UoN Expands Influence in Global Sustainability Rankings 2025
The University of Nairobi has once again solidified its presence on the global stage by adding two new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to its latest performance scorecard issued by the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. These rankings measure how universities around the world are contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the current assessment, UoN featured in six SDG categories, up from four in 2024, a clear sign that the university’s influence is expanding not just in scale, but also substance. For the first time, the university has been ranked in SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The university’s overall rank remained constant in the 801–1000 band with an overall score of 60.6 to 65.9.
Now in its sixth edition, the 2025 Impact Rankings assessed 2,526 universities from 130 countries. The rankings are based on 220 indicators and 105 metrics across the 17 SDGs, focusing on research output, campus stewardship, community outreach, and teaching. The rankings come at a critical juncture — exactly 10 years since the launch of the SDGs and just five years shy of the 2030 deadline. They paint a global picture of how universities across the world are advancing sustainable development.
So, how did UoN fare this year?
SDG 4 – Quality Education:
Global band: 301–400
UoN was ranked among the top 400 universities globally in promoting inclusive, quality education — maintaining a strong position in this critical area. This category evaluates universities on lifelong learning, teacher education, and support for first-generation students. Within Kenya, 13 universities were assessed, with UoN emerging second nationally, behind Machakos University. The ranking reflects UoN’s long-standing efforts to widen educational access and support academic advancement beyond traditional learning models. It also reaffirms the university’s role in preparing future educators and empowering communities through extension programmes.
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being:
Global band: 601–800
In the realm of health, UoN is a national leader and a regional reference point. Under SDG 3, which focuses on promoting health and well-being for all, UoN was ranked in the 601–800 global band, a slight drop from the 401–600 bracket in 2024. Even so, out of the eight Kenyan universities ranked in this category, UoN held a strong second position nationally, coming just behind Amref International University. The ranking acknowledges UoN’s wide-ranging work in health research, community-based outreach, and the training of healthcare professionals.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation (New Entry):
Global band: 601–800
This year marked UoN’s debut in the SDG 6 category, which assesses university efforts in ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation. Only two Kenyan universities were ranked here, and UoN emerged first nationally, placing in the 601–800 global category. This outstanding performance is a reflection of the university’s internal water efficiency policies, wastewater management systems and impactful research on water security.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure:
Global band: 201–300
In one of the most competitive categories, SDG 9 — which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation — UoN showed significant improvement. From last year’s 401–600 band, the university rose to the 201–300 bracket globally. Within Kenya, seven universities were ranked in this category, and UoN stood tall at number one, with a performance score between 70.8 and 80.5. This leap is anchored in UoN’s increasing focus on research commercialization, and collaborations with industry players. The university’s ability to generate patents, attract research funding and promote practical, scalable innovation has become a model for others to emulate.
SDG 13 – Climate Action (New Entry):
Global band: 601–800.
For the first time, the University of Nairobi was ranked under SDG 13, which evaluates how universities are taking action to combat climate change and its impacts. Only two Kenyan institutions made it into this category, with UoN claiming the top national position. The ranking is a recognition of the university’s research into climate science, its environmental education programmes, and the operational policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. UoN’s proactive participation in climate resilience conversations — both locally and globally — is now being acknowledged on the world stage.
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals:
Global band: 1001–1500
SDG 17 speaks to the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in achieving sustainable development. UoN was ranked in the 1001–1500 global band, maintaining its position from 2024. Among the 14 Kenyan universities evaluated in this category, UoN came in at position 6, behind Kibabii University, Mount Kenya University, and others. While the university has solid bilateral and multilateral collaborations, this ranking suggests that more deliberate focus is needed in amplifying its SDG-aligned partnerships, expanding global networks and strengthening South-South cooperation.
Beyond the rankings, these results show how well institutions are aligning their missions with sustainable development. For UoN, the consistently impressive global performance — coupled with expansion into new categories — speaks to an enduring commitment to impact-driven education and research. As the 2030 deadline of the SDGS approaches, the university continues to focus on deepening its research capacity, broadening access to learning, and fostering collaborations towards tackling complex global challenges. Going forward, the University of Nairobi will continue to enhance its effort — not to simply move up the rankings, but also ensure that every student, partnership, and project contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s and the world’s sustainable future.
