Universities and Colleges Offering Pharmacy Courses in Kenya (BPharm & Diploma)

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) Programs in Kenya

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is a 5-year full-time program regulated and accredited by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB).

Only the following institutions are officially approved:

1. University of Nairobi (UoN)

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE mean grade B- (or equivalent)
  • No cluster subject (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, English/Kiswahili) below C+
  • Alternatives:
    • A-Level (principal passes in Biology & Chemistry)
    • Relevant diplomas/degrees in biological/health sciences (credit passes and KCSE C)
    • English proficiency for non-English speakers

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 450,000 (local & international)
  • Additional fees (e.g., medical ~KSh 6,500/year)

2. Kenyatta University (KU)

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE mean grade C+ overall
  • B- average in cluster subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, English/Kiswahili)
  • A-Level principal passes in Biology & Chemistry
  • Relevant diplomas/degrees in life sciences accepted

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 428,400 (full-time)
  • Non-East Africans ~KSh 535,500

3. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE B- with B- average in cluster subjects
    OR
  • KCSE C with credit pass in Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology from a PPB-recognized institution

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 451,981

4. Maseno University

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE mean grade B-
  • B- in Biology/Biological Sciences, Chemistry/Physical Sciences, Mathematics/Physics, and English/Kiswahili (same sitting)

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 300,000–450,000 (varies)

5. Kisii University

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE B-
  • C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Mathematics, and English/Kiswahili
  • Equivalent A-Level qualifications accepted
  • Diploma holders in health/biological sciences (credit passes) eligible

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 300,000–450,000

6. United States International University–Africa (USIU-A)

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE B- with no cluster subject below C+
  • A-Level: Two principal passes in Biology & Chemistry, subsidiary in Physics/Mathematics

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 700,000–900,000+
  • Per semester ~KSh 336,000–362,000 (plus fees)
  • Non-East Africans pay 30% more

7. Kenya Methodist University (KeMU)

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE B- with at least C+ in relevant sciences
  • A-Level: Two principal passes in Biology & Chemistry, subsidiary in Math/Physics
  • Diploma holders in Pharmacy/related health sciences (credit pass) eligible

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 400,000–600,000

8. Mount Kenya University (MKU)

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE B- with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, and English/Kiswahili
  • Diploma holders in Pharmacy from PPB-recognized institutions eligible for upgrading

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 375,000
  • Approx. KSh 125,000 per trimester (15 trimesters)

9. Kabarak University

Admission Requirements:

  • KCSE B- with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics/Physics, and English/Kiswahili
  • Diploma holders in Pharmaceutical Technology with KCSE C+ eligible (upgrading option available)

Estimated Annual Tuition:

  • ~KSh 400,000–500,000
  • Per semester ~KSh 117,500–235,000 (varies by structure)

Important Notes

  • All programs are full-time only (PPB does not recognize part-time or distance BPharm).
  • Government reforms (effective 2025/2026) have reduced fees for government-sponsored students in public universities (potentially ~KSh 75,000/semester or lower for high-need cases).
  • Self-sponsored rates remain higher.
  • Verify current cluster points and cut-offs via KUCCPS or the respective university.

Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology Programs in Kenya

This is a 3-year program regulated by the PPB.

Estimated Fees:

  • Generally KSh 50,000–150,000 per year (varies by institution).

Key Public Institutions

  • Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) — Multiple campuses (Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Nyeri, Mombasa, etc.)
  • Nairobi Technical Training Institute
  • Technical University of Kenya
  • Technical University of Mombasa
  • The Eldoret National Polytechnic
  • The Kabete National Polytechnic
  • The Kisumu National Polytechnic
  • The Nyeri National Polytechnic
  • Kisii National Polytechnic

Private and Other Accredited Institutions

  • Mount Kenya University (MKU)
  • East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (ICS College)
  • Thika School of Medical and Health Sciences (TSMHS)
  • Kisiwa Technical Training Institute
  • Kisumu Medical and Education Trust (KMET)

Faith-Based / Mission-Based Institutions

  • AIC Kijabe College of Health Sciences
  • St. John’s School of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (Nairobi)
  • Uzima University College (Kisumu)