Chuka University was first established as a Campus College in 2004 by the Egerton University Council, to enable people living in the Eastern region of Kenya (and Kenya at large) have increased access to high-quality and affordable university education. It succeeded the former Egerton University Eastern Campus College in Chuka, and became the constituent College of Egerton University. Following its success, it grew to become the Chuka University that we know now, established as a public higher learning institution in 2007, by legal notice.

The university was the first higher learning institution to be established in the former Eastern Province, becoming a pillar of academic progress in the region. It was established with a vision to generate, preserve and share knowledge for effective leadership in higher education, training, research and outreach. Their philosophy is built on education and training for social cohesion, human and economic development. They continuously strive to deliver on this through consistently developing courses in line with the changing times. They offer diploma-level, undergraduate and graduate courses across the following areas: Business Studies, Humanities, Education and Resource Development, Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Science Engineering and Technology.

What makes Chuka University the best higher-learning institution in Kenya? The university provides a student with a holistic, quality knowledge foundation that is affordable. Their two campuses will provide a student with;

- Theoretical and hands-on, demand-driven programmes
- Class schedule flexibility including part-time based, full time and evening classes
- Distance e-learning programmes
- Highly equipped on-ground and online information centers/ libraries
- Career placement opportunities
- Work-study programmes
- Student exchange programmes
- Large variety of clubs, sports and recreational activities

The higher learning institution's aim is to establish, enhance and promote an environment that fosters and motivates creativity while supporting and enhancing an individual’s academic pursuits. They maintain a healthy balance of academic and non-academic activities, encouraging students to pursue a variety of non-academic endeveours. In the area of sports, they facilitate for both indoor and outdoor activities. Their sports facilities and programmes being available for both competitive activities and leisure purposes. As a student one can feel free to indulge in campus indoor games such as darts, scrabble, table tennis, chess and badminton or take on their campus outdoor sports like soccer, basketball, netball, volleyball, rugby, handball and athletics. The options are limitless.

Aside from campus games and sports, students with other interests can choose to join any of their many campus clubs or societies. Through their campus Chaplaincy unit, students can access a number of spiritual services and activities for nurturing their spiritual, psychological and social welfare.

The university's goal is to ensure that they provide all students with the best and most holistic campus experience that will enhance a student's personal and academic development.