The Role of Private Universities in Meeting Demand for Higher Education in Kenya

Globally, the confluence of private and social determinants of demand for university education has led to a high overall demand for university places. This is evident in the numbers of those who qualify for university places from especially the secondary level, but also those who demand for continuing education. While public universities have continued to grow, the number of private universities has exploded, with the World Bank noting that private higher education has become the fastest growing segment of higher education worldwide. This paper addresses the crucial role of private universities in meeting demand for higher education in Kenya. The paper offers a historical background of private universities in Kenya and then continues by giving justification for private universities in Kenya. The paper shows how the private sector can play a crucial role in the establishment of private universities to fill the gap left by the government funded universities.