Official emblem of Karatina University

Karatina University

Kenya • Founded 2007

Updated May 2026

Overview

English Name: Karatina University
Founded: 2007
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Karatina University campus and surroundings
1 / 4

Based in Karatina, Kenya, Karatina University is a public university that traces its founding to 2007. It functions as a higher-education provider within Kenya's higher-education sector.

Programmes at Karatina University cover bachelor's through doctoral programmes, structured through multiple faculties. The institution administers a catalogue of active programmes across its academic units.

Location & Contact

Karatina University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: P.O. BOX 1957—10101
Map:
Phone: 254) 20 2176 713

Academic Details

Karatina University's academic profile in numbers — useful for sizing the institution against your shortlist. Each figure links to a different facet of how the institution operates day to day.

Accrediting Agency: Commission for University Education (CUE)

Degrees

Also Executive MBA; Executive Master of Education

Bachelor's 27 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Actuarial Science
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Management
  • Aquaculture
  • Biochemistry
  • Business Administration
  • Computer Science
  • Dietetics
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Environmental Studies
  • Food Science
  • Forestry
  • Health Administration
  • Horticulture
  • Hotel Management
  • Hotel and Restaurant
  • Human Resources
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Microbiology
  • Natural Resources
  • Natural Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Nutrition
  • Statistics
  • Tourism
Master's 46 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Aquaculture
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Botany
  • Business Administration
  • Communication Studies
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminology
  • Curriculum
  • Ecology
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Educational and Student Counselling
  • English
  • Entomology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fishery
  • Food Science
  • Geography (Human)
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Hotel Management
  • Hotel and Restaurant
  • Information Sciences
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Modern Languages
  • Parasitology
  • Physiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant and Crop Protection
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Protective Services
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Public Relations
  • Religious Studies
  • Soil Science
  • Statistics
  • Swahili
  • Tourism
  • Wildlife
  • Zoology
Doctoral 18 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Botany
  • Business Administration
  • Communication Studies
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Psychology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fishery
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • History
  • Management
  • Microbiology
  • Plant Pathology
  • Plant and Crop Protection
  • Public Relations
  • Religious Studies
  • Soil Science

Faculties & Divisions

Each of Karatina University's faculties focuses on different subject clusters — the breakdown is below. Cross-faculty programmes exist but are usually administered by their lead division.

Agriculture and Biotechnology (School) 7 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agriculture
  • Crop Production
  • Dietetics
  • Food Science
  • Horticulture
  • Nutrition

Common Career Paths

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agronomist
  • Farm Manager

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Business (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Hotel and Restaurant
  • Hotel Management
  • Human Resources
  • Management
  • Tourism

Common Career Paths

  • Business Analyst
  • Operations Manager
  • Strategy Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Education and Social Sciences (School) 20 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Arts and Humanities
  • Communication Studies
  • Criminal Law
  • Criminology
  • Curriculum
  • Education
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational and Student Counselling
  • Educational Psychology
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Modern Languages
  • Protective Services
  • Psychology
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Swahili

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Natural Resouces and Environmental Studies (School) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Aquaculture
  • Computer Science
  • Earth Sciences
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fishery
  • Forestry
  • Geology
  • Natural Resources
  • Wildlife

Common Career Paths

  • Environmental Consultant
  • Sustainability Officer
  • Climate Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Nursing (School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Health Administration
  • Nursing

Common Career Paths

  • Registered Nurse
  • Clinical Nurse
  • Public Health Nurse

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Pure and Applied Sciences (School) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Actuarial Science
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Statistics

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Karatina University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.

45 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Kenya

How to apply to Karatina University

A practical five-step guide to applying to Karatina University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Karatina University

    Use the programme finder to browse Karatina University's 45 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Programme-level requirements at Karatina University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Karatina University processes applications through karu.ac.ke. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 254) 20 2176 713. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions about Karatina University

A short Q&A covering Karatina University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.

When did Karatina University open?

Karatina University traces its founding to 2007 (approximately 19 years ago).

What city is Karatina University in?

Karatina University operates from Karatina, Kenya.

Is Karatina University a public or private institution?

Karatina University is a public institution.

What programmes are available at Karatina University?

Karatina University delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.

Is Karatina University accredited?

Yes, Karatina University is recognised by Commission for University Education (CUE).

Where can I learn more about Karatina University?

Karatina University's official website is karu.ac.ke.

Top-Ranked Universities in Kenya

Some Kenya systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Universities in Kenya with Education & Teaching programmes appear below, alongside Karatina University.

Universities Compared with Karatina University

Comparable universities to Karatina University are listed below.

Browse all articles →

Spotted something outdated or missing?

Help us keep this page accurate — it takes about 30 seconds.

Explore More Universities in Kenya

Free calculators and converters to plan your study-abroad journey.

Latest Articles

Fresh guides and advice for studying abroad.

View all →

Compare Compare