MKU introduces plan for Artificial Intelligence development
Mount Kenya University (MKU) is leading the charge in Kenya's education sector, revolutionising teaching, learning, and management through an extensive AI-driven strategy. This comprehensive approach includes new academic programs, leadership training, and digital system integrations.
AI Leadership Training for Governance
In August 2025, the MKU Council underwent an AI Skill Up: Leadership & Strategy for AI training program. Designed specifically for university governance leaders, this initiative equips the Council with strategic insights and knowledge essential for overseeing AI integration in academic and administrative functions. The training, coordinated by Dr. Vincent Gaitho (Council Chairman) and attended by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, reflects MKU's commitment to embedding AI into institutional effectiveness, service delivery, and academic excellence.
AI Strategy Development
The Council’s involvement signals a broader institutional effort to develop and implement a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with national digital transformation goals and global best practices. This strategy ensures innovation with ethical governance in higher education.
Enhancing Student Innovation Programs Focused on AI
MKU’s academic and entrepreneurial initiatives actively incorporate AI. The Innovation and Incubation Centre supports student entrepreneurship through programs like "Idea to Market," focusing on digital product development with an emphasis on AI technologies. MKU students have engaged internationally in AI-related innovation exchanges and competitions, such as the Africa Meets Bavaria program and the African German Entrepreneurship Academy’s Business Idea Competition.
AI-Powered Digital Solutions
While detailed technical descriptions of new digital systems are not explicitly outlined, the Council’s AI training and the institution’s strategic positioning suggest ongoing adoption of AI-driven digital systems in teaching, learning management, and university administration to enhance efficiency and educational outcomes.
The UnIRP Platform: A Catalyst for Digital Transformation
The University Integrated Resource Platform (UnIRP) is a key component of MKU's digital transformation journey. This custom-built ICT system is designed to boost student experience, strengthen research capacity, and enable greater engagement between students and faculty. The UnIRP system is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing operational efficiency, supporting faculty-led research, and enabling data-driven decision-making across the institution.
New AI-Related Programs
The University Council has approved additional AI-related programs, including the Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These new programs are part of MKU's commitment to preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Graduation Ceremony and Key Announcements
The announcements were made during the university's 27th graduation ceremony on August 8, where more than 6,000 graduands received their awards, including 86 students from the Equip Africa Institute, MKU's Kitale-based affiliate specializing in healthcare training. The ceremony's theme was "Catalysing Innovation: Universities as Drivers of Artificial Intelligence."
Dr Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA), commended MKU's AI focus, placing the university among the country's key drivers of socio-economic transformation. He urged graduands to seize the opportunities offered by AI, citing examples of young innovators already creating social impact through technology.
Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Chair of MKU Council, stated that AI will enhance operational efficiency, support faculty-led research, and enable data-driven decision-making across the institution. He emphasised that MKU stands at the frontier of a new era with AI, where they can not only innovate but transform lives.
In conclusion, Mount Kenya University is advancing its academic and management frameworks through leadership training in AI, strategic policy formulation, enhancing student innovation programs focused on AI, and implementing AI-powered digital solutions to transform higher education comprehensively.
- Mount Kenya University's new Master of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, as well as the Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, are part of the university's commitment to preparing students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, specifically the era of artificial intelligence.
- Amidst the focus on AI-driven innovation, Mount Kenya University's graduation ceremony on August 8, showcased their commitment to health-related programs, as 86 students from the Equip Africa Institute, an MKU affiliate specializing in healthcare training, received their awards.
