Tharaka University (TUN) has taken a significant step in strengthening its global footprint after signing a landmark Articulation Agreement with Millersville University, a move expected to unlock international academic opportunities for students and staff from both institutions. The agreement was signed by TUN Vice Chancellor and CEO, Prof. Peter K. Muriungi, and Millersville University President, Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, in the presence of TUN Chancellor Prof. Emeritus Ratemo W. Michieka and Dr. David Lagat, Chairman of the DL Group of Companies.
The signing ceremony, held at Comfort Garden in Gilgil, Nairobi, brought together university leaders from Kenya and the United States to discuss the implementation timelines and key deliverables arising from the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that the two institutions signed earlier this year. The agreement is part of TUN’s internationalization agenda and aligns with the Government of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which emphasizes the role of education, innovation, and strategic partnerships in national development.
The Articulation Agreement establishes a framework that will enable students from Tharaka University to pursue a unique 1+2+1 dual-degree pathway, where students complete their first year at TUN, spend two years studying at Millersville University in the United States, and return to TUN for their final year before graduating with qualifications recognized by both institutions.
Beyond student mobility, the partnership will promote collaborative research, faculty exchanges, curriculum development, and innovation across several priority disciplines, including Nursing and Healthcare, Mental Health, Counselling Psychology, Social Work, Business, Engineering, Education, Sports and Wellness, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, and Environmental Chemistry.
The agreement also provides for joint academic planning, student support services, cultural exchange programmes, and the sharing of expertise and resources to enhance the quality of education and research at both universities. Through this partnership, TUN aims to provide its students and staff with greater international exposure while fostering knowledge exchange that addresses contemporary global and local challenges.
As Tharaka University continues to expand its network of international collaborations, the partnership with Millersville University marks a major milestone in its journey towards becoming a globally competitive institution of higher learning, research, innovation, and community service. The agreement is expected to create transformative educational opportunities that will benefit students, faculty, and communities in both Kenya and the United States for years to come.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both institutions who reaffirmed their commitment to the successful implementation of the partnership. Representing Tharaka University were Dr. Collins Sitienei, Director of Linkages and Partnerships, and Dr. Urbanus M. Ndolo, Director of Resource Mobilization and University Advancement, who have played key roles in fostering international collaborations and institutional growth. The Millersville University delegation included Dr. Judith Wubah, First Lady of Millersville University and Professor of Developmental Biology; Dr. Dan Kulmala, Assistant Vice President for International Programs and Global Engagement; Dr. Margaret Mbindyo, Associate Professor of Exploratory Studies and Student Development; Dr. Jeremiah K.N. Mbindyo, Professor of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry; Dr. Kelly Kuhns, Professor and Chair of the School of Nursing; Mr. Augustine Chebarwett, Millersville Alumnus and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Nursing; and Dr. Ben Chepkoit. Their presence underscored the strong commitment of both institutions to building a vibrant, sustainable, and impactful international partnership focused on academic excellence, research collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange.
