Introduction to Tharaka University

Tharaka University (TUN) is a public university located in Gatunga, Tharaka South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. Granted full charter in 2022, TUN has rapidly evolved from a Chuka University campus into a dynamic institution offering accredited certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs tailored for high school leavers and adult learners.

Location & Campus Accessibility

Situated along Chiakariga-Marimanti-UraGate Road near Gatunga Market Centre, TUN lies approximately 231 km northeast of Nairobi, reachable via Thika-Meru highway.

• Transport: Regular matatus and boda bodas link Gatunga to Chuka, Meru, and Nairobi.
• Nearby amenities: Gatunga Market, small restaurants, pharmacies, banks, and petrol stations.
• Student accommodation: Hostels and rental houses near Gatunga and Chiakariga.
• Healthcare: Gatunga Clinic and the larger Tharaka-Nithi County Referral Hospital within commuting distance.

Academic Programmes & Faculties

TUN houses five faculties offering diverse, accredited programs

Faculty of Physical Sciences, Engineering & Technology

• BSc Information Technology
• BSc Actuarial Science
• BSc Computer Science
• Certificates & diplomas in Engineering, ICT

Also developing mineralogy & dryland-farming offerings.

Faculty of Business Studies

• BCom, BBA, BSc in Economics
• Diploma/Certificate in Sales, Marketing, Accounting
• MBA, MSc Cooperative Management, Strategic Management

Faculty of Life Sciences & Natural Resources

• BSc Agriculture, Community Development
• MSc Community Development, Agricultural Sciences; PhD

Faculty of Education

• BEd Arts, Science, Early Childhood
• Masters and PG Diplomas in Curriculum Studies, Educational Management

Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences

• BA Psychology, Kiswahili, Communication, Criminology
• Master’s in Kiswahili, English, Guidance & Counselling

Further offerings include ODeL, short courses, and technical certificates.

Admission Requirements

Undergraduate Admission

• Minimum KCSE grade: C+ or equivalent; subject-specific requirements
• Institution accepts KUCCPS placements and inter-university transfers.

Diploma & Certificate Admission

• Diploma: KCSE C plain or equivalent
• Certificate: KCSE D+ or equivalent

Postgraduate Admission

• Master’s: Bachelor’s degree with Second Class Honours
• PhD: Master’s degree in related field

Intakes: January, May, September. Apply via KUCCPS or TUN online portal.

Tuition & Financing Options

Annual tuition estimates:

• Undergraduate: KES 120,000 -150,000
• Diploma: KES 60,000 - 80,000
• Certificates: KES 40,000 - 60,000

Financial support:

• HELB loans
• University bursaries and scholarships
• County & NGO-funded awards

Campus Facilities & Student Life

TUN offers a modern learning environment

• Lecture halls, labs, engineering workshops
• Digital library with e-resources
• Wi-Fi campus-wide
• Health centre, counseling, cafeteria

Student Activities

• Drama, cultural club celebrating Tharaka heritage
• Faith-based groups: CU, MSA
• Environmental & conservation campaigns
• Sports: football, netball (recent winners in KUSA staff games)

Research, Innovation & Outreach

TUN excels in community-driven research:

• Environmental conservation: tree-planting, Green Initiatives
• Mining research collaborations with State Ministry
• Annual International Research Conference (Sept 24-26, 2025): Technology & Sustainability

TUN faculty and students partner with forest service, Red Cross, local government.

Alumni Success & Career Connections

Notable achievements include:

• Leaders in regional education, government, NGOs
• ICT experts, entrepreneurs in Meru & county towns
• Community developers and environmental stewards across Eastern Kenya
• Sports achievements at national KUSA level

Strong partnerships with Tharaka firms, government ministries, and NGOs provide internships and job placements.

Why Choose Tharaka University?

• Locally accessible in Gatunga, serving Tharaka-Nithi
• Wide range of accredited programs via five faculties
• Balance of theory, practical skills, and research
• Affordable tuition, flexible financial aid
• Active student life & cultural heritage opportunities
• Community-focused research and environmental stewardship