MKU pledges stronger partnerships for innovation and growth

By Lawrence Ongaro

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with businesses, innovators and industry stakeholders in an effort to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth in Thika and beyond.

Speaking on behalf of MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi during the official opening of the “Touch of Thika SMEs Expo 2026” held at Christina Wangari Gardens, Prof. Peter Wanderi emphasised the university’s intention to ensure that research and innovation generated within the institution is translated into practical solutions that directly benefit society.

The expo brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and government representatives, among them Thika Municipal Manager Margaret Nyechiyama and Dr. Juliet Kimemia, a director at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kiambu Chapter.

Prof. Wanderi delivered greetings from the university leadership and expressed gratitude to the organisers of the expo, particularly the Thika District Business Association led by Chairman Alfred Wanyoike, for selecting MKU as the keynote institution.

“Your choice was wide, but you chose Mount Kenya University. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important occasion,” he said.

He noted that MKU is a comprehensive university with 14 schools across the East African region, adding that Thika remains its headquarters and a central hub of its academic and developmental impact.

The Vice-Chancellor further underscored MKU’s long-standing relationship with Thika Town and its business community, describing local enterprises as vital partners in the university’s growth and development agenda.

A key highlight of the address was MKU’s recent international recognition. The university was competitively selected as the United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 Hub Chair for the period 2025 to 2030. SDG 9 focuses on industry, innovation and infrastructure, positioning MKU at the forefront of advancing global innovation and sustainable industrial development.

Prof. Wanderi used the platform to call on businesses and industries to collaborate more closely with the university’s researchers, innovators and students in addressing real-world challenges through practical and scalable solutions.

Strengthening academia–industry collaboration

He stressed that partnerships between academia and industry are increasingly becoming a key driver of economic transformation worldwide, noting that such collaboration enhances innovation, improves competitiveness and creates employment opportunities, particularly for young people.

“We want businesses to work with the university so that the innovation aspect of the university can be felt by everybody. This is not just a local initiative; it is a global undertaking that seeks to create meaningful impact,” he said.

He also acknowledged the continued support from Thika-based businesses and organisations that have provided industrial attachment opportunities, supported research initiatives and participated in community engagement programmes involving MKU students and staff.

Studies by global institutions such as the World Bank and UNESCO have consistently shown that strong linkages between universities and the private sector play a critical role in boosting innovation, strengthening productivity and expanding job creation.

Prof. Wanderi expressed appreciation to all partners who have worked with MKU over the years, noting that such cooperation has been instrumental in enhancing students’ practical training and advancing research outputs aligned to community needs.

Expanding future partnerships for innovation

Looking ahead, he announced that MKU will engage the Thika District Business Association through its leadership structures to identify new areas of collaboration and deepen existing partnerships.

“The university thrives on partnerships. Academia, industry, business and the community are all expected to work together. We shall be reaching out through the association’s leadership to discuss joint engagements and collaborations,” he said.

He further encouraged business leaders to remain open to collaboration, assuring them that MKU’s doors remain open for joint initiatives aimed at advancing innovation and development.

The remarks reinforced MKU’s broader vision of strengthening the link between education, innovation and enterprise, while positioning the institution as a strategic partner in supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises and contributing to sustainable development in the region.