Africa Nazarene University

NairobiKenya 1° S · 36° E Updated Oct 2026

Africa Nazarene University (ANU), located on the scenic Maasai savannah near Nairobi, Kenya, represents a unique fusion of academic excellence, Christian…

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What Africa Nazarene University is

Africa Nazarene University (ANU) is a faith-based university on the edge of Nairobi National Park in Kenya. Founded by the Church of the Nazarene and grounded in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, it combines academic education with Christian values. It was the first Nazarene university outside North America and the first private Kenyan university to independently receive a full charter, in 2002.

The main campus covers 124 acres (50.181 hectares) on the Maasai savannah, adjacent to Nairobi National Park, off Magadi Road near Ongata Rongai. It is approximately 22–24 kilometers from Nairobi’s city center. The setting offers views of the Maasai Plains and access to Nairobi’s urban centers.

ANU welcomes students and visitors from over 20 countries. Its multicultural campus also includes students and alumni from over 20 countries. For background, see Africa Nazarene University History, Go Visit Kenya, and Nairobi News.

History

The Church of the Nazarene envisioned ANU in the early 1980s to address Africa’s educational and societal challenges. Its founders sought to combine academic rigor with Christian ethics and leadership (ANU History; Wikipedia).

The Kenya Universities Act of 1985 enabled faith-based private universities. After consultations with the Kenyan Commission for Higher Education, Kenya was chosen as the site for the Church’s first university outside North America (Go Visit Kenya).

Land acquisition began in 1987, led by missionary Dr. Harmon Schmelzenbach. The Africa Nazarene University Trust, established in 1990, oversees ongoing campus development (Go Visit Kenya).

The Church’s General Assembly formally approved ANU in July 1993. On November 23, 1993, the Kenyan government issued a Letter of Interim Authority, making ANU the first Nazarene university outside North America and the first private Kenyan university to seek a charter under the 1985 Act (The Kenya Times).

ANU opened in August 1994 with 62 students from eleven African countries. Its initial offerings were degrees in Theology and Business Administration, and a Master of Arts in Religion. Computer Science was introduced by 1995 (ANU History; Wikipedia).

Under Vice Chancellor Prof. Leah T. Marangu (1996–2002), the university expanded its academic portfolio and enrollment. It received a full charter on October 8, 2002, becoming the first private university in Kenya to do so independently (ANU History; Wikipedia).

ANU is fully accredited by Kenya’s Commission for University Education (CUE) and is part of the global Church of the Nazarene education system. Since 2002, it has also been part of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (Go Visit Kenya; Nairobi News). Its graduates are highly respected and sought after in Kenya and internationally.

What to see and do

Campus and academic life

ANU offers 36 programs across five schools: Law, Business, Science & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Religion & Ministry (ANU Schools). Its digital learning platform reaches students across Africa.

Education at ANU is rooted in Christian values. Chapel attendance and religious studies are part of the university’s approach to spiritual and ethical growth (Nairobi News). Chapel services are open to visitors. The International Students’ Club organizes cross-cultural and charity events (Go Visit Kenya).

The campus hosts an Annual Research Conference and cultural festivals. Its views over the Maasai Plains and Nairobi National Park are notable photographic spots. Always request permission before taking photographs.

Notable alumni include Beatrice Elachi, a Kenyan political leader and ANU graduate in Peace and Security Studies (Olomu Info).

Africa Nazarene University Monument

The Africa Nazarene University Monument stands on campus and symbolizes the university’s founding ideals and commitment to faith-based education and community development. It commemorates ANU’s journey from its 1994 inception to its current status as a respected academic institution.

Practical visiting information

Visiting hours and admission

  • Campus hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekend and public-holiday visits require prior arrangement.
  • Monument hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; weekends by appointment.
  • Admission General campus and monument visits are free. Special events or guided tours may require advance booking or tickets. Guided tours and monument event attendance require advance booking through university services.

Accessibility and facilities

The campus is wheelchair accessible, with paved walkways and ramps. Wheelchair-accessible pathways lead to the monument. Ample parking is available.

Visitor centers provide maps and information, and guided tours can be requested through the visitor office. Campus facilities include a cafeteria, restrooms, Wi-Fi in public areas, a bookshop, medical services at the Nellie Montague Clinic, and a chapel for reflection. The monument area has restrooms, shaded seating, and an information center.

Transportation

  • Private car Take Magadi Road; on-campus parking is available.
  • Public transport Matatus and buses run on the Nairobi–Ongata Rongai route. Alight at the Nazarene University stop.
  • Taxi or ride-hailing Uber and Bolt are available.
  • University shuttle Available by prior arrangement.

ANU is approximately 30–45 minutes by car or public transport from Nairobi city center. The monument is described as a 20–30-minute drive from Nairobi.

Tips

  • Visit on weekdays for guided tours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
  • Check the ANU website or contact visitor services for event schedules or temporary closures.
  • Dress modestly out of respect for the university’s values.
  • Ensure vaccinations are up to date; a yellow fever vaccine may be required.
  • The closest emergency hospital is Nairobi Women’s Hospital.
  • Carry Kenyan Shilling cash and cards.
  • Mobile networks include Safaricom and Airtel.

Nearby places

  • Nairobi National Park Adjacent to ANU; wildlife safaris are open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
  • Giraffe Centre 15 km away, with conservation activities and giraffe feeding.
  • David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust An elephant orphanage in Lang’ata.
  • Karen Blixen Museum 18 km from ANU, with guided tours of the author’s home.
  • Oloolua Nature Trail A forest reserve for walking and picnics.
  • Bomas of Kenya Cultural shows and homesteads.
  • The Hub Karen & Galleria Mall Shopping and dining.
  • Ngong Hills About 24 km away, with hiking and scenic vistas.

Accommodation options near ANU include Osoita Lodge, Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages, and Wildebeest Eco Camp.

Frequently asked questions

What are Africa Nazarene University’s visiting hours?
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Weekend visits require prior arrangement.

Is there an entry fee to visit ANU?
No. Campus visits are free. Special events or guided tours may require booking or tickets.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Arrange group or educational tours in advance with the university.

What nearby attractions can I visit after ANU?
Nairobi National Park, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and Karen Blixen Museum are among the nearby attractions.

Are there accommodations near ANU?
Options include Osoita Lodge, Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages, and Wildebeest Eco Camp.

Essential contacts and further information

For updated visitor information, events, and guided-tour bookings, consult the official ANU website and the university’s social media channels. The Audiala app is described as offering real-time updates, exclusive offers, and interactive tours. ANU’s stated motto is “what begins here transforms the world.”