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Tag: Mount Kenya University

  • Researchers, innovators team up to fight climate change

    Researchers, innovators team up to fight climate change

    Researchers in the country have teamed up to find a lasting solution to the effects of climate change and the declining food security.

    In Kiambu County, over 40 partners have come together in a Research, Innovation and Digital Agri-Expo at the Mount Kenya University (MKU) in an event that was graced by Director General, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and the Universities Funding Board aiming to chart the way forward in minimizing the adversities of a changing environment.

    Speaking Thursday, MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said the academia and industry is vital in enhancing innovations, commercialization of scientific or research outcomes for socio-economic growth, knowledge transfer and a mutual value-addition.

    Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi (left) with KIRDI Director General Dr Calvin Onyango and University Funding Board CEO Geoffrey Monari (third right) listen to a student explaining the operations of a water dispenser operated through Mpesa payment

    He said MKU has taken the initiative to grow medicinal plants in its botanical garden at the Green valley estate Campus in Thika and an initial research has yielded the production of bathing soap using aloe vera and bamboo extracts.

    Noting that research and innovation are the drivers of economic development; the VC said there must be a strong synergy between academia and industry to foster the much needed socio-economic development.

    “The banks, the schools, the hotels, the construction sites, small scale and large-scale farmers, hospitals, engineers,  boda-boda transporters and the entire transport sector, the ICT sector, and so on are the industry players and partners in this endeavor,” said the VC.

    At the same time, Prof Jaganyi made an appeal for more funding towards research and innovation from the government, noting that currently the kitty stands at 2 per cent.

    “We know the government has many things to do including financing research and innovation, but when more funds become available it will go a long way towards realizing our goals,” said the scholar.

    Dr. Onyango said KIRDI has embarked on a program of partnering with universities to share information and create linkages between young innovators and the industrial market.

    “We are offering incubation services where students come and use our facilities and gain the confidence to go out into the market for them to grow and create jobs,” said Onyango.

    Monari said the Funding Board has partnered with donors to support innovators on issues of climate change, food security and health.

    “Over the years innovators have not been supported financially and that is what we are now focusing on. We also want universities to become more entrepreneurial,” the official added.

    The Expo ends on Friday, November 24th.

  • MKU researches on plant based soap

    MKU researches on plant based soap

    Research towards production of plant-based soap is currently at an advanced stage at the Mount Kenya University in Kiambu County.

    The initiative will see Aloe Vera and bamboo extracts used as additives to the soap, according to MKU Pro-Chancellor Dr Vincent Gaitho.

    He said the University is conducting the research at its botanic garden at the Happy Valley campus in Thika that has over 300 indigenous plant species.

    Dr Gaitho was speaking during the tree planting exercise by students and members of staff at the 103-acre land parcel adjacent to Thika River. He was accompanied by the MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi and Co-Founder Dr Jane Nyutu.

    “During this rainy period, the University plans to plant and grow over 5000 indigenous trees, shrubs and herbs. The plants will serve a triple purpose: mitigation of climate change, food security and improvement of people’s livelihoods,” Dr Gaitho stated, adding that the University has so far grown over 100,000 trees at different places.

    Pro Jaganyi concurred that medicinal trees are not only a source of natural remedies but also play a pivotal role in maintaining the ecological balance of our surroundings.

    “Mount Kenya University has always been a pioneer in promoting environmental consciousness, and the initiative to grow medicinal trees aligns seamlessly with our ethos,” asserted the VC.

    “The biodiversity of provides a unique opportunity for us to cultivate a variety of medicinal trees, each with its own set of healing properties,” he added.

    Moreover, the scholar added, the cultivation of medicinal trees aligns with global efforts to preserve biodiversity and combat climate change.

    “Trees are nature’s air purifiers, and by growing medicinal varieties, we not only contribute to a healthier environment but also create a living pharmacy that future generations can benefit from. This initiative also provides a unique learning opportunity for our students,” he pointed out.

    The cultivation of medicinal trees at the University, he noted, is not just a practical step towards a healthier community, but a symbolic gesture of its commitment to the well-being of our planet.

    Dr Nyutu on her part said MKU is currently the United Nations Academic Impact Hub for SDG 10 on Reduced Inequalities.

    “Accordingly, MKU’s team of professionals, scholars and researchers, working in collaboration with practitioners and other persons of goodwill, have joined hands with the Government of Kenya and with all the other Kenyans as well as with the international community in climate mitigation through trees growing as evidenced today,

    “Certainly when the ecosystem is fully restored, the challenges of recurrent droughts and floods will be solved thus contributing towards other SDGs including poverty eradication, creation of decent works, Reduced Inequalities and life below water besides others,” she said.

  • MKU reschedules exams to accommodate Saturday worshippers 

    MKU reschedules exams to accommodate Saturday worshippers 

    Mount Kenya University (MKU) has adjusted its weekend examinations programme to accommodate students and staff who worship on Saturdays.

    The move follows after a section of students from Kisii initiated an online petition to prevent the institution from conducting exams.

    “The exams will be available on Wednesday August 23 as scheduled in the time table at the respective campuses and Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODEL) centers for any Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) students who may not be able to sit the examinations as currently scheduled,” Dr. Ronald G Maathai, the university’s Registrar for Academic Administration, says in a statement.

    MKU later moved the examinations scheduled to be held on Saturday August 19, 2023 to next week.

    The petition asserts that MKU disregarded appeals from SDA students who, due to their religious beliefs, cannot sit for exams held on Saturdays.

    “Any exams held on Sabbath practically exclude us from participating.” the students stated in their petition.

    The students also lodged a petition with the Commission for University Education (CUE), urging them to ensure the campus’s adherence to the statutory and regulatory requirements outlined in the Universities Act of 2012.

    According to the Act, universities must follow inclusivity guidelines that prevent discrimination against students based on their religious beliefs.

    “This matter requires immediate attention to upholding equality and the constitutional right to worship pursuant to Article 32 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010,” part of the petition states. “As practicing SDAs, Saturdays are dedicated to our religious observance. Conducting exams on this day effectively bars our participation,” said the candidates.

    The students elaborated that they faced disenfranchisement and unequal competition with peers who did not observe Saturday worship services, affecting their academic performance.

    More than 1,000 students have lent their support to the petition.

  • MKU announces Ksh 80M waiver on outstanding student levies

    MKU announces Ksh 80M waiver on outstanding student levies

    Mount Kenya University has announced a Ksh 80 million waiver on outstanding student levies. 

    Speaking during the institution’s 23rd graduation ceremony at Happy Valley Grounds, Thika, Prof. Simon Gicharu said the waiver applies to all past students who have not collected their graduation certificates.

    “The issue of uncollected certificates was worsened by the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Prof. Gicharu. “Over 4,000 past students have accumulated storage fees, library arrears, and late return of graduation gowns. In total, the levies amount to about Ksh 80 million.”

    He added: “True to the university motto Unlocking Infinite Possibilities, we don’t want to be the hinderance towards unlocking the infinite possibilities for you.  Therefore, we are extending this waiver and all past students can now come and collect their academic certificates.”

    Over 6,000 students from 12 different countries were conferred Degrees and awarded Diplomas. Among them were 15 PhDs, 349 Masters, and 3,618 Bachelors Degree recipients.

    National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetangula was the chief guest, in his address called for the adoption of multi-faceted strategies by governments to address the issue of climate change.

    “The rise in research on ‘greenhouse’ effects/ climate change mitigation is a vital input by universities and research organisations for bridging the glaring policy gaps in environmental education, consumer behaviour, rewarding and sanctions systems, legislation and government/ organizational support in climate change mitigation,” he added.

    Dr Wetangula also encouraged Kenyans to support the Government of Kenya’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees by year 2032.

    During the ceremony, the new chairman of MKU Council Prof. Agong’ Stephen Gaya was unveiled.

    On the climate change, Prof. Gicharu asked the graduands to be innovative and come up with interventions that will translate into jobs.

    He said MKU will embrace the proposals by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reform in order to increase productivity in research and innovation, improve international ranking, and strengthen linkages.

    “From where we sit, we see these university reforms as a challenge for universities to do what they are supposed to do both in academics and community outreach.  The Board will support the university management to fully embrace and implement the reforms,” Prof. Gicharu added.

  • MKU steps up efforts to prepare students for international job market

    MKU steps up efforts to prepare students for international job market

    Mount Kenya University (MKU) has stepped up efforts to prepare its students for the international job market as unemployment continues to frustrate new graduates in the country.

    The University’s founder and chairman of the board, Prof Simon Gicharu, says whereas the jobs are limited, there are many opportunities outside the country.

    “We are training Kenyans not only for the local job market but also for the international one,” he said.

    The chairman congratulated the university management for establishing partnerships with other organisations in Germany and Austria.

    He said such partnerships are providing graduates with opportunities to work abroad.

    “Though we partially agree that the jobs are few in Kenya, there are many opportunities outside the country. We are training Kenyans not only for the local job market but also for the international one,” he said.

    As an institution, the chairman said the University has been committed to the improvement of academic facilities and learning infrastructure. This is in form of additional learning space for students, and laboratories for research.

    “Part of our drive towards internationalization is further evidenced by the fact that we have identified our honorary graduates from international community. Dr. Karim Khan is the Prosecutor at International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands. He is receiving an Honorary Doctor of Laws,” said Prof Gicharu.

    Prof Gicharu spoke as another 6,108 (3,138 are male and 2,970 female) graduated at MKU’s Happy Valley grounds in Thika town. They include; one honorary doctorate, 15 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degrees; 349 Masters Degrees 162 postgraduate Diplomas and 3,618 Bachelor’s Degree recipients.

    The university has also waived Sh80 million on outstanding student levies that include library and storage of certificate charges.

    “The issue of uncollected certificates was worsened by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Prof. Gicharu.

    “Over 4,000 past students have accumulated storage fees, library arrears, and late return of graduation gowns.”

    National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetangula, who was the chief guest called for adoption of multi-faceted strategies by governments throughout the world to address the issue of climate change.  He also encouraged Kenyans to support the Government of Kenya’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees by year 2032.

    “The rise in research on ‘greenhouse’ effects/ climate change mitigation is a vital input by universities and research organisations for bridging the glaring policy gaps in environmental education, consumer behaviour, rewarding and sanctions systems, legislation and government/ organizational support in climate change mitigation,” added the Speaker.

    The 23rd graduation ceremony marked the last in which students from what was formerly MKU Kigali Campus will be travelling to Kenya. The Campus gained full autonomy in April this year and now operates under the name Mount Kigali University. In future, Mount Kigali University will be holding its own graduation ceremonies in Kigali, Rwanda.

    Others who attended the colourful event were Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, and her counterparts Paul Melly (Tinderet), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Getrude Mbetu (Kilifi), and Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani) among others.

    Others were Paul Mungai from the State Department for Higher Education and Research at the Ministry of Education, Ambassador Francis Muthaura, Chuka University Council Chair Prof. David Serem, Dr Richard Thacker of University of West Scotland and Prof. John McNulty of Loyola University, U.S.A.

  • New centre for Malaria elimination launched at MKU

    New centre for Malaria elimination launched at MKU

    The Government of Japan, in collaboration with Kenya’s ministries of Education and Health have launched a state of the art Malaria research laboratory at Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s main campus in Thika town. 

    The project aims to evaluate an integrated community-directed strategy for malaria elimination in western Kenya and has achieved significant milestones in the fight against the disease.

    The new lab at MKU will be funded by the Government of Japan, Japan’s ambassador to Kenya said in Thika on Friday.

    The overall project has made substantial investments in the fight against malaria. The total project cost is approximately Ksh 450 million, with Ksh 300 million allocated for activities in Kenya and Ksh 150 million for activities in Japan.

    Launching the facility at MKU’s main campus in Thika town, the envoy said he had visited the project site in Homa Bay County and regretted the fact that malaria has been so devastating a disease in Africa.

    “I have been briefed about the challenges facing the people of that region from the malaria disease,” he said.

    Added Mr Okinawa; “It is disheartening to know that there continues to be so many people suffering from malaria. It is a complete waste of human resources and human lives.”

    The ambassador said malaria has been a persistent threat to residents of Nyanza region and many regions of Kenya.

    “MKU vice-chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said the inauguration of the Centre was a testimony of the university’s unwavering commitment to combating one of the world’s most persistent and devastating tropical diseases. He noted that Malaria remains a formidable global health challenge, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable members of the society, particularly children and pregnant women.

    “It ravages communities, undermines economic development and perpetuates a cycle of poverty that we must break. The burden of this disease is not only a health concern but also a social injustice that demands our joint attention and action for eradication,” he said

    The VC said MKU has always been at the forefront of addressing societal needs and uplifting communities.

    “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation and working hand in hand with local communities and global partners to achieve a malaria-free future,” he added.

    MKU has postdoctoral candidates and graduate students dedicated to unraveling the complexities of malaria immunity in children and pregnant women.

    The VC called upon Kenyans and donors of good will to support the center for sustainability, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or philanthropic contributions so that one day, nobody will ever suffer from malaria, as it will be a thing of the past.

    Speaking during the event, MKU Pro-Chancellor, Dr Vincent Gaitho said health is a panacea for development and growth since an unhealthy person cannot perform effectively.

    He said the laboratory represents a significant milestone in MKU’s relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation and societal impact.

    “We have come together as a community, driven by a shared purpose—to alleviate the burden of disease, eradicate malaria and revolutionize healthcare in our region. Thus, hats-off to the winning team of researchers that brought forth this victory to MKU and Kenya and the region,” Dr Vincent Gaitho said.

    In addition to laboratory development, the project has allocated resources for capacity building and training initiatives. Exchange programs for researchers and students between MKU and collaborating Japanese universities, including Osaka City University, have been financially supported.

    These programmes aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals involved in malaria research and foster international collaborations.

    To strengthen field research capacity, the project has procured field vehicles and mobile research equipment, which has facilitated data collection and surveillance activities in malaria-endemic areas.

    It also generating intellectual outputs, including publications and innovations. These contributions have elevated MKU’s profile as a Science and Technology university and have enhanced its webometrics and research rankings.