UoN’s Undisputed Record of Graduate Employability: QS World University Rankings 2026
The University of Nairobi has yet again recorded excellent performance in the Employability and Outcomes indicator in the latest QS World University Rankings 2026. The metric measures attributes that show how effectively an institution prepares its graduates for employment, the track record of a university’s graduate in societal transformation and the overall standing of the institution among employers in view of these factors. The QS World University Rankings 2026, released Thursday 19th June 2025, evaluated over 1,500 universities across 106 countries. On this particular index, the University of Nairobi was ranked 72nd globally with a score of 95.6.
UoN's exceptional performance in employability demonstrates its core strength, which is also emphasized in the vision: “A globally competitive university transforming society”. The other main indicators considered by the prestigious QS rankings cut across Research and Discovery, Learning Experience, Global Engagement, and Sustainability measures.
The university’s overall ranking shifted to a lower band of 1001-1200 compared to the previous ranking (2025) where it was placed in the 901-950 category. The academic reputation dropped from the 601+ band in the previous year to 701+ signaling the need for improvement in such factors as quality of research, strategic partnerships, educational innovativeness, and citations count among others.
In spite of the rankings which suggest a recalibration in the performance of the world’s leading universities, the University of Nairobi continues to fly Kenya’s flag high on the international stage. Remarkably, it remains the only Kenyan university to feature on this prestigious list of over 1,500 institutions worldwide. This singular achievement underscores its enduring strength and unparalleled stature within the nation's higher education sector. Across the African continent, UoN holds the 27th position, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with established academic powerhouses from South Africa, Egypt, and Ghana.
The path ahead for the University of Nairobi is clear. While the latest QS rankings are sure to prompt reflection, they also provide a unique opportunity for strategic re-evaluation and targeted improvements. By amplifying interdisciplinary research, strengthening ties with employers, and fostering even wider international collaborations, UoN can leverage its existing strengths to improve its global standing. Its resilience, coupled with a deep commitment to shaping the future of education and research in Kenya and the region, will continue to inspire hope and leadership.
