From left, Microsoft Corporation head of education, middle East and Africa Mr Simone Outarra, Mount Kenya University vice chancellor Prof Stanley Waudo signs education transformation pact at the university in Thika on Wednesday. Looking on are Microsoft officials and MKU council vice-chairman Vincent Gaitho (second from right back line) and MKU student's president (first from right back line). The university will ink Sh 300 million to support the program that will see the cooperation aid in digitization of learning.
Mount Kenya University has signed an education transformation pact with an American multinational technology company Microsoft Corporation that will see digitization of learning for the institution.
The partnership that will see the university ink Sh 300 million to support the program will help enable positive changes to teaching and improved learning outcomes for students.
Speaking after the signing ceremony at the university, the varsity council vice-chairman Dr Vincent Gichuru Gaitho reiterated that the initiative will not only be beneficial to the institution but will also help in alleviation of societal challenges such as climatic changes.
The institution becomes the first in Africa to sign such a pact with the globally known technology company that will also see establishment of a digital solutions centre.
“This is a great initiative that we hope will lead to economic development, increase workforce competitiveness, transition to a knowledge-based economy and help drive job creation,” said Gaitho.
“The University council will support the spirit and the letter of the agreement through ensuring that the policy framework is implemented. Already, we have made important strides in this area,” added Gaitho.
Microsoft head of education, middle East and Africa Mr Simone Outarra revealed that a team of six well experienced developers will be deployed at the institution to develop digital solutions calling on students to not only become digital change agents but also maximize on the opportunity to improve their skills.
“Apart from helping the students explore the digital world, Microsoft will offer certifications to students in the field of computing and informatics which are globally recognized,” he added.
Vice- Chancellor, Mount Kenya University Prof Stanley Waudo said that the new initiatives by Microsoft is in line with the University’s strategic plan.
“As a University, we are keen to ensure the country has a technologically empowered youth ready for the global job market,” he added.
He said that the agreement will spur automation of the institution to a notch higher making it a regional hub for transformative education and thereby also improving on education perfomance.
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