Why it’s worth sparing a moment to check out Mount Kenya University

By Evans Ongwae

High school students keen to learn more about careers can visit Mount Kenya University (MKU) campuses from June 6 to 11. The university has organised a career week to help them make informed decisions when choosing courses.

MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius JAGANYI says the university’s career mentorship programme has gained popularity over the years. The programme also includes the university sending its staff to high school career days across the country.

“Every month, we host the career week and invite high school students to visit our campuses and our open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) centres to interact with our staff,” says the don.

Prof JAGANYI believes this is among the many reasons the university attracts a growing number of government-supported as well as self-sponsored students.

MKU is among universities with a career services office as required by the Ministry of Education. The office offers career counselling and mentorship to prospective and continuing students. The university also distributes a free career guide to high school students across the country.

Prof JAGANYI outlines several other reasons that make MKU a preferred destination for both government and self-sponsored students.

Rich academic menu

The VC points out that MKU offers a rich academic menu comprising more than 160 accredited programmes. These are available at:

• College of Health Sciences in the School of Pharmacy, Medical School, School of Nursing, School of Clinical Medicine and School of Public Health
• School of Business and Economics
• School of Pure and Applied Sciences
• School of Law
• School of Education
• School of Social Sciences
• School of Computing and Informatics
• School of Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Management
• School of Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment
• College of Graduate Studies and Research
• Equip Africa College of Medical and Health Sciences
• Equip Africa Institute
• Institute of Security Studies, Justice and Ethics
• Institute of Films, Creative and Performing arts
• Centre for Professional Development.

Synergetic partnerships

MKU, says Prof JAGANYI, has forged 100 strategic and synergetic partnerships with local, regional and international universities; industries; and public and private institutions. These partnerships enrich the university’s offering.

Respected brand

ProfJAGANYI points out that students choose to study at MKU because it is among the top-ranked universities nationally and regionally. Below, he shares highlights of this ranking:

• MKU Medical School is ranked the top among medical schools in East Africa.
• MKU is among the top 10 universities in Kenya, according to Webometric and 4ICU rankings.
• The MKU Digital Repository is ranked Number 3 in Kenya.
• MKU is ranked top among universities in research funding.
• MKU offers affordable education and is a leading private university in Kenya in programme and student numbers, according to aMadison Insurance Survey on Higher Education.
• MKU is ranked the fourth-best Kenyan university in sports, as per a CPS International survey.
• MKU tops the list of science-offering private higher education institutions, according to CPS International.
• International in character, MKU has students from more than 40 nations studying at its campuses and also virtually. It is ranked among top 4 universities with the highest number of foreign students.
• MKU is ranked at Position 2 and 4 in Facebook and Twitter respectively, according to 4ICU Ranking.

Flexible study options

Prof JAGANYI says the university promotes access to higher education through its accredited and flexible modes of learning, which include fulltime, ODeL, school-based learning, and part-time. All the programmes offered under these modules are fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE).

Career placement

The university produces highly-skilled and employable graduates. Others go into self-employment and create jobs.MKU graduates rank among top 10 in employability, according to a ranking by Corporate Staffing Services Ltd.

Multicultural diversity

The university, asserts Prof JAGANYI, appreciates the diversity of its student population and develops talents through cultural events. “MKU promotes diversity and inclusion and is a United Nations Academic Impact global hub for SDG-10 on Reduced Inequalities.

Affordable fees andconvenient payment mode

MKU is known for its affordable and flexible fee payment plan that allows students to make easy monthly instalments.

Transition rate

At MKU, students complete their courses within the stipulated time. Their academic progress is monitored and evaluated on a continuous basis. The university’s trimester system also allows acceleration.

Student welfare support

The university has in place accommodation facilities. The sporting and recreation activities at the university include rugby, football, tennis, volleyball, athletics, swimming and drama.

Prof JAGANYI points out that automation of university processes enhances service delivery.

MKU is a chartered multi-campus and ISO 9001:2015 certified university.

For more information about MKU, visit https://www.mku.ac.ke/

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