Embu University | Embu

The University of Embu (UoEm) is a public university located in Embu County, Kenya. It was officially established in 2016, after receiving a charter from President Uhuru Kenyatta, but its history dates back much earlier.

History and Evolution

1947: Initially founded as Embu Agricultural Staff Training (East) College, the institution began offering certificate-level training in agriculture.

1968: The college was renamed Embu Institute of Agriculture, offering more specialized technical training and admitting secondary school leavers.

1990: Upgraded to an Agricultural Staff Training College, focusing on providing short-term courses and consultancy in the agricultural field.

2016: It was awarded a university charter and became the University of Embu after meeting the necessary requirements for university status.

Academic Programs

The University of Embu offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines. These include undergraduate, postgraduate, and e-learning options. The university is divided into several schools and faculties:

School of Agriculture: Offers courses in Water & Agricultural Resources Management, Agricultural Economics & Extension, and more.

School of Business & Economics: Offers programs in Business Administration, Economics, and related fields.

School of Education & Social Sciences: Focuses on degrees in Education and Humanities.

School of Law: Offers law programs, providing students with comprehensive legal training.

School of Nursing: Specializes in Community Health and nursing-related programs.

School of Pure & Applied Sciences: Includes programs in Computing & IT, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and Statistics.

Postgraduate Studies: The university also offers master’s and doctoral programs across various disciplines.

The university provides both on-campus and Open Distance and eLearning (ODeL) options for students, making education more accessible to a wide range of learners.

Research and Recognition

The University of Embu is highly regarded for its contributions to scientific research and has earned national recognition in Kenya:

Ranked 6th out of 51 universities in Kenya for scientific research according to the Alper-Doger Scientific Index.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, was ranked 12th nationally for his contributions in Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management.

The university has received awards for excellence in financial management and public service performance.

In addition, the Techno-Innovation Week at the university showcases cutting-edge research and innovations developed by students and faculty.

Campus and Facilities

The University of Embu's campus is well-equipped to cater to both academic and extracurricular needs:

Administration Block: Houses university offices and administrative services.

Lecture Halls and Laboratories: Equipped for a variety of academic programs, including science and technology-focused courses.

Library: Provides extensive resources for students and faculty, including both physical books and digital materials.

Accommodation: On-campus housing options are available for students.

Sports Facilities: The university promotes physical fitness and offers a variety of sports and recreational activities.

Transport Services: A fleet of vehicles is available to support university operations and transport needs.

Location

The university is situated about 4 km from Embu Town, located along the Meru-Nairobi Highway in Kirimari Ward, Manyatta Constituency. It is easily accessible for students and visitors.

Conclusion

The University of Embu has evolved from a small agricultural training college to a comprehensive public university with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement. It provides a wide range of academic programs, both undergraduate and postgraduate, and offers a conducive environment for learning and personal growth. With its modern facilities, active involvement in research, and commitment to producing well-rounded graduates, UoEm stands as a leading institution in Kenya’s higher education sector.