WHY KENYATTA UNIVERSITY IS THE BEST UNIVERSITY IN KENYA TODAY.

Kenyatta University stands a better
chance of being the best University
in Africa in a few years to come
should its trend of progress
continue. Being the best University
in Africa, will make it the best
institution in Kenya, a position, it
has managed to achieve currently.
Forget about the Webometrics
ranking; look at it from a realistic
perspective.
MODERN FACILITIES
Unicity; the university is in the
process of constructing an
elaborate state of the art Uni-city
which is a representation of many
more other facilities which have
taken shape in Kenyatta University.
The different projects currently
ongoing include; The Campanile;
bell Tower(First of its kind in
Kenya), Teaching and Referral
Hospital(600 bed capacity and
Cancer Center), Five Star Hotel and
Recreation Center, 6,000 capacity
Amphitheatre among other many
projects. Anyone who visits
Kenyatta University today may fail
to realize that the Post Modern
Library is the largest in East and
Central Africa, but such people will
not fail to realize that the University
has a very, very bright future.
INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS;
When it comes to initiating
innovative programs, Kenyatta
University, seemingly has failed to
get a rival. Recently, the Vice
Chancellor, Prof. Olive Mugenda
announced that plans are in
advanced stages to introduce
leadership training to all students
to give them a competitive edge in
the job market. This is in response
to the change in taste and
preferences of employers who are
keener in the soft skills than the
academic papers. This comes at a
time when the SWIP [Student Work
Internship Program] is just taking
shape. The students will be hired to
work [to get work experience and
earn some little cash], as they
progress with their academic
programs. Similarly, this will give
the students a competitive edge in
the job market.
SERENE ENVIRONMENT;
The University is situated in an
expansive area of serene and
adorable environment. When you
visit other universities where the
difference between a University
fence and a street is an electric
pole; that is when you will realize
the serenity of Kenyatta University.
The terrain is gently sloping and
conducive for the learning process.
The environment provides a
perfect holiday destination.
INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY;
Unlike other institutions in Kenya,
Kenyatta University has taken the
lead in terms of innovation and
championing creativity. Look at
Chandaria Business and Innovation
Incubation Center for instance. It
was the first university to
implement such an idea. Today,
the centre hosts more than 40
projects; 70% of which are initiated
and owned by K.U students. The
remaining 30% are spread open
for the innovators outside Kenyatta
University Community. Interestingly,
the center hosts a number of
students from other institutions
such as ‘The’ University of Nairobi,
JKUAT et al. The center has
produced award winning projects
and also given perfect platforms for
innovative students.
SLIGHTLY LOWER COST OF LIVING;
Since the University is located
between Nairobi and Kiambu
counties and strategically between
the agricultural towns of Ruiru and
Githurai, the cost of living is slightly
lowered compared to other
institutions which are hosted by
the Central Business Districts
(CBDs). On the same note, the
presence of Kilometre Moja(K.M),
in its precincts cannot pass
unnoticed. This small ‘shopping
mall’, as it is referred to provides
students with all their needs. The
costs of housing in these areas are
not very high compared to other
places.
SOBER APPROACH;
The university is placing itself in a
position which will make it the
epitome of sobriety. Other
universities have perfected in the
art of intolerance, they always form
part of the active new bulletin in the
media; not because they are
innovative; but because of all
wrong reasons. Kenyatta University
has embraced tranquility and sober
approach to issues. Expectedly, a
set up of a university stature might
not be smooth in its systems all
through, but as they say, how we
respond to issues determine who
we become in the long run.
TALENTS EXPLOITATION;
If you have a talent to exploit,
Kenyatta University is the best place
for you. Starting from arts,
entrepreneurship, technical ability,
at least K.U has a package for
everyone. Most of Kenya’s admired
talents are actually bred and
hatched in Kenyatta University.
Here, talents are identified and
tapped; platforms are facilitated
and provided-just for you.
PRAGMATIC STUDENTS
LEADERSHIP;
As compared to others, Kenyatta
University Students’ Association
(KUSA) stands out to be among the
best. Like the administration, the
leadership is sober in its moves
and very innovative in nature. The
working relationship with the
administration is that which is
desired by many. The mindset of
everyone is fixed towards the long
term strategic goals and nothing is
left to discourage anyone.
RESOURCEFUL STUDENTS
POPULATION;
Kenyatta University hosts a number
of students with rich and diverse
backgrounds. Once in the
university, their mindsets are wired
and the common goals are
communicated. Therefore, one will
wonder why the students are all
focused to the main goal; the
answer in that case would be
simple, because they are Kenyatta
University students. Currently, the
university hosts close to 70,000
students; a representation of a
future vibrant labor force in the
labor market.
WIDE VARIETY IN COURSES
OFFERED;
Today, Kenyatta University is a host
to many courses; most of which are
in line with the current taste of the
corporate world. These courses are
developed in a way that they make
the student relevant for a long time
and competitive globally. The
University has also tailor made
some courses and short trainings
to facilitate the Kenya’s moments of
ushering in devolution and county
governments.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE
PRIVATE FIRMS;
The university enjoys a cordial and
warm relationship with the
corporates. This is enough news to
the finalists. Most of the institutions
have signed agreements with the
university in various platforms to
facilitate smooth transition of
students. Uchumi chain stores for
instance, is one of the partners
which will be hosted in the
upcoming Uni-City. Corporate
goodwill is manifested mostly
during Career fair and when
different clubs have their activities.
IN CONCLUSION;
The reasons might be incredibly
many. To be honest, I have not
managed to list a third of all of
them. To this end, any sober
judgment will place the university in
its rightful place. Of course, this
does not mean there are no
hitches. But, when achievements
outnumber the weaknesses, it
becomes prudent to recognize
such efforts.