The University was officially opened on August 1994 with 63 students from eleven African countries with Dr. Martha John as the Vice-chancellor. Prof. L. T. Marangu, who was appointed in late 1996 and was installed as the fourth Vice-chancellor on January 1997, heads the University. Prof. Marangu, an accomplished international educator and respected administrator was the first Kenyan woman to become a full professor and a Vice-chancellor. Africa Nazarene University is one of 59 institutions of higher learning associated with the Church of the Nazarene Educational Services around the world. The University currently offers baccalaureate programme for students from 15 African Countries and the United States of America and India.
All students take a basic curriculum in the liberal arts.
The University believes an educated person needs a broad base of knowledge and skills in addition to the specific content of major programme of study. These courses enable the students to pursue an understanding of truth in the study of scripture, the natural and physical universe and humanity. This helps them to understand, respect and evaluate the thoughts of others and to express their own thoughts clearly and effectively. This curriculum nurtures all students toward intellectual maturity, moral integrity and physical well being. The University seeks, through education, ministry, and programme of service to the community, to increase people's knowledge, skills and to deepen their sense of consecrating influence in their lives.