Tharaka University, located in the heart of Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, is a beacon of academic excellence, offering a diverse range of programs tailored to meet the needs of students seeking quality education in a serene, mineral-rich environment. Established as a constituent college of Chuka University in 2017 and chartered as a fully-fledged public university in 2022, Tharaka University is committed to transforming lives through teaching, research, innovation, and outreach. This comprehensive guide explores Tharaka University’s courses, fee structure, admission requirements, and application process, optimized for those searching for higher education opportunities in Kenya.
Introduction to Tharaka University
Tharaka University, situated near Gatunga Market in Tharaka South Sub-County, was established through Gazette Legal Notice No. 146 on July 27, 2017, and later chartered on August 2, 2022, by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. The university’s vision is to be a center of excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and outreach for societal transformation, while its mission focuses on creating a strong knowledge base to produce well-rounded graduates with problem-solving skills.
The university’s strategic location in a semi-arid, mineral-rich region provides a unique setting for programs in dryland farming, mineralogy, and other specialized fields. Tharaka University offers certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs across multiple faculties, ensuring accessibility to quality education for students in Kenya and beyond. With flexible study modes, including regular, part-time, school-based, and Open, Distance, and e-Learning (ODeL), Tharaka University caters to diverse student needs.
This article provides a detailed overview of Tharaka University’s academic programs, fee structure, admission requirements, and application procedures, making it a valuable resource for prospective students .
Tharaka University Academic Programs
Tharaka University offers a wide array of programs across various faculties, designed to equip students with skills for careers in agriculture, business, education, sciences, humanities, and emerging fields like nursing and law. Below is a detailed breakdown of the programs by faculty
Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resources
This faculty focuses on programs that leverage the region’s semi-arid environment, offering courses in agriculture, environmental science, and tourism. These programs are ideal for students interested in sustainable development and natural resource management.
Doctorate Programmes
- Doctor of Philosophy in Crop Protection
- Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science (Nutrition/Breeding)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Extension
- Doctor of Philosophy in Hotel Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism Management
Master’s Programmes
- Master of Science in Dry-Land Agriculture
- Master of Science in Botany
- Master of Science in Animal Science
- Master of Science in Animal Nutrition
- Masters in Hotel Management
- Masters in Tourism Management
Bachelor’s Programmes
- Bachelor of Science in Dryland Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension
- Bachelor of Science in Ecotourism
- Bachelor of Tourism Management
- Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
- Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
- Bachelor of Science in Health Records and Information Management
- Bachelor of Hospitality and Events Management
Diploma Courses
- Diploma in Agriculture and Rural Development
- Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management
- Diploma in Wildlife Management
- Diploma in Agricultural Education & Extension
- Diploma in Meat Science and Technology
- Diploma in Farm Resources and Management
- Diploma in Horticulture
- Diploma in Dryland Agriculture
- Diploma in Health Records and Information Management
Certificate Courses
- Certificate in Hospitality & Tourism Management
- Certificate in Health Records and Information Management
Faculty of Physical Sciences, Engineering, and Technology
This faculty offers cutting-edge programs in science, technology, and engineering, preparing students for careers in fields like computer science, mathematics, and mineral exploration. These programs are highly relevant for searches like “Tharaka University science courses” and “Kenya university technology programs.”
Doctorate Programmes
- Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
- Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Pure Mathematics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Statistics
Master’s Programmes
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Applied Statistics
- Master of Science in Applied Mathematics
- Master of Science in Pure Mathematics
- Master of Science in Physics
- Master of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor’s Programmes
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistics
- Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Mining Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Mineral Exploration & Mining
- Bachelor of Science in Bio-Chemistry
- Bachelor of Technology in Water and Irrigation
- Bachelor of Technology in Renewable Energy and Management
- Bachelor of Science in Geology
- Bachelor of Science in Analytical and Green Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Technology
Diploma Courses
- Diploma in Computer Science
- Diploma in Information Technology
Certificate Courses
- Certificate in Computer Science
- Certificate in Information Technology
- Certificate in Computer Literacy/Packages
- CISCO Academy Certifications
- Huawei ICT Academy Certifications
- AWS Academy Certifications
- Palo Alto Cybersecurity Academy Certifications
Faculty of Business Studies
The Faculty of Business Studies offers programs designed to develop skills in management, finance, and entrepreneurship, appealing to students searching for “business courses in Kenya” or “Tharaka University business programs.”
Doctorate Programme
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
Master’s Programmes
- Master of Science in Procurement and Logistics Management
- Masters in Business Administration (Human Resource)
- Masters in Economics
- Masters in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Management
- Masters in Finance
Bachelor’s Programmes
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCOM)
- Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics
- Bachelor of Project Planning and Management
- Bachelor of Human Resource
- Bachelor of Insurance and Marketing
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
- Bachelor of Cooperative Management
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Management
- Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics Management
- Bachelor of Purchasing and Supplies Management
- Bachelor of Agribusiness Management
- Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology
Diploma Courses
- Diploma in Business Management
- Diploma in Sales and Marketing
- Diploma in Procurement & Logistics Management
- Diploma in Insurance and Risk Management
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Project Planning & Management
- Diploma in Human Resource Management
Professional Courses
- KASNEB Programmes (e.g., CPA, CPS)
- Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP)
Certificate Courses
- Certificate in Business Management
- Certificate in Procurement & Logistics Management
- Certificate in Insurance and Risk Management
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Project Planning & Management
Faculty of Education perspective students interested in fields like education, humanities, and social sciences.
Doctorate Programmes
- Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education Foundations
- Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
- Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology
Master’s Programmes
- Master of Education in Science Education
- Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling
- Master of Education in Educational Management
- Master of Education in Education Foundations
- Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Post-Graduate Diploma in Education
Bachelor’s Programmes
- Bachelor of Education in Science
- Bachelor of Education in Arts
- Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Education
- Bachelor of Education (Primary Option)
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
This faculty offers programs that foster critical thinking and societal development, appealing to those searching for “humanities courses in Kenya” or “Tharaka University social sciences programs.”
Doctorate Programmes
- Doctor of Philosophy in Kiswahili
- Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Literature
- Doctor of Philosophy in History
- Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
- Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Security Studies
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Community Development
- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselling Psychology
Master’s Programmes
- Master of Arts in English and Linguistics
- Master of Arts in History
- Master of Arts in Kiswahili
- Master of Arts in Literature
- Master of Arts in Religious Studies
- Master of Arts in Sociology
- Master of Arts in Geography
- Master of Arts in Criminology and Security Studies
- Master of Science in Library and Information Science
- Masters in Counselling Psychology
- Master of Science in Community Development
Bachelor’s Programmes
- Bachelor of Information Science
- Bachelor of Science in Community Development
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Security Studies
- Bachelor of Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economics
- Bachelor of Governance and International Relations
- Bachelor of Arts
Diploma Courses
- Diploma in Community Development
- Diploma in Criminology & Security Studies
- Diploma in Social Work
- Diploma in Disaster Management
- Diploma in Leadership and Public Administration
- Diploma in Information Science
- Diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication
- Diploma in Counselling Psychology
Certificate Courses
- Certificate in Community Development
- Certificate in Criminology & Security Studies
- Certificate in Social Work
- Certificate in Disaster Management
- Certificate in Leadership and Public Administration
- Certificate in National Cohesion, Values, and Principles of Governance
Upcoming Schools
Tharaka University is expanding its offerings with two new schools, addressing growing demand for health sciences and legal education.
School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine and Community Health
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Bachelor of Science in Public Health
- Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology
School of Law
- Bachelor of Law
Tharaka University Fee Structure
Understanding the cost of education is crucial for prospective students. Tharaka University’s fee structure is designed to be affordable, aligning with its mission to provide accessible education. Below is the tuition fee structure per academic session, based on available data:
- Certificate Courses: Ksh 30,000 per semester
- Diploma Courses: Ksh 35,000 per semester
- Bachelor’s Courses: Ksh 55,000 per semester
- Master’s Courses: Ksh 130,000 per year
- PhD Courses: Ksh 208,000 per year
Additional fees, such as medical fees, caution fees, and other compulsory charges, may apply and are typically included in the total sum. Students are advised to check the official Tharaka University website (www.tharaka.ac.ke) for the most updated fee structure, as these figures may vary slightly depending on the academic year.
Admission Requirements
Tharaka University has specific entry requirements for each program level, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their chosen fields. These requirements are aligned with standards set by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
- Certificate Courses: Minimum KCSE mean grade of D plain and above.
- Diploma Courses: Minimum KCSE mean grade of C- (minus) or a certificate in a related course from an institution recognized by the Tharaka University Senate.
- Bachelor’s Courses: Minimum KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) or a diploma in a related course from a recognized institution. For specific programs like the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension, additional requirements include a C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture or Geography, Mathematics or Physics, or Physical Sciences.
- Master’s Courses: A bachelor’s degree in a related field from an institution recognized by the Tharaka University Senate.
- PhD Courses: A master’s degree in a related field from a recognized institution.
Application Procedure
Tharaka University makes the application process straightforward, with multiple intake periods to accommodate various schedules:
- Full-time and Evening Programs: January, May, and September
- School-based Programs: April, August, and December
To apply:
- Download application forms from www.tharaka.ac.ke or obtain them from Tharaka University near Gatunga Market.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee via the E-Citizen Portal:
- KES 1,000 for certificate programs
- KES 2,000 for diploma and degree programs
- Submit completed forms with required documents, such as academic certificates, to the university’s admissions office (P.O. Box 193-60215, Marimanti, Kenya).
- For further inquiries, contact the university via email (info@tharaka.ac.ke) or phone (+254 721 839 583 or +254 720 566 485).
Why Choose Tharaka University?
Tharaka University stands out for several reasons, making it a top choice for students searching for “best universities in Kenya” or “affordable higher education in Kenya”:
- Strategic Location: Situated in a serene, mineral-rich environment, ideal for programs in dryland agriculture and mineralogy.
- Affordable Fees: Competitive tuition rates make quality education accessible to a broad range of students.
- Diverse Programs: From agriculture to technology, business, and humanities, the university offers a wide range of courses tailored to market needs.
- Flexible Study Modes: Options like regular, part-time, school-based, and ODeL cater to diverse student schedules.
- Commitment to Excellence: The university’s focus on research, innovation, and societal transformation ensures graduates are well-equipped for global challenges.
Tharaka University is a leading institution in Kenya, offering a diverse range of programs that cater to various academic and career aspirations. With its affordable fee structure, flexible study modes, and commitment to excellence, it is an ideal choice for students seeking quality education in a supportive environment. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, technology, business, education, or humanities, Tharaka University provides the tools and opportunities to succeed. For the latest updates on courses, fees, and admissions, visit www.tharaka.ac.ke or contact the university directly.
