MKU To Partner With China University Of Petroleum To Develop Joint Techological Programmes.

MKU Founder Dr. Simon Nyutu Gicharu exchanging MoU with his China University Counterpart Dr Fengchi Luan.

Mount Kenya University and China University of Petroleum (East China) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see the two institutions develop a joint scientific and technological research projects.

The MoU will also see them expand scholarly ties, facilitate academic co-operation and promote mutual understanding. The two universities will also exchange curriculum as well as a student and research personnel exchange programme.  

“This MoU promises a bright future for our students and faculty. As you are aware, Kenya, and indeed Africa is replete with natural resources but lacks enough manpower to tap these resources,” said MKU Chairman Dr. Simon Gicharu.

The Dean, College of International Education at CUP Dr, Fengchi Luan, signed the agreement on behalf of the Chinese university. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Stanley Waudo said that empowering local communities by improving the knowledge base has always been one of the university’s key drivers.  

MKU is the largest private university in East and Central Africa, both in terms of infrastructure and student population. One of its strategic campuses is located in the oil-rich Northern Western region of Turkana. Anglo-Irish firm Tullow Oil, which is drilling for oil in the area says there is as much as one billion barrels in deposits.

China University of Petroleum (East China) and its sister university, in Beijing are considered to be the best universities in petroleum related studies in China. The university was founded in 1953, as Beijing Petroleum Institute.

Meanwhile, Waudo has said that guided by the University Quality policy to support Community Service, MKU has scheduled a free career day and mentorship program in all its campuses and centres on 10^th May 2016 starting at 9:00am.

“We cordially invite all form four leavers, youth, parents and the general public for free advice to widen their career opportunities, scope and to explore the wide – range of academic and professional courses which are offered at the University, said Waudo.

He added that the institution offered various flexible modes of study in the regular, short-term (evening and weekend classes) programmes and also e-learning.

The main campus will hold the event at indoor games arena next to Chancellor's Tower.

Kisii Campus has already held a public lecture on the role of teachers in the African society. The lecture, hosted at the serene Gesonso location in the outskirts of Kisii town, was attended by Prof. Waudo, among other key officials from Mount Kenya University. 

Later, the Vice-Chancellor paid a courtesy call on Kisii County Governor, Hon. James Ongwae at his office in Kisii town. He was accompanied by Campus Director, Prof. Tom Nyamache, and Deputy Directors Dr. Nyakwara and Dr. Nderitu. They deliberated on several issues among them, creating a cordial working relationship between the university and the County Government, and investing more on Health Science academic programmes so as to boost the health sector within the County.