Mount Kenya University targets Uganda in expansion move
Mount Kenya University (MKU) is set to expand its footprint further in the East Africa, with plans underway to open a new campus in Uganda by April 2026.
MKU Chairman and Founder Professor Simon Gicharu made the announcement yesterday during the university’s 28th graduation ceremony, where he highlighted the institution’s growing regional presence.
He noted that the university has already established a strong foundation in Rwanda through Mount Kigali University, which now hosts more than 10,000 students and is among the largest universities in the country.
“We are now in Rwanda, with Mount Kigali University. We have over ten thousand students there, almost the second largest university in Rwanda. And also, very soon, we will be facing Museveni, in Uganda, where we also want to take Mount Kenya University by April next year,” Professor Gicharu said.
As part of the government’s endorsement for MKU’s leadership mission, the guest speaker, CPA Dr. Aurelia Rono, Principal Secretary, State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary commended the varsity for its role in cultivating responsible leaders.
Rono applauded MKU for its strong student governance system through the MKUSA Council, Innovations such as Nanaheal Enterprises and EcoBlue, which are producing globally recognized, environmentally friendly solutions, successful research and innovation partnerships, including the Africa Centre for Career Enhancement & Skills Support (ACCESS-DAAD) and the EU-funded SEADE Project, impactful community outreach, including medical camps and education programs for inmates and its inclusive disability policy, ensuring equal access to quality education.
She urged the new graduates to become ethical leaders and active contributors to Kenya’s future, reminding them that “your degree is a tool for service.”
During the ceremony, Professor Gicharu urged young people to embrace modern skills, especially artificial intelligence, as they navigate an increasingly competitive job market.
He noted that the employment landscape is rapidly shifting and that nearly every sector is now integrating AI technology. According to him, graduates must acquire a solid understanding of emerging technologies if they are to secure opportunities in the evolving economy.
He also commended lecturers and instructors for their commitment to producing professionals equipped with contemporary skills and capable of steering the nation forward. His sentiments were echoed by MKU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Deogratius Jaganyi, who reaffirmed the university’s dedication to preparing industry-ready graduates.
In the area of global Partnerships and Strengthening MKU’s Footprint, Prof. John Struthers, the MKU Chancellor, in his address celebrated the University’s expanding global influence through strategic academic, industry, and research partnerships.
Struthers highlighted MKU’s global leadership as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) SDG 9 Hub Chair (2025–2027), now working with partner institutions from Spain, Japan, and Peru. The Chancellor congratulated the graduands, urging them to remain connected to their alma mater through the MKU Alumni Association.
At the same time, Professor Gicharu also announced a Sh100million fund dedicated to recognizing alumni who demonstrate exceptional “extra-mile” service to their communities over the next 10 years.
Among the major institutional investments aimed at broadening career opportunities and strengthening the University’s competitiveness include the Malindi Maritime Academy, fully accredited by the Kenya Maritime Authority, now strengthened through a new partnership with the Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy, United Arab Emirates for advanced training and joint research and the acquisition and commissioning of the UBTECH Walker E Educational Humanoid Robot, positioning MKU among global leaders in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Education.
The varsity has also realised significant growth in Sports and Creative Arts, successful placement of 54 nursing apprentices in Germany, with the fifth cohort scheduled for March 2026 as well as the establishment of a Dental School, the upcoming ODEL Regional Centre in Kampala, Uganda, and growing opportunities for hospitality students at the Kigali.
