Mount Kenya University Paves the Way for the Future of Education with ICT Infrastructure Upgrades

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has embarked on a significant ICT infrastructure upgrade aimed at transforming its digital learning capabilities to meet the evolving needs of modern education. This initiative is designed to enhance online learning, boost interactivity, and position the institution at the forefront of higher education’s digital future.

The upgrade includes the installation of interactive displays, a game-changer for virtual learning. These cutting-edge tools will improve the interaction between students and lecturers during online classes, enabling a more dynamic and engaging learning experience. Especially for science and mathematical courses, these displays allow lecturers to demonstrate complex concepts using various teaching aids, making virtual learning more effective and practical.

Dr. Benson Njoroge, Dean of the School of Education, emphasized the importance of this upgrade during a handover ceremony, noting that the university is focusing on digital transformation to ensure future readiness. The university received 18 new interactive displays, with plans for further expansion in the coming months.

Prof. Simon Gicharu, Chairman of MKU’s Board of Directors, highlighted the institution’s forward-thinking approach in embracing technological advancements. He noted that with rapid technological changes, it is essential for universities to keep pace with global trends.

“As a university, we must remain aware of where the world is headed. Technology is advancing at a fast rate, and the traditional brick-and-mortar model for universities is likely to be replaced by virtual institutions that rely on digital platforms for learning. The future of education lies in Open Universities offering programs through online platforms while maintaining only small administrative offices,” Prof. Gicharu stated.

The interactive displays will enhance lecturer-student engagement, even in the virtual space. Prof. Gicharu explained that these tools allow instructors to incorporate various apps and teaching aids, making concepts easier to understand and making lecturers more effective in delivering virtual lessons.

MKU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, echoed these sentiments, noting that the university is embracing a digital transformation agenda to meet the needs of the next generation of students. He highlighted that many students joining higher education today, particularly those from Generation Z and soon Generation Alpha, have grown up in a digital world. These students are accustomed to interacting with technology, and the university must adapt to provide them with a seamless learning experience.

“Today marks another milestone in the evolution of online academic learning at MKU. We are transitioning from Generation Z to Generation Alpha, a cohort that is hyper-connected and deeply embedded in technology. It is time for MKU to fully embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution by embedding technology-mediated learning methods that cater to the expectations of this new generation,” said Prof. Jaganyi.

The interactive displays are not just limited to undergraduate learning. Prof. Jaganyi also mentioned that they will play a crucial role in postgraduate education by supporting research, collaborations, and conferencing. The university’s plan includes building smart classrooms across its campuses and establishing a recording studio for content development, which will enhance its e-learning platform and research ecosystem.

These developments are part of MKU’s broader efforts to promote self-paced content development and digitization, reflecting the institution’s commitment to creating a transformative educational environment. The integration of smart technologies into learning will foster participation, interactivity, and collaboration, offering students a more engaging and effective educational experience.

By fully embracing these digital transformations, MKU is not only enhancing the quality of its teaching and learning but also ensuring that it remains a leader in the future of education in Kenya and beyond.

About The Author

Maurice Momanyi

See author's posts