Karatina University
Kenya • Founded 2007
Overview
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.
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.
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
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
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.
Bachelor's Degree
40 programmes
Karatina University runs 40 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science (Horticultural Science & Management) Horticulture and Crop Science
Bachelor of Science (Human Resource Management) Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) Microbiology
Bachelor of Science (Natural Resources) Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Project Planning & Management) Business & Management
Bachelor of Science (With Education) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (Science) Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Forestry Forestry & Natural Resources
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science (Food Science & Nutrition) Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor of Tourism Management Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Education (Science) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Arts (Community Development) Development Studies
Bachelor of Arts (Criminology, Criminal Justice & Public Safety) Criminal Law & Justice
Bachelor of Arts (Economics) Economics
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science and Public Administration) Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts (with Education) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Business Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Education – Early childhood & Primary Education Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education (Arts) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education (Guidance and Counselling) Counselling & Psychotherapy
Bachelor of Arts Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Hotels & Hospitality Management Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Actuarial Science) Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Extension Education) Agriculture
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture Economics & Resource Management) Agriculture
Bachelor of Science (Applied Statistics with Computing) Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry) Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science (Communication & Public Relations) Communication Studies
Bachelor of Science (Entrepreneurship Studies) Entrepreneurship
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
5 programmes
There are 5 programmes to choose from at Karatina University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Executive Masters in Education, Leadership & Policy Studies Education & Teaching
Master in Education Administration Education & Teaching
Master of Business Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Environmental Studies Environmental Sciences
Master of Science in Wildlife Management Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
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 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 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 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 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 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 strong Education & Teaching provision give natural alternatives to Karatina University. Specialism strengths vary by institution and often correlate with faculty research interests and industry partnerships.
Universities Often Compared with Karatina University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Karatina University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
