Diligent students can create the future they desire at Mount Kenya University (MKU) because the institution has whatever they need to succeed. Those who came before them stepped out into the job market a confident lot, says MKU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Stanley Waudo.

“The University produces well-trained manpower equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful professionals,” asserts the VC.

He cites a recent graduate employability study by research firm CPS International that found MKU graduates to be among the most preferred by employers.

The CPS survey found that MKU tops private universities with the most employable graduates. The university is also among the top 10 of all (public and private) universities that employers prefer to hire from. It has an employability index of 17.1 percent, placing it at position seven overall.

The CPS study also noted that MKU is among the top four universities with the highest number of graduates annually.

Prof Waudo explains that this is as a result of the measures the university has put in place to deliver accessible, affordable quality education. MKU, says the don, offers innovative programmes responsive to Kenya’s immediate and long-term scientific and technological needs.

“The university produces skilled graduates who are employable by potential employers, with others seizing self-employment opportunities,” says the don.

He adds that the university deploys innovative teaching, learning and assessment strategies underpinned by an evidence-based approach appropriate for learners.

Qualified and dedicated faculty and administrative staff support students.

Prof Waudo says the university attracts both self-sponsored and government-sponsored students because of its academic character that focuses on academic progression from certificate, diploma to degree levels and envisions to be a global centre of excellence in education, research and innovation in science and technology.

Since the award of the University Charter on 26 January, 2011 in accordance with Universities Act Cap 210B, MKU has developed new programmes which have been accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and approved by other regulatory agencies.

MKU’s programmes have the nod of bodies that regulate specific professions, such as Pharmacy and Poisons Board, Nursing Council of Kenya, Council of Clinical Officers, Council of Legal Education, Public Health Officers and Technicians Council, Kenya Medical Laboratories Technicians and Technologists Board, East African Community Partners Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board/ Councils, Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute among others and the University Senate.

Inspections by CUE and other regulatory bodies have rated MKU quality assurance mechanisms as highly compliant.

MKU lets students choose their preferred mode of learning. The university offers flexible modes of learning, which include fulltime, digital learning (online teaching and learning), institution-based learning or part-time (evening and weekends).

Through a well- structured network of campuses, the university offers wide access to quality higher education in the region.

Prof Waudo says the ‘new normal’ wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic has seen digital learning at MKU receive enhanced infrastructural and academic resources support. MKU students have embraced e-learning as a new lifestyle.

The university has ultra-modern learning infrastructure that matches global standards as evidenced by the well-equipped award-winning multi-media library and the magnificent Alumni Plaza, Chancellor’s Tower and MKU Union Tower.

Prof Waudo says the university has continued to develop its physical facilities and has established campuses and Open, Distance and electronic Learning Centres.

MKU runs career advisory programmes for students and training of peer counselors in addition to the university counselling services. It has well-established mechanisms to foster mentorship and support programmes for students through students’ social welfare and mentorship policies and guidelines.

The university constantly develops the skills of students in social issues to enhance their wellbeing and all-round development.

MKU, says Prof Waudo, involves students in governance and enhanced student leadership training programmes.

Students find fees-paying convenient and affordable. The university offers them flexible fees payment terms in easy percentage installments of 40:20:20:20. This arrangement promotes access and equity in the admission of students.

Students can unlock their infinite career possibilities from a rich menu of MKU programmes that are housed in College of Health sciences that has 5 schools; Medical, Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy and Nursing.

Other schools include; Education, Business & Economics, Pure &Applied Sciences, Law, Computing & Informatics, Social Sciences, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Management, Engineering, Energy and the Built Environment.

By EVANS ONGWAE

eongwae@ke.nationmedia.com