MKU starts partnership with US universities

Mount Kenya University chairman Simon Gicharu with a faculty member of Clarke University, US. MKU entered into a partnership with the university in the areas of research and exchange programmes. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • A delegation led by MKU chairman Simon Gicharu is in the US and has visited the two institutions. Dr Gicharu said the other aim of the visit is to share ideas on improving e-learning.
  • Clarke University’s vice president for academic affairs Susan Burns said the partnership opens up the world to students from the two institutions to work together.
  • In may this year, MKU also entered into an academic partnership with China University of Petroleum (East China) with the focus of tapping in training of experts in the lucrative oil industry.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has entered into partnership with two leading universities in the United States that will enable the institutions to share facilities and have exchange programmes for students.

Clarke University, University of Dubuque and MKU will also collaborate in research, which is critical in university education.

A delegation led by MKU chairman Simon Gicharu is in the US and has visited the two institutions. Dr Gicharu said the other aim of the visit is to share ideas on improving e-learning.

“University education is going global and we cannot be left behind. I will provide the leadership and make sure the resources are there to make this partnership work,” he said.

He noted that MKU had turned 20 years since its establishment and therefore critical for it to learn from institutions that have made it.

Clarke University’s vice president for academic affairs Susan Burns said the partnership opens up the world to students from the two institutions to work together.

“We are keen to have our students benefit from globally and inter-culturally engagements as it give them the opportunity to learn more about themselves and others,” said Ms Burns.

The University of Dubuque director of international student services and study abroad Phyllis Garfield observed that students from various institutions visit for exchange programmes.

Ms Garfield said the initiative will help to internationalize the university saying the World is now a global village.

In may this year, MKU also entered into an academic partnership with China University of Petroleum (East China) with the focus of tapping in training of experts in the lucrative oil industry.

Through the partnership, the two institutions exchange students and develop joint scientific and technological research projects, among others.