The idea to establish Mount Kenya University (MKU) dates back to 1996 when the precursor of the university, Thika Institute of Technology (TIT), was founded as a computer Outreach programme by Mr. Simon Gicharu and Madam Jane Nyutu
In the year 2000, TIT developed into a tertiary college. In the same year the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology granted full registration to TIT. In order t
o be relevant to training needs of the society, TIT initiated training programmes in paramedics, information technology, business / entrepreneurship. In 2005, TIT became the first private institution in Kenya to train pharmaceutical technologists. In 2006, the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) validated TIT programmes and approved collaboration between TIT and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, JKUAT to offer diploma and degree programmes. The collaboration provided opportunities to the founders of TIT to, gain valuable experience on management of teaching degree programmes. The institute, TIT continued to work closely with the Commission for Higher Education in line with the stipulated guidelines for establishing a privately funded university. In May, 2008 the Commission after verifying all available academic resources as stipulated in the guidelines of establishing a privately funded university (1989 rules) allowed establishment of Mount Kenya University. At the establishment time, the university had two CHE approved programmes namely, Bachelor of Business Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. Mwai Kibaki C.G.H, M.P., President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces of the Republic of Kenya awarded the University a Charter. Academic programmes offered at Mount Kenya University are innovative and responsive to societal needs. The programmes address the changing technological / scientific needs of the country by equipping learners with competencies in health, education, information communication technology, nutrition and engineering among others. Development of academic programmes is underpinned with appropriate evidence obtained through stakeholders’ participation and guided by the 2008 – 2018 university strategic plan. All the university professional programmes such as pharmacy, medical laboratory, clinical medicine, education and law are recognized by respective regulatory bodies such as Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians Board, Clinical Officers Council of Kenya, Teachers Service Commission and Council for Legal Education. In summary Mount Kenya University has Doctor of Philosophy degrees, Masters, Bachelors, Diploma and Certificate Programmes as stated in the current Schools Prospectus
0.1.2 The mandate of the University includes:-
a) To provide direct or in collaboration with other institutions of higher education and training facilities including scientific, technological and professional education and for research and community service. b) To provide academic programmes, promote and conduct research and innovation, and provide ancillary service. c) To provide human and financial resource for teaching, training and research. d) To determine who may teach, what may be taught and how it may be taught in accordance with its education and training, philosophy and objectives. e) To conduct examinations for and to confer/award degrees diplomas, certificates and other awards. Subject to the provisions of the Charter, Mount Kenya University shall have powers to:
i. Confer the Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate and other degrees as may be provided for in the Statutes. Grant Diplomas, Certificates and other related award. Confer Honorary Degrees or Academic/Service Distinction awards which the University may wish to confer upon a person or persons who have rendered distinguished services in the advancement of knowledge or who have otherwise rendered themselves worth of such degrees or awards. Withdraw or revoke any degree, diploma, certificate, or other award, provided for in the Statutes, and already awarded, granted or conferred to a person or persons. Graduation ceremonies shall be officiated by the chancellor, or his/her designated appointee. f) Award fellowships, scholarships, bursaries and prizes and make other awards which the university may consider necessary or desirable and as may be prescribed in the statutes. g) The University may establish campuses, constituent campuses, centers, colleges, schools, and departments to offer education and training programmes of instruction consistent with its mission, philosophy and objectives.
