MKU Vice- Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi
receiving interactive display units from the Chairman Board of
Directors and Founder MKU, Prof. Simon Gicharu. The university
has embraced ICT and digital teaching and learning technologies
as a driver to digital transformation.
MKU offers her programmes both face- to-face and through a
robust online learning platform. PHOTO: By James Wakahiu
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has intensified investments in
technology to enhance educational delivery further and improve
learning outcomes. Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, says
students and faculty enjoy the experience of using the cutting-
edge technology that the university has integrated into teaching
and learning.
“In the next five years, the university will expand its use of
Artificial AI, immersive learning technologies, and data analytics,”
says Prof Jaganyi. He says the aim is to provide even more
personalised, flexible, and engaging learning opportunities.
Consequently, the institution is implementing an Edu-Tech
solution in partnership with Marwadi Technologies of India.
As a result of this partnership, the university will migrate from
the Students Management Information System (SMIS), ERP and
“My.MKU” to the more unified University Integrated Resource
Platform (UnIRP) beginning mid this month.
Dr Ronald Maathai, Registrar, Academic Administration at MKU
says that in January, 2025, MKU was appointed as the United
Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG)-9 Hub Chair for Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
The university will serve in that capacity from January 2025 to
December 2027. Goal 9 champions the building of resilient
infrastructure, promotion of sustainable industrialisation, and
the fostering of innovation. “The institution also aspires to be a
leader in University Digital Transformation. This is why we are
migrating our systems,” he added.
The university Integrated Resource Platform (UnIRP) has been
successfully implemented by other universities and institutions of
higher learning. They include: Marwadi University, National
Forensic Sciences University, Dr. Subhash University, Chandigarh
Group of Colleges, Swaminarayan University, Vidhyadeep
University, Gujarat Biotechnology University, Gokul Global
University, Varohaman College of Engineering and Shreeyash
Pratishthan Mission Education among others.
The migration process will commence on 15th February, 2025 in
a phased approach guided by an ICT steering Committee. During
the transition period, the old system will run concurrently with
the new system until it is fully phased out. “We are appealing to
yourselves as university key stakeholders to support the
transition process,” Dr Maathai said.
The key features of the new system include automated
workflows for student management, finance and administration.
“We expect more efficient real-time data access and reporting as
well as improved user experience for students, faculty and staff,”
he added.
Interactive displays
Recently, MKU integrated the use of Interactive displays and
smart classrooms to enhance learning experiences and elevate
the e-learning and conference experience. These interactive
displays will serve as a dynamic platform for content delivery,
fostering participation, and interactivity.
The university also intends to build Smart classrooms across the
campuses and recording studios for content development. This
will complement earlier developments where the university
began a journey of self-paced content development and
digitization.
Photo/MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi
(second from left) and Mr Botao Zeng, chief executive of Nanjing
Zhongxing Xinyada (an IT company), exchange documents after
signing a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in the
field of digital education, among other areas. The ceremony was
witnessed by MKU Chairman and founder Prof Simon Gicharu
(left) and other officials of Xinyada.
The Chairman, Board of Directors and Founder, MKU, Prof Simon
Gicharu, said the interactive displays will allow lecturers to
incorporate a range of useful apps or teaching aids that support
in simplifying different concepts in class, hence enabling lecturers
to be more effective in training students virtually.
Handing over the displays to the Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius
Jaganyi, the chairman said the newly acquired interactive
displays that will be used to enhance lecturer-student interaction
virtually. The 18 devices were acquired from China at a cost of
Sh28 million.
Prof Gicharu said the traditional model of “brick and mortar
universities” would most likely be replaced by open universities
that offer programmes through virtual platforms and retain only
small administrative offices. “We need to ensure that we are
alive to where the world is going, embrace technological
transformations, and integrate digital technologies with Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and optimize on the positive contribution to
improve livelihoods,” he said.
According to the chairman, the digital transformation agenda will
be embraced in all Open and Distance Electronic Learning (ODEL)
platforms and that MKU students will be among the first in the
country to benefit from this technology. “We expect that these
interactive displays will be fully integrated in our training in Thika
main campus and also in all our campuses and ODEL centers. We
are fully committed to ensure that our students have the best
learning experience,” the chairman stated.
VC Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said it is time for MKU to fully
embrace the fourth industrial revolution by entrenching
technology mediated modalities of teaching and learning in order
to meet the needs and expectations of the current generation.
“This is not just about keeping pace with global trends. It ensures
that MKU remains competitive and provides its students with the
most innovative and effective technological tools available,” he
added.
Deliberate policies
MKU has policies that emphasise the integration of technology
into both teaching and learning processes. The objective is to
enhance the accessibility of educational resources, promote
digital literacy among students and faculty, and foster an
environment where technology-driven solutions improve
educational outcomes. The policies also aim to equip students
with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world,
while enabling faculty to use modern tools to enhance their
teaching methods.
Artificial intelligence
MKU has made signicant strides in incorporating AI and Machine
Learning into its curriculum, particularly in courses related to
computer science and IT.
Immersive Learning technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and
augmented reality (AR), are used in specialised programmes like
medicine and engineering, to simulate real-life scenarios and
hands-on experiences.
Technologies such as VR and AR provide students with the ability
to engage in experiential learning by simulating real-life scenarios
in a controlled and safe environment. These technologies allow
students to practice skills, explore complex concepts, and gain
practical experience without the risk of real-world consequences.
Customised learning
Additionally, the institution has introduced AI-powered tools for
personalised learning and assessment, which helps track student
progress and provide customised learning paths based on
individual needs. “MKU uses data analytics tools to track student
performance and engagement throughout their academic
journey,” said the VC.
By monitoring factors like grades, attendance, and participation
in online discussions, the university can identify students who
may be struggling academically or facing personal challenges. The
system also provides early alerts to academic advisors, who can
then intervene with targeted support, such as tutoring, aid
assistance, or counselling. This proactive approach helps
minimise drop-out rates by addressing issues before they
escalate.
“Students who join a university like MKU, where technology is
pervasive, will be equipped with the digital skills necessary for
success in the modern workplace,” says Prof Jaganyi.
Students have access to advanced learning tools, personalised
instruction, and hands-on experiences through immersive
technologies. This also prepares them to work in a variety of
industries that increasingly rely on technology for decision-
making, innovation, and growth. Additionally, students benefit
from flexible learning environments, such as online courses and
digital collaboration tools that make learning more accessible
and efficient.
Online studies
For students who’d prefer to study online, MKU offers a robust
online learning platform designed to provide them with a
seamless and interactive learning experience. The platform
includes features such as live video lectures, recorded materials,
discussion forums, quizzes, and real-time assessments.
Additionally, MKU uses AI-powered tools to enhance the learning
experience by offering personalised feedback. The university’s
online courses are designed to be engaging and accessible,
providing students with the flexibility to study at their own pace
while still receiving the support and resources they need to
succeed.
MKU continuously benchmarks its technological practices and
infrastructure against global best practices in higher education.
The university actively collaborates with industry experts and
higher education networks to stay informed about the latest
developments in educational technology.
By embracing the latest advancements in educational
technology, MKU is positioning itself as a forward-thinking
institution that offers students access to innovative tools and
resources.
