Kenya Celebrates Three Universities in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, Highlighting ISO-Driven Quality in Education
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Kenya recently achieved a milestone in higher education: three Kenyan universities have been recognized in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting a focus on high-quality, inclusive, and globally relevant education.
🌍 Murang’a University of Technology — 3rd in Kenya
Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) soared to 3rd place nationally and 1214th globally in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings. This achievement is built on the university’s commitment to the UN SDGs — especially in sustainability, community research, and academic excellence. MUT’s recognised strengths include impactful community projects, evidence-based research, and dedication to quality education through ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certifications. This dual ISO recognition—covering service quality and information security—demonstrates MUT’s comprehensive drive for institutional excellence.
🎓 Mount Kenya University — Among Top 5 Nationally
For the first time, Mount Kenya University (MKU) entered the THE rankings, placing 4th in Kenya. MKU distinguished itself in four SDG areas: Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health (SDG 3), Reducing Inequality (SDG 10), and Partnerships (SDG 17). Its ranking reflects strong institutional performance in sustainability, social impact, and inclusive education. MKU’s recent Erasmus+ exchanges and its position as a UN SDG hub underscore its global outreach, further bolstered by quality management systems aligned with ISO standards.
🏛 Broader National Benefits
These achievements go beyond institutional pride—they represent national gains. Kenyan universities are not only contributing to global sustainability but are also cultivating graduates who are socially conscious, skilled in research, and committed to local development. The ISO certifications and global ranking presence raise the bar for educational standards, motivating other institutions to pursue continuous improvement through quality frameworks.
📌 Why This Matters for JKACCI
As the Joint Kenya–Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JKACCI), showcasing Kenya’s rising education standards fosters greater confidence among current and potential partners from the Arab world. Quality-driven universities equipped with global-standard certifications can significantly boost cooperation in research, innovation, trade, entrepreneurship, and education exchange programs.
✅ What’s Next
Continued ISO adoption: Encouraging more Kenyan institutions to pursue ISO 9001 and related standards for service excellence.
Enhanced Arab–Kenya collaboration: Leveraging ISO quality credentials to strengthen academic and business partnerships.
Student and staff mobility: Encouraging further exchange programs and joint research, especially in sustainable development and STEM.
In summary, Kenya’s success in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings—especially the inclusion of ISO-certified universities—underscores the country's steady rise in quality, innovation, and global educational influence. This story illustrates our message: Kenya is a reliable partner for education, business, and sustainable development.