MKU Chairman and founder Prof Simon Gicharu (left) and other officials after signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) is making significant strides in its digital transformation journey by intensifying investments in technology to enhance educational delivery and improve learning outcomes.
The university is embracing cutting-edge technologies to provide students and faculty with a more personalized, flexible, and engaging learning experience.
Embracing Advanced Technologies
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi highlighted the university’s commitment to integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive learning technologies, and data analytics over the next five years. “Our goal is to leverage these technologies to create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment,” he said.
To achieve this, MKU has partnered with Marwadi Technologies of India to implement an advanced Edu-Tech solution. This partnership will see the university migrate from its current systems—Students Management Information System (SMIS), ERP, and “My.MKU”—to a more unified and efficient University Integrated Resource Platform (UnIRP).
The migration process is set to begin in mid-February 2025 and will be executed in phases under the guidance of an ICT Steering Committee. During the transition, the old and new systems will run concurrently until the migration is complete.
Leadership in Innovation and Infrastructure
Dr. Ronald Maathai, Registrar of Academic Administration at MKU, noted that the university’s digital transformation aligns with its recent appointment as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-9 Hub Chair for Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. From January 2025 to December 2027, MKU will champion the building of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and innovation. “This migration is a critical step in our aspiration to become a leader in university digital transformation,” Dr. Maathai added.
The UnIRP platform has already been successfully implemented by several institutions, including Marwadi University, National Forensic Sciences University, and Chandigarh Group of Colleges, among others. The new system will feature automated workflows for student management, finance, and administration, enabling real-time data access, improved reporting, and an enhanced user experience for students, faculty, and staff.
Enhancing Learning with Interactive Technologies
MKU has also integrated interactive displays and smart classrooms to elevate the e-learning and conference experience. These tools serve as dynamic platforms for content delivery, fostering greater participation and interactivity. The university plans to expand these innovations by building smart classrooms and recording studios across its campuses to support self-paced content development and digitization.
Prof. Simon Gicharu, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Founder of MKU, emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements. “The traditional ‘brick and mortar’ university model is evolving. We must adapt to virtual platforms and integrate AI to remain relevant and competitive,” he said. The university recently acquired 18 interactive displays from China at a cost of Sh28 million to enhance lecturer-student interaction and simplify complex concepts in virtual learning environments.
Commitment to the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Prof. Jaganyi stressed that MKU is fully embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution by embedding technology-mediated teaching and learning modalities. “This is not just about keeping pace with global trends; it’s about ensuring MKU remains competitive and provides students with the most innovative tools available,” he said.
The university has also implemented deliberate policies to integrate technology into teaching and learning processes. These policies aim to enhance accessibility to educational resources, promote digital literacy, and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a digital world. Faculty members are also supported in adopting modern tools to improve their teaching methods.
AI and Immersive Learning
MKU has made significant progress in incorporating AI and Machine Learning into its curriculum, particularly in computer science and IT programs. Immersive learning technologies, such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), are being used in specialized fields like medicine and engineering to simulate real-life scenarios and provide hands-on experiences. These technologies enable students to practice skills and explore complex concepts in a safe and controlled environment.
Additionally, AI-powered tools are being used for personalized learning and assessment, allowing the university to track student progress and provide customized learning paths. Data analytics tools are also employed to monitor student performance, engagement, and attendance, enabling early intervention for students who may be struggling academically or personally.
Flexible and Accessible Learning
For students who prefer online studies, MKU offers a robust online learning platform featuring live video lectures, recorded materials, discussion forums, quizzes, and real-time assessments.
AI-powered tools provide personalized feedback, making online courses engaging and accessible. This flexibility allows students to learn at their own pace while receiving the support they need to succeed.
Global Benchmarking and Collaboration
MKU continuously benchmarks its technological practices and infrastructure against global best practices in higher education. The university collaborates with industry experts and higher education networks to stay informed about the latest developments in educational technology.
By embracing these advancements, MKU is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution that equips students with the digital skills necessary for success in the modern workplace.
“Students at MKU will graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the technical expertise and adaptability required to excel in a technology-driven world,” said Prof. Jaganyi.
Through its comprehensive digital transformation agenda, MKU is setting a new standard for higher education in the region, ensuring that its students are well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
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