Mount Kenya University (MKU) Kitale Campus has established itself as a key provider of affordable higher education in Trans Nzoia and the wider North Rift region since its inception in January 2011. Starting with just 17 students, the campus has expanded to offer a broad range of certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs.

Location and Institutional Role

The campus is situated along Moi Avenue, Teachers Plaza, Kitale, adjacent to the Kitale Police Station. It operates as part of MKU's national network of campuses and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) centers, aligning with the university’s mission to enhance access to quality education and foster sustainable development.

Academic Programs

MKU Kitale delivers programs across various levels and disciplines:

  • Certificate courses: Require a minimum KCSE grade of D+; options include Business Information Technology, IT, Science Laboratory Technology, Community Development, Accounting, and Animal Health.
  • Diploma courses: Require at least a C- grade; offered in fields such as Business Management, Human Resource Management, Early Childhood Studies, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Animal Health.
  • Undergraduate degrees: Generally require a minimum KCSE grade of C+; programs include Education (Arts and Science), Business Management, Commerce, Public Administration, Information Technology, and Community Health.
  • Postgraduate and doctoral studies: Accessible mainly through Distance, Institution-Based and Electronic Learning (DIBeL) modes, with master's programs like MBA, Education, and Economics, and PhD options available for qualified candidates.

Fee Structure and Payment Plans

Tuition fees at MKU Kitale remain competitive relative to public universities for self-sponsored students. Typical fees for 2026 are:

  • Certificate and diploma programs: KES 29,550 to KES 42,550 per trimester.
  • Undergraduate degrees: KES 52,500 to over KES 100,000 per semester, varying by course.
  • Master’s programs: Approximately KES 90,000 per semester; PhD fees range between KES 200,000 and KES 250,000 annually.

The university offers flexible installment payment options to ease financial planning for students.

Admissions and Intakes

MKU Kitale admits new students three times annually—in January, May, and September—following the ODeL academic calendar. Postgraduate programs under DIBeL have separate intakes in April, August, and December. Prospective students are advised to verify intake dates and program availability directly with the campus.

Contact Information

MKU Kitale continues to play a vital role in expanding access to higher education in the region by offering a variety of programs at affordable fees, supported by flexible learning modes and payment plans.