KCA University
Nairobi, Kenya • Founded 1989
Updated May 2026
Overview
Established in 2007, the KCA University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the metropolis of Nairobi (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).
This institution also has a branch campus in Kisumu. Officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, KCA University (KCAU) is a large-sized coeducational Kenyan higher education institution.
KCA University (KCAU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. This 17-year-old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 60-69% making this Kenyan higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. KCAU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Where KCA University sits geographically, plus the contact channels students use during admissions. Alumni-office inquiries are separate from admissions and have their own contact page.
Academic Details
KCA University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.
Academic Structures
KCA University's teaching architecture in the units below. New faculties (formed in the last decade) signal where the institution is investing for the future.
Unit 7 items
- Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership Academy
- Faculty of Computing and Information Management
- Faculty of Education and Arts
- Institute for Capacity Development
- School of Business and Public Management
- School of Graduate Studies
- School of Professional Programs
Degrees
The qualifications available at KCA University are grouped to make level comparison easy. Joint and dual degrees combine multiple awards and often span institutions or faculties.
Bachelor's 23 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Accountancy
- Actuarial Science
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Business and Commerce
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education
- Film
- Information Technology
- International Business
- Journalism
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Media Studies
- Performing Arts
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
- Transport Management
Master's 17 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- Curriculum
- Data Processing
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Information Management
- Information Technology
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Transport Management
Doctoral 3 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Business Administration
- Finance
- Information Technology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Commission for University Education of Kenya.
Business (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Business and Commerce
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education, Arts and Social Sciences (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Art Education
- Curriculum
- Education
- Educational Administration
- Educational Sciences
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Graduate Studies and Research (School) Faculty details available
Specialisations & Subjects
No specified subjects listed.
Technology (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Technology
Programs Offered
Every programme KCA University offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.
43 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Kenya
Bachelor's Degree 23 programmes
Showing 10 of 23.
Master's Degree 14 programmes
Showing 10 of 14.
Doctorate 3 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 3 programmes
How to apply to KCA University
Practical steps to apply to KCA University, suitable as a starting checklist before contacting the admissions team directly.
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1
Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse KCA University's 43 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
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2
Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at KCA University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
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3
Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
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4
Apply through the official channel
KCA University processes applications through kcau.ac.ke. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
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5
Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +254 (20) 856 6177. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about KCA University
Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about KCA University, drawn directly from institutional records.
When was KCA University founded?
KCA University was established in 1989 (approximately 37 years ago).
Where is KCA University located?
KCA University is located in Nairobi, Kenya.
Is KCA University public or private?
KCA University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at KCA University?
Student enrolment at KCA University is around 15,000-19,999.
What degrees does KCA University offer?
KCA University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How many faculties does KCA University have?
KCA University is organised into 7 academic units across its disciplines.
Is KCA University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Commission for University Education (CUE).
What is KCA University's official website?
You can find KCA University online at kcau.ac.ke.
Top-Ranked Universities in Kenya
Kenya's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing KCA University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Faculties at nearby universities
Universities near KCA University often have cross-enrolment or visiting-student arrangements that let students take modules at the partner institution. Worth checking if subject coverage at KCA University is narrow in your area.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Business & Management programmes vary across Kenya. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Compared with KCA University
International branch campuses are common among universities at KCA University's tier. Peer institutions often operate in similar geographies, signalling comparable global ambition.
Studying in Kenya: guides and resources
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