Dons call for closer academia-industry ties to tackle skills mismatch challenge

By James Wakahiu

editor@themountainjournal.co.ke

Vice Chancellors of Mount Kigali University and Mount Kenya University laud the
Inter-Universities Council of East Africa for organizing three-day Kigali
event to discuss pertinent issue
The Inter-Universities Council of East Africa’s (IUCEA’s) biennial
Academia-Public-Private Partnership Forum (APPPF) has earned the
praise of the vice-chancellors of two regional universities. The latest
edition, the 13th APPPF, took place in Kigali on 12-14 March, bringing
together a wide range of stakeholders.
Mount Kigali University Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Martin Kimemia, described
the forum as a vital gathering key to finding solutions to challenges
facing the region.
He said: “IUCEA has been at the forefront of enhancing partnerships to
address the persistent skills mismatch between university education
and the evolving demands of the job market.’
His Mount Kenya University (MKU) counterpart, Prof. Deogratius
JAGANYI, said the top minds gathered at the forum shared important
ideas on how to tackle this problem.
Chair of the Education Sector at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance
(KEPSA) and Chairman of MKU’s University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho,
emphasized the need for higher education institutions to develop
curricula in direct collaboration with industry stakeholders.
The three dons said it was time to cultivate closer academia-industry
partnerships.
They urged the region’s universities to collaborate with industry when
developing curricula. Additionally, they underscored the role of industry
in dual training, internship and apprenticeship.
“There are many highly qualified experts in the industry, including PhD
holders, who can contribute significantly to academic training. We need
to involve them to make education more practical and aligned with real world demands,” said Dr. Gaitho.
He argued that universities must serve as solution providers to
businesses and employers. This is especially ensuring graduates are
well-equipped for the job market.
During the forum, MKU’s principal for corporate services and director
linkages and partnerships, Prof. Peter Wanderi, said the institution was
walking the talk on academia-industry collaboration.
He highlighted the initiatives both MKU and Mount Kigali University
were involved in that are helping to produce graduates fit for the job
market.
Prof. Wanderi explained how universities can promote Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) through the United Nations Academic
Impact (UNAI) initiative. As a long-standing UNAI member, MKU
previously served as the SDG 10 Hub on Reduced Inequalities (2021–
2024) and has now been selected as the SDG 9 Hub Chair (2025–2027),
emphasizing Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
The university aligns its policies, research, and community engagement
with the SDGs through various initiatives.

The MKU Innovation and Incubation Center, co-sponsored by the
European Union through the Erasmus Plus Program, plays a crucial role
in fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancements. The
Annual Research and Innovation Week at the university provides a
platform for students and faculty to engage in industry-driven research,
ensuring that academic work contributes to practical solutions.
Additionally, the African Center for Career Enhancement and Skills
Support (ACCESS) Project, a DAAD-funded program, is instrumental in
equipping students with job-ready skills to meet the demands of the
evolving job market. The SDG Champions Program has appointed 50
student leaders across various campuses, including Mount Kigali
University, to promote sustainable development efforts within their
academic communities.
In a major expansion, Mount Kigali University has on its part embarked
on two ambitious projects to enhance practical training for students.
The Kigali Paramount Hotel, projected to be a four-star training facility,
will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students pursuing
careers in hospitality and tourism.

Meanwhile, the University Medical Center is being developed as a
teaching hospital designed to offer real-world experience for medical
and healthcare students. These initiatives reflect Mount Kigali
University’s commitment to bridging the gap between academic
knowledge and industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for the job market