- The University of Nairobi (UoN) has achieved a significant rise in the 2025 EduRank assessment, securing the 805th position globally, up from 824th in 2024.
- UoN now ranks 1st in Kenya and 8th in Africa.
- The rankings are based on research output, non-academic prominence, and alumni influence.
The University of Nairobi (UoN) has made notable progress in the 2025 EduRank university rankings, ascending to the 805th position globally from its previous rank of 824th in 2024. This advancement underscores UoN’s commitment to enhancing its academic and research standards on the world stage.
Within the African continent, UoN has secured the 8th spot, reflecting its influential role in higher education across Africa. Nationally, it maintains its position as the premier institution in Kenya, highlighting its dedication to academic excellence and research innovation.
EduRank’s Comprehensive Evaluation Criteria
EduRank’s methodology encompasses a wide selection of higher education institutions, aiming to provide equal opportunities for inclusion from all countries. The ranking is based on three primary indicators:
- Research Performance (45%): Utilizing the OpenAlex database, EduRank assesses scientific publications and citations, adjusting for publication date and authorship.
- Non-Academic Prominence (45%): This involves evaluating the university’s reputation through backlinks to its website, similar to modern search engine approaches.
- Alumni Influence (10%): This metric considers the prominence of a university’s alumni.
In the 2025 assessment, EduRank evaluated 14,131 universities worldwide, including 1,104 in Africa and 63 in Kenya, to determine these rankings.
Implications for UoN and Kenyan Higher Education
UoN’s improved ranking is a testament to its ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and research output. This achievement not only elevates the university’s global standing but also reflects positively on Kenya’s higher education landscape, potentially attracting more academic collaborations, research opportunities, and international students.
The university’s focus on research excellence, community engagement, and producing influential alumni continues to bolster its reputation both locally and internationally.
