Welcome to Kirinyaga University
Our History
Kirinyaga University (KyU) is located approximately 115 Km North East of Nairobi on Sagana - Embu - Highway. It is the successor to Kirinyaga Technical Institute which was conceived by the people of Kirinyaga way back in 1971 when the former head of state His Excellency the President, Hon. Daniel Arap Moi C.G.H., M.P. (then Vice-president) launched the Harambee Fund Raising Drive at the request of Kirinyaga people. Kirinyaga County Council set aside 200 acres of land for the institute at Kutus and 50 more acres were also acquired at Kangaita area on the slopes of Mt. Kenya. The Institute opened doors to the first students on 2nd March 1977 when 72 students were enrolled, 48 of these students were admitted in the building and construction department while the remaining 24 were enrolled in the clothing and textile technology department. New training programmes were introduced in plumbing and Electrical installation in the early and mid-eighties respectively.
From KyUC to KyU
Kirinyaga University College the predecessor to KyU was established as a constituent college of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology (JKUAT) through a Legal Order No. 108 of August 2011. KyUC admitted its first student in September 2012 in two Bachelors’ degree programmes and grew tremendously in student and staff population with commensurate facilities to host 13 degree programmes.
Kirinyaga University was granted charter by His Excellency Hon. Uhuru Kenyatta the President of the republic of Kenya on 7th October 2016 with thirteen academic degree programmes, and has since increased the number of academic degree programmes. The University is positioning itself to be a leader in offering courses geared towards producing employers and not employees in areas outlined by the Vision 2030.
Schools
- School of Business and Education
- School of Pure and Applied Sciences
- School of Health Sciences
- School of Engineering and Technology
Areas of Specialization
- Engineering
- ICT
- Pure and Applied sciences
- Textile Technology
- Health Sciences and
- Business Enterprise
Take a virtual tour
Welcome to Kirinyaga University
Student Population
Staff & Faculty
Programmes on offer
Ranking on Webometrics
Vision
To be a leading University in quality training, strategic research, innovation and technology development and transfer.
Mission
To train and develop human resources equipped with innovative skills to inspire enterprise in the disciplines of engineering, science, health and technology, to meet the demands of a dynamic world.
Core Values
Professionalism
At Kirinyaga University, we foster a culture of respect, accountability, and excellence, ensuring that our students, staff, and stakeholders demonstrate competence, discipline, and dedication in the pursuit of knowledge, research, and service to society.
Integrity, transparency and accountability
At Kirinyaga University, we promote a culture of truthfulness and ethical behavior, ensuring that decisions and actions are guided by moral principles.
Innovation and creativity
At Kirinyaga University, we value originality and support the exploration of new knowledge, technologies, and approaches that enhance learning, research, and community development.
Excellence
At Kirinyaga University, we nurture a culture of continuous improvement, setting and maintaining high standards in all our academic and professional activities.
Equity
At Kirinyaga University, we embrace diversity and ensure that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, gender, or socio-economic status.
Why Study at KyU
Kirinyaga University set in a welcoming and accessible forested environment, 1hr 30 min drive from Nairobi, is far enough to offer serene studying environment but close enough for convenience. We offer market sensitive Programmes tailored to careers in IT, Health Science, Engineering, Business, Pure and Applied Sciences, Hospitality, Architecture and the Built Environment.
For first time visitor, the breath taking view of Mt. Kenya on clear sunny days and uninterrupted green carpet of Mwea rice field are additions to our exception beauty.
Come see, come appreciate, come and join and belong to this close knit family.
Our Programmes
Student Life
Curriculum Delivery
Kilele Tuition Block
Kilele Tuition Block, a modern and state of the art tuition complex, was officially opened by the University Chancellor, Senior Counsel Dr. Fred Ojiambo on December 8, 2023.
This building can accommodate more than 3,000 students and houses 27 lecture rooms, 22 of which are equipped with Smartboards that combine the traditional whiteboard's functionality with the interactive features of a computer. These smartboards allow for interactive lessons enabling lecturers to display presentations, videos, and use educational software directly on the board.
Virtual Tour
Mobile: +254 709 742000
P.O.Box: 143-10300 Kerugoya.
Email: info@kyu.ac.ke
Web: www.kyu.ac.ke
Kirinyaga University is ISO 9001:2015 Certified.