The decline in doctorate enrolment in Kenya has raised concerns over the country's future research capacity and innovation. According to the Commission for University Education (CUE), doctorate enrolment fell by 5.61% from 8,666 students in 2024 to 8,180 in 2025. The commission attributed the decline to limited funding, high costs, lengthy completion periods, and fewer scholarship opportunities.
The decline in doctorate enrolment comes as demand grows for shorter, career-focused postgraduate qualifications. Postgraduate diploma enrolment rose by 62.40% from 1,423 students in 2024 to 2,311 in 2025. The sharp rise, particularly among women, points to growing demand for qualifications that offer working professionals faster skills enhancement and opportunities for career advancement.
The CUE report noted that male enrolment in postgraduate diploma programmes increased from 896 to 1,327 students, while female enrolment rose from 527 to 984. The commission attributed the sharp increase to growing demand for shorter, practical, and career-oriented qualifications that appeal to working professionals seeking faster skills enhancement and career advancement.
Meanwhile, master's programmes recorded moderate growth, with total enrolment rising from 40,959 students in 2024 to 44,218 in 2025. Male enrolment increased from 22,166 to 23,773 students, while female enrolment rose from 18,793 to 20,432. The report's stated male and female figures, however, total 44,205 students, which is 13 fewer than the reported overall figure of 44,218.
In bachelor's programmes, male enrolment remained higher, rising from 320,439 to 351,272 students. Female enrolment grew at a faster rate, increasing from 256,906 to 301,093 and narrowing the gender gap. Overall bachelor's enrolment rose from 577,345 students in 2024 to 652,365 in 2025, the highest enrolment recorded across the various levels of university education.
The data was collected from 79 of the 83 universities and university colleges that submitted enrolment information during the period under review. The institutions covered public chartered universities, private chartered universities, public university constituent colleges, private constituent colleges, and institutions operating under a Letter of Interim Authority.
Total university enrolment stood at 707,150 students in 2025, up from 628,431 in 2024. Mount Kenya University recorded the highest student population at 49,294, followed by the University of Nairobi with 45,526 students. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) ranked third with 44,946 students, Kenyatta University came fourth with 43,358, while Maseno University wrapped up the top five slots with 29,176.
Key points
- The decline in doctorate enrolment raises concerns over Kenya's future research capacity and innovation.
- Demand for shorter, career-focused postgraduate qualifications is growing, with postgraduate diploma enrolment rising by 62.40% in 2025.
- Total university enrolment in Kenya stood at 707,150 students in 2025, up from 628,431 in 2024.
