prompt serious reflection on the programmes they offer and how they position themselves to prospective students," he said.
The placement comes as public universities continue to face financial pressure ahead of the admission of the new students.
University of Embu Vice-Chancellor Prof Daniel Mugendi, who chairs the Vice Chancellors Committee of Public Universities, said institutions are prepared for the September intake despite uncertainty surrounding funding.
"There is some anxiety about funding because we are not certain whether we will be able to meet obligations such as staff salaries following changes in the funding model, but we are prepared to admit the new students," Prof Mugendi said during the KUCCPS stakeholders' forum on July 5.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the government is working to resolve the financial challenges facing universities.
He said President William Ruto is expected to announce a long-term solution that will provide stability in university funding before the new academic year begins.
A total of 270,508 candidates who attained a minimum grade of C+ in the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examination qualified for university admission.
KUCCPS Chief Executive Officer Agnes Wahome said public universities can accommodate more than 300,000 students and urged institutions to continue reviewing their academic programmes to ensure graduates acquire skills needed in the changing local and global job market.
"We encourage universities to continue reviewing their programmes so that graduates acquire skills that are relevant to the changing demands of the job market," she said.
As universities prepare to receive the new students, the latest admissions have once again highlighted the growing competition for learners, with reputation, course quality and employment prospects increasingly shaping where students choose to study.