15 factors that make Mount Kenya University attractive to students
Sponsored by Mount Kenya University
By Evans Ongwae
Mount Kenya University (MKU) Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius JAGANYI, urges learners to aim for academic progression rather than settle for their first qualification. He says this will help them fully unlock their potential, thereby attaining career aspirations.
During his address to new MKU students on May 12, he emphasised this message. The speech, which he delivered at the Mwai Kibaki Convention Centre, was titled, “Becoming Your Own Life Champion”.
Prof JAGANYI told the new students: “There is no ceiling of success. Desire to progress even after your graduation. Pursue the next higher academic course. If you are pursuing a Certificate, go for a Diploma afterwards, then advance further by enrolling for a Bachelor’s degree programme. If you are studying for a Bachelor’s degree, pursue a Masters’ degree and eventually, a PhD. All these career progressions are available at MKU.”
The MKU VC points out that the university’s schools offer students a wide range of programmes to choose from. Over and above that, he asserts, several reasons make MKU a preferred university by students in Kenya and beyond. He cites affordability as a key reason behind MKU’s popularity among students. Here are 15 others:
- Affordable and convenient fees payment: Students are allowed to make flexible fees payment in easy percentage instalments of 40:20:20:20. The “Madison Insurance Survey on Higher Education” rated MKU as the most affordable institution and a leading private university in Kenya in terms of the number of programmes on offer and student population.
- Accessible campuses: Students have a choice to study from any of MKU’s accredited campuses in Kenya and other countries in the region. Hence, MKU offers increased access to, and equity in university education.
- Flexible study options: Flexible modes of learning, which include full-time, digital learning, institution-based learning, and part-time (evenings and weekends).
- E-Learning facilities: Offering open, distance, and e-learning programmes that eliminate residential requirements and reduce the costs of education. Wi-Fi internet is accessible in all the campuses. MKU has a strong digital investment in fast internet and cloud services, including data storage, e-repository, library support, and Microsoft suite.
- Employability: MKU graduates are highly absorbed into the job market. Others become job creators. The University produces highly skilled graduates who are employable across different sectors. Others choose self-employment and create jobs. MKU graduates are among the top 10 most preferred by employers, according to a Corporate Staffing Services Limited Ranking Survey.
- Automation: Automation of university processes enhances service delivery. The University has invested in academic resources and ICT infrastructure dedicated towards provision of quality education in its campuses and ODeL centres.
- Superb staff: Qualified and committed faculty and professional staff.
- Academic resources: Well-equipped Science and IT laboratories, library, postgraduate centre and other academic resources.
- Career guidance: MKU offers free career guidance and mentorship talks. Contact its career counsellors to learn all you need to do to pursue a particular qualification from a specific school.
- International students and staff exchanges: Collaborative exchanges with Clarke University (USA), Makerere University (Uganda), Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University (BRSU) of Applied Sciences (Germany), and Vincent Pol University (Poland), enrich teaching and learning at MKU.
- Multicultural diversity: The University recognises and appreciates the diversity of its student population and develops talents through cultural events.
- Community service/engagements: Mount Kenya University is committed to carrying out corporate social responsibility-based activities that add value to communities.
- Graduate Enterprise Academy: This is a platform to assist students and Alumni become job creators rather than job seekers.
- Accreditation: MKU is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) to offer both face-to-face and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning.
- International recognition: The fully chartered University is also ISO 9001:2015 certified. CPS Research International ranked MKU among the top five destinations for students from other parts of Africa and beyond.
Prof JAGANYI reminds students that choosing the university and a preferred course is the first step.
He says: “This is the beginning of your journey to achieve your career aspirations. I believe that you wish to become an expert in your respective field of study. If you want to become a champion in any area of your life, you must be resilient, enthusiastic, and ready to go the extra mile to find ways of achieving great results.”
To learn more about MKU and the programmes it offers, click here.
