Strathmore University
Established in 1961 as Strathmore College, a multi-racial and multi-religious advanced-level sixth form college, the institution transitioned into a fully-fledged university, receiving its charter in 2008. Strathmore is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, with its spiritual care entrusted to Opus Dei. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs across its specialized schools, including the renowned Strathmore Business School and Strathmore Law School. It is highly regarded for its rigorous academic standards, ethical leadership focus, and strong industry linkages.
Programmes
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies and Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
- Bachelor of Business Information Technology
- Bachelor of Business Science
- Bachelor of Business Science in Financial Engineering
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Financial Services
- Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
- Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism
- Bachelor of Science in Informatics
- Bachelor of Science in Informatics and Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Management
- Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Data Science
- Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication
- Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management
- Doctor of Laws
- Doctor of Philosophy by Research
- Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Ethics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Management
- Doctor of Philosphy in Information Technology
- Master in Hospitality Business Management
- Master in Spectrum Management
- Master of Arts in Applied Philosophy and Ethics
- Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Intelligence and Security
- Master of Arts in International Relations
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management
- Master of Commerce
- Master of Educational Practice
- Master of Laws
- Master of Laws LLM
- Master of Management in Agribusiness
- Master of Public Policy and Management
- Master of Science in Biomathematics
Tuition
- Strathmore is expensive by Kenyan standards and the national funding model works AGAINST it — this is the single most important thing to understand before applying. Private university students are eligible for HELB loans only, NOT Universities Fund scholarships, which are reserved for public institutions under the current framework. Private universities also typically apply penalties or interest on outstanding balances, which public universities under the model generally do not. So a needy student would receive substantially more public support at UoN, Kenyatta, JKUAT or Moi. Indicative undergraduate cost is roughly KSh 460,000-620,000 a year, or about KSh 230,000-270,000 a semester; sources broadly agree on that band. The LLB totals approximately KSh 2,051,438 across four years (about KSh 258,000 a semester) — the most expensive programme recorded in this directory. Compare the full four-year total against the same programme at a public university before committing; for law the gap runs to a million shillings or more, and the funding model widens it rather than narrowing it. Strathmore's counter-argument is employability, selectivity and facilities. It offers its own scholarships, bursaries, flexible payment plans and scholarships tied to on-the-job training, but no values or criteria were published — ask admissions directly, since this is material at this price. Figures are dated August 2026 and Kenya's funding framework is under active reform. Note one widely-copied third-party figure of 'USD 39 a year for locals' is plainly an error; disregard it. KES 320,000-650,000 a year at the private rate. WHO IT SUITS: applicants wanting a private university focused on corporate ethics, modern IT facilities and direct employer pipelines. TWO ACCREDITATIONS HERE ARE WORTH MORE THAN THE REST: ACCA recognition carries professional accountancy exemptions that shorten the route to qualification, and AACSB is the international business-school accreditation held by few institutions on the continent. CLE is recorded for law.
Admissions
- Most degree programmes require a KCSE mean grade of B- (minus), ABOVE the national C+ minimum — Strathmore is selective and this is the practical bar.
- Some degrees require C+, including the BSc in Hospitality Management.
- Diplomas require a C (plain), and some, including Business Management, additionally require at least a C in both Mathematics and English.
- Most certificate courses require only a KCSE certificate and are designed for Form 4 leavers.
- Admission is based on ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS as well as past academic records — the reported acceptance rate is 30-39%, the most selective in this directory.
- Application forms are obtained directly from the admissions office rather than a self-service portal.
- Accepts international applicants
- Scholarships or financial aid available
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