Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) was established as an initiative by The Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development (TICH) in Africa. Due to the need for professional courses centered in Community Based Health Care that would result in a recognized academic certification, the TICH drove the need to establish the higher learning institution. Great Lakes University of Kisumu was to be the base of an effective integration of theoretical, evidence based and practical hands-on analytical skills training in development.

This type of academic offering was to be provided in academic facilities sited in the community, civil society, industry and public institutions. As a result, the idea of fusing the provision for freedom to innovate with the strength of an established higher learning institution, was seen as the best foundation for a successful training programme.

As a result, Great Lakes University of Kisumu was established in 1988 serving to assist in the need for sustainable multi-level development in Africa, during a time where there was a strong paradigm shift of this regard. The belief that sustainability is more achievable through active community participation is the founding philosophy that drives GLUK as a higher learning institution. This has led to the institution drawing in the country’s best and brightest to mould the university towards being a leader in the health, development and related fields. The university provides students with diverse courses at certificate, diploma and graduate level which cut across Arts and Sciences, Health Sciences, Research, Business Administration, Agribusiness, Hospitality and Tourism, and Education. GLUK has set in place structures, facilities and resources that ensure their students are aligned towards their vision of excellence;

Health Services: GLUK students have access to some of the best health facilities and services that ensure they are operating at their prime at all times.

Student Counselling and Support Services: Students have open access to highly trained counsellors who provide individual and group counselling to ensure any personal, academic, social and career concerns are catered to.

Special Needs Services: Students with disabilities are provided with the resources and support they need to ensure they have equal access to educational opportunities.

Financial Aid: GLUK has a dedicated Financial Aid Department that assists students who are in need of financial assistance as well as provides support for students who require assistance in other financial matters such as visa applications, health insurance, transportation fees etc.

International Student Services: For foreign students, GLUK has a dedicated international students’ office that caters to ensuring students have easy access to academic programmes, transition into the country and university, as well as assistance in ensuring foreign students enjoy their campus life and personal development.

Career Placement: The higher learning institution has a dedicated center that caters to students’ career opportunity needs, giving students placement support and guidance that will help them in their transition from their academic lives into the job sector.

Sports and Games: The varsity offers a wide array of outdoor and indoor games that will ensure students’ non-academic needs are catered to.

With three campuses strategically placed in Kenya, students can access this quality academic offering at GLUK’s Kisumu Milimani Campus, GLUK’s Kisumu CBD Campus or GLUK’s Nairobi Campus. All campuses are highly equipped with highly qualified staff, state-of-the-art learning facilities and modern academic resources. Students have the flexibility to learn either full-time, part-time or via the university’s e-learning platform. The higher learning institution is driven in its vision to bridge academics with community and institutional based development through being the center of excellence in teaching, research and service provision in the region.