Audience at Gretsa University watching the Japanese video

Ties between Gretsa University and Japan are set to flourish further following a joint venture to develop a Japanese Cultural Center between the University and the Japanese High Commission. Mr. Hitoshi Kikuchi, Director of the Japan Information and Culture Centre on his previous visit to Gretsa University said that the commission was committed to developing stronger ties through  cultural and social exchanges.

On 26th of November 2009, the Director also handed over similar Japanese language teaching materials donated by the Japan Foundation to Gretsa University in Thika. After the brief ceremony, the audience was also shown an introductory video entitled “A Glimpse into Japan” which depicts various scenes in Japan, and other Japan Video Topics.

Since Gretsa University, introduced a Diploma and Certificate Courses on Japanese Culture and Language, and incorporated the same in many of its other programmes, their has been a rapid increase of interest in developing the language and Japanese cultural center within the University.

The Director of JICC, Mr Kikuchi handing over the books to the Vice-chancellor of Gretsa University

Currently, the University is seeking to establish a cultural center that will also incorporate the Japanese Language and Culture Center.

Gretsa University also has an active Japanese Language Club that aims to foster the knowledge of Japanese Language and Culture within the community.

This year’s world Aids Day was marked with pomp and color as Thika Community gathered to deliberate on means of  combating the spread of the scourge. Gretsa University joined hundreds of other attendants representing a diverse community of Thika institutions in marking the day whose theme was ” Jitambue ni Haki yako”. The event emphasized testing and counseling as key to combating spread of the HIV virus.

Many activities including sport and dance were part of the packed agenda. And despite the early rains, everything went on as planned. This year’s event was organized by the Thika HIV-AIDS Workplace Prevention Council in conjunction with the Kenya HIV-AIDS Business Council.

Japanese High Commission handed over new books to the School of Languages and General studies to be used by Japanese students. Receiving the books, vice-Chancellor prof. Kaburu Ribu thanked the Commission, saying that the gesture “will go  far in promoting the good relations” between Kenya and Japan.

Prof. Kaburu thanked the high commission for their continued partnership with Gretsa University, and urged the students to make good use of the books. This is not the first time the Japanese Community has donated books to the university. In 2007 and 2008, the commission has been sending bulletins to the University Library.

Japanese head Mr. Karue also thanked the Japanese community for supporting Gretsa University and other such institutions across the country.

Gretsa University held a candid HIV/AIDS forum on Friday with main speakers emphasizing behavior change to curb the spread of the disease. The forum hosted at the Library auditorium was led by Human Resources & Students’ affairs Head, Mrs. Gikandi. Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kaburu Ribu, gave key-note opening address where he emphasized that behavior change was key to curbing spread of HIV/AIDS. The VC urged students to be careful, saying that “no one is safe”.  Reacting to students’ request for condoms to be made available within the campus, the VC said that he would address the issue after the new HIV policy comes into force.

The master of ceremony, Mrs. Joan Githae encouraged students and staff to seek for counseling and to “talk openly” on issues involving sex, saying that the African culture, is an impediment to HIV / AIDS campaign because it discourages open dialogue on sex talk. GUSA Chairman Karasha Timayo, also gave an address where he declared an “all-out war against HIV-AIDS” at the University.

The forum comes, after the Gretsa University community started an Anti-HIV-AIDS programme, jointly with the Thika Business Council and Kenya Work-Place HIV/AIDS Prevention Council.

Gretsa University students are participating in Kenya Inter-University Sports.The sports event to be held at the University of Nairobi begin on 20th December and many Universities are expected to take part.


This will be the first time Gretsa will be participating, and the University is looking toward to fielding a number of teams especially in Swimming, Tennis, Basketball, Squash, Badminton, Darts among others.

Gretsa University is  announcing  new Diploma Courses in various schools.

School of Agriculture and Rural Development
Course Name:  Diploma in Food Security and Livelihoods, Diploma in Agricultural Enterprise and Project Management, Diploma in Environment Studies

School of Arts and General Studies
Course Name:  Diploma in Foreign Languages e.g French, Japanese, Chinese,

School of Business
Course Name: Diploma in Human Resources Management, Diploma in Purchasing and Supplies Management

School of Hospitality and Tourism
Course Name: Diploma in Travel and Tourism

School of Science and Technology.
Course Name: Diploma in Information Technology

School of Education and Social Sciences
Course Name: Diploma in Counseling Psychology, Diploma in Religion and Development

Application Forms can be downloaded at http://www.gretsauniversity.ac.ke or you Just fill an on-line form and submit after attaching all required documents

GUSA (Gretsa University Students Association) has just concluded its elections. Some of the elected officials are:-

• Chairman - Timayo Karasha

• Secretary - Timanto Lesinko

• Treasurer - Effie Siwa

Karasha Timayo, a student in the School of Hospitality, will now head Gretsa University’s Students’ Association. The Travel and Tourism student beat a crowded field to become the new Chairman elect of the Association. The other candidates who participated in the race for the op position that was held on Friday 29th, included Miss Kezengwa also from the School of Hospitality and Mr. Muchai from the School of Business.

Gretsa University is in campaign mood yet again. The students have began earnest campaigns as the GUSA poll approaches. Several candidates have announced their intentions to vie for the annual student’s organization poll that takes place on 29 the of November 2009.

Many students have expressed optimism that the new leaders who will be voted in this round will be able to address the key issues facing the students fratternity at Gretsa, especially on the sporting front.

Gretsa University students are soon to launch a magazine. This will be the first publication by the students and the first from the entire University. Chief editor, Timothy Muriithi believes the magazine will set pace for ” great things to come” and that the intention is also to leave a legacy once they complete their studies.

magazine will cover many issues including students’ lifestyle, academic issues and current awareness information“

The proposed magazine will cover many issues including students’ lifestyle, academic issues and current awareness information. And just like other magazines, there will be feature stories and articles from both staff and students.