Convert Kenyan Grades to US GPA

Scale: Kenyan universities follow a letter-grade system with percentage thresholds, awarding degree classifications from First Class Honours down to Fail.  |  Range: 0–100 percentage, letter grades A–E
US GPA Equivalent
4.00
Excellent
US Letter Grade
Kenya Grade
A
Score Range
70–100
Classification
First Class Honours — Distinction

How Kenyan University Grading Works

Kenya's higher education system is overseen by the Commission for University Education (CUE), which accredits and regulates both public and private universities. Most universities follow a percentage-based letter-grade system that maps to British-influenced degree classification bands rather than a US-style GPA.

The degree classification system in Kenya mirrors the UK model: First Class Honours requires a minimum A grade (70% and above); Second Class Honours Upper Division (2:1) covers B+ and B (60–69%); Second Class Honours Lower Division (2:2) covers B- and C+ (50–59%); Pass covers C and C- (40–49%); and grades of D (35–39%) or E (below 35%) represent Fail classifications.

Credit hours or course units vary by institution. The University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Moi University, and Egerton University are the largest public institutions. Private universities such as Strathmore University and USIU-A follow more internationally aligned grading practices — USIU-A, for example, uses a direct US 4.0 GPA system.

Unlike the US system, Kenyan universities typically do not publish a weighted cumulative GPA. Instead, degree classifications are awarded based on an overall weighted average of module scores across all years of study. When applying to US graduate schools, Kenyan students often need a WES evaluation to produce a US-equivalent GPA figure.

Kenya to US GPA Conversion Table

Grade Score % US GPA UK Classification
A 70–100 4.00 First Class Honours
B+ 65–69 3.50 Second Class Upper (2:1)
B 60–64 3.00 Second Class Upper (2:1)
B- 55–59 2.70 Second Class Lower (2:2)
C+ 50–54 2.30 Second Class Lower (2:2)
C 45–49 2.00 Pass
C- 40–44 1.70 Pass (Marginal)
D 35–39 1.00 Fail (Borderline)
E < 35 0.00 Fail

Conversion Example

Student: Amina studies Economics at the University of Nairobi and is applying to an MBA programme in the United States.

Her final year module scores: Econometrics 74% (A), Development Economics 68% (B+), Finance 62% (B), Research Methods 72% (A), Dissertation 78% (A).

Converting to US GPA: A=4.0, B+=3.5, B=3.0. Assuming equal weight per module: (4.0 + 3.5 + 3.0 + 4.0 + 4.0) / 5 = 18.5 / 5 = 3.70 GPA

US equivalent: 3.70 / 4.0 — First Class Honours level, highly competitive for US MBA and graduate economics programmes.

Frequently Asked Questions

First Class Honours in Kenyan universities requires a minimum overall average of 70% (grade A). This is equivalent to approximately a 4.0 US GPA and is the highest degree classification awarded.
The University of Nairobi traditionally used the British degree classification system. In recent years it has introduced GPA alongside classifications on transcripts, particularly for programmes aligned with international curricula. Always check your specific faculty's transcript format.
Many US graduate programmes require a WES or ECE credential evaluation for Kenyan transcripts, especially to produce a numeric US GPA equivalent. However, some universities accept official Kenyan transcripts directly if they include percentage marks and degree classification.
Yes. A Kenyan Second Class Honours Upper Division (2:1, 60–69%) is broadly equivalent to a US B grade (3.0 GPA). The upper end of this band (B+, 65–69%) maps to approximately 3.5 US GPA.
The minimum passing grade is typically C- (40–44%), with an overall degree pass requiring at least a C (45%) average across all modules. Some faculties require higher minimums in core subjects. Grade D (35–39%) and below result in failure and require module retakes.

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