Murang’a: University of Technology (MUT) Chancellor, Prof. Justin Irina, has appealed to the government and development partners to increase investment in digital infrastructure in universities to enable students and institutions of higher learning to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Irina emphasized during the university’s 10th graduation ceremony that Kenya’s higher education sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with information and communication technology reshaping teaching, learning, research, and societal engagement. He stressed that universities must embrace digital transformation as a key component of their development, asserting that the future of higher education will largely depend on the availability of reliable digital infrastructure and the capability of both staff and students to effectively use emerging technologies.
Prof. Irina urged the government and development partners to enhance support for universities in expanding internet connectivity and strengthening technological infrastructure to facilitate teaching, learning, and research. He noted that the growing adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital learning platforms, and advanced data systems has made investment in ICT infrastructure a necessity for universities aiming to remain relevant in the modern knowledge economy.
Moreover, Prof. Irina highlighted the importance of research and innovation in addressing the country’s development challenges, stating that universities have a critical responsibility to generate knowledge and practical solutions to emerging social and economic problems. He commended Murang’a University of Technology for its efforts in strengthening laboratories and supporting faculty-led research across various disciplines.
MUT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dickson Nyariki shared that the institution has made significant strides in strengthening its digital capacity to improve service delivery and enhance the learning environment. He explained that the university has expanded campus-wide internet connectivity through a high-speed fiber-optic backbone, providing a robust foundation for digital learning, research, and administrative operations.
Prof. Nyariki also noted that the university has upgraded its Enterprise Resource Planning systems into web-based platforms with 25 integrated modules, facilitating the digitization of key administrative functions. This development has helped reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, improve turnaround time, and enhance transparency and accountability in managing student records and other institutional processes.
The Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of equipping lecture theatres and laboratories with modern audio-visual and computing equipment to support multimedia-based learning and practical instruction. He stated that this investment is crucial for science, engineering, and technology programs, where access to modern equipment and digital tools is essential for preparing graduates for the labor market.
Prof. Nyariki concluded by affirming the university’s commitment to continuous investment in ICT infrastructure, acknowledging that the digital transformation of higher education is an ongoing journey. He maintained that sustained collaboration among the government, universities, the private sector, and development partners will be crucial in closing the digital gap in higher education, ensuring Kenyan graduates acquire the skills needed to compete in the increasingly digital global economy.
