Mount Kenya University
Thika, Kenya • Founded 1996
Overview
Founded in 2008, the Mount Kenya University is a private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Thika (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Kiambu.
This institution also has branch campuses in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kitale, Kigali, Lodwar, Kakamega and Nkubu Meru. Officially recognized by the Commission for University Education of Kenya, Mount Kenya University (MKU) is a very large-sized coeducational Kenyan higher education institution.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 16-year-old Kenyan higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this Kenyan higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment. MKU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Mount Kenya University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
Mount Kenya University's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.
Academic Structures
Mount Kenya University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 19 items
- Centre for Professional Development
- College of graduate studies and research
- College of health sciences
- Equip Africa Institute
- Graduate Enterprise Academy
- Institute of Security studies, Justice and Ethics
- Medical School
- School of Business and Economics
- School of Clinical Medicine
- School of Computing and Informatics
- School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management
- School of Law
- School of Nursing
- School of Pharmacy
- School of Public Health
- School of Pure and Applied Sciences
- School of Social Sciences
Degrees
Also Executive MBA and International Executive MBA.
Bachelor's 67 programs
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Actuarial Science
- Administration
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Arabic
- Art Education
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Business and Commerce
- Communication Studies
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Computer Science
- Criminology
- Dental Technology
- Development Studies
- Dietetics
- Economics
- Education
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Studies
- Film
- Finance
- Food Science
- Government
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Hotel Management
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Industrial Chemistry
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Management
- Mass Communication
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Oral Pathology
- Peace and Disarmament
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Pharmacy
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Protective Services
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Real Estate
- Science Education
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Surgery
- Tourism
Master's 64 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- Accountancy
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Civil Security
- Community Development
- Community Health
- Criminology
- Development Studies
- Dietetics
- Ecology
- Economics
- Education
- Educational Testing and Evaluation
- English
- Entomology
- Entrepreneurship
- Environmental Engineering
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Studies
- Ethics
- Film
- Finance
- Food Science
- Geography
- Government
- Health Administration
- Health Education
- History
- Hotel Management
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Human Resources
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
- International Relations and Diplomacy
- Journalism
- Justice Administration
- Laboratory Techniques
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Logistics Management
- Management
- Marketing
- Mass Communication
- Media Studies
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Petroleum and Gas Engineering
- Police Studies
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Sales Techniques
- Sociology
- Special Education
- Statistics
- Sustainable Development
- Swahili
Doctoral 30 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Development Studies
- Ecology
- Education
- English
- Entomology
- Immunology
- Information Technology
- Justice Administration
- Law
- Linguistics
- Literature
- Management
- Medical Technology
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Nursing
- Organic Chemistry
- Preschool Education
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Swahili
- Zoology
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Commission for University Education of Kenya.
Health Sciences (College) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Community Health
- Dietetics
- Health Sciences
- Medical Technology
- Medicine
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Public Health
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Film, Creative and Performing Arts (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Dance
- Film
- Music
- Theatre
Security Studies Justice and Ethics (Institute) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ethics
- Government
- Law
- Peace and Disarmament
Business and Economics (School) 6 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Economics
- Finance
- Hotel Management
- 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.
Computing and Informatics (SCI) (School) 5 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Computing
- Computer Science
- Information Management
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
Education (School) 7 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Curriculum
- Educational Administration
- Educational Psychology
- Educational Sciences
- Educational Technology
- Preschool Education
- Special Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment (School) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management (School) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Hotel and Restaurant
- Tourism
Common Career Paths
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- HR Manager
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Law (School) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Law
Common Career Paths
- Lawyer
- Legal Consultant
- Compliance Officer
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Postgraduate Studies (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Education
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology
- Natural Sciences
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Social Sciences
Pure and Applied Sciences (School) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Actuarial Science
- Animal Husbandry
- Biological and Life Sciences
- Chemistry
- Engineering
- Information Technology
- 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.
Social Sciences (School) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- African Languages
- Arts and Humanities
- Civil Security
- Development Studies
- English
- Ethics
- Government
- Journalism
- Mass Communication
- Modern Languages
- Psychology
- 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.
Programs Offered
Search and filter Mount Kenya University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
Bachelor's Degree
89 programmes
Mount Kenya University delivers 89 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Business Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Pharmacy Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Business Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Counselling Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy
Bachelor of Education (Arts) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education (Science) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine and Community Health Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
Bachelor of Technology in Computer and Electronic Systems Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Security Management Criminal Law & Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Arts in Justice and Security Studies Law
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution Peace and Development Studies
Bachelor of Education (Primary Option) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Studies Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education (Primary Option) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education in Special Needs Education (Secondary Option) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Laws Law
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Operating Room & Surgical Technology
Bachelor of Public Health Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Travel and Tourism Management Tourism & Leisure
Bachelor of Arts in Film and Animation Studies Film & Animation
Bachelor of Economics Economics
Bachelor of Economics and Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Economics and Statistics Economics
Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Rural Development Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Dental Technology Dentistry
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Health Informatics and Information Management Health Informatics
Bachelor of Science in Information Science Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Science in Laboratory Technology Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Public Health Public Health
Bachelor of Arts in Community Development Development Studies
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Science in Energy and Environmental Technology General Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Exploration and Production Earth Sciences & Geology
Bachelor of Social Work and Administration Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Development Social & Cultural Studies
Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Production Animal Science
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Processing Technology Law
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Paediatrics Medicine
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration Public Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Governance Public Administration
Bachelor of Management and Office Administration Business & Management
Bachelor of Procurement Supply Chain & Logistics
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science Animal Science
Bachelor of Science in Finance and Statistics Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor of Commerce Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology Biotechnology
Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Development Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Health Systems management Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Mental Health and Psychiatry) Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Oral Health Dentistry
Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics Economics
Bachelor of Economics and Policy Economics
Bachelor of Economics and Data Analytics Economics
Bachelor of Science in Financial Engineering Finance, Banking & Insurance
Bachelor in Supply Chain and Logistics Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Bachelor of Organizational Management and Technology Business & Management
Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Arts in Film Production, Animation and Gaming Film & Animation
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Mass Communication Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy Politics & International Relations
Bachelor of Science in Statistical Modelling with Data Science Data Science & Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Property Valuation Business & Management
Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Data Science & Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Software Development Software Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security & Computer Networks Cyber Security
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
58 programmes
Mount Kenya University's 58 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.
Master of Science in Statistical Modelling with Data Science Data Science & Analytics
Master of Science in Cyber Security Cyber Security
Master of Science in Supply Chain and Logistics Management Supply Chain & Logistics
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy
Master of Arts in Development Studies Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Economics Economics
Master of Arts in English Language and Linguistics English Language Studies
Master of Arts in Environmental Security and Sustainable Development Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Film Studies Film & Animation
Master of Arts in Geography Geography
Master of Arts in History History
Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies Media Studies & Mass Media
Master of Arts in Kiswahili Liberal Arts
Master of Arts in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Law
Master of Arts in English Literature English Language Studies
Master of Arts in Monitoring and Evaluation Construction Management
Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management Public Administration
Master of Arts in Religious Studies Religious Studies
Master of Arts in Security Studies and Criminology Criminal Law & Justice
Master of Arts in Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Master of Business Administration Business Administration
Master of Clinical Medicine Medicine
Master of Education Education & Teaching
Master of Education in Early Childhood Studies Early Childhood Education
Master of Education in Special Needs Education Education & Teaching
Master of Arts in Governance and Ethics Politics & International Relations
Master of Laws Law
Master of Public Health Public Health
Master of Science in Accounting Accounting
Master of Science in Applied Entomology Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Bioethics Natural Sciences
Master of Science in Biotechnology Biotechnology
Master of Science in Chemistry Chemistry
Master of Science in Community Health and Development Public Health
Master of Science in Ecology and Conservation Environmental Sciences
Master of Science in Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship
Master of Science in Finance Finance, Banking & Insurance
Master of Science in Food Hygiene and Safety Medicine
Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion Education & Teaching
Master of Science in Health Systems Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Hospitality Management Tourism & Leisure
Master of Science in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Master of Science in Information Sciences Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Information (Cyber) Security Cyber Security
Master of Science in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology
Master of Science in Marketing Marketing
Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Master of Science in Nursing Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing (Critical Care) Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing Education Nursing
Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management Nursing
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition & Dietetics
Master of Science in Procurement and Supplies Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Project Planning and Management Business & Management
Master of Science in Renewable Energy and Environmental Engineering Energy Engineering
Master of Science in Statistics Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
33 programmes
Mount Kenya University offers 33 programmes at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Doctor of Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry (RESEARCH) Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry (RESEARCH) Biochemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and Management Business Administration
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science (RESEARCH) Computer Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Conservation Biology (RESEARCH) Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy
Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies (RESEARCH) Politics & International Relations
Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology (RESEARCH) Environmental Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Education Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in English and Linguistics (RESEARCH) English Language Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in English Language and Linguistics English Language Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Enterprise Computing (RESEARCH) Information Systems & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Entomology (RESEARCH) Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Guidance and Counselling (RESEARCH) Counselling & Psychotherapy
Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology (RESEARCH) Biological Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems (RESEARCH) Information Systems & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology (RESEARCH) Information Systems & Technology
Doctor of Philosophy in Kiswahili (RESEARCH) Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Knowledge Management (RESEARCH) Business & Management
Doctor of Philosophy in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Law
Doctor of Philosophy in Literature in English English Language Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Literature in English (RESEARCH) English Language Studies
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Biochemistry (RESEARCH) Biochemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Laboratory Sciences (RESEARCH) Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology (RESEARCH) Microbiology
Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology (RESEARCH) Molecular Biology
Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Products Chemistry (RESEARCH) Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science (RESEARCH) Nursing
Doctor of Philosophy in Organic Chemistry (RESEARCH) Chemistry
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health (RESEARCH) Public Health
Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology (RESEARCH) Philosophy & Ethics
Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (RESEARCH) Biological Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
7 programmes
This group collects Mount Kenya University's 7 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
Post Graduate Diploma in Bioethics
Post graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation Construction Management
Post graduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management Business & Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology Counselling & Psychotherapy
Postgraduate Diploma in Education Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication Communication Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Management Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Mount Kenya University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Mount Kenya University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Mount Kenya University offers 187 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Each programme at Mount Kenya University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Mount Kenya University's online portal at www.mku.ac.ke. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +254 709 153 000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Kenya University
Quick answers to the most common questions about Mount Kenya University — covering location, founding, ranking, programmes, and admissions context.
When did Mount Kenya University open?
Mount Kenya University traces its founding to 1996 (approximately 30 years ago).
What city is Mount Kenya University in?
Mount Kenya University operates from Thika, Kenya.
Is Mount Kenya University a public or private institution?
Mount Kenya University is a private institution.
How big is Mount Kenya University's student body?
Mount Kenya University serves approximately over-50,000 students.
What degrees does Mount Kenya University offer?
Mount Kenya University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
How is Mount Kenya University organised academically?
Mount Kenya University is organised into 19 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Mount Kenya University accredited?
Mount Kenya University is accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where can I learn more about Mount Kenya University?
Mount Kenya University's official website is www.mku.ac.ke.
Top-Ranked Universities in Kenya
Below: Kenya's top-ranked universities, providing benchmarks for Mount Kenya University's academic standing. National rankings reflect a mix of research output, teaching quality, and graduate outcomes.
Members of Association of African Business Schools (AABS)
The universities below share Mount Kenya University's Association of African Business Schools (AABS) membership, often coordinating on academic standards. Coordination simplifies credit transfer and joint-programme delivery between member institutions.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Universities close to Mount Kenya University typically fall within the same regional student-transit zones, where transit discounts and shared passes reduce living costs across the cluster.
Where Else to Study Business & Management
Interested in Business & Management but want alternatives to Mount Kenya University? These institutions in Kenya also offer programmes in this field, each with their own specialisations and admissions paths. Comparing the curriculum across schools often surfaces differences worth weighing.
Universities Often Compared with Mount Kenya University
Looking at Mount Kenya University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Mount Kenya University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
