Graduands of the University of Nairobi during their graduation cefemony on September 18, 2026. /UoN
The decline in the number of students pursuing doctorate programmes has raised concern over Kenya’s future research capacity, with the Commission for University Education (CUE) warning of possible effects on innovation and the supply of highly qualified academic staff.
Doctorate enrolment fell by 5.61 per cent, from 8,666 students in 2024 to 8,180 in 2025, according to the 2025 University Report by CUE.
The commission attributed the decline to factors including limited funding, high costs, lengthy completion periods and fewer scholarship opportunities, which it said could be discouraging students from pursuing doctoral studies and pushing them towards employment.
"The trend raises concerns about future research capacity, innovation and the supply of highly qualified academic staff, highlighting the need for stronger funding and support systems in doctoral education," CUE said.
The decline in doctoral enrolment came even as demand grew for shorter and more career-oriented qualifications, with postgraduate diploma enrolment rising by 62.40 per cent from 1,423 students in 2024 to 2,311 in 2025.
CUE said the sharp rise, particularly among women, points to growing demand for qualifications that offer working professionals faster skills enhancement and opportunities for career advancement.
Male enrolment in postgraduate diploma programmes increased from 896 to 1,327 students, while female enrolment rose from 527 to 984.
CUE attributed the sharp increase, particularly among women, to growing demand for shorter, practical and career-oriented qualifications that appeal to working professionals seeking faster skills enhancement and career advancement.
"The trend reflects changing labour market needs and a preference for flexible, immediately applicable qualifications, alongside improved access to postgraduate education for women," the commission said.
The commission, however, raised concern over the declining uptake of research-based programmes after doctorate enrolment fell from 8,666 students in 2024 to 8,180 in 2025, a decline of 5.61 per cent.
CUE cited limited funding, high costs, lengthy completion periods and fewer scholarship opportunities as possible factors discouraging students from pursuing doctoral studies and pushing them towards employment.
"The trend raises concerns about future research capacity, innovation and the supply of highly qualified academic staff, highlighting the need for stronger funding and support systems in doctoral education," CUE said.
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, bringing the numbers closer to parity.
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 continued dominance of Bachelor’s enrollment underscores its position as the foundation of the higher education system," the report said.
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.
CUE collected the data using structured templates embedded in the University Education Management Information System (UEMIS), which it developed.
The formal call for data submission was issued after the conclusion of the 2025 student placement process by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) and subsequent university admissions.
Based on the submitted data, 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.
