Mount Kenya University (MKU) has decisively moved to future-proof its graduates, overhauling 17 degree programmes to meet the accelerating demands of a technology-driven workforce. The sweeping curriculum changes, now fully accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE), are designed to equip students with skills in artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and other emerging fields.

The initiative answers a critical question for students and parents: How does a university degree translate into a sustainable livelihood in an era of constant technological disruption? MKU's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, emphasized that the university's goal is to produce graduates who are not just knowledgeable but also adaptable. “Education must evolve with the market,” Prof. Jaganyi stated, noting the urgent need for skills that give graduates a competitive edge in a shifting employment landscape.

Aligning with Industry Needs

The majority of the revamped programmes are concentrated in the School of Business and Economics, signaling a strategic pivot towards analytical and tech-centric business skills. The university leadership has mandated that all curricula will now embrace AI attributes to enhance learning and educational outcomes. This move is a direct response to a job market where roles in finance, logistics, and management increasingly require digital literacy and data analysis capabilities.

To support this transition, MKU has invested significantly in infrastructure, launching a Robotics, AI, and Immersive Technologies Lab, and acquiring a humanoid robot to facilitate hands-on training. This practical approach aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, a persistent challenge for graduate employability in Kenya.

The New-Look Degree Programmes

The updated courses span several of the university's schools, including Social Sciences, Computing and Informatics, and Engineering. The list of revamped programmes includes:

• Bachelor of Science in Financial Economics
• Bachelor of Economics and Data Analytics
• Bachelor in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Mass Communication
• Master of Science in Cyber Security
• Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Computer Engineering Technology
• Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Property Valuation

These changes reflect a broader trend where digital processes, AI, and robotics are becoming central to the corporate world. By embedding these elements into its core offerings, MKU aims to produce graduates who are ready to contribute to the economy from day one.

The university's ongoing curriculum review process ensures that it remains responsive to emerging trends. “Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable and ready to thrive in a technology-driven world,” Prof. Jaganyi affirmed. This forward-looking strategy may well set a new benchmark for higher education in the region, directly addressing the critical need for a workforce skilled for the future.