The Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) is a Chartered private University founded by the Methodist Church in Kenya

Kenya

Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...

. It is situated within woodland on the North Eastern slopes of Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is the highest mountain in Kenya and the second-highest in Africa, after Kilimanjaro. The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian , Nelion and Point Lenana . Mount Kenya is located in central Kenya, just south of the equator, around north-northeast of the capital Nairobi...

, five kilometers from Meru Town. The evolution of KeMU is based on the 1906 Methodist Church education policy that resulted in the development of schools, industrial institutes and colleges.

Brief History

In 1987, the Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK) formed a Working Committee to work out modalities of establishing a University in this region. In 1995 the Commission for Higher Education made an inspection visit of the project, and later in June 1997 granted a Letter of Interim Authority, giving approval for the establishment of Kenya Methodist University. This authority paved the way for the creation of academic programmes, research and post-graduate training. KeMU became a fully Chartered University in June 2006. The University maintains an ecumenical character. From the first batch of 9 students in 1997, the population has grown tremendously to over 10,000 currently. The university has satellite campuses in Nairobi, Nakuru, Mombasa and Nyeri.

Philosophy of KeMU

The University’s philosophy is to foster the intellectual, spiritual and physical development of the wholesome individual in order to recognize and utilize the available opportunities for enhancement of human development with the appropriate recognition and respect for other creations. This philosophy is therefore based on the belief that God is the creator of Heaven and earth, and the fountain of knowledge, and that the application of knowledge and skills should be guided by Christian values and principles.

Objectives of the University

The University’s mission is achieved through the following objectives:

• To provide quality training through provision of scholarship, advancement of knowledge through research and development of specialized activities in the University;
• To produce effective graduates with the appropriate practical and specialized skills, attitudes and values required for personal growth and advancement of responsible citizens in the global environment;
• To participate in community service through provision of continuing education, conduction of research, participation in external services, provision of specialist consultative or referral services, facilitation of community empowerment, promotion of fairness and natural justice, and maintenance of good neighborliness with the community.

Academic Calendar

The University operates a trimester system in which there are three sessions in one calendar year. The first session begins in September and ends in December with the second one starting in January and ending in April while the third one starts in May and ends in August.

Academic Programmes

In order to achieve its objectives the University has re-engineered its programmes and established two Schools and three Faculties to run the academic programmes. These are:, the School of Business and Economics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology and Faculty of Education and Social Studies.

Academic programmes have been developed to meet emerging demands, opportunities and challenges. Plans are at an advanced stage to introduce a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering as well as a Bachelors degree in Pharmacy. All these programmes, which are in consonance with the Millennium Development Goals

Millennium Development Goals

The Millennium Development Goals are eight international development goals that all 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organizations have agreed to achieve by the year 2015...

and The Kenya Vision 2030 target students and professionals at all levels, including those working in international organizations, Banking and Finance, Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as public and private sector enterprises.

Students’ Enrolment/Welfare

There has been rapid growth in students' enrolment to over 9,500 in 2010. It is projected that the enrolment will stand at 12,000 in the year 2012.
A strong and student friendly welfare department exists to take care of physical, spiritual and social needs of the students. These are provided through experienced sports instructors, experienced counselors and chaplaincy respectively. A students union also exists where students can drive their agenda democratically and also participate in cultural and social activities.

Exchange Programmes

Collaborations and partnerships, both local and international, have been pursued to strengthen our capacity all around. The University embraces diversity by recruiting students and staff with an international outlook. Currently, the student community is a blend of over 15 nationalities and is expected to grow.

Staff

The University currently has a total of over 500 academic, technical and support staff in full-time employment. The Academic staff alone are over 300. The University also uses adjunct/part-time staff in teaching.