Survey shows MKU now among the top 10 universities in Kenya

By Evans Ongwae

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has been ranked among the best 10 universities in the country. This is according to the latest Webometrics global universities ranking.

The survey puts MKU at position 10 out of 124 in the country. The university has climbed an impressive six places above its July 2023 ranking. It is also among the two private universities in the top 10 list.

Webometrics ranked the university 258th in Africa, out of more than 2,000 universities.

MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius JAGANYI expresses his delight at the impressive ranking, saying: “The ranking is a reflection of the massive investments and efforts the university has committed towards enhancing teaching and learning, as well as research and innovation.”

Impactful institution

MKU has also emerged as one of the most impactful universities in the country. The Webometrics survey placed MKU third on impact ranking.

The university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics and Research, Dr Mercyline Kamande, applauds faculty members for a job well done.

She points out their tireless mentorship and training of postgraduate students as a key factor behind the university’s recognition. Through the guidance of a committed faculty, postgraduate students have embraced research and innovation as a measure of scholarly excellence and a driver of sustainable development.

Research reputation

With a strong focus on science, technology and innovation, MKU has built a notable research reputation. The university leadership strongly supports research, and has registered major research milestones. Among them is the establishment of a cutting-edge molecular and immunology laboratory at the university’s Thika campus last year.  

Known as the Centre for Malaria Elimination, this facility is open to researchers from other learning institutions. The lab was established through the Project for Interdisciplinary Research for Integrated Community-Directed Strategy for Sustainable Freedom from Malaria.

The project is implemented by MKU, Osaka City University, and Homa Bay County Government. It is supported by Kenya’s health and education ministries, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

With a focus on malaria elimination, MKU aims to contribute to the generation of evidence-based interventions that will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of communities affected by malaria.

Innovation hub

MKU supports innovation and has in the past organised competitions to identify innovative ideas not just within its student body, but nationally.

As part of innovative solutions to emerging issues, MKU was last year awarded a grant by the UK’s Knowledge Transfer Network (UK KTN) to pilot an Internet of Things-enabled machine that allows shopkeepers to accurately dispense as little as a few cents worth of washing powder into reusable containers.  MKU students have also developed Eco-Trace, a data-powered reusable packaging tracking platform that revolutionises the way companies deliver their products and how people consume them.

Expanding access to higher education

With campuses and open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) centres strategically located in different parts of the country, MKU is at the forefront of expanding access to higher education.

The university’s main campus is located in Thika town, Kenya, with other campuses in Nairobi, Parklands, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Meru. The university has ODeL centres located in Malindi, Kisumu, Kitale, Kakamega, Kisii, Embu, Machakos, and Kericho; and regional representation in Kigali in Rwanda, Kampala in Uganda, Bujumbura in Burundi, Hargeisa in Somaliland, and Garowe in Puntland.

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.

Fruitful partnerships and linkages

The university believes in building sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships, and has created synergy as a result of pooling and sharing academic resources with local and international partners, including some from Europe and America.

Affordable education

Students are allowed to make flexible fee payments 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 the student population.

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 survey-based ranking by HR firm, Corporate Staffing Services Ltd.

Quality assurance

MKU is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) to offer both face-to-face and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning.

The fully chartered university is also ISO 9001:2015 certified. CPS Research International ranked MKU among the top five destinations for international students from Africa.

To learn more about MKU and its range of programmes, visit:www.mku.ac.ke

[email protected]