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2018-11 Mount Kenya University Newsletter, 2nd Issue 2018
Mount Kenya University
Mount Kenya University http://erepository.mku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/5581 Downloaded from Mount Kenya University, Institutional repository 2ND ISSUE, 2018 CONGRATULATIONS & BEST WISHES TO THE CLASS OF 2018 Varsity among It’s double joy as both MKU law top recipients programmes are fully accredited of research funding
Council of Legal Education accredits both diploma and degree courses Mount Kenya University (MKU) is among the top ten universities t is double joy as Mount in research in the country. This is Kenya University’s (MKU’s) according to a survey conducted law programmes receive full by research firm CPS International accreditation. This marks an between May and June and released Ieventful year for legal training in August. at the institution which a gov- The survey ranks MKU second ernment study ranked among among private universities that the top trainers with the highest received the highest amount of funds student pass rates in the Kenya for research. MKU received 2.9 per School of Law Bar examination cent of the research funds received over the last ten years. by universities last year. On 30 July, the Council of Legal Full story on page 12 Education (CLE) fully accredited Mount Kenya University’s Park- MKU transitions to lands Law Campus and its Bach- elor of Law programme (LLB). ISO 9001:2015 quality MKU hosted a luncheon on 3 August to celebrate this historic management system milestone that made it the 11th university in the country to attain full accreditation. This sets the stage for the uni- versity to offer a Master in Law (LLM) programme. Then on 25 October, CLE inspected the campus’s facilities MKU Law Campus students celebrate the facility’s full accreditation and resources in respect to the vider pursuant to the provisions of five years with effect from 22 university’s Diploma in Law pro- of Legal Education Act and the November 2018. gramme. Satisfied, CLE licensed relevant regulations, for a period MKU as a Legal Education Pro- More stories on pages 2 to 6 Full story on page 6 Prof John Struthers installed as MKU’s Second Chancellor Respected Scottish economics don succeeds Prof Victoria Wulsin Multitudes present at the 14th Graduation ceremony witnessed Mount Kenya University (MKU) install its Second Chancellor. The 5,000 graduands, their families, invited guests and the MKU fraternity cheered on as Prof John Stru- thers was installed on 3 August at the Thika President Uhuru Kenyatta congratulates Ms Ruth Mutahi, Director, Mount Kenya University institute of Film and Creative Arts, at State Main Campus. Prof. John Struthers being installed as the New MKU Chancellor by House. MKU retained its “Best Private University” crown during this Council Chairman Prof David Serem during the University’s 14th year’s Kenya National Music Festival. Full story on page 13 graduation ceremony. Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 2 | 2018
Law Campus
Vision MKU in league of varsities To be a leading centre of practical legal and advocacy training. with full rights to offer law Mission To offer quality practical Council of Legal Education, the regulator, gave the overall greenlight on July 30 legal and advocacy training for law students. n 30 July, Mount Kenya Uni- versity (MKU) received full international and development law. The accreditation from the Coun- centre is designed to spearhead research, cil of Legal Education (CLE) partnership and training in line with the Oto offer law programmes. It has now set emerging trends in legal practice. The its eyes on offering a Master in Law pro- centre also runs a journal, which acts as gramme (LLM) in the near future. a platform for research publication and MKU joins 11 other universities with dissemination.” similar credentials in the country. Most Journey to full accreditation other local universities still operate using The journey to full accreditation of provisional accreditation. MKU to offer law studies began in 2011, At a luncheon held mid-August to cel- when it was granted provisional accred- ebrate the achievement, MKU Parklands itation. Law Campus director Ms Nelly Wamaitha Mr Collins Odongo, who was there said the full accreditation gave the uni- during the school’s early days, noted that versity a strong platform to start offering the provisional accreditation triggered a Master in Law programme (LLM). massive human resource, academic, cur- Hon Moses Cheboi, Deputy Speaker riculum and infrastructural development of the National Assembly, said follow- towards full accreditation. ing the accreditation, MKU law students MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley can now get attachment opportunities Rwanda High Commissioner to Kenya Hon James Kimonyo with lawyer Fred Ngatia during a luncheon to celebrate Waudo constituted a committee to look in Parliament. He represented Speaker MKU Law Campus’s full accreditation by the Council of Legal Education. into all the legal, academic and infra- Justin Muturi. structural needs towards accreditation. Ms Wamaitha said the road to accred- ture, the students were transferred to the The current campus hosts a student The committee worked closely with the itation has been challenging, but appre- Thika Main Campus. population of approximately 1,000. The school, legal education stakeholders and ciates the support and guidance of CLE The first batch of Bachelor of Law stu- campus has facilities that support modern CLE on the accreditation process. along the way. dents were admitted to the programme legal education and learning, including CLE then carried out several audits and “We appreciate CLE because of their in 2009. They numbered about 30 and an up-to-date moot court. inspections. The feedback by the council positive criticism and guidance,” she said. commenced classes at Uniafric Building On July 14, 2017, the law school went a long way in helping the school “We also appreciate support from staff, situated on Koinange Street in Nairobi. launched the Centre for International to strengthen its programme. faculty, management and the board of Later, the school was moved to MKU and Development Law (CIDLaw). Last year, the school identified the areas directors. The board went an extra mile Towers Building on Moi Avenue, Nairobi. Mr David Ngira, lecturer and quali- of international and development law as to equip the library and furnish the In January 2015, the School of Law ty assurance co-coordinator at CIDLaw, the niche to focus on. Accordingly, all moot court.” was transferred to the Parklands Campus. says: “The objective of the centre is to programmes in the school are tailored The Mount Kenya University School of This was after the university bought the define the school’s niche area, being to this direction. Law started in Nakuru Campus, but due building from another university that had to the inadequacies of physical infrastruc- ceased operations.
Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley Waudo (right), Prof PLO Lumumba (second right) MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon Gicharu, (second left) join students in a mock unlocking of the MKU Parklands Law Campus. This was during a luncheon to celebrate the Council A student in a library at the law school campus in parlands of Legal Education’s (CLE) full accreditation of the campus and the programmes it offers.
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Law Campus Meet new dean of MKU law school
aw scholar Prof Tushar Kanti – Law of Tort and Consumer Justice; Legal Saha is the new dean, Mount Methods, Legal Systems and Research, Con- Kenya University School of Law stitution of Lesotho; and Law of Contract (MKU SoL). He was appointed –Theories and Principles. toL this position in April 2018. Prof Saha is currently polishing his Widely travelled and vastly published, latest book titled, Constitution of Kenya the law scholar, lecturer, examiner and – Architecture, Structure and Texture. It is university administrator brings a wealth signed by a publisher in the Netherlands. of experience to MKU SoL. His academic journey, right from his Refereed journals university education to teaching and Prof Saha has also contributed to more management, has taken him to different than 10 chapters of various books. He countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and has published 20 papers to refereed America. journals and a host of other articles and publications focusing on intellectual Special relationship with Africa property rights and environmental law. Prof Saha has a special relationship with He has visited close to 100 countries Africa, where he has taught law or man- on academic missions and presented aged institutions at the highest levels. He papers in national and international con- has served in various capacities in more ferences. than seven universities in sub-Saharan Africa. He has taught and managed in Academic achievements Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Eritrea, Lesotho, Prof Saha undertook his three-year Bar- Tanzania, Ethiopia and South Sudan, rister-at-Law course at Lincoln’s Inn, Lon- amassing immense experience along the don, with Lady Edwina Mountbatten way. Award for Commonwealth Students. Prof Tushar Kanti Saha Prof Saha’s association with MKU He obtained his LLB from the Univer- stretches back to 2015 when he was a sity of London and received his Master’s visiting don. He also once served at Kenyatta Univer- ra in Eritrea. Degree in Law (LLM) standing First in Immediately before his recent appoint- sity (KU) School of Law as professor of Order of Merit and PhD (Law) from ment as dean of MKU SoL, Prof Saha public law. That was from 2014 to 2016. Seven law books India’s oldest university, University of was visiting professor at Mount Crest He was the coordinator of Postgraduate Over the last two decades, Prof Saha has Calcutta. University in Accra, Ghana. Programme for the LLM and PhD in published seven law books and other His PhD Thesis, titled “Corrupt and Earlier, he had served as vice-chancellor International Criminal Law. papers in the United States, Europe, Illegal Practices in Parliamentary Elections of Starford International University in Students gave him a 96 per cent India and Kenya. Most of his titles are in India”, has impacted the qualitative Juba, South Sudan. approval rating for his teaching perfor- used as text books, including a research change of Indian democracy over the last In 2006, he was visiting examiner to mance during his time at KU. publication titled, “Democracy in Dan- few decades. the Islamic University in Uganda, and Between 2001 and 2002, Prof Saha ger”, a book on India’s electoral law most recently (2017) to the University of served as the Founding Director of the and practice. Dar-es-Salaam. School of Law at the University of Asma- The other titles are: Administrative Law We’re committed to producing the finest legal minds in the country Prof Tushar Kanti Saha mark. Our students have already The school is strategically placed the development of jurisprudence in ents of the young budding law- made their mark. We are committed in an autonomous campus in Park- tandem with Kenya’s Vision 2030. yers in the hands of our competent is the new Dean, Mount to producing the finest legal minds lands, close to the courts in the city The MKU Law School is unique faculty, many of whom have been Kenya School of Law in the country. of Nairobi. Students benefit from inasmuch as it provides uncompro- trained in the US and the European judicial attachments and academic mising quality legal education at an Universities. (MKU SoL). Here, he Q. On academics, what are the visits. affordable cost. The accreditation is an imposi- outlines his vision for the outstanding aspects about MKU Eminent speakers such as Attor- tion of responsibility to maintain school: SoL, comparing with what you ney General and eminent Professors Q. In your view, what is the professional standards and excel as have witnessed in other universi- from abroad occasionally visit our impact of MKU SoL’s latest we move up on the ladder to the Q. What is your vision for the ties in the region? law school to intellectually equip accreditation? summit. We know success is ours. MKU School of Law? A: We have a very strong, well-qual- students with legal skills and the art A: The accreditation is a recogni- A. We are positioning the MKU ified, dedicated faculty with a very of advocacy. tion of our standing as a premier Q. Any other comment? School of Law to be numero uno, healthy teacher-student ratio for a We will soon add to our ranks a Law School to provide legal educa- A: Finally, we exhort all prospective not only in Kenya but in the region. close interactive learning process. powerful team of international facul- tion at the highest level of excellence law students to join our mission to Our students are already ranked Our class size is restricted to less ty to train our students. in the country towards ‘Unlocking build a new Kenya based on equal number two in clearing the Bar than 50. This is one school where Our in-house law journal brings Infinite Possibilities’ out there. brother and sisterhood in pursuit of Examination at the Kenya School of every single lecture is delivered and together the legal scholars who are Students and parents can have truth and justice. Law, which can be used as a bench- monitored on daily basis (fail-safe). making distinctive contributions in peace of mind in nurturing the tal-
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 4 | 2018
Law Campus Tough food for thought from law experts at MKU event Universities further urged to prepare law students to venture into new niche areas
ew developments are expand- lessons from any situation they come ing the legal space, and bold across” however complex. lawyers can specialise in ever- Prof Lumumba challenged African green areas of law that have nations to create constitutions not in Ngreat potential. line with the “conceptual West” but Likewise, universities that train lawyers those that fit their circumstances – con- in Kenya can prepare their students to stitutions that do not borrow from the venture into emerging niche areas of law. legal framework of the West. That was the message by key speakers “We must begin to interrogate what we at Mount Kenya University’s luncheon to are training in our law schools,” said Prof celebrate the Council of Legal Education Lumumba. “If you were to be accredited, (CLE) award of full accreditation to the you still must read books written about university’s school of law. the English common law. One can ask, Prof PLO Lumumba, in his presentation that after 60 years of independence, have on the role of a lawyer in democracy, we not developed our law that we can said that to young lawyers, human rights say this is the common law of Kenya may not appear to be an obvious area of as it stands now? We are still required practice. However, according to him, this to read commercial law books, including is an unexhausted goldmine. books on the law of property and land Fellow speaker Fred Ngatia, too, alluded written by British lawyers.” to this, saying technology was creating Prof Lumumba further posed: “What is new possibilities for lawyers. He gave the the curriculum that we have that is being example of a near-human robot named deployed for purposes of equipping the Sofia, created by artificial intelligence. Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo (right), MKU Chairman and Founder Prof. Simon lawyer in the area of development? Are Intelligent, beautiful and emotional Gicharu, Lawyer Fred Ngatia and Prof. PLO Lumumba holding a plaque commemorating the special achievement we present in the law of the sea? Are Sophia has been granted citizenship in after the varsity gained full accreditation in Law courses approval by Council of Legal Education we present in artificial intelligence? Are Saudi Arabia. we familiar with Africa agenda 2063 and Said Mr Ngatia: “You start to wonder; zenship. She is the first robot to be a ries and later decides to divorce. Are the seven pillars thereof? Are we familiar if Sofia has all these qualities as near as citizen of a country. By being a citizen there lawyers trained adequately to han- with the sustainable development goals? any other lady has, what is her position of a country, it means therefore, she has dle such a complex situation? Are we familiar with the legal instru- in society? Saudi Arabia gave her citi- rights and obligations.” He said universities should train their ments in East Africa?” Mr Ngatia wondered what if Sofia mar- law students so that “they can draw
Mount Kenya University Vice Chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo (right), MKU Chairman and Founder Prof. Simon Gicharu, Lawyer Fred Ngatia and Prof. PLO Lumumba holding a plaque commemorating the special achievement after the varsity gained full accreditation in Law courses approval by Council of Legal Education Keeping with the times in legal study Mount Kenya University Librarian Ms VICTORIA vast reading areas and an e-resource centre to anywhere in the world. Free internet and a MUNYAO explains how the university’s law library provide multiple academic support service in Wi-Fi throughout the library and campus as continually adapts to the changing landscape of one convenient location. a whole provides easy access to the available legal education to ensure students get relevant Our goal is to provide adequate information resources. support at all times: at the right time to fulfil the mission and Q. Are there plans to add on to existing help to increase libraries’ operational efficiency resources? Q. How critical is the idea of a specific and cater to the ever-increasing needs of our A. The library is continuously increasing its library for law students? clientele. resources and updating to the changing tech- A: Law students, in their day-to-day studies, nological advancements. seek and generate a lot of information due to Q. What kind of resources does MKU’s law the nature of their coursework. This demand library boast and in what volumes? Q. Any other comment? on them goes back to medieval times. A. MKU SoL boasts of a myriad of resources A. MKU Law Library staff members are highly The law library has some rare books and with our physical collection of over 15,000 qualified and take a leadership role in sup- information materials that are sometimes too volumes. These include both local and inter- porting learners. They work with the legal expensive for the average student to purchase. national law resources and a growing list of writing programme, creating special training Here, they can easily retrieve and use them. an electronic database of law reports, statutes, modules and joining with the faculty in devel- The university has spent a lot of money to journals and internet resources (such as Lexis oping the necessary curricular components. The stock books and e-resources in the Parklands Nexis, Jstor, EBSCO Host), Kenya law reports aim is to enhance the training of students in Law Campus Library. and many more. the use of technology in research, such as use As MKU SoL, we have found out that we of legal databases in legal research. Q. What makes the MKU School of Law can deliver a higher level of service quality The librarians maintain close contact with Ms Victoria Munyao, MKU Librarian library unique? with electronic resources. We are shaping our students and faculty, thus making them part of A. The MKU SoL library continually adapts tive rules and regulations. Apart from these e-resource subscription portfolios to address the legal effort at the other end of the process. to the changing landscape of legal education. text books, reference books and professional this reality. They protect the availability and quality of Unlike other common libraries that serve a journal publications are the core contents of For many, if not most campus users of legal information, and ensure open and equal large demography of users, the law library any law library. journals, electronic access is a productivity access to legal information by everybody. houses documents related to legal affairs that The library acts as a dynamic centre for enhancer. MKU’s law library has invested in I will end with a quote from J.K. Rowling: always requires special skills to handle. This idea interaction, whereby we are not only a an e-resource centre and off-site access (virtual “When in doubt, go to the library”. refers especially to court judgements, legislative “warehouse of books” but also a centre of library). Students and faculty can access our enactments, constitutions, treaties, administra- cooperative learning. We have discussion areas, e-resource database from outside the campus,
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Law Campus Law school initiative that benefits students and the public at one go
JUDY NGURU-WALLA, lecturer Langata Women’s Prison and Nairobi Remand and Allocation Maximum Prison. and Coordinator, Public Legal Clinics at Mount Kenya Universi- Q. How do students benefit from the ty’s Parklands Law Campus sheds clinics? The Public Legal Clinics offer law stu- light on the institution’s free legal dents the opportunity to sharpen essen- aid service. Excerpts: tial practical skills and values, such as client counselling, critical thinking, legal Q. What do the Public Legal Clin- research, legal analysis and profession- ics by the School of Law entail and al responsibility. The clinics also offer when was this initiative started? the students a chance to gain practical Since 2015, the SoL has organised Pub- experience while delivering much needed Happy MKU law students and lecturers ready to offer free legal services. lic Legal Clinics where law students legal services as they come in contact offer free legal aid services to citizens with real clients. Simply put, these clinics of Kenya. The free Public Legal Clinics offer the law student a moving picture of cation is still being deliberated on and offer a chance for the public to meet the current law practice. Prison in September 2018 with aim of developed in the draft regulations to the with qualified law students and lecturers reaching approximately 100 people in Legal Aid Act. who then provide valuable legal advice Q. When did you conduct the last remand. and assistance. one and where? How many people Q. Anything else worth sharing with The rationale behind the initiative is benefited? Q. What are the future plans for the our readers? that disfranchised and vulnerable groups The last Public Legal Clinic was conduct- initiative? face great challenges in accessing justice ed at the Nairobi Remand and Allocation The SoL is committed to providing – and they are many throughout the Maximum Prison in May 2018, where We plan to become an accredited legal quality legal services, being inclusive country. As such, our Public Legal Clinics about 100 people in remand were given aid provider in Kenya from the National and respectful, and making a difference help fill that gap by providing free legal legal advice on their criminal cases by Legal Aid Service (under the Legal Aid through the Public Legal Clinics. Our aid to these groups in the hope that law students. Act 2016). We also plan to extend our hope is that we play a significant role in they, too, can access quality legal services Q. When is the next clinic and how legal services to neighbouring counties. ensuring all disfranchised and vulnerable to protect their human rights. many people will it reach? There is a recognised need to reach out persons in Kenya are able to access qual- So far, we have carried out Public beyond Nairobi. ity legal services to protect and defend Legal Clinics in Kibra, Dagoretti, Embaka- We are planning to return back to Nai- their human rights. si South, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Thika, robi Remand and Allocation Maximum However, note that the process of appli- Making law students happy, comfortable In any education institu- and decide on their leadership. and a fully equipped clinic at the tion, student welfare is crit- This leadership is called Mount Chaplaincy campus. ical in promoting learning. Kenya University Student Associa- We have various religious groups Student Activities DR JUDY NGAYU, Associ- tion (MKUSA). They deal with all under the leadership of our chap- The management of MKU stu- issues to do with student welfare lain. There are various activities for dent entertainment falls under ate Dean at Mount Kenya such as student activities, social Muslims, Young Catholics Students the social welfare secretary. We University’s Parklands Law welfare, sports, trips and academ- Association, Seventh Day Advent- pride ourselves in nurturing tal- Campus, explains what her ics. ists and Christian Union. Each ents through vibrant sports (both office does to ensure learn- We also have monthly class of them has a place of worship indoor and outdoor), clubs, ers are well taken care of. representative meetings where we within the campus and has active drama, music activities etc. address class issues. The class rep- members. They are all enthusias- Q. Are there initiatives in the Q. On student welfare at the resentatives have an opportunity tically engaged in moulding oth- pipeline to improve student wel- MKU School of Law, what are to learn from each other on how ers. They carry out ministry work fare? the main issues that the Dean to communicate information to within the campus and outside, The Council for Legal Education of Students office addresses? the class and how to be an effec- e.g. prisons and children’s homes. (CLE) upgraded the MKU Park- Student welfare at Mount Kenya tive leader. Through this movement, they have lands Law Campus in 2015. Con- University’s Parklands law campus been trained to be commissioners sequently, several plans are under- falls under the associate dean of Dress code for the MKUSA elections. way to enhance this status. One students’ office. In order to prepare our students is to have our own student lead- Under this department, we have for the office, it is a requirement Counselling and Health ership whose focus will be solely an associate dean of students, that the students dress in dark We have an in-house counsellor on MKU Parklands Law Campus. chaplain, sports and clubs’ coor- suits on Mondays and Tuesdays. and counselling facilities. We also We are in the process of preparing dinator, nurse and counsellor. We have received great feedback train interested students on peer and improving office facilities for from institutions where our stu- counselling. They support their the new Parklands MKUSA who Ms Nelly Wamaitha, MKU Law Campus Director Student governance dents have worked as interns that peers and educate them on issues will take charge next year. We strongly believe in democracy. their work and dressing is pro- that affect the student of today. So, students carry out elections fessional. We also have a qualified nurse
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 6 | 2018
Vice-Chancellor’s Desk Prof Waudo on how varsity has increased access to and raised standards of learning
niversities should extend the That is why it has aligned its curricu- Campus, Thika. All students and staff boundaries of higher educa- la to the “Big Four Agenda” and the have to be biometrically verified and tion to make it more acces- Kenya Vision 2030; Science, Technology authenticated to access the University sible and affordable. They and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 facilities. The biometric system supple- Ushould invest more in information and (STISA-2024) and African Union Agenda ments other security measures, including communication technologies (ICTs) to 2063; and the Sustainable Development floodlights, security awareness campaigns make this possible. Goals (SDGs). Towards this end, the uni- and intensified night security patrols on That is the view of Mount Kenya Uni- versity revises its programmes regularly. and off campus. versity (MKU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Stan- This year, the University Senate reviewed ley W. Waudo. 52 programmes. Research culture The VC shared this thought during Prof Waudo said the university’s invest- MKU’s 14th Graduation Ceremony on Quality assurance ment over the years to build a robust 3 August at the main campus in Thika. Prof Waudo explained that MKU had research culture continued to bear fruit. He was addressing the graduation theme, robust internal quality assurance mecha- There is an increase in articles published “Financing of Higher Education in Africa for nisms that ensured it produced graduates in peer reviewed journals and participa- Quality and Sustainability.” who had the desired knowledge, skills, tion in research dissemination forums, He said that using ICTs, MKU had creative abilities and moral qualities. which accord the university greater pres- enabled students who previously could To complement this, the university has ence and visibility, leading to improved not pursue higher education due to com- strong academic advisory services office local and global ranking. peting exigencies of work and family, and to provide support to students. On research resource mobilisation, MKU due to distance and time, to surmount The VC thanked all MKU students and continues to win local and international those challenges. their leadership for their consultative grants, with a corresponding increase He added that MKU’s Open, Distance approach to seeking solutions on matters in local and international collaborative and Electronic Learning (ODEL) Centres affecting them. Through this consultative research. spread across Kenya and complemented process, the university has amended the “We have continued to become an by the Digital Varsity, had made high- Mount Kenya University Students Asso- attractive collaborative research university er education accessible and significantly ciation (MKUSA) Constitution and the due to our policy of efficient use of affordable. Student Elections Guidelines. research funds, timely disbursement and accountability,” said Prof Waudo. Curricula Security The university, he stressed, knew that it Prof Stanley W. Waudo - Vice Chancellor He said MKU had successfully installed existed to mitigate societal challenges. the biometric security system at the Main Why MKU invests in quality systems
Varsity now ISO 9001:2015 certified
University training must be respon- certified Quality Management System revised standard – ISO 9001:2015 sive to the challenges and needs (QMS) ensures that the teaching QMS – in September. of the country and the region. The and learning environment and pro- MKU first obtained ISO certifica- training should be relevant and cesses are effectively managed to tion on 19 December 2012. of the highest quality, says Mount world standards. “ISO 9001:2015 is a quality man- Kenya University (MKU) Vice-Chan- “The university management is agement tool that enhances effi- cellor Prof Stanley Waudo. committed to ensuring that all our ciency in operations,” Prof Waudo Hence, Prof Waudo adds, MKU programmes meet national and explains. “We have benefitted has continued to integrate effective international quality standards,” the immensely from ISO 9001:2008. So, quality assurance and control mech- VC stresses. “It is out of this com- it was natural that we transition to anisms in its operations. mitment that we ensure we are in the upgraded standard.” The University has in place sys- good books with the regulator, the MKU has also amended its Service tems that ensure the expectations of Commission for University Educa- Charter and improved the frame- students and of other stakeholders tion.” work for development and evalua- are met. The university transitioned from tion of performance contracts. For example, the university’s ISO the ISO 9001:2008 QMS to the
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 7
14th Graduation Ceremony
From left: MKU Board member Madam Jane Nyutu, MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon N. Gicharu, MKU Council Chairman Prof David Serem and the New MKU Chancellor Prof John J. Struthers during 14th Graduation Elated graduands are all smiles on their big day. ceremony at main campus Thika.
New MKU Chancellor Prof John J. Struthers confers a doctorate on a Proud family members are happy to be photographed with their The smiles on the graduands’ faces tell how important the graduand during the 14th Graduation Ceremony. graduand. occasion was for them.
Newly minted pharmacists and their medical colleagues look serious as ALL SMILES: School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management they prepare to serve the nation. graduands celebrate their achievement.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 8 | 2018
14th Graduation Ceremony Makerere VC urges varsities to expand sources of income, offers some ideas frican universities must enhance Academy, Equip Africa Institute and Cen- third stream income activities tre for Professional Development. The to sustainably fund higher edu- last one, newly created, is mandated to cation. coordinate income generating activities as AThis was said by Prof Barnabas a third stream of income. Nawangwe, Vice-Chancellor, Makerere “The income generating activities in University. African universities are a good example Prof Nawangwe was the guest speaker of an entrepreneurial approach to fund- at Mount Kenya University’s 14th Gradu- ing universities,” asserted Prof Nawangwe. ation Ceremony held on 3 August at the Promoting research through clear pol- Thika main campus. icies will scale up income generation He addressed the theme, “Financing of related to research activities, said Prof Higher Education in Africa for Quality and Nawangwe. Sustainability.” Noting that university-industry part- He observed that the theme was rel- nerships were a good approach to pro- evant and futuristic for any university moting academic growth and economic in Africa. development, Prof Nawangwe urged uni- Prof Nawangwe noted that universities versities to forge more of such rela- were under pressure to increase their tionships to also stimulate collaborative financial base and to control costs to income generating activities. effectively cater for growing student pop- He warned, though, that a donor From left: Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, MKU Council Chairman Prof David Serem, ulations. would only invest in an organisation MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon N. Gicharu and MKU Board member Madam Jane Nyutu discuss a point The Makerere University VC lauded with best financial management and during the university’s 14th Graduation Ceremony. Prof Nawangwe was the Guest Speaker during the event. Mount Kenya University for establishing reporting. additional institutions through which it He therefore said: “Prudent finan- cost-cutting and attracts external funding.“ would provide opportunities for faculty served the community. These include cial management is the best practice The Makerere don observed that con- to maintain professional skills. the Research Enterprise, Innovation and for a university. Internal transparent sultancy services offered by faculty were Prof Nawangwe thus commended uni- Development Centre, Mount Kenya Uni- and accountability guided by a policy also a feasible source of income to versities that offer administrative and versity Foundation, Graduate Enterprise framework on financial matters promotes a university. Additionally, consultancy policy support for consultancies by the faculty. Council approves new varsity policies and guidelines The Mount Kenya University Recovery Policy shall ensure that The objectives of the amend- to ensuring that the university Council has approved several ICT services, when interrupted, ed Academic Advisory Services staff enjoy statutory staff welfare new and amended policies and are quickly re-established. The Policy are: schemes such as work injury guidelines. These are meant to Framework for Development and • To provide information on benefits and provident fund. guide decision making and insti- Evaluation of Performance Con- career planning and choices MKU, said the University tutional operations. tracts shall be derived from the • To promote student academic Council Chairman, is committed Council Chairman Prof David University Strategic Objectives performance and progression to continuously offering timely Serem revealed this during the Implementation Matrix and the • To promote a highly interac- service, to ensure an awesome 14th Graduation ceremony held job descriptions, and shall guide tive and personalised learning customers experience. Attending at the main campus in Thika the performance evaluation pro- environment. to customer needs is a priority on 3 August. cess at the University. • To promote mentorship at Mount Kenya University. The Undergraduate Research The amended Guidelines on • To respond to student aca- “We recognise that effective Projects Guidelines set out the Moderation of Examination demic concerns customer care service delivery criteria to be used in determin- Results are designed to ensure The amended Finance Service is a pre-requisite for developing ing undergraduate students who fairness, accuracy and consist- Charter has been designed to and sustaining competitiveness, qualify to undertake projects as ency in setting, marking and reflect the automated service and therefore place our customer part of their course. They also the provision of results that are delivery in the University. on a pedestal,” he said. elaborate the procedure to be an accurate reflection of perfor- Prof Serem said the Coun- His message to graduands used in selecting a topic and mance. cil recognises that staff welfare, was: “May all those that inter- the process of administering and The integrity of the University a key pillar in the Universi- act with you hereafter, affirm to examining the project. examination process depends, in ty 2015-2019 Strategic Plan, is the fact that you were properly The Academic Progression part, on the quality of invigi- critical to sustaining a motivat- trained here at Mount Kenya Guidelines will provide a frame- lation. The amended guidelines ed work force that can sustain University. work that shall guide the Uni- shall provide a framework for effective and efficient University “I urge you to be our good versity’s approach to supporting ensuring examination security operations. Therefore, the Uni- ambassadors as you strive to be students in maintaining satisfac- and integrity. versity Council is committed to the best you can as you pursue tory academic progression from The amended Credit Transfer continuous improvement of staff your dreams and career aspira- one level of learning to a higher Policy is in compliance with welfare by ensuring that facil- tions. Demonstrate hard work level. the requirements articulated in ities, services and benefits are and integrity always as they are The Information Communica- the Universities Standards and steadily enhanced. The Univer- the key measures of success.” Prof David Serem, MKU Council Chairman tion Technology (ICT) Disaster Guidelines, 2014(PROG/STD/10). sity Council is also committed
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 9
14th Graduation Ceremony Prof Gicharu urges African states to fund higher education more... frica should invest much more Prof Gicharu resolved to establish an in higher education to help its institution of higher learning after a young people develop their tal- postgraduate training on entrepreneur- ents and engage in decent work. ship in the UK. His creation, MKU, now ATrained individuals are better placed to operates 13 campuses and has a student solve intractable problems such as disease population in excess of 35,000. and poverty that nations grapple with. Since inception, MKU has invested This is the view of Mount Kenya Since incep- heavily in capital development, human University founder and Chairman, Prof tion, MKU resource development and in student Simon N. Gicharu. He said this at has invested welfare. This is because of the founder’s Makerere University Business School’s belief in the power of education. (MUBS’) graduation ceremony on July heavily in Vice-chancellor Prof Stanley W. Waudo 18, where he was the keynote speaker. capital de- concurs that education is the path of Prof Gicharu decried the continent’s velopment, the greatest opportunity. failure to adequately fund higher edu- Says he: “While getting employment cation, forcing its youth to seek bet- human re- is the most obvious reason why people ter prospects abroad, sometimes with source devel- invest in education, there are other rea- dire consequences. He was referring to opment and sons. It changes the way societies solve frequent reports of African immigrants in student problems. It provides opportunities for illegally crossing the Mediterranean Sea socio-economic and political success. It to Europe, with some drowning at sea. welfare. is the great leveller, the choice giver and MKU Chairman and Founder Prof. Simon Gicharu (Right) receive a recognition award from Prof Gicharu also noted that the Arab the door opener for a happy tomorrow.” Uganda’s Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi (left) during 8th Annual International Spring of Northern Africa was largely Prof Gicharu asserts that adequate Leadership conference at Entebbe Uganda. Looking on is Makerere University Principal driven by youths who thought they had financing of higher education is a must Prof. Waswa Balunywa. lost their opportunities. in order to achieve development goals Down south, the Xenophobia scare in of the youth in West and East Africa by tively change the world. such as the global Sustainable Devel- South Africa displayed similar frustrations the Boko Haram and Al Shabab terror- The thrust of his talk reflected the opment Goals; Africa Union’s Agenda by that country’s young people, who felt ist groups respectively, thrived because views of Dr Jonathan Chuks Mba, the 2063; Uganda Vision 2020; Rwanda that the presence of citizens of other young people felt they had been denied director of research and academic plan- Vision 2020; and Kenya Vision 2030, nations in their country was denying a chance to improve their livelihoods. ning at the Association of African Uni- among others. them opportunities. Hence, Prof Gicharu said that given versities (AAU), who is strong on the The MKU chairman went on to point another chance, he would still invest in view that African states should scale up out further that the robust radicalisation education because of its power to posi- funding for higher education. ... calls for books on varsities, lasting reading culture
lege. the university would be equipping Kenyan authors should pen more Speaking at the Nairobi Interna- its campus in Rwanda with addition- books tackling issues that students tional Book Fair, he said: “It is al books worth Ksh2 million, mostly and scholars are grappling with at unfortunate that many people today on language. the higher education level. would be found to have lost some Prof Gicharu, a published author In addition to growing the body skills acquired in school due to an and whose more recognisable books of knowledge available by local writ- apparent detachment from reading. included the co-authored Applied ers for students pursuing different They lose the reading and even com- Mathematics for Craft Engineering, courses in colleges and universities, munication skills. This can be avoid- also met renowned Kenyan authors, such literature would offer students ed by embracing a steady reading including Muthoni Likimani, who is scenarios they can relate with and culture. All possible should be done an ambassador for the International help them in developing solutions to to ensure our reading capacities do Forum for the Literature and Culture challenges experienced locally. not decline with time irrespective of of Peace (IFLAC). This is according to Prof Simon what our occupations are.” The Nairobi Book Fair is in its Gicharu, Chairman and Founder of Prof Gicharu also challenged 21st year and has over time grown Mount Kenya University (MKU). authors and publishing houses to to attract thousands of participants Prof Gicharu has at the same time Kenyan writter and Peace Ambassador Chairperson Muthoni Likimani (centre) keep up with the readers. Many from different countries. sign a book she presented to MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon Gicharu challenged learning institutions to of have taken up technology, yet (right) as Kenya publisher Association Chairman Lawrence Njagi looks on. This cultivate a lasting reading culture was during Kenya Publishers Association 21st Bookfare held at Sarit Center. Prof. the industry is slow in rolling out – By John Muchucha among students; one that goes on Gicharu challenged the Kenyan authors to write books for Higher Education e-books, he said. even after they are done with col- Institution. The MKU Founder revealed that
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 10 | 2018
Medical Camp
wise, students and professors at MKU’s College of Health Sciences use the same facility as their anatomy laboratory.” Free medical camp screens MKU founder and Chairman, Prof Simon N. Gicharu, observes that the bur- den of disease from lifestyle illnesses and cancer is high in Kenya. They account for 27 per cent of deaths of Kenyans aged 5,000 for lifestyle diseases between 30 and 70 years, equivalent to almost 370,000 people every year. This reduces productivity, curtailing economic growth and trapping the poorest people Initiative mounted at a cost of Ksh20 million in chronic poverty. Prof Stanley W. Waudo, the university’s etween 30 July and 1 August, vice-chancellor, said MKU’s medical activ- Mount Kenya University (MKU) ities support the Beyond Zero Campaign and its partners hosted a medi- spearheaded by the First Lady, Her Excel- cal camp at its main campus in lency Margaret Kenyatta. The campaign BThika. The camp, mounted at a cost of fights maternal and child mortality. Ksh20 million, focused on free lifestyle MKU and its partners recently present- diseases awareness and cancer screening. ed Bungoma County with nine neonate More than 5,000 people, mainly drawn facilities worth Sh50 million across eight from Kiambu County, were screened for sub-county health facilities. lifestyle diseases at the camp. Titled, “Collaborative newborn support MKU collaborated with the County project,” and funded by the County Government of Kiambu (through the Innovation Challenge Fund (CICF), it Thika Level 5 Hospital) and the Nanavati aims at increasing newborn survival. Bun- Super Specialty Hospital, India. goma is among six counties with the The visiting Indian doctors, Dr Jaydeep worst new-born mortality indicators at 32 Palep and his wife, helped carry screen deaths for every 1,000 live births. non-communicable diseases. Dr Palep is Prof Waudo terms medical camps as based in Mumbai, India, and has prac- “the biggest hope in respect to promot- tised medicine over the last 18 years. ing disease prevention.” Dr Palep is the first fellowship trained He says medical check-ups empower Robotic Gastro-intestinal surgeon from people to make decisions that reduce India. He has to his credit more than MKU Principal, Students and Alumni Affairs Mr Peter Waweru (right) with Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of risks of ill-health. They make it possible 3,000 GI surgeries performed over the Administration, Planning and Institutional Advancement Dr Evans Mwiti lead university staff during the free cancer for one to learn about his or her health last 15 years. screening medical camp at Thika Main campus. condition and take corrective measures This year’s medical camp is one of the (PPP) between MKU and Thika Level 5 The governor said the partnership with before it is too late. university’s outreach initiatives aimed at Hospital is among the best examples of MKU benefits all concerned parties. MKU also partners with Partners for improving the health of communities. such an undertaking in the East Africa “The state-of-the-art funeral home put Care in the latter’s anti-jigger drives in County of Kiambu Governor Ferdinand region. It is also in line with the Kenya up by Mount Kenya University on a PPP different parts of the country. Waititu said the Public-Private Partnership Vision 2030 strategies. model benefits Kiambu residents. Like- State urged to finance more research
enya should invest more at very low levels. This is a concern to facilitate the four-day medical in health research to fight that should be seriously addressed camp. The camp will benefit more increasing cases of cancer by all stakeholders to find solutions than 5,000 residents. and other lifestyle diseas- to many diseases we are grappling The medical camp is a collaborative es.K These diseases are becoming a with,” Gicharu said. initiative between MKU’s College of national burden, Mount Kenya Uni- He urged other higher learning Health Sciences, Nanavati Hospital versity Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu institutions to undertake intensive from India, Zambezi Hospital and observes. medical research. The MKU chairman the Kiambu government. He said treating and managing urged the state through the Min- He said screening of non-commu- these illnesses is expensive. istry of Health to support medical nicable diseases, cancer, nutrition Gicharu spoke during a free cancer research. assessment and health education on screening medical camp sponsored He said MKU has injected Sh10 lifestyle diseases, as well as counsel- by MKU at the institution in Thika. million to facilitate a medical ling services will be conducted at He said medical research should research project by the institution’s the camp. “I’m happy we have made be emphasised to help fight diseases, College of Health Sciences and their available a vital opportunity that will including hypertension, diabetes and counterparts from Makerere Universi- allow many Kenyans at the commu- cancers such as cervical, prostate and ty in Uganda. nity level obtain both preventive and breast. Gicharu said as part of MKU’s curative medical services at no cost,” MKU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Research Affairs Dr Bibianne “Research in health sciences in our community outreach programme, the Gicharu said. Waiganjo-Aidi (in grey top and blue jeans) warming up with other staff during country and East Africa at large is institution will spend Sh20 million the Free Cancer screening Medical camp at Thika Main campus.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 11
School of Engineering,Energy and the Built Environment Varsity equips engineering school with new Ksh30 million equipment Aim is to strengthen training of engineers health care coverage required modern intelligent equipment and devices operat- and scientists ed by competent personnel with comput- er electronic skills, and medical engineers ount Kenya Universi- for maintenance and design. ty (MKU) has equipped its School of Engineering, Training for Africa Energy and the Built Envi- Eng Mulei sees MKU-trained engineers ronmentM (SEEBE) with new equipment leading Africa’s socio-economic drive since worth Ksh30 million. the university trains a lot of non-Kenya The assorted machinery, handed over students, many of them from Egypt, the to the School this month, is part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Ksh1 billion investment the university is Tanzania and Sudan. pumping into the training of profession- Third Year Bachelor of Science in Energy als in the School and that of Pure and and Environmental Technology student Applied Sciences. The amount will be Amran Abdi says the new equipment will invested over the next five years. help her in broadening the practical skills The aim is to strengthen training so necessary in undertaking responsibilities as to produce engineers and scientists “as a competent graduate.” capable of tackling increasingly complex She pledges to use her skills to help problems that humanity faces these days. the country attain energy-related sustain- On behalf of the university’s Board of MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley W. Waudo (second left) hands over state-of-art engineering equipment to able development goals. Directors, Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley Fredrick Mulei, Dean, School of Engineering, Energy and Built Environment. Engineering students and the DVC Another student, Solomon Mwenda, W. Waudo handed over the equipment Administration, Planning and Institutional Advancement, Dr Evans Mwiti look on. adds: “I am grateful to the School for to Eng Frederick Mulei, the School’s Ag bringing in this equipment. It has come Dean. Students cheered on excitedly. new things and working with innovative raise the quality of life. on time as we await our internal attach- One of them, Henry Kiggundu Tama- minds.” He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science ment, during which we will thoroughly le, was visibly impressed. Henry is a degree in Energy and Environmental interact with the equipment. Fourth Year engineering student who Excellence in applied sciences Technology. “The new equipment will boost our hails from Uganda. and technology training Also impressed by the new equipment training because there is strong connec- He said: “Working with the best pos- MKU is building a standalone modern is his colleague, Erestinah Zighe Malom- tion between lecture and lab work. Prac- sible equipment will equip us with the school of engineering in Thika to be bo. She is a Second Year student study- tical lab work will reinforce the principles cutting-edge skills we need to study completed by 2022. The university is ing for a degree in Petroleum Exploration we have been taught during lectures. We emerging technology fields. It can also harnessing its 22-year heritage of excel- and Production. We have the shall become competent graduates with jump-start our careers.” lence in applied sciences and technology She says the equipment will make it opportunity the skills demanded in the job market.” He added: “We have the opportuni- training. easier for them to undertake lab research ty to apply theory to solve real world Henry noted that by the time he and other experiments, thus giving them to apply the- ‘Green’ buildings problems with maths, physics, and engi- obtains his degree in Energy and Envi- a hint of what to expect in the world ory to solve MKU’s School of Engineering, Energy neering theory. But, we will also tap ronmental Technology, he “will have of work. real world and the Built Environment is designing significant design and hands-on lab expe- acquired knowledge across many disci- Prof Waudo, in his speech when hand- “green” buildings which will be wholly riences so that we are ready for the chal- plines related to the built environment ing over the equipment to the school, problems served with solar photovoltaic energy to lenges of the 21st Century. Our jobs will and renewable and traditional energy acknowledged that, “to train up-to-date with maths, meet their energy needs and generate entail solving difficult problems, creating resources”, which he promises to use to graduates able to meet mounting tech- physics, and additional power that shall be sold to nological challenges, a university needs earn the university revenue. state-of-the-art training facilities and lab- engineering oratories.” theory Relevant human resource Prof Waudo said the continuing strug- ‘Big Four’ agenda gle to reduce diseases, tackle poverty Eng Mulei, the Ag. Dean, said well- and improve infrastructure can only be trained engineers will drive President sustained if relevant human resource is Uhuru Kenyatta’s ‘Big Four’ agenda. developed. He noted that real estate management He added: “The engineering equipment training and research would be useful in is a testimony to our continuing effort helping build decent, affordable houses. to ensure that the university has requisite Eng Mulei added that competent engi- academic resources to support offering of neers alongside energy and petroleum quality training and education.” experts would drive the production and The university’s programmes, he assert- use of energy and power. Both resourc- ed, are designed to train and produce es are critical to Kenya’s industrialisa- human resource with competencies and tion. These experts will also play a role skills relevant to national development in research and training in energy and goals. petroleum. He observed that attaining universal MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley W. Waudo examines some of the Ksh30 million engineering equipment.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 12 | 2018
Research
Prof Francis Muregi, MKU’s Direc- tor for Research, Grants & Endowments explains that the university has excelled MKU among top recipients in research due to deliberate measures put over the years to support staff and students in building a research culture. “This began in 201l with an inter- nal research seed grant termed as the of local research funding Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation Grant. This fund is meant for building capacity or scholar’s in the field of ount Kenya University research.” (MKU) is among the top He lists the following as the reasons ten universities in research why the university has succeeded; in the country. This is • A robust Research Team accordingM to a survey conducted by • University management support in research firm CPS International between form of internal seed grants May and June and released in August. • Local and international collaborations The survey ranks MKU second among and partnerships private universities that received the high- • Community-geared research: The est amount of funds for research. MKU focus of MKU research has been received 2.9 per cent of the research community focused, and donors have funds received by universities last year. shifted their research funding from A report on the survey shows that in blue skies research to implementation the academic year 2017/2018, universities research. received approximately Sh1.85 billion • Multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial from government for research funds. research They also got Sh1.16 billion from indus- • Products and services geared research try, donors and other sources. • Incentives that include waiver of Only three private universities appeared teaching for scholars committed to in the list of the top 10 universities cat- research based on University’s Bal- egory nationally. ance between Teaching and Research The survey report explains that data Guidelines was collected on the research status • Robust grant management and of all Kenyan universities. The exercise accounting system undertook to determine the impact, vol- • Research monitoring and evaluation ume and value of research funding. The study indicates that a university is system This, the report released this month to determine if the funds released by required to have qualified staff to con- In its research undertakings, MKU has says, “aimed at establishing the state of the national government, county govern- duct and supervise research projects. It partnered with both local and interna- research funding and ranking universi- ments, institutions, industry, NGOs and should have laboratories and incubators tional universities. ties nationwide. The study also sought other donors were impactful.” for experimentation. Nkubu Campus Eldoret Campus
MKU Board of Directors member Madam Jane Nyutu donates books to Nkubu Campus. She was the MKU Eldoret campus receives delegates from Arizona University. University Council Chair Prof Serem and the guest speaker during a Campus Mentorship Forum. Receiving the books are Campus Director Madam Campus Director Dr Emily Kirwok received the visitors. Karen Mungania, Deputy Director, Academic and Research Affairs Makau wa Mutua and Campus Librarian, James Kaburia.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 13
New Chancellor Don’s vast Prof Struthers takes the reins experience as MKU’s second Chancellor
housands of people witnessed Prof John Struthers being installed as Mount Kenya Uni- versity’s (MKU’s) new Chancellor. AmongT them were his family, friends and colleagues. Prof Struthers big occasion arrived dur- Prof. John Struthers ing MKU’s 14th Graduation Ceremony on 3 August at the Thika main campus. A distinguished economics don, Prof A Scottish economics don with four John Struthers has contributed to the decades of experience, he thanked all world of academia in a wide range of who contributed towards the decision capacities. His experience as lecturer, to appoint him as MKU’s second Chan- researcher, published scholar, university cellor. administrator and consultant spans more He vowed to play his part in “making than four decades. Mount Kenya University the best univer- Teaching Experience sity in Africa.” Prof Struthers has taught at the Uni- Further, he promised to expand MKU’s versity of West of Scotland, formerly partnership base in support of the uni- University of Paisley, from 1978 to date. versity’s mission. He first taught there as lecturer, then He noted that all universities must seek as senior lecturer and now as Personal third stream income generation oppor- Professor. tunities, most of which come through He also taught at the University of partnerships. Glasgow, Scotland, from 1975 to 2000; Prof Struthers invited other stakeholders MKU Newly installed Chancellor Prof. John Struthers (left) MKU Council Chairman Prof David Serem (centre) and University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Open Uni- to partner with MKU, saying that the MKU Vice Chancellor Prof Stanley Waudo, during 14th graduation ceremony versity in the UK, which has its head- quarters in London; University of Sierra university had more than 100 partners, Leone; Dubai Polytechnic and Swinburne which include the University of West of University of Technology in Melbourne, Scotland, where he teaches. Australia. Over the past two years, strong links between Prof Struthers’ University of Research Experience West of Scotland and MKU have been You now have Prof Struthers has conducted research in developing. Such links are evident in all the skills, diverse areas in the field of economics the universities’ schools of law and in knowledge and in different geographical areas, both enterprise development and entrepreneur- in Europe and Africa. and attrib- He has published four books and over ship through MKU’s Graduate Enterprise utes to be Academy (GEA). 30 articles in refereed journals, and has also served as a reviewer for different The new Chancellor thanked Maker- successful in your future journals and books. Prof Struthers has ere University Chancellor Prof Barnabas further presented over 40 conference Nawangwe, the guest speaker during the endeavours. papers. graduation ceremony. Go forth to A respected researcher, Prof Struthers He observed that the Makerere VC was the job mar- has successfully supervised over 100 a strong believer in the capacities and ket with con- Masters and 20 PhD candidates to com- ambitions of MKU, and therefore one of fidence that pletion. He has also served as external examiner for over 35 PhD theses at over its most vibrant partners. success lies He acknowledged that partners had 10 universities across the globe. contributed greatly to the work of MKU ahead. Believe Administrative Experience as evidenced by the outstanding contribu- in yourselves Prof Struthers has worked as the Head tion by the first Chancellor, Prof Victoria but also trust of Graduate School, Dean of the Facul- Wulsin of the University of Cincinnati, in God, be ty of Business at the University of the USA. He appreciated that his predecessor honest and West of Scotland. He is currently the had contributed hugely towards making Director of Centre for African Research live an ethical MKUFounder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu with the Chancellor Prof. John Struthers MKU what it had become. life as you and Enterprise Development (CAREED) Addressing graduands directly, Prof Stru- at the same university. thers said: “The degrees that you are face the world knowledge and attributes to be success- being awarded today represent a journey of work, and but also trust in God. Be honest and live Public Appointments ful in your future endeavours. Go forth rather than a destination. The journey success will an ethical life as you face the world of Prof Struthers has been a Board Member to the job market with confidence that of education never ends, but continues.” be on your work, and success will be on your side.” of the Waterwatch, Scotland. He is the success lies ahead. Believe in yourselves, Honorary Consul for Ethiopia in Scot- He added: “You now have all the skills, side.” land since 2015.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 14 | 2018
MKU in Pictures
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5 1. MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley W. Waudo receives the nursing programme accreditation certificate from Ms Edna Tallam-Kimaiyo, Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) Registrar and Chief Executive Officer. The ceremony took place at the university’s main campus in Thika.
2. Hon Kimani Ichungwa (right), MP Kikuyu Constintuency gives a cheque of Kshs 200,000 to MKU Foundation towards education fund.
3. MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley Waudo (centre), presents a token of appreciation to Janine Kaiser (left), STEP Coordinator, Leuphana University Rector of Germany. Looking on are Manuela Oehler (second left) and MKU Foundation Director Dr Peter Kirira.
4. Mr Henry Orion, a tech guru from Silicon Valley, USA, delivers a public address to students at the MKU Indoor Arena.
5. Participants including entrepreneurs, managers, heads of various institutions and universities, business owners attended a three-day workshop at MKU Eldoret campus, Uasin Gishu County. The objective of the training was to discover and use data analytics knowledge to scale up their business models.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 15
MKU in Pictures
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10 6. Mount Kenya University Foundation Director Dr Peter Kirira presents a sponsorship cheque to Kikuyu Constituency Member of Parliament Hon Kimani Ichung’wa {right} as MKU Foundation Head of Grants Bonface Malala looks on. The sponsorship will Easy the kikuyu constituency Education fund needy students, MKU Foundation has invested heavily in schools and colleges, equipping them with world-class laboratories, ultra-modern computer centres with fast internet for easy access to e-learning resources.
7. Mount Kenya University Chairman and Founder Prof Simon N. Gicharu (left) presents a gift to Dr Jaydeep Palep and his wife Reshma Jaydeeep. The two Indian doctors were guests during a free lifestyle diseases awareness and cancer screening at MKU main campus.
8. Madam Jane Nyutu, MKU Co-founder and board member hands over a sponsorship cheque worth $100,000 to Makerere University Vice-Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe during the launch of a joint research fund.
9. Deputy Mayor of the city of Poland Mr Mariusz Wisniewski (left) receives a gift from MKU Founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu. Prof Gicharu and his entourage paid him a courtesy call at his office in Lublin during a trip to Vincent Pol University in Lublin, Poland. Both MKU and VPU are beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme funded by European Union.
10. MKU brass band members pose for a photo with Supreme Court Judge Prof Jackton Boma Ojwang’ and School principal Mr J. N. Muraya during Thika High School’s 61st speech, prize giving and family day.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 16 | 2018
Academic & Research highlights On the path of continuous improvement
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic before developing any curriculum. There- On the global stage, the recent webo- after, stakeholders, including industry, are metric survey ranked MKU E-repository and Research Affairs Dr Bibianne involved to ensure that the curriculum number one among private universities Waiganjo-Aidi, explains what is tailored towards producing graduates in Kenya, 22nd in Africa and 1013th in Mount Kenya University is doing ready to address existing job needs. the world. to enhance learning and the com- On teaching, the university has a Direc- A recent survey carried out by Cor- petitiveness of its graduates torate of Teaching Programmes, whose porate Staffing Services Limited ranked mandate is to sustain a conducive envi- MKU graduates to be the most preferred ronment for teaching and learning. The by employers in Kenya. How is MKU increasing access to directorate monitors class attendance by quality higher education? both the lecturers and students through Q: Continuous learning and improve- Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: Mount a well laid down procedure of clocking ment enhances any institution’s aca- Kenya University ensures that all its pro- in and out of lecture rooms. This has demic capabilities. Does MKU bench- grammes are approved by the Commis- not only improved compliance to contact mark with, or learn from other sion for University Education (CUE) and hours stipulated in the curricula, but also institutions on how to improve its by the relevant regulatory bodies. Cur- the students’ performance. Students are teaching in line with global pedagogy rently, the university has 164 programmes sharing this through word of mouth, and best practices? approved by CUE. as a result, more students want to study Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: Yes. The Through a well-structured network of at Mount Kenya University. university recognises benchmarking as an campuses, the University is broadening international best practice. It continues access to quality higher education in Q: Problems of 21st century are get- to support staff to benchmark with local Kenya and the larger East African Com- ting increasingly complex. How does and international universities. munity. MKU ensure it produces graduates Last year, a team led by myself as Recently, the University approved the who can cope with, and actually, offer DVC Academics visited the University elevation of the position of the Director, solutions to these problems? of South Africa (UNISA) to benchmark Coordination of Campuses, to Principal, Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: The Univer- Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, ARA on open learning. The visit culminated Coordination of Campuses. This is in the sity has invested heavily in infrastructure in the signing of a memorandum of interest of improving the management that supports quality teaching, and thus understanding (MoU) between the two of the campuses, thus improving quality. production of a graduates who are highly Welfare Services continuously re-engi- institutions. Currently, MKU is the most preferred competitive in the markets. neers and positions itself to unlock A team of faculty from the College private university. For the last three years, MKU boasts of an ultra-modern learn- emerging talents among students through of Health Sciences also visited Makerere the university has received the highest ing infrastructure that matches global diversified extra curricula activities, career University to benchmark on medical number of government sponsored stu- standards, such as the well-equipped orientations and international linkages/ courses. dents among the private universities. Our award-winning, multi-media library. partnerships for students to achieve their The Dean, School of Nursing visited numbers have also been steady despite The University has invested heavily in full potential. Johns Hopkins University in the United the challenges of fewer students qualify- ICT infrastructure that has earned the The University has established a centre States on a benchmarking mission. ing to join university education. overall university award for ICT excellence for professional development to offer The university also hosts other univer- in the coveted annual Information and professional courses that add value to sities whose faculty come to benchmark Q: How innovative is MKU approach Communication Technology Association students, thus giving them a competitive against our practices. These institutions to curricula development and teach- of Kenya (ICTAK) awards. edge in the market. include, Kenyatta University, Zetech Uni- ing? What are outcome of such an Recently the University set up an ICT The University has continued to estab- versity and United States International approach? innovation hub that will house students lish more laboratories to ensure that University (USIU), among others. Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: MKU con- with innovative projects. the students acquire practical skills in ducts a market survey to inform the need An empowered, the Division of Student addition to theory knowledge. So much going on in research The Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academ- sity-Ethics Review Committee (MKU-ERC) has • Reduced workload to the faculty members to capture patent filing procedures, revised reviewed and approved 941 proposals (from (Balance between Research and Teaching co-innovation sharing rates and establishment ic and Research Affairs, Dr Bibianne faculty and students in MKU and other uni- guidelines) to allow faculty have more time of innovation hub at Mount Kenya University. Waiganjo-Aidi highlights research versities). for research developments at MKU. The university subscribes to the Turnitin • Train staff on entrepreneurial research (Col- Q: How much do you see MKU researchers anti-plagiarism software checker annually. laborative Entrepreneurial Partner Universi- contributing to the realisation of national What have been the outputs of research ties-CEPU). development policies (Big 4 agenda and at MKU? Q: From experience gathered over the last Kenya Vision 2030)? Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: Mount Kenya few years, has MKU figured how to best Q: Is there a need to revise the MKU Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: MKU researchers University has supported various research activ- support faculty and students to undertake research policy? carry out cross-cutting studies. For instance, ities for the past five years. impactful research? Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: The Vice-Chan- the County Innovation Challenge Fund (CICF) The university has attracted external grants Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi: We are imple- cellor’s Research and Innovation Grant Policy developed and equipped nine New-born Units amounting to Ksh502 million. menting various strategies to realise this. Such has already been revised to equalise funding (NBUs) in the nine sub-County health facili- It has supported 52 publications, 103 local strategies include: opportunities across schools and departments ties and handed over the project to the Bun- conferences and 98 international ones. • Research sensitisation for both students and during research dissemination. goma County Government in December 2017. The Vice-Chancellor’s Research and Innovation staff The Research Strategic Plan will be revised to In addition, innovators through Mount Kenya seed grant awardees over this period are more • Collaborations with other institutions to capture research areas for the newly introduced University Innovators Platform (MKUIP), have than 50. allow complement resources such as labo- academic programmes and new fundraising come up with a 3-D printer with ability to The university has supported more than 30 ratories (MKU-KEMRI) strategies. print many machine components. This inno- capacity building workshops or seminars. • Encouraging joint research, e.g, MKU-Mak- The Research Policy will be revised so as to vation could revolutionise the manufacturing Over the five years, the university has organ- erere University joint research in health capture the aspect of co-funding, co-investiga- industry in Kenya. ised five international conferences. science tion and new research areas. Over the same period, Mount Kenya Univer- • Increased capacity building workshops The Intellectual Property Policy will be revised
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 17
Academic & Research highlights MKU’s life-changing telemedicine innovation
ew-born babies in Bungo- ma County are now assured of quality specialised care, thanks to the launch of a Ntelemedicine application (app). The app is mobile phone based, and has features that link clinicians in the remotest areas of Bungoma County to a pool of specialised consultants. The success anticipated from this innovation may yet prove to be the game-changer in the health landscape. This may very well spell the end to the present situation where patients have to travel from upcountry to see specialists in the capital or in major towns. The gains that would accrue cannot be over- emphasised. The resource-poor and most vulnerable members of society would not need to exhaust their meagre resources in travel- ling and consultation costs. All it would require is a nurse at the local health facility to examine the patient, key in Dr Jesse Gitaka, Head of Pure and Applied Sciences Research Programme. crucial parameters and press the submit button to the specialists available online. Cuban specialist doctors. born care specialist and the principal central in building the confidence of At the touch of a button or iPad Even with the situation as bad as it is investigator, opines that this has revo- clinicians in tackling complex cases that screen, the specialist would relay life-sav- in the country, the rural populations are lutionised new-born care in Bungoma would previously have occasioned auto- ing diagnoses and prescriptions. A dream the worst hit, since the few specialists County and elevated it from among the matic referrals. that would previously be unthinkable of available prefer to work in urban centres. poorest performing to be one of the best “These referrals have been identified in receiving care from top medics would The potential of the innovations that equipped in the country. our studies as causing major delays in have become a reality. MKU is implementing is that they may A parallel effort is also ongoing to care-seeking, which has contributed to MKU researchers who conceptualised provide an alternative to the prohibitively provide continuous mentorship to the the abnormally high new-born mortality this novel idea propose that the econom- high cost of training specialists that the frontline providers of new-born care. rates in this county,” he said. ics around this innovation tell an even taxpayer incurs. With just a few special- Paediatric trainers from Kenya Paediatrics It is envisioned that these partnerships bigger story. ists in a location of their choice, the Association (KPA) and MKU have part- between MKU and other like-minded The entire County of Bungoma has rural folks would receive otherwise highly nered with the county in the provision institutions will lead to net health bene- only one paediatrician. This unfortunate inaccessible specialised services. of continuous training. fits for the community. reality is replicated in many counties. Followed closely by this innovation Mr Daniel Gatungu, who is in charge Testament to the dire shortage of spe- was a launch of eight refurbished and of project implementation, was quoted By Dan Gatungu cialised health providers is the recent equipped new-born units in Bungoma as saying that the mentorship had been CICF Project Officer move by the government to ship in County. Dr Jesse Gitaka, himself a new- Mount Kenya University
Partnership talks MKU joins peers in Penn State University Carnegie fellow with Gujarat project to nurture at MKU on malaria research project University student innovations Mount Kenya University (MKU) Mount Kenya University (MKU) has joined a newly formed consortium of universities in Africa Prof Esther Obonyo, a Carn- include Dr Mary Muriuki and also been actively involved Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley Waudo egie African Diaspora Fellow Dr Peter Kirira. in co-learning activities direct- hosted the Vice-Chancellor of Guja- that support student innovations through incubation or acceleration centres. This was during a workshop from Penn State University, The work involves field activ- ed at enhancing the research rat Technical University (GTU) Prof is working with Mount Kenya ities in the Mwea Irrigation capacity of faculty members Navin Sheth, and the two leaders held in July at the INES, Ruhengeri, Rwanda. MKU was represented by two dons: Prof Peter University researchers to fight Scheme and selected sites in in SPAS. She has also pro- discussed modalities of collabora- malaria. Kisumu. vided mentoring for graduate tion in areas of engineering, human Wanderi (MKU Kenya Principal, Corporate Servic- es) and Dr Claudia Rusibana, a lecturer at MKU She is collaborating with Dr The MKU management, students. health, education and students’ busi- James Mutuga, a faculty mem- including the Vice-chancellor The outcome of the visit will ness innovation and incubation pro- Rwanda. The newly formed consortium referred to as ber in the School of Pure Prof Stanley Waudo and the be packaged into proposals to cesses. and Applied Sciences (SPAS) Dean, SPAS, Dr Mary Muriuki, be submitted to the National The GTU Vice-Chancellor invited Business Innovations and Incubation Centres–Africa (BIICA), is headquartered at INES Ruhengeri, Rwan- and MKU’s principal investi- received Prof Obonyo at the Science Foundation (NSF) in MKU to send delegates to Guajarat gator for the grant ($25,000) Thika main campus on July 2. USA and local agencies such summit to be held from 18 to 20 da. It is under the chairmanship of Nshimiyimana Gonzalves, a lecturer at INES. on a mosquito-proof housing In addition to working on as the National Research Fund January, 2019. The collaborative research project. the mosquito-proof housing (NRF). MoU is being discussed. Prof Wanderi is the interim East African Liaison for BIICA. Other MKU collaborators project, Prof Obonyo has
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 18 | 2018
Alumni Blessed Eric: How I found my destiny
“My name is Eric Mwenda, otherwise I approached the campus supermarket companies. commonly known as Blessed Eric. I am and asked if I could supply bottled That was another big challenge. the last born of eight brothers and one drinking water. I got the deal, but the I came back and informed Mr Murigi sister, born in Meru County. Growing company closed down shortly afterwards. and madam Nancy. They encouraged me with only the support of my mother in I had to figure out something else. to register one. the midst of deep poverty, I was deter- I urged my two friends and classmates, In the meantime, out of my good asso- mined to be successful. Moses and Janet, that we establish a ciation with the director, I started doing From the outset, my mother Silvana business in Mwea. marketing for the university for free. I Erastus, inspired me to persevere. “My My mother had sold a goat and would take brochures to high schools son, this animal called poverty needs us some farm produce and sent me about whenever I went to preach. be of one mind. Hold the head and I’ll Sh12,000. I chose to invest the money I would ask the director to guide me hold the legs. If you release the head, which was a drop in the ocean when on how to market. I learned so much we’ll be defeated. If I release the legs, considering the tuition fees I was to pay. in marketing that Mr Murigi agreed to we’ll be defeated. But if we agree to So, we started a milk bar. It thrived for reward me with Sh5,000 for every stu- hold on no matter what, we’ll win”, she some months until thieves broke in and dent who came through me. said with a lot of conviction. stole everything. I read books on marketing, finance After completing high school with a lot Nevertheless, Moses and I set up a and on successful personalities. The story of financial constraints, no one would local hotel close to the previous shop. of the chairman and founder of Mount have thought that I’d proceed to a pri- But because we operated the business Kenya University, Prof Gicharu inspired vate university, under the parallel pro- by phone, the landlady made the hotel me. The support and goodwill of the gramme. I feared to even mention this theirs. university administration gave me hope idea to my mother. But I was so deter- I was back to drawing board. to go on. mined to learn. I explained my situation to my Mr Mr Kelvin Nyamai, then the Head of Before joining university, I stayed with Wangombe, then our head of depart- Department, would call me to His office a man of God called apostle Samuel ment. He wrote me a recommendation often to listen and encourage me. Jackson of Wisdom Ministries Interna- letter which helped me get a job with a One day I was invited to Wisdom tional, based in Mwea. He taught me tour company in Nairobi. But because of Sanctuary, a church located in nelion how to handle tough situations and distance. I lost the job on the first day. center in thika led by pastor James G. But I didn’t give up. Maina, to link them to prison and hos- advised me to read a lot of books. My Eric Mwenda, MKU Student culture of reading books kicked in. I I was growing in confidence and wis- pitals since I was leading the group that read the book of Hebrews and saw how dom. I met with people who challenged used to visit and share love with such by faith a mighty man of God accom- me. Then I learned through the Scrip- people. While I was there I was found plished many things. Therefore, by faith, MKU without a penny. I approached tures that a gift of a man opens door by default in a group that was preparing I decided to go university. Mr Emmanuel Owuor, the the associate for him and makes him sit with kings. to present a skit. I happened to help I told my mother that I had received dean, (now the Dean of Students) and I knew I had a gift of creativity. I used them in developing the story and even sponsorship to pursue further studies, but explained my case. I told him I need to write poems and skits in our church. playing a role in acting. Afterwards, the first I should pay my first semester. She one month and I’ll pay the fees. He I could organise and direct a drama in leader of the group Dr. Maina, gave me sold the only cow she had and paid wrote a letter to the finance department My son, church. Sh30,000 to register my own company. fees for my first semester. I was sure that through my Head of Department. Just So I went to the associate dean and Dynamic Beacon Ltd was born and imagine my joy when I was readmitted. this animal henceforth I was on my own. Nothing called pov- told him about my talents. He wrote a launched on 2 October 2015 in indoors else could be sold. That why I have always affirmed that letter to the director marketing, Mr Boni- arena, Mount Kenya University. I was In May 2012, I joined Mount Kenya Mount Kenya University is the best uni- erty needs face Murigi. I wanted to script an advert rewarded as the best innovative student University to pursue Bachelor of Sci- versity. It’s a home. No issue is too big us be of one for the institution. in MKU by Prof Chege, by then the ence in Travel and Tourism Management to the university to listen to. mind. Hold But Mr Murigi told me: “You cannot DVC SWAMA. degree. In faith, I had to do whatever Having known Mwea rice farmers, I the head and look at a person and say he or she The journey started, Mr George Mburu, went to the person in charge of the it would take to accomplish my dream. I’ll hold the can sing. Go and bring your idea on a an author of many books in MKU, The first semester ran smoothly. MKU staff café, I asked if I would sup- compact disk.” would take me to colleges to give inspi- Then a floodgate of problems opened ply rice to the canteen. I brought a legs. If you He also gave me a disk of some peo- ration to fellow youth. in the second semester. No fees. No sample and it was accepted but my price release the ple who had done similar work In 2017 I was employed as a manager money for a hostel. denied me the deal. head, we’ll I accepted the challenge and did comi- in a hotel in Machakos and resigned Moses, my one and only male class- I didn’t give up. I went to an Oilybia be defeated. cal advert with help of my friend in the after 43 days. I set up a tyre business mate, took me in. But, lacking tuition Cafe in Thika town and sold my idea. Christian Union. in Chuka Meru and I am now a big Luckily, I got the job. But because I If I release fees, I had to take an academic leave. the legs, I took it to Mr Murigi, and he sent me shareholder of Destiny Structures com- There was no hope at home. Everyone didn’t have cash, I had to convince my to Mr Wilson Mbugua, so that we redo pany, having four big excavators, owns even my own brothers didn’t believe supplier to wait for three days I get paid we’ll be de- the ad using professional cameras. a FVZ tipper and running a Real estate in me. They never believed that I was then pay him. I was so happy! feated. But if Mr Mbugua was happy and willing to and House management agency in Ruiru; schooling. Although I don’t blame them But my joy was short-lived. we agree to help me. I showed it to madam Nancy, Dynamic Beacon real estate and house for doubting me. In the second month, my supplier gave hold on no a a teaching staff in human resources management agency. WiFi installation me low quality rice. And my contract During my forced leave, I visited family matter what, and she was happy for me. She encour- and the best is yet to come. friends in Dar Es Salaam. There, I read was terminated. I approached practically aged me to keep it up and promised My mentor and partner Mr Batista, a book by Robert H. Schuler, Success is every hotel in Thika hoping to clinch we’ll win to link me with some companies I do always tells me that success is not far never ending, failure is never final and a tender to supply rice. None accepted adverts for them. A lawyer friend of from where you are. I have leant a lot his other title, Tough times don’t last, but my proposal. mine linked me to the then MD Vivo, including financial matters and am will- tough people do. I didn’t give up. I had read a book Mr Polycap Igathe, to do an advert ing to share and inspire anyone who So I knew I had to be tough. Tough- by John C. Maxwell titled How successful for Shell company. Mr Igathe informed interested. ened by my readings, I returned to people think. I learned that successful me that they don’t pay individuals but people don’t give up or become negative.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 19
Alumni Career and alumni A fulfilling public lecture by Cloud pioneer Mount Kenya University fraternity enjoyed uals to unite in bringing essential surgery services now harmonised a public address by Mr Orion Henry and to poorly-served areas of the world. It has his wife Dr Jamie Henry on digital health. been screened in over 60 countries, and Mount Kenya University has complied with the visits, attachment, internships, volunteerism and Mr Henry, an IT guru from the Silicon Val- has been reviewed and featured in The Ministry of Education directive to harmonise job opportunities. ley, pioneer of cloud computing and serial Lancet. career and alumni services. This is by housing The career advisory service is key to ena- entrepreneur, delivered a public address at Dr Jaymie Henry is the Founding Exec- the career advisory services under the new Direc- bling students to turn their dream professions the MKU indoor games arena. utive Director of the Global Alliance for torate of Career and Alumni Services (DCAS). into reality. It helps students to choose courses He is the co-founder of Heroku and has Surgical, Obstetric, Trauma, and Anaesthesia The MKU Senate has approved the new directo- depending on the natural strength and their also worked as a Principal Architect at Care (G4 Alliance). rate. This comes earlier than the December 2018 abilities, understand their fit into the job mar- salesforce.com. During the public lecture, students inter- deadline set by the Ministry of Education. ket, and balance class with other professional Mr Henry was the Executive Producer acted with the ICT guru and explored the The career advisory services will be handled in activities such as career talks, career clubs, career of the film, “The Right to Heal”. The film chances of venturing into self-employment the new directorate, and therefore, group and coaching and mentorship services. sheds light on neglected diseases globally after they complete their studies. individual walk-in students will be served by the To boost student innovative abilities, the office and the need for organisations and individ- expanded staff structure. will nurture their innovative and entrepreneurial The Directorate of Alumni Services, established spirits, and coach and mentor them to commer- in February 2014, has grown over the years and cialise their innovations. MKU on course to set up offered services to alumni and current students. Thus, two committees – the career and alumni It has served these groups through employability committee and the student business and innova- soft skills training, career talks, industrial attach- tions board – will oversee the successful imple- e-health programme ment, job placement and alumni tracker studies. mentation of the new directorate. Previously, other career services were provided The committees have a mandate to develop, Mount Kenya University has partnered with options. under the related administrative units, such as review policies, guidelines and procedures to two organisations to set up an e-health MKU chairman Prof Simon Gicharu said marketing, linkages, research, admissions and successfully implement the directorate’s mandate programme to provide access to medical the initiative will see doctors reach more registration. and recommend annual budgets to enable the care digitally. patients. The new directorate will cover three major execution of its objectives. The deal with Henry Family Trust Fund “They will work closely with our School sections: Students’ Entrepreneurial and Innova- Mr Afubwa Musumi, the Director designate, and Afya Switchnet was unveiled during of Medicine. The organisations will pro- tions; Student Career Counselling and Advisory; says: “I welcome the new restructuring as this the 14th Graduation Ceremony in Thika. vide technical and financial support,” Prof and Alumni, which will continue to track the will give the best services ever to the students The programme, which will cost Ksh15 Gicharu said. performance of former MKU students in the job and alumni at large. The area of innovations million, will be based at the university’s “Access to healthcare in the region market. while at the University is key to increase job innovation hub in Thika. It will help remains low. We hope that this new ini- The directorate’s industrial partnerships will link creators and reduce job seekers.” academicians and researchers build success- tiative will support this programme,” he students and alumni to industry for industrial ful digital health solutions. added. “I am delighted to say that we are Dr Jaymie Henry said the organisation creating our own Silicon Valley within the will provide technical support through university.” Terms of reference of the Career and support from the MKU fraternity/lecturers/ software development, but its management Prof Gicharu continued: “Our students Alumni Committee professors and other stakeholders, ensure will be handed over to Kenyan doctors. now have a chance to use the latest tech- The hub will support and advance nology to conceptualise and realise their 1. To oversee the functions of the Directorate their growth into spin-offs/start-ups. mobile technologies, cloud services, com- innovations.” of Career and Alumni Services 5. To oversee planning of the University puter aided diagnosis and innovative care 2. To develop, propose and recommend pro- annual innovation challenge week and grammes, strategies, policies and guidelines other innovation activities with other part- for running and governing the Directorate ners to the University Management Board and 6. To solicit ideas from relevant stakeholders, PLOTS BENEFICIARIES Senate, for approval through the Students identify and recommend partners. and Alumni Management Committee, for quality delivery. 3. To oversee the effective implementation of University Management Structure approved programmes, strategies, policies and guidelines 4. To oversee preparation and recommend budget estimates and other resources for approval by the University Management Board and ensure prudent resource manage- ment 5. Any other duty that may be assigned by the Vice-Chancellor. Terms of Reference of Students Busi- ness and Innovation Board 1. To promote students’ innovations and busi- ness ideas, and grow them to patentable/ commercial products and services 2. To develop, propose and recommend the programmes ,policies and guidelines to man- age student business and innovations 3. To oversee the development and establish- ment of the university-based science / Innovation Park. 4. To oversee the coordination of students’ innovations and business ideas, and with MKU Chairman Prof Simon N. Gicharu (centre, wearing black cap) joins delighted staff who the university gave free plots in Thika for their service. Helping staff to acquire affordable housing is in line with MKU’s welfare and motivation scheme.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 20 | 2018
MKU Kigali Kigali campus gets HEC nod to develop roadmap to become independent varsity he application by the Mount Vice-Chancellor-designate Prof Edwin a distinctly Rwandan character but with Kenya University (MKU) campus Odhuno said the immediate impact of international faculty as well. However, in Rwanda to operate as a ful- this change of status will be the univer- MKUIST and MKU will share a Chan- ly-fledged university has received sity graduating students at its campus in cellor: Prof John Struthers.” theT Higher Education Council’s (HEC) Kigali beginning next January. The university will offer programmes nod. Previously, graduands from the cam- accredited locally by the education The regulator has allowed the campus pus had to travel to the MKU Thika to authorities. This will be under the Rwan- to develop a roadmap to transition into graduate. Those who could not afford da National Qualification Framework. an independent university. to travel to Kenya participated in the “Students who graduate from MKUIST HEC gave its approval on 6 October, graduation ceremony through video con- under this framework will not need triggering the formal process of trans- ferencing. to go to the Ministry of Education for forming the campus into a complete MKUIT, Prof Odhuno explained during equivalence assessment of their qualifica- university. an interview, is busy constituting its tions,” said Prof Odhuno. The Ministry of Education is expect- autonomous Council and Senate. He explained that the university will ed to later issue its approval through He added that the Council will approve gradually transition to the Rwanda the Cabinet. The ministry’s order will the Senate’s decisions and this will boost National Qualification Framework as new allow the university to operate within the ease of decision-making on academic students enroll. the national guidelines for education in issues, including examinations. MKUIT will develop a memorandum Rwanda as an autonomous, fully-fledged The university’s administrative structure of understanding (MoU) with MKU, the university. will change. “We will adopt the struc- mother institution, to allow students The institution is in the process of ture used in Rwanda,” Prof Odhuno who wish to graduate under the Kenya rebranding to MKU International Univer- The Royal Media complex at MKU Rwanda campus in Kigali. explained. “The university will thus have National Qualification to do so. sity of Technology (MKUIT). Growing success: Ultra-modern broadcasting center
I am very excited about the new chapter our audiences from a very well informed of our radio station that continues to be a perspective. success story in the lives of Rwandans. Our Our On air studios will now not only success begins with us being able to broadcast give you an incredible ambience when you the right content for the right listener and come for PR interviews but also you our give attracting the right business partners. advertisers digital mileage with our Video for Today, we add to our growing success, not radio services. Our Production studio is fully only a permanent broadcasting center but an equipped for services like radio spot produc- ultra-modern, state-of-the-art radio that will tion, drama production and all sort of audio give a great experience to our staff, listeners advertising solutions. Today Royal FM can and you our advertising partners. broadcast any event live from location with We are very grateful to the government of our outdoor broadcasting VAN and mobile Rwanda for advancing fundamental freedoms studio. and promoting public access to information My ultimate objective as a sponsor of this which is essential to bolstering good govern- project is to contribute to Rwanda’s economic ance and the rule of law, deepening inclusion and educational growth. The media complex and dialogue. will help us train the best and grow our What started as a very small station in 2013, school of Journalism as a centre of excellence. as a platform for our school of journalism Alongside radio, the facility will host the Royal has now become a trend setting radio. A integrated corporate communications strategies market leader by far in innovation and on arm, an office that will major in compre- air activations. We are proud to host the first hensive brand corporate communications and English breakfast show – Kigali In The morn- Public relations. We want our customer to ing and this will go further to strengthen the find all communications solutions in a one English Language adoption for the Rwandan stop centre. MKU Chairman and founder Prof Simon Gicharu (left) with Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Community. Radio provides an enduring platform to Authority (RuRa) Lt. Col. Patrick Nyirishema (2nd left) Rwand Higher Education Council Executive The completion of the media complex at bring communities together. Radio remains a Director, Dr. Emmanuel Muvunyi and Kenyan Ambassador to Rwanda John Mwangemi (right), cut ribbon the cost of over $ 400,000 and setting up a crucial source of information and knowledge, to mark the official launch of Royal media complex at MKU Rwanda campus . modern studio is a major milestone which spanning generations and cultures, inspiring us will usher in many advantages to radio broad- with the wealth of humanity’s diversity, and the challenges all societies face. go to school. After many years, the dream has casting quality in Rwanda. The facility as connecting us with the world. As a young man growing up in a simple been birthed here in a beautiful country of a you have witnessed has a radio library – the Radio gives voice to women and men every- rural home in Kenya, I had a dream of thousand hills. first in this country and with all nature of where. It listens to audiences and responds starting up a radio station for purposes of This state of the art Royal media Complex is literature regarding the broadcast professional. to needs. It is a force for human rights and using it as a tool to reach out to the masses another milestone to actualize my dreams that We want our on air personalities to inform dignity and a powerful enabler of solutions to especially the poor who could not afford to I believe will empower our next generations.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 21
MKU Kigali Three niche courses MKUIT is banking on
he proposed MKU Interna- He added that enrolment for the nurs- tional University of Technolo- ing programme offered at MKUIST is gy (MKUIT) has re-launched its on an upward trend. He believes the Royal FM studio as it moves to ultra-modern skills lab at the university enhanceT its niche programmes. is a key attraction. The radio station’s studio, boasting “We are also investing more resources MKU Chairman and founder Prof Simon N. Gicharu with Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority Lt state-of-the-art equipment, supports the in postgraduate training,” Prof Odhuno Col Patrick Nyirishema and Kenya’s Ambassador to Rwanda John Mwangemi get a feel of Royal FM Radio station’s training of journalists and other media said. new studio at the Mount Kenya University Rwanda Campus. professionals. On student welfare, he said the univer- Vice-Chancellor-designate Prof Edwin sity had acquired more land close to its Odhuno says the equipping of the studio campus to build hostels. is part of the university’s drive to invest “Sitting on the 2.5-acre piece of land in equipment that aids quality practical is a structure we can refurbish to accom- learning. modate 150 students,” said the don. “The university has identified three cen- “The Rwanda cabinet made it compulso- tres of excellence in teaching journalism ry for any institution of higher learning and media; hospitality; and nursing,” to have hostels.” said Prof Odhuno. Prof Odhuno said he expects the hos- The don explained that MKUIT had tels to be ready by next January. decided to invest massively in these areas Students at MKUIT largely comprise the of training to gain a competitive edge in working class drawn from Kigali. Up to higher education. It has, however, not 80 per cent of the student population ignored the other programmes it offers belongs to this group. and will keep enhancing them. Prof Odhuno said the university was Prof Odhuno said MKUIT’s hospitality eyeing to enrol more students fresh from infrastructure, used in the training of high school. Because most of them will hotel and tourism management students, come from other parts of Rwanda, the is among the best in Rwanda. university has to build hostels for them. MKU Chairman and Founder Prof Simon N. Gicharu (right) presents a cheque to journalism student Kayitake Orivier. Looking on is Lt Col Patrick Nyirishema, Director General of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority. This was during the official opening of the Royal Media complex in Kigali.
MKUR’s unique deal with Sacco to grow teaching profession
Mount Kenya University Rwanda putting in to grow the profession. And Arts and Science, Postgraduate Diploma (MKUR) has entered into a memo- as a university committed to excellence in Education in Science and Arts, Mas- randum of understanding (MoU) with and empowering generations through ter of Education and Bachelor of Edu- Umwalimu Sacco to strengthen teacher quality education, we are committed to cation in Early Childhood Education. education in Rwanda. The move will training and being part of growing the Speaking during the ceremony, U see teachers and students access study profession in the country,” he said. wambaje Lawrence, the director general loans from Umwalimu Sacco to further “We shall continue investing in our of Umwalimu Sacco said: “Teachers get their education at MKUR. niche areas and expand to offer qual- into their profession because of their The university will act as the knowl- ity education. One of our main goals love for learning and care of students. edge partner in building the needed is to complete the students’ hostels Now we want to contribute to grow teacher training capacity in the country such that teachers from far places can the profession by helping education and exchange of information relevant to easily access education,” Prof Gicharu teachers further their education through training and research. added through a statement read dur- flexible pay back option loans with our MKU chairman and founder Prof ing the MoU signing ceremony on 18 partner MKUR. Teachers who do not Sina Gerard Enterprse Urubwtso Managing Director Mr Gerard Simon Gicharu lauded the partnership, November. have enough money to further their Sina receives a certificate of appreciation from Dr Mercylene Kamande, terming it a step in the right direction MKUR has vast experience in devel- education can now apply to Umwalimu MKU Rwanda Deputy Vice-Chancellor designate in charge of academics. that will help grow the teaching profes- oping teachers. It has so far graduated Sacco to get the money to further their Mr Sina gave a public lecture on strategic management to staff and sion in the country. over I,000 teachers in four programmes studies at MKUR,” said Uwambaje. students. “We note the effort the government is that include Bachelor of Education in
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 22 | 2018
Journalism MKU students win ‘Top Story Season 2’ journalism contest
Of the investigative pieces that 20 participating universities presented, ‘Taps of Misery’ edged the rest
hey thought they had to gradu- ate first before their work could air on TV. They were mistaken. As they would learn in March, Tfate had other plans in store for them. The trio, Ruth Ondiso, Ken Njenga and Samuel Gititu, were in for a delightful surprise; a career-defining moment. They represented Mount Kenya Uni- versity (MKU) at the Top Story Season 2 investigative journalism competition organised by media firm, Africa On Air. The reality show aired on KTN Home. Of the investigative pieces that the 20 participating universities presented, the trio’s story, ‘Taps of Misery’, edged the rest. The story detailed the suffering Nairobi residents endure at the hands of greedy and devious water cartels. The three fourth-year Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication stu- dents reaped the fruits of teamwork. They were ecstatic when they were declared the winners. As their reward, Africa On Air, sponsored their trip to BBC’s and Skysports’ offices in London. There, they learnt more about their craft from seasoned TV journalists. Winning the award “has launched my career and I don’t have to wait until I graduate,” Ruth declares. Ken adds: “Through Top Story Season 2, I’ve learnt a lot from top journalists Award-winning journalism students, their colleagues and staff celebrate the win. in the world such as Anas Aremenyew.” university’s win. Ken now stresses that choosing to study Ruth explains further how they went “I will never regret being part of such a “We have sufficient, state-of-the-art train- at MKU remains one the best choices about their task: “We shared out roles wonderful institution,” Sam says, adding ing facilities in our department,” he says. he has ever made in life. “Thanks to among ourselves. Sam was the main that he values “the environment and the “Each student has access to all studio dedicated lecturers and availability of camera person and Ken the reporter. I commitment of the lecturers”. facilities and equipment.” resources vital to journalism training, I was the producer and also camera per- He says: “The availability of requisite The department has produced some can anchor and produce any news item,” son for the cutaways. Despite the defined equipment was all we needed. MKU outstanding names, among them sports he says. roles, we helped each other out.” provided all that. All we had to do was reporter Robinson Okenye, writer Peter Samuel concurs, saying: “The award has The journalism students say producing go out there and tell an effective story.” Ngila and outstanding Kiswahili master truly launched our careers as investigative ‘Taps of Misery’ was a big challenge. Ruth thanks the MKU fraternity for of ceremony Sarah Mauti, seen especially journalists. I became a journalist so that However, through persistence and team- trusting them with the task of represent- during state functions. I can tell people stories that change their work, they delivered the story. ing the university in the competition. Many other students have gone through perceptions and expectations on matters “This was a great challenge given that Josphat Githua, Head of MKU’s Jour- the department’s training are doing well that affect them every day.” we were dealing with cartels whose rot nalism and Communication Department, in their various places of work. They He adds: “When we were investigating, was not easy to dig out,” Ruth says. in analysing the students’ success, cites include Amos Weru Mwangi, a BBC radio recording and packaging ‘Taps of Misery’, Ken agrees: “Unearthing water cartels is aggressive and positively mentored stu- journalist, and Halima Gongo, a reporter it was about bringing our minds together a delicate issue.” Sam stresses how they dents, qualified and dedicated staff, com- with NTV. as a team to tell a compelling story to had to “dig deep” to unearth the facts mitted leadership and maximum use of the world. We successfully did.” that made the story compelling. available resources as factors behind the
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Journalism Education student blogs and wins Counseling trip to World Bank, IMF meetings services at MKU eeking professional psychological coun- Mount Kenya University (MKU) student seling seems problem- Benazir Mohammed Yusuf left for Wash- atic to most people. UnlikeS other mainstream tra- ington DC on April 13 to attend the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings. The ditional medical procedures, meetings will take place from April 20 it is not easy to discern when to 22. to seek help. Yet all people The fully-paid trip, which ends on 23 are mentally sick. However, it is the severity of the men- April, is her reward for emerging one of tal condition that separates the three winners of the World Bank’s those who need treatment “Blog4Dev Contest 2018”. from those who do not need The trip helps young people to network Dr Maroko Mokua, PhD treatment. Studies have con- Head of Psychology Department with other youths across the world, and tinuously revealed that mental gives them a chance to learn more about conditions such as dementia guilty because you failed to development issues. do not surface at old age perform your obligations as Her winning blog was selected out of but they have been present expected? The list is long. over 1,000 blogs. It masterfully addressed all along one’s life. Such life What am I insinuating? Your the common topic, “What it would take threatening conditions during mental well being is slowly to end Gender-Based Violence”. old age usually begin early degenerating! You need pro- Diarietou Gaye, World Country Director in one’s life especially dur- fessional psychological coun- for Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, ing one’s productive years (20 seling. You are suffering from congratulated Benazir and informed her to 65 years). These mental distress. A greater percentage that, after the Washington meeting: “You conditions usually manifest of people suffering from it will participate in a conversation with themselves as distress arising end getting well without any Government of Kenya officials sometime from daily life hustles and intervention because they in May this year”. are therefore overlooked by have stronger self-rectifying Benazir, a Bachelor of Education Arts many. defense mechanisms, howev- student, hails from North-Eastern Kenya Most people at risk of men- er, to the smaller percentage who don’t recover, the con- where, she says, “Women have been tal illness are those who are employed more so those with dition will continue progress- side-lined and denied opportunities to families because of their jux- ing thereby taking a toll in participate in decision making”. taposed roles. They are dis- their mental health (Do you “This year’s World Bank’s blog competi- posed to multiple personali- know the strength of your tion offered me the chance to share my ties as they attempt to fulfill defense mechanisms? Nope story,” she says. “My blog focused on these roles so to satisfy both – I guess). It may sometimes female genital mutilation, rampant in the the employer and the family become a precursor to schiz- area, and how to set up community cen- Benazir Mohammed Yusuf, a Blog4DEV contest 2018 winning Blogger simultaneously. ophrenia (madness). Seek tres where survivors can get assistance.” How do I know that I psychological counseling help A teacher at a girls’ high school in Gar- and girls’ unique needs. with and learn from the people I shall needs counseling? near you. issa County, she also runs a communi- The second-year Distance and Institu- meet during the Washington Spring meet- Consider the following: have Do you know where to seek ty-based organisation called Silver Lining psychological counseling help? tion-Based Learning (DIBL) student says ings. This is also an opportunity for me you been crying intermittently Kenya, www.silverliningke.org. It aims of late without knowing why? Here at Mount Kenya Uni- the World Bank award is a great oppor- to develop my skills as a blogger and at upgrading the life of the pastoralist Even without being provoked? versity, do you know where tunity for her to explore and learn more. pursue my dream of becoming a writer community, with a focus on women’s Have you been frequently to seek psychological counsel- “As a gender activist, I will network one day,” she says. anxious or fearful before your ling help? Many students and employer/supervisor or spouse staff may not be aware that even after fulfilling your tasks they are at risk of compro- or obligations? Have you mising their mental wellbeing Webometrics ranking: MKU among top lately been avoiding contexts and therefore need help. You (places or people) that you can get professional psycho- once frequented because you logical counselling help from 10 most popular universities in Kenya feel that you don’t what to? three points: Are you feeling unhappy even 1. Dean of students – coun- when good things are hap- selling services centre, Mount Kenya University (MKU) is among 10 most popular pening around you like a 2. life-skills centre universities in Kenya. This is according to the latest Webo- promotion or salary hike? Are 3. Department of psychology. metric Ranking of higher education institutions in the country. you frequently having angry The three points have MKU jumped from position 14 in the previous ranking to outbursts to your colleagues enough accredited counseling 10 in the latest survey. or family members or spouse psychologists who can help The July 2018 ranking placed MKU among the top three without or with slight prov- you normalize your mental private universities in the country and tenth overall among ocation? Are you feeling wellbeing. the 87 higher education institutions ranked. Webometrics Ranking considers the volume and quality of For more information, visit the counseling website at the contents a university publishes on the Web. http://counseling.mku.ac.ke/
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 24 | 2018
Partnerships First lot of STEP students complete training
nterprising Mount Kenya Univer- sity (MKU) students who com- pleted a 10-week training on entrepreneurship received certif- Eicates. However, those who excelled in the Students Training for Entrepreneurial Programme (STEP) walked home with some cash too. “Informal sector is the new economic reality,” said MKU vice-chancellor Prof Stanley W. Waudo at the ceremony mark- ing the completion of training of the first lot of MKU students to go through STEP. “STEP has empowered the youths to excel in the informal sector. Leveraging on the informal sector is the way to go since it is faced with lack of skills and funds,” he added. STEP, developed by Leuphana University (Germany) in collaboration with Maker- ere University Business School (MUBS), enables students to practise what they have learnt in class. The programme is research-based, uses real money in real time and is fully Winners of the first STEP business competition proudly display their certificates. Also present is MKU sponsored in Kenya by Leuphana Uni- Principal, Corporate Affairs, Prof Peter Wanderi (left), (and at the back from left) MKU DVC in charge of versity in partnership with the Kenya Administration, Planning and Institutional Advancement Dr Evans Mwiti, MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley National Commission for Unesco (KNAT- W. Waudo and MKU Council Vice-Chairman Dr Vincent Gaitho. COM-Unesco). Ms Christine Maingi, a guest at the society and find solutions”, advising them Students are given Sh10,000 in groups ceremony, urged the students to use the further that “money shall follow later”. of five to try out their entrepreneurial skills they had learnt to create employ- STEP has so far been introduced in skills during the training. They return ment. close to 20 countries worldwide, and the seed money at the end of the pro- Dr Vincent Gaitho, MKU Council MKU is the second Kenyan university to gramme but keep the profit. vice-chairman asked the students to be embrace it. KNATCOM- Unesco Secretary General, innovators; “to identify problems in the Some of the students who completed the STEP training cannot hide their happiness as they proudly display their completion certificates. BRSU Cultural Exchange Programme
In February, MKU received eight students to give them a wildlife experience. They from Bonn Rhein Sieg University in also got a taste of the rich cultural diver- Germany for a three week long Cultural sity of Kenya at the Bomas of Kenya. Exchange Programme. The purpose of The Library, the swimming pool and all this programme was to expose these stu- other university facilities were available dents to the Kenyan culture while at the for the students during their stay. MKU same time having them attend classes in students on the other hand had the ben- their various disciplines. efit of interacting with students from an The students would earn credits in entirely different background, attending their University for participating in the classes together and sharing experiences. programme. While here, the students The University is aggressively seeking integrated well with their counterparts after such collaborations in order to give from MKU making many friends in the our students a more holistic experience process. They also got the opportunity during their stay in the University. In to compare learning in Germany with the future, the University will organize that in Kenya. for many more such programmes with Trips to our national such as Aberdare Universities from all over the world. Students from Germany’s Bonn Rhein Sieg University pose for a photo with their MKU counterparts. The Germany students were in Kenya on a cultural exchange programme. and Maasai Mara were also organised
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Focus on Nakuru Campus A feel of the Great Rift Plaza
he building housing Mount Kenya University (MKU) Nakuru Campus is a magnificent struc- ture located in a quiet area in NakuruT town. Previously, MKU Nakuru was housed in Resma Plaza on Oginga Odinga Street. The exterior A growing student population meant design de- that the university would need more picts a centre spacious premises. The university opted to construct one for itself. The Great of learning. Rift Plaza was the result. The campus There is a occupied it in 2016. book and a The exterior design depicts a centre of hand that learning. There is a book and a hand that holds the world, symbolising the holds the power of education to the universe. world, sym- The security desk is manned by profes- bolising the sionally-trained officers who handle the power of university clients with dignity. Security checks are thorough and well-coordinated education to for the safety of the whole MKU family. the universe.
CUSTOMER CARE The customer care office past the park- ing lot reflects the beautiful face of the university. The exterior is made up of transparent walls to let in natural light. The waiting bay inside is a luxurious The modern customer care lounge in Nakuru campus and spacious lounge. The furniture are comfy, and guests can sample copies of university magazines and other journals that give them company at the coffee table. On the wall is a digital television set. Hence, there is never a dull moment at the customer care desk. The customer care officers manning the desk are professionals with vast knowl- edge about the operations of the whole university. Talk of elegance; the customer care desk is as welcoming as it can be. Study Villas in Nakuru campus have power ports for charging laptops BASEMENT At the basement of the Great Rift Plaza television and get entertainment. The library to study in these open structures is the university clinic and science lab- whole area is connected with free Wi-Fi. that also provide a refreshing view of oratories. Nakuru town. The cool breeze relaxes A student centre will soon be ready STUDY VILLAS the mind. for use. It will comprise a gym, kitch- On the other tip of the building, the The study villas are fitted with power enette, facilities for indoor games and a rooftop, are study villas. Students can ports where users can charge their lap- common room where students can watch take some time off lecture halls and the tops.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 26 | 2018
Focus on Nakuru Campus On a change mission: Meet the Guess who keeps the busy Director of Nakuru Campus KFA roundabout neat f you are in Nakuru town and Avenue to the highway. the KFA roundabout catches your The MKU Nakuru Estates Department is attention for its neatness, think tasked with its general maintenance. Mr r Emily Nyabisi was appointed about Mount Kenya University Joel Gesicho, the Estates Manager, ensures Director for Nakuru Campus I(MKU) Nakuru Campus. The campus the grass is well trimmed and that the in January 2018 following her is responsible for the maintenance of facility is kept clean. He also ensures the exemplary performance in the this arguably busiest roundabout in the flowers are well tended for the needed Doffice of the Deputy Director, Academic & populous town. aesthetic value. Research Affairs. Located on the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, The place is a beauty to behold for Dr Nyabisi holds a Doctorate and a Master the roundabout serves as the connecting many. Nakuru residents say this shows of Philosophy degrees in Educational Man- junction to Kabarak and the Westside MKU has the best interest of their town agement and Policy Studies, both from Moi Mall. It also connects the busy Kenyatta at heart. University. Her undergraduate studies at the University of Nairobi earned her a Bachelor of Education. At MKU, she also serves as a lecturer in the School of Education, where she teaches both undergraduate and post-graduate courses. She also supervises students at both masters and PhD levels. She has worked in different capacities at the university since May 2011, in Eldoret and Nakuru campuses. She also served as coordinator in the School of Education and School of Post-graduate studies; Assistant Registrar, Teaching Programmes; Coordina- tor, Quality Assurance; and as Deputy Di- rector, Academic and Research affairs. Dr. Emily Nyabisi, Director, Nakuru Campus Sitting at the helm of leadership in Na- kuru Campus, Dr Nyabisi is a renowned As a passionate educationist, her dream scholar and researcher in the field of educa- career goal is to be in a position where she tional leadership. can positively effect change in educational As the Nakuru Campus director, she is policies, practice and procedures at the on a mission to change the perception re- highest level. garding the duty of the office. She wants it Talking to the MKU family, Dr Nyabisi be viewed not as a seat for providing ad- says: “We can only be great as we think we ministrative direction, but more as one that are. Before anyone else can believe in us, we offers academic leadership. “All the other must believe in ourselves.” functions should come in to support the She emphasises on the values of efficiency, academic progress in Nakuru Campus,” she effectiveness, integrity and accountability to says. God. Taking time off to give scholars career tips
very year, Mount Kenya Univer- The high sense of humour in informa- sity (MKU) Nakuru offers free tion delivery kept the young learners Making Nakuru career advice and mentorship to attentive. secondary school learners. The At the end of it all, teachers represent- Campus neat and campusE sets a day for students from ing different schools praised the univer- secondary schools in Nakuru to interact sity for its commitment to nurture the with and get advice from specialists in young generation. attractive different fields. The event was this year held on 12 Outreach The Nakuru Campus has an Estate Office May. The campus does not stop at hosting a to make the environment habitable and The day’s programme started with a career day, but also sends out represent- comfortable. This office, headed by Mr Joel tour of the university premises, giving the atives to offer guidance and educational Gesicho, keeps all the facilities clean, in- visiting young learners the opportunity to mentorship in neighbouring counties. cluding offices and hostels. Mr Joel Gesicho interact with university staff in different Once such outreach was held on May ensures that all campus structures are well departments. 19, a week after the career day. maintained and repaired. From the science laboratories, the Representatives from every MKU school His office is further responsible for land- library, journalism studio to other learn- set off to Nyandarua County, led by scaping and grooming of the grounds. ing facilities in the campus, the young marketing officer Nelly Kayanda. The And because MKU Nakuru took charge of scholars had a fruitful day that also delegation had been invited to offer maintaining the Kenya Farmers Association included educative presentations at the mentorship at a career event in Njabini roundabout in Nakuru town, this office is university’s Hall 701. town, Kinangop constituency. in charge of that too. Mr Peter Njenga, the Deputy Direc- Gracing the event was the area Mem- To effectively execute these duties, “coop- tor-Academic Research Affairs, led the ber of Parliament, Hon Kwenya Thuku, eration and respect are some of the virtues university management in hosting the accompanied by counterparts Amos among the staff, students and the office,” visitors. Kimunya (Kipipiri) and David Kiaraho Mr Gesicho says. Well prepared presentations and eye (Ol Kalou). opening career advice marked the day.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development
Several MKU researchers are involved in research to control malaria, spread by mosquitoes 2018 | 27
Focus on Nakuru Campus Campus plant trees in Nakuru launch ceremony ount Kenya University (MKU) made a notable contribution at the launch of a tree planting campaign byM the National Government in Nakuru County on 5 April 2018. The event was held at Mogoon Primary School in Kaptembwa, Nakuru West Sub- county. MKU Nakuru Campus staff and students, led by marketing officer Nelly Wanjiru, came armed with seedlings. The ceremony was graced by representa- MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley Waudo (right) join MKU Council tives from the national government, county Vice-Chairman Dr. Vincent Gaitho (left) and MKU board of directors government, forestry and the local commu- member Jane Nyutu during the official commissioning of Great Rift nity. Parents, students and staff from MKU Plaza Nakuru Campus were also involved. A total of about 600 trees were planted on that day. Speakers at the occasion lauded MKU for always getting involved in activities aimed at improving the lives of communities.
A student plant a tree during tree planting exercise in Mogoon Primary School, Kaptembwa.
New strict rules raise exam credibility
Mount Kenya University (MKU) stands for transparency and quality in teaching and ad- ministration of its functions. To ensure this, the university re- views policies from time to time to make them better. At the start of 2018, MKU adopted new examination rules, which have enhanced the credi- bility of exams. Among the new rules posted on the university notice boards and on students’ portals, mobile phones are strictly not allowed into examination rooms. The exam period in March and April recorded no incidents of attempted cheating. This led to smooth transition of students from one level of study to the next without delays associated with exam malpractices. Mr Peter Njenga, the universi- ty’s xxxxx, visits exam venues to MKU School of Public Health officers attend to volunteers who turned up for free medical checkup at MKU Nakuru Campus recently. see to it that the new regulations Thousands turned up for the exercise. MKU is at the fore front in are applied. helping the goverment to control non-communicable diseases through Examination in session. New rules and regulations are strictly adhered to. screening and awareness, the medical camp is part of the university corporate social responsibility.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities
MKU founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu present a dummy cheque for the air tickets of the MKU athletics team that represented the university in Johannesburg, South Africa during the Africa University Games. 28 | 2018
Focus on Nakuru Campus New DIBL sessions kick off in style rguably, the busiest time of the university calendar is during the Distance and Institutional Based Learning. This is usually in the Amonth of April, August and December. Students mainly from the school of Education are taken through learning and exams over the holidays. A sizable number of students were admitted and oriented for the task ahead learning. On Sunday the 8th April, 2018 all new students converged at the univer- sity hall 701 in floor seven for orienta- tion. The campus management, associate dean of students and the school coor- dinators were all present for the event. The school coordinators introduced themselves and outlined their areas of service to the students. The top man- agement led by the director took them through the university systems and encouraged them to go for greatness. The DIBL students are also invited to be ambassadors of the university in their respective places of work.
MKU Nakuru campus Registrar-FAM Ms. Suzanne Standa addresses DIBL A section of DIBL students during the orientation students during orientation on 8th April, 2018
Giving students a real feel of how to care for animals
MKU Nakuru has invested in animal goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry, fish health demonstration farms. One facility and donkeys. is at the ASK showground in Nakuru. A variety of farm crops are also grown The other is at Gitonga farm in Lanet. in the expansive piece of land. These are tracts of land where different These resources are used by the School animals are reared for practical learning. of Pure and Applied Sciences and the Students studying animal health visit the School of Public Health, coordinated farms with their lecturers to be shown by Mr David Gathura and Dr Muhoro how to professionally take care for the respectively. animals. The Gitonga farm in Lanet hosts Frie- Among the animals reared at the ASK sian cows and various breeds of pigs for Friesian cows in Gitonga Farm-Lanet managed by MKU showground are pedigree cows, sheep, the same purpose.
Pedigree cows at the MKU Demonstration farm in Nakuru ASK Showground Fish pond at the MKU Demonstration Farm at the Nakuru ASK showground
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Focus on Nakuru Campus
Taking a healthy Opportunities for spiritual break from books empowerment ount Kenya University members are encouraged to spread the Nakuru Campus provides word of God in the university. The YCS matron and patron are very ount Kenya University students with the opportunity close to members. Through their strong (MKU) Nakuru Campus to challenge their minds, and thatM includes space for religious expression support, so much has been achieved. holds a sports day every The society has managed to go semester. This is line with and learning. Prominent in this are three for trips, which have helped them MKU’sM undertaking to promote holistic Christian organisations run by students intermingle with other campuses and development of its students. through facilitation by the university share ideas on how to grow spiritually. The Nakuru campus holds its sports administration. We briefly profile them: The following verse keeps the society day at the Nakuru Athletics Club. This moving: Ephesians 3:20-21: “To Him is usually held over the weekend when Christian Union by means of His power working in us most regular students do not have classes. The Christian Union is an outreach is able to do so much more than we In February, the campus held one ministry. It is an interdenominational can ever ask for, or even think of; to of the biggest such tournaments that union, and is independent in all its God be the glory in the Church and also invited participants from other activities. in Christ Jesus for all time, forever and universities. “We get support from the ever! Amen.” In this event, MKU Nakuru campus administration to use campus facilities emerged the overall best, beating Kabarak when we require them for worship. We Seventh Day Adventist University in most of the competitions. also get transport from the university to The Seventh Day Adventists at MKU Besides sport, MKU Nakuru also attend rallies. This is done by the help Nakuru are led by a group of more encourages talent growth through other of the patron, who is appointed by the than 40 active members, who ensure creative activities, such as drama and administration to be the link between their activities run smoothly. The group’s pageantries. us and them,” says the chairman. driving force comes from the Book of The reigning Mr MKU (Nakuru?) Popularly known as CU, the Christian Philippians 4:13: “We can do all things 2017/2018 is Tonny Kiplangat Chirchir, Union brings together all students of Mr. Peter Njenga (left) hands the trophy to the winners of the open the protestant Christian faith. Some through Christ who strengthens us.” while Miss MKU (Nakuru?) is Leah tournament in Nakuru Athletics Club. Henry Odhiambo (in black Through this, the group has managed Kawira. Ms Kawira is also the reigning jersey) the campus sports coordinator looks on. of the activities it carries out include to organise outreaches and visitations Miss Igembe Constituency in Meru missions, kesha (night vigils), lunch to churches. It has hosted events and County. hour services, bible studies and worship members have had the opportunity to MKU Nakuru has a vibrant drama club practice. intermingle with peers from different that has performed plays in different Within the union are several ministries. universities and colleges to promote parts of the country. They are run by appointed officials under the guidance of the chairperson. spiritual growth. The union promotes leadership skills The group is also active in music and among members, not only in the has been busy recording volumes since spiritual context but also in the field 2015. of studies. The core values of the union Dr Oigara xxx, being the patron, are integrity, spiritual development and has helped the group to achieve their conscious mindedness. spiritual growth dreams, not forgetting Madam Jacqueline Omuya, who has ******** been mentoring members. “We acknowledge their support to the Young Christians Society group and pray that the Lord keep Comprised of members of the Catholic and guide them as we anticipate for faith, the society is commonly referred his second coming,” says xxxxxx, the to in it abbreviated form, YCS. group’s xxxx. The officials are elected annually, and
Leah Kawira – Miss MKU Nakuru campus
The Drama Club performing a play titled “the well” for Nakuru campus students and staff in Hall 701 Tony Kiplangat – Mr. MKU Nakuru Campus
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 30 | 2018
Focus on Nakuru Campus Welcome to Nakuru’s resourceful library
ount Kenya University which enables exchange of information (MKU) has invested in an among all member libraries. ultra-modern library at its The different sections of the Nakuru Nakuru Campus. Spacious, library accommodate users with vary- wellM lit and adequately ventilated, it ing information needs. For instance, the gives users a comfortable environment e-learning section allows users to access for studying. e-books, e-journals and other electronic The facility has a seating capacity of information sources. 600, and information resources have been The library has set aside some private increased over time with introduction space from where one can have quality of modern computers to the e-learning reading time alone. section. There is a spacious newspaper section The library has also invested in an for users who want to keep abreast of electronic security system to safeguard national and international current affairs. learning materials, and CCTV cameras to The dailies are kept here. boost surveillance. MKU Nakuru library is headed by It is connected to all MKU libraries Mr Henry Odhiambo, who is presently countrywide. Students from all MKU cam- responsible for ensuring the facility stays puses can access services from any library in the right path towards becoming a in the sister campuses. centre of research for everybody. Additionally, the library is registered niversity Council members visiting the library during a routine visit to ensure the campus has adequate with the Kenya National Library Service, academic resources Students leadership Ultra-modern studio at
The Nakuru Chapter of Mount Every year, students hold elec- within the university,” says Too. Kenya University Students Asso- tions to choose their leaders. The “For instance, we expect to have Nakuru Campus ciation (MKUSA) is headed by elected officials sit in the stu- a fully functional students centre Anthony Too, who took the reins dents’ council – MKUSA – which by the end of the year.” MKU Nakuru has a modern studio sioning the journalism studio, congrat- of Nakuru Campus students lead- is made up of six positions. Too adds that he would like his where students of mass communication ulated the university for the bold step ership in elections held early in The council is mandated to leadership to have a long term are trained using state of the art facilities. in equipping students with up-to-date the year. bring positive changes in aca- impact, saying he looks forward The journalism studio is located on the skills in the new world of broadcast MKUSA provides an organised demics, students social welfare to seeing MKU students from fifth floor of the Great Rift Plaza. technology. platform for students to voice and sports, among other areas Nakuru “being absorbed by the The Bishop of Nakuru Catholic Diocese, Students from the department continue their interests and to contribute of interest. most competitive corporates”. Rt. Rev Maurice Muhatia, while commis- to be absorbed in mainstream media. to the maintenance of a condu- “I aspire to see an impact in cive learning environment. the areas of recreational facilities Academic trips Students from the university also enjoy visited the Kenya Meat Commission in academic trips fully facilitated. Early in Athi River accompanied by their lecturer the semester, students of Public Health Mr. David Gathura.
Public Health students on an academic trip to the Kenya Meat Commission in Athi River.
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Research Seeking the link between science and religion
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Chair- • Professor Bernard Boyo, a Professor man Prof Simon Gicharu has challenged in Bible and Theology, Hermeneutics the Christian Scientific Association of and Contextualization at Daystar Kenya (CSAK) to promote coexistence University and Chairman of Board between science and religion. of Management of CSAK. He said this during CSAK’s region- Topic: Science and Religion: An Afri- al conference that ran from 29 to 30 can Reconnaissance August in Naivasha. • Professor Francis W. Muregi, Director Prof Gicharu commended CSAK for Research & Innovation, Mount Kenya the work it was doing as the first such University and CSAK Project Leader. association in the region. Topic: Naturalism and the limits of He reiterated that the University Man- science agement was committed to continuing supporting the Association. MKU allocat- About CSAK ed 5,000 square feet of office space to Christian and Scientific Association of CSAK at the main campus in Thika. Kenya (CSAK) is a professional, non-po- MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanley litical, non-sectarian Association estab- Waudo said a blend between science lished to enhance coexistence of science and religion was necessary as a guide to and religion. The Association is registered human behaviour, practices and activities. in Kenya. Several MKU faculty members presented their research on the nexus between sci- It objectives are: ence and Faith. • To promote understanding of science Mr Andrew Harrison performed the and religion play, Mr Darwin’s Tree, a show about the • To explore interactions between sci- life of Charles Darwin, who is recognised ence and faith in the African context for his vast contribution to evolution • To provide a platform for narrow- science. It was the first performance of Mount Kenya University Founder and Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu (right) present a gift of recognition to Prof. ing the knowledge and attitude gap the play in Africa. Andrew Briggs a researcher from Oxford University, during Christian and scientific Association of Kenya (CSAK) between science and religion The conference theme was: “Interaction Conference held at sweet lake resort in Naivasha. • To promote synergetic interaction of Science and Religion in Africa: The among science, culture and religion. current and future perspectives”. • Professor Joseph D. Galgalo, of God (RCCG). Scholars from Europe and Africa, as Vice-Chancellor, St. Paul’s University, Topic 1: Human uniqueness and The Association’s membership has well as CSAK members, attended. Close Kenya, and Associate Professor of the image of God: Bridging biology, grown tremendously to 285 members to 200 people from the different affiliate Systematic Theology. theology and culture drawn from more than 30 universities institutions where CSAK has members Topic: The future of the discourse of Topic 2: Opportunities and chal- and research institutions. The Association participated too. science and Christianity in Kenya lenges in resolving perceived conflict has launched five chapters in different • Professor Andrew Briggs, a Professor between science, religion and culture: institutions and plans to establish others Guests and Speakers of Nanomaterials in the Department An African perspective in November. The CSAK Regional Conference was of Materials, University of Oxford. • Dr Fiona K. A. Gatty, Research Fel- To continuously engage and enhance graced by keynote speakers from the Topic 1: How does science help low at the Department of Materials, the harmonious coexistence of Faith and United Kingdom, Nigeria and Kenya. in knowing God? Insights from a University of Oxford and Programme science, CSAK has organised success- The Chief Guest was Professor Mwenda Quantum Physicist Adviser for the Templeton World ful outreach events such as debates, Ntarangwi, Chief Executive Officer of the Topic 2: The future of religion in Charity Foundation. workshops, conferences, trainings and Commission for University Education. the era of technology and transhu- Topic 1: Hostility between science two essay competitions for postgradu- The Guest Speaker at the opening cer- manism and religion: The lies, the myths and ate students. The essay competitions are emony was MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof • Professor Oyewale Tomori, former the truths meant to encourage young scholars to Stanley Waudo. President of the Nigerian Academy Topic 2: The dialogue between reli- contribute to the discourse on science There were six other key speakers at of Science and an ordained pastor gion and science: Challenges and and religion. the conference: of the Redeemed Christian Church future directions
MoU with Ningxia Normal University Mount Kenya University (MKU) and Chi- well as the languages. na’s Ningxia Normal University (NNU) MKU’s delegation at the signing cer- have signed an MoU to collaborate in emony at Norfolk Hotel in Nairobi was promoting education. The curious word led by Council Vice-Chairman Dr Vincent “Normal” in NNU means teaching in Gaitho. Also in attendance were Dr Evans Chinese parlance. Mwiti, MKU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in NNU offers broad courses in teaching, charge of Administration, Planning and including the training of teachers. The Institutional Advancement (APIA), and Chinese university will initially collabo- the Mayor of Ningxia City, among other rate with MKU’s School of Education as dignitaries.
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Eldoret Campus Talent Plenty talents at Eldoret Campus Annet Wamunyokoli ble business that demands passion and Josephine Cherop Kakuko Course: Diploma in Journal- Talent: Beadwork interest. It also needs excellent planning and the services of a designer, since it ism and Mass Communication involves creative bead arrangement. Talent: Music The craft includes making table mats, “I am 23. I hail from West key-holders, serviette holders and colour- Pokot County, Kacheliba Con- ful, moulded flower bottles of different stituency. sizes. As a girl child, I want to be self-re- I have a passion for music. liant and above all self-motivated, not I am a talented singer. I have only in business but also academically. been singing since my child- I look forward to growing my business hood, especially in church. into a big entity. I began my singing career seri- I started this business to test my innova- ously in December 2016 fol- tiveness and to assist my dear parents to lowing a spiritual vision which pay a portion of my school fees. I come instructed me to evangelise through singing. Using my personal from a humble background and I would savings, I recorded my first song, ‘Chomecha’, which means love to financially support my parents. God loves us all. I also have a positive mind-set. I believe Because of my humble background, I lack funds with which I can do what others can, differently but to shoot a video and to record more songs. I often fail to pay equally well, if not better. Where there is fees on time and end up missing some classes. I will highly appreciate any assistance. “I would first like to thank Almighty a will there is always a way. Lastly, I would like to encourage fellow Thank you. May God bless you abundantly as you support God for this far He has brought me. me!” Secondly, I would like to give my heart- youths to wake up and think big since Edwin Omedi felt gratitude to campus director Dr life is what you make it. Opportunities come once. I would also advise them Course: Journalism Kituy Nekesa Mary Emily XXX, Mr Amos Monoi, the head Talents: Clothes and material Course: Diploma in Bank- of marketing, and the Career Department to develop a positive personality. They should, however, note that while per- design ing and Finance for their great support. Talent: Music With their constant advice and encour- sonality will always open doors, only Omedi Edwin is Mr MKU Eldoret Cam- Kituy Nekesa Mary hails from agement, I see myself reaching new character will keep them open ever. pus 2018. He is passionate about clothes West Pokot County, Pokot South heights in beadwork. This is a profita- I am determined to do my best through and material designs of all types. the support of my campus.” He has been interviewed on Y254 TV Sub-County. She joined MKU once. in September 2017 to pursue a Mr Omedi’s designs and passions were Diploma in Banking and Finance. Ian Duncan Manyara featured in BTR Magazine. She started singing back in high Course: XXXX This is what the magazine wrote about school at Tartar Girls’ School in Talent: Singing his work: West Pokot. Nekesa specialises in Ian Duncan Manyara started singing “This week, we interact with a designer Kiswahili gospel music. while in Form One at Leshau Boys High who takes us back to the days when She realised her potential in School, Nyahururu. So, when he joined vintage material dominated the fashion music after joining the supportive MKU Christian Union, which the Eldoret Campus, he continued to industry. He blends them with official paved the way for her to record some of her songs. cultivate his talent. outfits to develop something explicit...” Nekesa performs in various churches and events hosted by He has been performing in clubs and Read more about The Omedi Designs MKU. She has produced three songs with more awaiting at social events. Ebru TV hosted him only on” recording. She says her main challenge is getting finance to once as a main guest. He has also been produce her songs. interviewed on Hero Radio. Mr Manyara has produced three songs. Two of them are audios and the other Daniel Mutinda a video, which he produced with the Course: Accounting assistance of Kenyan celebrity DJ Crème fees and marketing expenses. Talents: Marketing and motivational speaking de la Crème. He plans to release other Meanwhile, he engages in Karaoke Daniel Mutinda is a student in the school of business studying songs soon. in clubs. “Although performing Karaoke He was to work with comedy duo for a degree in accounting. He is talented in corporate market- does not generate lots of money, it helps ing and motivational talks (both Christian and academic talks). Amos and Josh on some project but the to make society aware of my existence as plan fell through due to high collabora- He has been marketing Safari Forex Bureau in Eldoret and an artist,” he says. tion fees. MKU Eldoret Campus under the guidance of head of market- His main challenge is video production ing, Mr Monoi Amos. This work has enabled him to pay his tuition fees up to Third Year.
Nesmus Ingolo Madaga part of the troupe that competed at ling in my accounting profession. Course: Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) the national level at Kasarani, Nai- However, my big challenge is how Talent: Music robi. I have also performed during to raise money to record, produce, MKU marketing activities. shoot video and market my music. “I am a former student leader who my dream come true. I have recorded three songs and I have composed many songs, but served in the Mount Kenya Universi- I am a talented songwriter, pianist, shot one video, which is on You- lack of money has hampered me ty Students Association (MKUSA) as singer and performer. As a recording Tube. The song is called, “Deep in from recording them. the social welfare and entertainment and performing gospel artiste, my my heart.” The link is https://www. It is my humble request, hope and minister 2017/2018. This helped me stage name is ‘Nestar_Musiq_Kenya’. youtube.com/watch?v=ss4krHIjBtI. prayer that through MKU, my dream in nurturing the talents of others I perform at MKU forums and I officially launched the video early will come true. and mine too. events with the MKU Band Eldoret. this year on KBC national television. God bless Mount Kenya Universi- I thank the university management An active member of the MKU My dream is to become successful ty for believing in me. God Bless for supporting me and for making Drama & Music Club, I have been in my music career while also excel- Kenya.”
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Infrastructure Development
Upcoming MKU convention centre
Artist impression of the Convention Centre front & Alumni Plaza rear view with proposed library extension
The Convention Centre interior Convention Centre side view Convention Centre side view Varsity establishes ICT hub to mentor talented graduates Mount Kenya University (MKU) has graduates lack is mentorship – and in developing solutions for modern established a facility for mentoring that is what iHub will provide. businesses. The centre will serve as and incubating talented information “Although Kenyan universities an incubator for innovation and as technology graduates so that they release a sizable number of com- a mentorship platform for software may help develop solutions for local puting graduates every year, most developers, who will produce unique businesses. of them lack essential exposure in solutions needed by modern busi- The facility, dubbed iHub, is the developing innovative business solu- ness enterprises and other sectors of University’s contribution towards tions needed in the market,” says the economy in Kenya. reducing reliance by local enterprises, Dr Waiganjo-Aidi. “Mentorship and The university will admit students on expatriates. exposure would build on the poten- or graduates to the centre at a time, Dr Bibianne Waiganjo-Aidi, the tial of such graduates to enable and mentor them for four to six Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of them develop ICT solutions and months. Academic and Research Affairs, says businesses that work in supporting The newly established MKU School many businesses in Kenya source IT the growth of the Kenyan economy.” of Computing and Informatics’s experts from abroad, despite local The university aims at identifying iHub has top-notch computing facil- universities offering various comput- its highly talented computing stu- ities, including hardware, software ing courses. She says what local IT dents or graduates it will mentor and high-speed internet connection.
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Linkages All-new collaboration for And finally, an MoU with KU entrepreneurial varsities fter 10 years of closely-linked institutional engagements, Ken- yatta University (KU) and German Academic Exchange stitute; Leipzig University; Mount Kenya University (MKU) Service (DAAD) is sponsoring Leuphana University Lüne- Ahave now formalised their relationship. a project at MKU known as burg; and Wismar Universi- The respective vice-chancellors, Prof Collaboration for Entrepre- ty of Applied Sciences, Rob- Peter Wainaina and Prof Stanley Waudo, neurial Universities (CEPU). ert-Schmidt-Institute. signed the agreement at a colourful cer- The project, in which MKU All consortium members emony at KU. teams up with Kenyatta Uni- have conducted projects in Members of staff and student leaders versity (KU) to collaborate the field of labour market from both universities, as well as officials with counterparts from Ger- orientation and/or promotion from partnering organisations, witnessed many, aims at strengthening of entrepreneurship, with dif- the ceremony. entrepreneurial teaching. ferent focuses on Africa. The two universities agreed to collab- It commenced last July, and The institutions have enjoyed orate on, among other areas, research, it is scheduled to run for lasting relationships, leading exchange of staff and students, games three-and-a-half years. to the idea to form a consor- and entrepreneurial activities such as A total of 35 MKU mem- tium and combine expertise. Students Training for Entrepreneurial Pro- bers of staff were trained on The Kenyan partner universi- motion (STEP). HEInnovate, which is a DFID ties too – Kenyatta University MKU and KU are already linked by the sponsored self-evaluation pro- and Mount Kenya University Collaboration of Entrepreneurial Universi- cess for higher education – are equally strong collabo- ties (CEPU) project sponsored by DAAD institutions. The second phase rators and have implemented (German Academic Exchange Service). of training took place from 1 different entrepreneurial teach- The three-and-a-half-year project brings to 4 October. ing modes. KU and MKU together as the two Kenyan The German institutions The project coordinators at partners alongside five counterparts from involved in the project are a MKU are Prof Peter Wanderi, Germany, headed by the Bonn Rheine Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, Vice-Chancellor, Kenyatta University and Prof. Stanley Waudo Vice- Chancellor, Mount Kenya University (R) display copies of the MoU signed between the two consortium of the following: Principal, Corporate Services, Sieg University (BRSU) of Applied Scienc- universities, a Collaboration for Entrepreneurial Universities (CEPU) Project at the Kenyatta Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of and Dr Peter Kirira, Director, es, to promote entrepreneurial teaching. University Conference Centre. Applied Sciences (consortium MKU Foundation. leader); Hasso-Plattner-In- Unique partnership to uplift AT A GLANCE: The CEPU Kenyan and Kiambu dairy farmers German Universities The MKU Department of Animal Health Sr Mary Mbaci of Caritas Nairobi paid in the School of Pure and Applied a courtesy call to MKU’s Vice-Chancel- Sciences has joined Caritas Nairobi to lor, Prof Stanley Waudo, and explained support dairy farmers in Kiambu County. that the collaboration covered the entire Caritas is the social development arm milk production value chain, right from of the Catholic Church. The Nairobi the supply of animal feeds to milk pro- chapter has imported improved breeds of cessing. dairy cows from Italy and supplied them Other schools and departments in MKU to farmers in Kiambu County. to be roped into the programme are MKU animal health students will get nutrition and dietetics, the Graduate field attachment with the project, while Enterprise Academy and the School of lecturers will be involved in monitoring Business and Economics. and evaluation.
KENYATTA UNIVERSITY
His Excellency, Mr. Ferdinand Waititu, the Governor of Kiambu County, pose for a photo with Members of Caritas Nairobi led by Sr. Mary Mbaci and joined by the Principal Corporate Services, Mount Kenya University Prof. Peter Wanderi after a meeting in the Governor’s Thika office that discussed a tripartite partnership on dairying at Kiambu County.
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Linkages Data analytics for SME training takes off at MKU campuses
n July 2017, μData Analytics Insti- SMEs, including two GEA alumni, were tute (μDAI) approached MKU to trained in Nairobi, where seven MKU collaborate and facilitate a North- staff also attended. The Nyeri training South technology transfer in the attracted 11 SMEs from Nyeri, Othaya fieldI of data science. and Muranga. Five MKU faculty mem- μDAI is a non-profit organisation head- bers were also trained. quartered in Dortmund, Germany. Its • Phase 2 involved training at MKU strength lies in its team of Diaspora Nakuru and Eldoret campuses from members spread in more than five coun- 17 to 22 September. Six SMEs, seven tries (many in Africa) and their years of MKU faculty members and one MKU experience in multiple fields and sectors master student attended the training of data science, both in practice and in in Nakuru. In Eldoret, 34 individuals scientific research. comprising 14 SMEs and 20 MKU staff μDAI felt strongly that MKU was an benefitted from the same. invaluable project partner due to its • Phase 3 is planned for Mombasa grassroots representation throughout the County in December with a one-day country and in the region. Additionally, closing conference. MKU has a track record in successfully The MKU-µDAI team is especially mentoring entrepreneurs (under the Grad- appreciative of the support provided by uate Enterprise Academy), and providing the campus directors towards hosting training for SMEs in Kenya (through and marketing of the training programme Equip Africa Institute). within their areas. MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo (3rd left), ICT Authority CEO Katherine Getao (left), MKU board member A team from Equip Africa Institute and John Roigo and u-Data Analytics Institute Founder during the Launch of Data Science Project between Mount Kenya For purpose of long term impact and MKU’s School of Computing and Infor- University and u-Data Analytics Institute. sustainability of this concept of SME matics developed a concept which was training in data science, three MKU facul- successfully presented at the Centre of Executive trainings will be conducted CIM representative in Kenya Cynthia ty members have been identified as train- International Migration and Development in three phases every alternate month Kamau also attended the function. er of trainers and are part of the team (CIM), Germany, for funding by μDAI. to cover 14 months in five counties: at all trainings. They are: Philip Mbugua, The proposal was awarded a Euro Nairobi, Nyeri, Nakuru, Usain Gishu and Project Progress SCI, Nairobi Campus; Kelvin Njagi, SCI, 40,000 grant to be administered by μDAI Mombasa. The project has so far completed two Thika Campus; and Peter Njau Mbogo, as the German partner. The project was officially launched at phases of the two-and-a-half days’ train- Time-tabler, Nakuru Campus. The concept envisioned the training of a colourful ceremony on 23 February at ing workshops: The purpose of having ToTs is for µDAI SMEs in the field of data science as a MKU Thika. Dr Kate Gitao, ICT Secretary • Phase 1 involved training in Nairobi to coach MKU faculty to extend data sci- ‘currency’ for entrepreneurial growth, lev- in the Office of the President and Cabi- and Nyeri counties held between 2 ence expertise to SMEs at the grassroots eraging on µDAI’s data analytics expertise net, presided over the event. – 7 July at Parklands School of Law level at minimum cost after the project and MKU’s extensive campus locations to The Micro and Small Enterprise Author- and Nyeri campuses. A total of 27 is concluded. deliver trainings. ity (MSEA) chair, Charles Waithaka and Membership to International Proffesional Associations: Member AACSB The School of Business & Economics is a The association also educates students, and commitment to be part of this unique member of the Association to Advance Colle- parents, employers, and counselors about association of top level and diverse institutions giate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB is accreditation and how to choose a qual- focused on advancing quality management a global, nonprofit membership organization ity business degree program that will fit education globally. of educational institutions, businesses, and their needs. AACSB conducts research, MKU School of Business & Economics has other entities devoted to the advancement of assesses trends, host over 60 conferences now officially received the initial membership management education. Established in 1916, and seminars annually and brings togeth- certificate and the letter of authority to cite AACSB International provides its members er business school leaders to learn from AACSB in its activities of promoting research, with a variety of products and services to each other. More than 1,369 in 89 coun- social and economic development. assist them with the continuous improvement tries are members of AACSB internation- of their business programs and schools. AACSB al, with about 711 member institutions provides internationally recognized, special- that hold AACSB accreditation. ized accreditation for business and accounting MKU School of Business & Eco- programs. The AACSB Accreditation Standards nomics was admitted as a mem- challenge post-secondary educators to pur- ber of AACSB in January 2015, sue excellence and continuous improvement following a preliminary inspec- throughout their business programs. AACSB tion visit by AACSB accreditation Accreditation is known, worldwide, as the officer (Jane Lawler) and AACSB longest standing, most recognized form of spe- chief operations officer –COO (Dr. cialized/professional accreditation an institution Jan Le Clair) in June 2014. The and its business programs can earn. school is in the process of perus- In addition to providing its members with ing full accreditation, an achieve- products and services, AACSB International ment that will propel the school strives to identify challenges and trends that to join the top 1% business are facing the business education industry schools globally. By so doing, the through its research and various initiatives. school will cement her position
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International Mission Outcomes of MKU’s external missions Students outside Kenya are studying for versities scattered across the country. Most Mount Kenya University (MKU) certifi- are in the South. cates, diplomas and degrees. The univer- The MKU delegation established that sity seeks to support them and has sent the universities couldn’t satisfactorily sat- missions abroad to find out what their isfy the education needs in Nigeria. Many needs are. students sought education outside the country. State governments such as Kano MoU with the University of Bosaso, sponsored students to foreign countries Garowe campus such as Uganda. Out of 30,000 appli- Following the signing of a memorandum cants received in one particular state of understanding between Mount Kenya university, only 5,000 were admitted in University (MKU) and the University of one intake. Bosaso (UoB), 43 students successful- The University will continue working ly sat the January/April 2018 exams at with the Kenya High Commission in Garowe. Nigeria to facilitate examinations for Previously, students had to travel more ODEL students in Nigeria. than 750km to Hargeisa to sit for exams. MKU also welcomes qualified appli- To market its courses in Garowe and cants from Nigeria willing to join the Puntland, MKU recruited Mr Abdulkadir university as regular students to do so Abdirahman Mohamed as a temporary through the Kenya National Examination marketing officer. He will be responsible Council (KNEC) equation system. for recruiting and assisting open and dis- tance education learning (ODEL) students Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Inter- in Puntland. national Trade The MKU Diaspora and ODEL office had Visit to Burundi a fruitful discussion with the Director, MKU has extended its footprint to Diaspora and Consular Services in the Burundi and has 74 masters’ students MKU Delegation to Nigeria and the Deputy Speaker Zamfara State House Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Interna- there pursuing courses through the ODEL tional Trade. programme. The government official expressed the Early this year, the Government of ministry’s commitment to assisting MKU Burundi, through the Ministry of Edu- conduct its exams in the Diaspora. cation and the Commission for Higher He praised MKU for assisting Kenyans Education, had a fruitful meeting with in the Diaspora to access affordable MKU on ODEL programmes. Apart from quality education from anywhere in the certificates equation, the meeting also world. That other nationalities in over discussed benchmarking of the ODEL 25 countries studied digitally was proof programmes and other areas of mutual of MKU’s commitment to be a global interest. institution offering world class education, research and innovation. Fact Finding Mission to Nigeria MKU has 25 Diaspora exam centres MKU sent a delegation to Nigeria on a and more are coming up as students fact-finding mission. continue to enrol in the various pro- The delegation included Prof Peter grammes available on the ODEL platform Wanderi, Principal, Corporate Affairs; (www.odel.mku.ac.ke). Garowe, Pretoria, Dr Ronald Maathai, Registrar, Academic Berlin and Belgium are new centres, Administration; Mr Daniel M Kiriti, Dep- bringing the number to 28. uty Director, Marketing and Branding – Diaspora; and Yusuf Usman, Masters’ in - Prepared by Daniel M. Kiriti, Deputy Nursing student and lead guide. MKU Delegation and HRH the Emir of Zamfara State Director, Marketing and Branding (Dias- The delegation found that Nigeria, with pora) over 180 million people, had many uni- Main Campus hosts talk on use of GIS in tourism
After holding a very successful event in Karatina University. 2017, the Kenyan chapter of the Interna- IFITT is a global platform that pools tional Federation for Information Technol- members into discussing, exchanging and ogy and Travel and Tourism (IFITT) this developing knowledge on the use and year hosted a talk on the application of impact of new information and communi- geographic information systems (GIS) in cation technologies in travel and tourism. tourism. It took place at Mount Kenya Every year, in addition to its main eTour- University Main Campus in Thika on 8 ism annual conference, IFITT encourages November. members to organise local workshops in The event was organised in collaboration chapters around the world. These work- with IFITT, MKU, Kenyatta University and shops are called IFITTtalk.
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My life-changing experience as ‘Sweet memories Erasmus+ programme beneficiary of my short stay y name is Everlyn Wairimu in Poland’ Kahinga, a course finalist in “The opportunity to learn, see and grow from new the Bachelor of Science in experiences was one of the best things about the Travel and Tourism Manage- Erasmus+ exchange programme. Having a different ment,M and an Erasmus+ programme ben- class set-up with diverse cultures and interactions eficiary. I spent the winter semester as a made learning quite interesting. Vincent Pol University student. Winter season was really cold, but it was very worthwhile to experience such kind of weather. Right from arrival at Warsaw Chopin airport, Preparation everyone I met was friendly and helpful. From The trip to and stay in Poland was mag- changing to Zlotys at the bureau to taking a bus ical, as this was my first time to travel to Lublin. abroad. Vincent Pol University was close to where we stayed, hence making it accessible for many of Accommodation us foreign students. It has a conducive learning During the five months, we stayed at atmosphere and friendly lecturers, just like in my Cube Squash and Fitness in Mackiewycza, home University. Lublin. The student facility, well-equipped The classes were interactive, and included dia- with a study room and a gymnasium for logue amongst students and group work. Most leisure, was also a good environment for lectures were through PowerPoint presentations and learning. I interacted with other students from diverse cultures, as Cube was a films of the tourism industry. We also learnt the home for foreign students. history of Lublin Old Town. In addition to this, we participated in extra-cur- Academics ricular activities scheduled on the timetable. They Vincent Pol University offers high quality included sports and dance. Coffee vendor machines education. Students are fully involved in were available for those small in between breaks classwork through the multiple group MKU’s hospitality students Everlyn Wairimu Kahinga (second left), Winnie Otieno and Brian Alphayo or the study discussions students engaged in. discussions, interactions with lecturers, Esikuri with international colleagues during their study tour in Poland. All course units were quite interesting as taught as well as group and individual pres- by the lecturers, the best being national and entations. mation Centre, where I handled tourists Catholic. I enjoyed the religious shows regional cuisines, which exhibited the Polish cui- The teaching method improves students’ from different parts of the world. Here, I and exhibitions. sines and we had practical lessons for preparations computer skills as modern technology learnt to use paper maps and improved of the same. is used all through. The library is also my photography skills, as my practical Conclusion It was also a privilege to train at an internation- equipped with computers and books, lessons on fieldwork involved a lot of This was undoubtedly a unique and al hotel – Hampton by Hilton Hotel – for three photography. life changing experience for me. I also which one can borrow whenever they months. The employees at Hampton were kind, I also improved my customer care like to call it a self-discovery whole- want. cheerful and very reliable. They practised not only skills, teamwork, tour guiding skills and some experience, as I discovered a lot The education gave me an opportunity hospitality but more so ‘Hamptonality’, a term techniques, and also time management, of potential that I have and I had not to improve my abilities. I gained vast they used to refer to the totality of their services knowledge. All the classes involved a which was among the most important known about before. Every moment was and 100 per cent guest guarantee offer. The hotel lot of research work. I also learnt a lot things I learnt during the stay. full of learning, networking and fun. had very tasty dishes, lovely décor and ambience, about pictorial PowerPoint presentations I would also like to congratulate the which summed up the meal experience. and how to use video for presentations. Everyday Life and Leisure Time entire Mount Kenya University fraternity I visited other towns in Poland, for for giving students the opportunity to The Annual Christmas party occurred on 18 Internships example, Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Lubar- experience education on an international December and Santa (Head chef) had gifts for The university gave me the chance to towska and Kasmierz Dolny to explore level. everyone. I was very humbled to be given a work at a high-end hotel: Hampton by their historical and cultural heritage sites. I thank our Dean, School of Hospi- Hampton Hamper despite being a trainee. Hilton. It was a very important learning I also enjoyed sampling their traditional tality, Travel and Tourism, Madam Jane I am grateful to God for this experience and experience, as my field of specialisation is foods in the cultural restaurants. I visited Kuria, for her hard work in making the every day grace. We were able to visit sites around travel and tourism. museums, old monuments especially for collaboration a success. I also thank the Lublin, like the Old Town, Lublin Castle and I improved my communication skills, night sightseeing and shopping malls. I entire family from our Department of Kazimierz Dolny, and learn the rich history of learnt about using the OnQ Booking also went to the theatres. Travel and Tourism Management for the the places. system, acquired guest relation skills and My days were quite busy, as I used to continuous support during this wonder- Besides all these, the interaction with students became well-rounded with knowledge in go to school then dash to the intern- ful and successful journey. from Turkey, India, Spain, Italy and other Europe- other varied skills-sets, given that I han- ships. I am proud to be associated with an states, all under the Erasmus group, was really dled different responsibilities. Christmas season was an important Mount Kenya University and will forever amazing. Having such friendships was good. To I also worked at Lublin Tourist Infor- religious event as the Polish are mostly be grateful for the opportunity. learn of their culture and backgrounds and their God bless MKU. experiences is a memory I carry with me. The malls were in close proximity as well for ‘Erasmus undoubtedly a unique, life-changing experience for me’ any needs that we had. Getting around was not difficult due to the bus app available. By BRIAN ALPHAYO ESIKURI, Kenya University, Dr Jane Kuria, gave us help. We got all the basic necessities, I remain grateful to the University for creating B.sc in Tourism &Travel all the necessary support relating to what such as furniture, internet, bed-sheets, international linkages and enabling students to Management we required for the stay-study in Poland. blankets curtains, television and laundry experience lifetime opportunities. I also thank the machines. We also had access to squash, Chairman, Prof Simon Gicharu, for what Mount II spent my winter semester at Vincent Accommodation gym and fitness facilities at an afforda- Kenya University is today, and the Dean, School We were accommodated at the Cube, ble monthly fee. Pol University in Lublin, Poland, as an of Hospitality in conjunction with departmental Erasmus exchange student. which is a top facility located near Vin- The Cube apartments were open to all cent Pol University. We all shared one other students from various universities heads, for their support and assistance towards the Preparation apartment and took care of each other. in Lublin and other people of all races whole journey – from departure to coming back. Ahead of travel, the Dean of Hospitali- The apartment administrators were very and diversities, enabling us to be part Dziekuje bardzo (Thanks a lot, in Polish).” ty and Tourism Management at Mount cooperative. They were always there to Read more on page 38 – Winnie Otieno
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 38 | 2018
School of Pure & Applied Sciences ‘Erasmus undoubtedly a Science school wins quality unique, life-changing experience for me’ lab kits from American firm From page 37 of many cultures and learn new things from each other. ount Kenya University’s (MKU’s) science training Academics received a major boost in Our host university helped us to select April when an American the best units related to our study pro- firmM awarded the institution vital labora- gramme. We also learnt some basics tory equipment. of the Polish language to enable us to The university’s School of Pure and appreciate the host culture and for ease Applied Sciences (SPAS) is among the of communication. 16 in the world that qualified to receive Apart from the special Erasmus English laboratory instruments from Seeding Labs’ courses, we were also allowed to take part in other academic activities inside 2018 Instrumental Access Program. the university. These included motivation- Instrumental Access Program makes al and academic talks. high-quality laboratory equipment and Apart from the curriculum, the class supplies them to university departments environment itself was a platform to and research institutes in developing learn a lot more. Being in a class with countries. It is the flagship programme students from different countries of the of Seeding Labs, a US-based non-profit world, having discussions, presentations working to help scientists make discov- and listening to varying perspectives and eries that improve life and the planet. ways of thinking, was an enriching expe- MKU outlined how an infusion of rience. The final exam assessment method scientific equipment would remove bar- varied from one unit to another, and riers to science, technology, engineering according to the preference of the lectur- and mathematics (STEM) education and er. Most lecturers used the final written research at the institution. This would “The School of Pure and Applied Scienc- the school and the university.” test, while some chose detailed individual pave the way for new avenues of scien- es is focused on providing world-class SPAS’ research interests include human and group PowerPoint presentations for the final assessment. tific inquiry and expand hands-on oppor- scientific skills to our students as well health, agriculture and livestock, ecology, We also had a chance to undertake a tunities for students. as carrying out life changing research. zoology, natural products and biodiver- Dr Mary Muriuki, the Dean, School of one-month internship at Lublin Tourism Our main challenge is that the school sity. Information Centre, where we were able Pure and Applied Sciences, received the lacks adequately equipped laboratories for Instrumental Access notes that with a award on behalf of the university. She to interact with guests from different teaching and research based on chroma- large and growing student population, parts of the world. This was a great thanked Dr Nina Dunkin, chief executive tography and spectroscopic analysis.” MKU, a private university focused on milestone in my professional life. of Seedling Labs, for the instruments, She added: “The equipment from Seed- applied sciences, deserves equipment to which she said will benefit many stu- ing Labs will not only improve our stu- support practical training and research. Everyday life and leisure dents. dents’ output but also boost research in Lublin is one of the biggest cities in Poland, and it has a very high stu- dent population. There’s a lot to do and explore in the city. It has good a transportation system, making movement Delegation from Germany visits MKU School of very easy. The city also has traditional, conti- nental, Asian, Chinese and fast food Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment restaurants. The prices are generally fair, making the city attractive to students. A delegation from the Institute of new The Polish people are friendly and love Energy Systems (InES) at Technische to have fun and party. Hochschule Ingolstadt (THI) and Hoch- Apart from the happenings in the city, schule Neu-Ulm (HNU), Germany, vis- the Erasmus students network also organ- ises events and parties for programme ited Mount Kenya University to foster beneficiaries to come together and feel collaboration for the recently launched at home. DAAD-funded initiative “Network devel- I also had a chance to travel to some opment and qualification measures based cities in Poland with my newfound Pol- on the model of the German universities ish, Spanish and Turkish friends. The of applied sciences in Kenya”. cities included Warsaw, Biala Podlaska The overall aim of this project is to and Kazimierz Dolny. inform interested Kenyan University lec- My exploration of Poland was also made turers and young scientists about the easier through our guided field classes. model of Universities of applied sciences Conclusion and offer suitable training courses. This was undoubtedly a unique and Besides, the link between German and life-changing experience for me. Every Kenyan institutions of higher educations moment was full of learning and fun. shall be established or strengthened I consider myself lucky to be part of in order to generally promote applied the Erasmus programme. I thank God, research and teaching methods in Kenya. Mount Kenya University and Vincent Pol University for enabling me to undergo this successfully.
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 39
Research Conference
innovations that help people share infor- mation.” The conference focused on 12 key top- MKU hosts yet another ics, including fake news, cyber-crime, the digital revolution, ICT in education and health, and artificial intelligence. “The digital revolution is a new fron- tier that has benefits and drawbacks,” Dr international conference Gaitho pointed out, asking for example, “how do you authenticate information ount Kenya University on social media and sift real news from (MKU) hosted the 5th Inter- fake reports?” national and Interdisciplinary University of Eldoret hosted the first Research Conference 2018 conference in 2014. Chukwuemeka hosted (5iiRC2018)M from 17 to 19 October at the second conference in 2015. Kyambo- its Thika main campus. go took the baton in 2016 and handed The theme for this event, which attract- it to University of Eldoret, which hosted ed more than 500 delegates, was “Digital last year’s conference. Innovation and Knowledge Economy: Oppor- This is the fourth international confer- tunities and Challenges Towards Achieving ence MKU is hosting within a span of Sustainable Development Goals”. five years. In 2014, the University hosted The annual conference is a collabora- the National Water Summit in Turkana tive effort of four African universities: County. The following year, it hosted the MKU, Kyambogo University (Uganda), ICABUMPA conference at the Kenyatta Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Uni- International Convention Centre (KICC). versity (Nigeria) and University of Eldoret Last year in the run-up to Kenya’s Gen- (Kenya). eral Election, it hosted an international These universities formed an interdis- peace conference, again at KICC. ciplinary research consortium in 2014 Dr Gaitho said holding this year’s to host joint conferences as a way of interdisciplinary and international con- disseminating research findings, among ference at MKU Thika offered delegates other mandates. the opportunity to sample the university’s Conference organising committee chair- facilities and enjoy its hospitality. man Dr Vincent Gaitho said the confer- “Universities should showcase the facil- ence provides the perfect platform for ities as centres of training at the highest delegates to address some of the chal- level,” he explained. lenges facing society today. More than 200 delegates personally pre- Participants display programmes during the official opening of the 5th International and Interdisciplinary Research Conference held at MKU’s Thika main campus. The conference attracted delegates from 30 universities spread across sented their papers. the globe. Dr Gaitho, who is also the MKU Coun- can yield solutions to society’s myriad of higher learning get to share infor- cil Vice-Chairman, added that university problems. mation buried in libraries,” Dr Gaitho libraries are research treasure troves that “Through such conferences, institutions explained. “A good example is digital
MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Stanely Waudo (left) Kenya’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom His MKU Council Vice-Chairman Dr Vincent Gaitho (left), Kyambogo University Vice-Chancellor Prof Eli Katunguka, Excellency Manoah Esipisu (centre) and CEO Kenya Film Classification Board Dr Ezekiel Mutua follow MKU VC Prof Stanley Waudo and ICT Authority CEO Katherine Getao, during the official opening of the 5th the proceedings during the 5th International and Interdisciplinary Research Conference hosted by MKU International and Interdisciplinary Research Conference at MKU’s Thika main campus. at its Thika main campus.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 40 | 2018
STEM Mentoring Faculty member learns from trip to Egypt to mentor girls in science ount Kenya University’s companies – Vodafone – and share their drive to promote science, perspectives on issues facing women in technology, engineering and STEM. maths (STEM) among girls Mcontinues to gain momentum. Faculty Visit to STEM School for Girls members get opportunities to learn more The delegation visited one of Cairo’s on how to improve STEM teaching so as STEM schools to introduce the students to train more girls in this field. to the diverse career opportunities availa- Early this year, Dr Nancy Cheseto par- ble through STEM and share perspectives ticipated in a TechWomen high level trip of powerful women from Silicon Valley. to Cairo, Egypt. She was selected by the Through two workshops, students learnt US Government. practical applications of their curriculum, The delegation was hosted at the Mar- including how to use STEM to address riott Hotel in Cairo. challenges in their society. Mentors and The delegation visited various universities fellows also led hands-on interactive tech and institutions of learning to give key- workshops. note addresses and mentor young girls in STEM. The delegation also visited Soft Skills Workshops at the Ameri- technology firms and various STEM pro- can University in Cairo jects in Egypt. The delegation met with university stu- TechWomen is an initiative of the US dents in different areas of study and Department of State’s Bureau of Educa- led soft skills workshops, discussing new tional and Cultural Affairs. trends in tech from Silicon Valley. Men- TechWomen empowers, connects and tors also had the opportunity to speak supports the next generation of women about their career journeys. leaders in STEM from Africa, Central and Reception with US Embassy at INJAZ South Asia, and the Middle East, by pro- Dr Nancy Cheseto viding them the access and opportunity and Visit with Teenpreneurs The delegation joined US Embassy staff needed to advance their careers, pursue professional roles within a company or The delegation was joined by high school and a team from INJAZ, a non-profit their dreams and inspire women and in a start-up. girls from the local community and organisation empowering young people girls in their communities. Through short workshops, mentors pro- alumnae of ECA’s TechGirls programme. to own their economic success. vided training sessions for leadership, Teenpreneurs is an initiative started by Visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the professional growth and individual or Innovation Integration: Networking TechWomen fellows. This initiative tar- Great Sphinx business branding. This event was hosted Reception with TIEC gets teenagers from 13 to 17 years old Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in collaboration with Microsoft. This networking reception, hosted at the are some of the most magnificent man- Technology Innovation & Entrepreneur- to unlock their potential and open their minds and eyes to how technology made structures on Earth. The largest and GrEEK Campus ship Centre (TIEC), brought industry and entrepreneurship can bring a bet- most famous of the pyramids, the Great The TechWomen delegation engaged with professionals together for an opportunity ter future. The three pillars of Teenpre- Pyramid at Giza, has a base covering 13 women entrepreneurs working in technol- to connect and learn from each other. neurs are passion finding, innovation and acres and stands over 450 feet tall. More ogy innovation. Attendees practised their Through fireside chats and a panel dis- entrepreneurship. than 4,000 years after they were built, business pitches and had the opportunity cussion, mentors and fellows discussed the Egyptian pyramids still retain their to discuss feedback and ideas in small hot trends and issues related to tech- majesty, providing a glimpse into the groups. nology, and explored the challenges and Youth Programme Professional Devel- country’s rich and glorious past. opportunities in entrepreneurship. opment Sessions with AwA Alwan wa Awtar (AwA) is a non-gov- Girls in STEM Career Fair ernmental organisation that has since Discussing Power of Mentorship at The Girls in STEM event was an oppor- Discussions with Vodafone: Reaching 2005 worked with children and youth the American Centre tunity for students to be exposed to spe- your Potential living in the unprivileged Zelzal area in In collaboration with the US Embassy cific professional roles and career path- Several TechWomen fellows work in Mokattam, Cairo. in Cairo, the delegation had a chance ways in STEM. The discussion included Egypt’s Smart Village, a high-technology Among a number of programmes, to meet with members of the Egyptian a focus on why girls should embrace business district that “represents the ulti- AwA provides professional development public and engage in conversations about STEM opportunities, how the country mate interactive community”. programmes for youth. the power of mentorship. would benefit from having more peo- Smart Village Egypt “has become the hub The TechWomen delegation delivered a ple involved in STEM and the future of business community and the pacemak- number of sessions for the AwA youth Workshops with Women in Tech and of STEM professions. Students had the er of economic growth in Egypt”. with a focus on professional skills devel- Entrepreneurship opportunity to be involved in various The delegation had a chance to con- opment. The delegation connected with women in activities exposing them to the relevance nect with TechWomen fellows and their tech and entrepreneurship and discussed of and excitement in STEM. networks of women at one of these areas such as being resilient leaders in
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development Delegation from Germany visits MKU School of Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment 2018 | 41
MKU Foundation Foundation staff in Germany A helping hand on job-shadowing visit to progressive
r Peter G. Kirira, the Direc- student clubs tor of Mount Kenya University Foundation (MKU-F), and Mr Bonface Joel Malala, Head of Mount Kenya University worth and choice of univer- DGrants Office, are on a 10-day job-shad- Foundation (MKUF) set aside sity. owing visit to Bonn-Rhein-Siege (BRS) grants worth Ksh3 million University of Applied Sciences, Germany. to fund student clubs and Pharmacy Association The visit is sponsored by the German associations with worthy pro- Project: Reproductive Health Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and jects. Proposals by six stu- Awareness German Society for International Cooper- dent groups impressed the ation (GIZ) through the Collaboration for Foundation, which then gave The Pharmacy Association Entrepreneurial Universities (CEPU) pro- them Ksh200,000 each to aims at educating society ject, which has seven partners: Five from carry out their activities. on matters relating to: STIs; Germany and two from Kenya (MKU and Here are profiles of the contraception and family Kenyatta University). groups: planning; sexual relations; The overall objective of the project is hygiene and safer pregnancy; to strengthen the entrepreneurship and Catholic Association reproductive health services; labour market-oriented approach to train- Project: YCS Enterprise adolescent sex; and attitude ing at universities. change. In their job-shadowing mission, Dr Catholic Association focus- The objective is to build Kirira and Mr Malala have had the From left: Mr Bonface Joel Malala, Dr Peter Kirira (MKU), Mr Peter Andika (KU) and Ms Christine Freitag (CEPU project leader) and Mr Julius Held (BRS, Germany). es on expanding its existing knowledge and influence opportunity to interact with staff involved The UN-Education Programme Officer, enterprise that involves sell- change of behaviour among in fundraising activities at BRS University. resources. Ms Margaret Koli, explained that UN ing stationery, t-shirts and especially young people, so In addition, they have visited various She intimated that the UN University University is currently engaged in over CD production. that they may make respon- Germany-based international organisa- is open to future collaborative initiatives 180 research projects spanning the 17 The project supplies brand- sible choices. tions and agencies, including the United with MKU. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). ed stationery and t-shirts to Nations (UN) University Headquarters In Africa, the UN University is current- She lauded MKU for the good efforts the MKU fraternity at fair Environmental Club located in Bonn. They discussed joint ly offering postgraduate programmes in it has made in establishing international prices, and also provides Project: Tree Nursery Project collaboration in fundraising for both collaboration with a number of universi- linkages that will help it grow globally Catholic sacramental to stu- research and student scholarships. ties in West Africa. through exchange of ideas and access to dents and staff. These include Environmental Club plans to rosaries, prayer books, moti- establish nurseries for fast vational books, crucifix and growing hardwood seedlings. own songs in DVDs. It will plant the trees at all Updates from MKU Foundation Mount Kenya University cam- Mount Kenya University Foundation In Brief: best practices. It is funded by the Euro- Christian Union puses for learning and also (MKUF) has had a busy year. It has dis- • Six (46 per cent) of the proposals pean Union and Erasmus. Project: Christian Union Mag- for aesthetic value. bursed grants to student clubs and asso- are on cancer (cervical, prostate and The project aims to improve inno- azine Project The nursery will supplement ciations, beefed up its staff, and funded others) prevention and management vation at partner universities during its The Christian Union (CU) the University’s botanical gar- • Seven (54 per cent) of the proposals three-year period. health proposals jointly developed by Association aims at empow- den at the Pavilion Happy have a staff from MKU as the prin- The AHEAD partner universities from researchers from Makerere University and ering the society through Valley to boost research in MKU colleges of health sciences. cipal applicant East Africa are: Mount Kenya University, • All the proposals have a research stu- Kenyatta University, Kisii University, Kib- quarterly newsletter/magazine botany. Fruit tree seedlings New members of staff dent as part of the team. abii University and Catholic University articles touching on var- will also be produced for The Foundation received two new mem- (Kenya); Dar Es Salaam University and ious aspects, among them commercial purpose to pro- bers of staff. Mr Bonface Malala joined External Scholarships States University of Zanzibar (Tanzania); social, economic, mental and mote sustainability of the as the Head, Grant Office. Before this Between January and April, 1,137 Mount and Lari University and Makerere Univer- spiritual matters. club. appointment, he was a research assistant Kenya University Students attracted schol- sity (Uganda). The magazine will be sold at the Directorate of Research & Innova- arships worth over Ksh19 million from AHEAD European partner universities at the MKU campuses to sus- Student AIDS Information tion, a position he held for three years. external sources. These grants were include Birmingham University (United tain the enterprise. The quar- and Foundation (SAIF) received from County Governments, Con- Kingdom), Petru Maior University of The foundation also recruited Ms Fiona terly magazine will help pop- Project: Slang Language Effect Melisa Oyatsi as research assistant. stituency Development Funds, NGOs, Targu Mures (Romania), Warsaw Univer- multinationals, education funds and oth- sity (Poland) and University of Molise ularise the University and aid Project in attracting more students. ******** ers. (Italy). Joint Grant to MKU and Makerere MKUF has initiated a programme of The AHEAD project coordinator is Dr The project focuses on using University colleges of health sciences sensitising students on alternative sourc- Gergana Dimtrova from the European Economics Club “slang language” to commu- MKU in collaboration with Makerere Uni- es of education financing to enable Centre for Quality in Bulgaria. Project: Motivational Talk Pro- nicate information on HIV/ versity College of Health Sciences (MKU- the needy ones access available bursary ject AIDs among young people MakCHS), funded 13 researchers from opportunities. ******** at Mount Kenya University, the two institutions to carry out research Planning to start Annual Week The club aims at promot- other institutions of higher on human health. The seed funding ********* MKUF is planning to establish an endow- ing Mount Kenya University learning and within commu- African Higher Education Leadership ment kit worth Ksh100 million by the ranges from Ksh300,000-Ksh450,000. (MKU) through visits to sec- nities. in Advancing Inclusive Innovation for end of 2019, through donations. MKU donated Ksh4.4 million seed ondary schools in Kiambu Creative and effective com- grant for the research that is aimed at Development The Foundation will organise an Annu- County, and having moti- munication on HIV/AIDs improving health in the region. The African Higher Education Leadership al MKU Foundation Week for people The collaboration further strengthens in Advancing Inclusive Innovation for to make donations. This money will vational talks with mainly among youths will help the relationship between the two uni- Development (AHEAD) is a project that be invested to generate annual income Form Three and Form Four reduce the prevalence of the versities. brings together universities from Africa for distribution to support scholarships, students. The talks will be infectious disease. and Europe to learn from each other’s research and community outreach activ- about career choices, self- ities.
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 40 | 2018
The Creative Arts Varsity retains crown, scoops 24 trophies at national music festival
ount Kenya Univer- home last year. The institution ism and Mass Communication sity (MKU) success- artistes won numerous certificates moved the auditorium to tears as fully defended its and trophies. In addition, the she narrated her ordeal in drug national music fes- MKU cultural troupe awaits a addiction in her Solo Verse titled Mtival crown, edging other univer- cash award from Kenya Commer- Merimela. She scored a whopping sities and colleges competing to cial Bank after winning two verses 91 per cent. dislodge it. based on the bank’s Tujiajiri (Self The 92nd edition of the Kenya Eight of MKU’s campuses com- Employment) Project. Music Festivals 2018 was host- peted in 54 items from 10 to 16 The MKU Main Campus scooped ed by Dedan Kimathi University August and performed brilliantly 10 of the twenty four (24) tro- of Technology in Nyeri County. to help the university retain the phies. Nkubu led the other cam- The theme of the festivals was trophy it won last year. puses with their four (4) trophies ‘Enhancing National Unity, Cohe- MKU received the Best Private followed closely by Kisii, Nakuru, sion and Integration through Kenya University trophy. Mombasa and Kakamega. Music Festivals.’ The university scooped 24 tro- Daisy Nabuyaya, a first year stu- MKU students celebrate after winning drama festival held at Nakuru, officiated by the Deputy phies, up from the seven it took dent taking Diploma in Journal- President William Ruto and MKU Vice Chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo
Poetry Corner Every Day Steps Stop for a second……… Life is like a game of chess to win you have to make a move Sometimes we go through life so fast In the confrontation between the stream and the rock Until we forget to appreciate the little things in life The stream always wins, not through strength, but through The small things that money cannot buy persistence Sometimes we get caught up in life Everything in your life is a reflection of a choice you made Looking for tomorrow and searching for the future If you want different results, make a different choice Until we forget to cherish the current moments Be not afraid of growing slowly; be afraid only of standing still The only person you should compare yourself to is the one you Sometimes our lives get crowded used to be And we get lost searching for this and that Until we forget to let gratitude flow Change is inevitable but personal growth is a choice A person can grow only as much as their horizon allows Sometimes what we cared about goes away Never to return until life gets to a halt To grow yourself starts from knowing yourself Until we forget the things that added a smile on our lips Every day do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow *************************************** There comes a time when you slow your speed Life begins at the end of your comfort zone And enjoy what is around: A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing grows there And appreciate the small things that our senses can sense We are either progressing or retro-grading all the while The white puffy clouds in the sky; some people cannot see them There is no such thing as remaining stationary in life The sounds of the singing birds; some people cannot hear them The sweet fragrance of a blooming flower; some people cannot Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know smell it I’ve never seen a monument erected to a pessimist Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack To the abundance that is already present The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change ************************************** The realist adjusts the sails, what we think, we become As you walk around each day Speak words of gratitude to those you encounter Personal growth is not in learning new information Selflessly offer an umbrella for shelter It is in unlearning old limits Offer your seat to a standing vulnerable person Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no Share a handshake with those who least expect it path and leave a trail Hold doors for strangers Self-development is a higher duty than self-sacrifice Be kind They say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing Your kindness may heal a sharp pain in someone’s heart … And dry tears that have flowed for years That’s why bathing is recommended daily…. Kind miniature gestures give this life so much more @wahupat Wahu @wahupat
Promotion of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development 2018 | 43
Sports
REPORT ON KUSA OUTDOOR GAMES PLAY OFFS Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) play offs took off at TAITA Taveta University – Voi (19th to 23rd April 2018. Four teams qualified for this National event that brings together all regionals conference champions across the country. A total of over 25 Universities were involved.
NO TEAMS PERFORMANCE AWARD 1 HANDBALL LADIES WINNERS TROPHY 2 HANDBALL MEN WINNERS TROPHY 3 SOCCER LADIES LOST AT QUTER FINALS 4 VOLLYBALL LAIDES LOST AT QUTER FINALS The above table shows how exemplary the teams performed.
KENYA UNIVERSITIES SPORTS ASSOCIATION NATIONAL INDOORS PLAY OFFS- HELD AT KIBABII UNIVERSITY – MAY 2018 Karate ladies – winners overall Table tennis men – winners overall Karate men – third overall Handball team - men and ladies Badminton men lost at quarter final Swimming men – second best. KENYA UNIVERSITIES SPORTS ASSOCIATION – NAIROBI CONFRENCE KUSA NAIROBI LEAGUE 2017/18 WINNERS OUTDOOR SPORTS KENYA UNIVERSITIES SPORTS ASSOCIATION WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP AT MASENO SPORT GOLD SILVER BRONZE UNIVERSITY 2018 SOCCER MEN KU KU RUIRU KU PARKLANDS - Handball women – overall winners SOCCER WOMEN KU MKU THIKA JKUAT - Volleyball ladies – third best overall BASKETBALL MEN KU KU CITY JKUAT - Athletics ladies – third best overall BASKETBALL WOMEN KU KU RURU USIU AFRICA VOLLEYBALL MEN ST PAUL’S KU JKUAT KENYA UNIVERSITIES NATIONAL GAMES VOLLEYBALL WOMEN KU ST PAUL’S MKU THIKA The Kenya Universities National Association (KUSA) Games took place at the Dedan Kimathi HANDBALL MEN ST PAUL’S MKU THIKA KU University Nyeri- County. HANDBALL WOMEN MKU THIKA KU ST PAUL’S Mount Kenya university teams put up a performance never seen before since the inception of the games by emerging the Second Best University after bagging 55 medals. HOCKEY MEN USIU AFRICA KU RUIRU MKU THIKA The table below shows how the teams involved performed. HOCKEY WOMEN USIU AFRICA JKUAT KU NO TEAM GOLD SILVER BRONZE TOTAL NETBALL WOMEN JKUAT KU MKU THIKA 1 Karate men / ladies 6 5 4 15 2 Athletics Men / ladies 4 9 6 19 INDOOR SPORTS 3 Swimmers men / ladies 4 14 18 SPORT GOLD SILVER BRONZE 4 Football ladies 1 1 TABLE TENNIS MEN KU KU RUIRU MKU 5 Handball Ladies 1 1 T/TENNIS WOMEN KU JKUAT MKU 6 Handball men 1 1 TENNIS MEN KU MKU JKUAT Total medals 55 TENNIS WOMEN KU MKU JKUAT With a total of 120 students involved. CHESS MEN KU JKUAT MKU CHESS WOMEN JKUAT KU MKU SCRABBLE MEN KU JKUAT MKU SCRABBLE WOMEN KU MKU KU RUIRU ROLLBALL MEN KU JKUAT MKU ROLLBALL WOMEN KU JKUAT ST PAUL’S BADMINTON MEN KU MKU KU RUIRU BADMINTON WOMEN KU JKUAT KU RUIRU KARATE MEN MKU KU JKUAT KARATE WOMEN MKU KU JKUAT TAEKWONDO MEN USIU KU JKUAT TAEKWONDO WOMEN KU USIU JKUAT SWIMMING MEN KU MKU JKUAT SWIMMING WOMEN KU JKUAT MKU ATHLETICS MEN MKU, KU, JKUAT TO BRIN G CAPTAINS WE WILL ATHLETICS WOMEN HAVE T HE WINNERS BY THEN WOODBALL MEN KU KU RUIRU JKUAT WOODBALL WOMEN KU MKU ST PAUL’S
Nyeri’s winning football team 1.6 Mku rugby team wins division two of driftwood sevens 2018 in Mombasa
Unlocking Infinite Possibilities 44 | 2018
Many reasons explain various world phenomena But there are 22 reasons why MKU is a preferred destination for students
1. Accreditation: Accredited by the Commission for Uni- students, the University has in place accommodation responsibility based activities that add value to the versity Education, Kenya. facilities and a student centre that houses a restaurant community we live in. 2. International recognition: The University is fully char- serving international cuisine. The university also has a 16. E-Learning facilities: Use of ICT and other technologies, tered, and is ISO 9001:2015 certified, meaning that it gym and a salon/barber shop. There are also shops for such as kindles. is committed on compliance with international stand- the basic needs of students, laundry and dry cleaning 17. Research and Development: We create innovators and ards on quality. services. support them to commercialise innovations and inven- 3. Convenient fees payment mode: Affordable and flex- The integrated sick bay offers basic health services and tions. ible fees payment in easy percentage instalments of ensures a healthy environment for the University com- 18. Academic Character: Mount Kenya University offers 30:30:20:20. munity. an all-rounded education, including moral and pro- 4. Accessible campuses: Students have a choice to The sporting and recreation activities at the university fessional education to all persons irrespective of reli- study from any of its accredited campuses in Kenya vary and include rugby, football, tennis, volley ball, gion, race, gender, political affiliation, social or cultural and other countries, hence increased access to and athletics, swimming and others such as drama. background. equity in university education plus Digital varsity. 11. Academic/Social trips: The University has in place a 19. Transition rate: Students progress from one level to an- 5. Digital window: Wi-Fi internet access across all the fleet of buses. Transport is always available for aca- other at a very high rate, which is an indicator of sat- campuses. demic and social trips. isfaction. 6. Superb staff: Qualified and committed teaching and 12. Academic exchanges: Students’ benefit from aca- 20 Security: Enhanced security in the University and within non-teaching staff. demic exchanges with foreign and local institutions of its environs through 24-hour CCTV camera surveillance 7. Academic resources: Well-equipped Science and IT higher learning. and night patrols by security agencies. laboratories, Library and other academic resources. 13. Career placement: The University produces highly 21. Synergetic Partnerships: University partners with re- 8. Flexible study options: Flexible modes of learning, skilled graduates who are employable. Others go into search institutions ,Universities, hospitals and forges which include fulltime, digital learning, Institution-based self-employment and create jobs. strong industry – academia linkages learning, part-time (evening and weekends). 14. Multicultural diversity: The University recognises the di- 22. International students and staff exchanges: With the 9. Course completion time: Students are able to com- versity of its student population and develops talents Bonn Rhein Sieg University (BRSU) of Applied Sciences plete their course within the stipulated time. Students’ through organising of cultural events. There is unity in (Germany) and Vincent Pol University (Poland) taking a lead, MKU, encourages students and staff from uni- academic progress is monitored and evaluated on a diversity. versities abroad and vice - versa to engage in collab- continuous basis. 15. Community Service/Engagements: Mount Kenya Uni- orative exchange programmes. 10. Student welfare support: For the convenience of the versity is committed to carrying out corporate social
For more information please contact us at: Tel: +254 67 2820 000 Mount Kenya University Kigali Facebook: Mount Kenya University Main Campus: Cell: 0720 790796/ P.O. Box 5826, Kigali Twitter: @MountKenyaUni General Kago Rd. Fax: +254 202050315 Tel: +250 783106483 YouTube: Mount Kenya Uni P.O. Box 342-01000, pilot no: +254 709 153 000 Email: [email protected] Instagram: Mount Kenya University Thika. PROSPECTS FOREmail: AND [email protected] CHALLENGES OFWebsite: THE www.mku.ac.ke 21ST CENTURY GRADUATEWhatsApp: 0722 999 399 Promotion of InnovationWebsite: www.mku.ac.ke and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable DevelopmentFlickr: MountKenya University Copyright©MKU 2018