Dr. Mugisha Innocent, Chairman of the Mount Kigali University Governing Body, paid a courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kenya University (MKU), where he engaged university leadership and interacted with international students, including Rwandan students studying at MKU.
The visit brought together the Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, Chairman Council / Pro-Chancellor of the Mount Kenya University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Principal of the Institute of International Development Law (IIDLAW),Judy Ngayu, and Executive Director of Equip Africa Institute, Prof. Kerosi, among other university leaders. The engagement provided an opportunity for the leadership to connect with MKU’s diverse international student community and discuss their experiences, opportunities and aspirations. It also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring that international students feel welcomed, supported and fully integrated into the MKU community.
Judy Ngayu, Principal of IIDLAW, appreciated the international students for choosing to be part of the Mount Kenya University family, encouraging them to take full advantage of the academic, professional and personal development opportunities available to them.
The Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kenya University welcomed Dr. Mugisha and the visiting leadership, reaffirming the University’s commitment to the welfare and success of its international students. He encouraged students to maintain close engagement with the International Office and assured them that the University continues to address issues affecting their student experience, including immigration-related challenges.
Dr. Gaitho, Chair of the Mount Kenya University Council, welcomed his counterpart and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to engage with international students. He emphasised that the diversity of nationalities represented at MKU is important not only to the University but also to Kenya’s position as a destination for international education. He challenged students to embrace an internationalised education and explore opportunities beyond their degree programmes while remaining responsible to themselves, their families and their future.
Dr. Mugisha expressed his excitement at interacting with the international student community, particularly the Rwandan students studying at MKU. He encouraged students to embrace discipline, continuous learning, networking and meaningful relationships across cultures. He further challenged them to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and emerging sectors such as the blue economy, including short professional courses offered through Equip Africa. He reminded students that the education and experiences they gain in Kenya should ultimately create impact in their home countries and contribute to the global economy.
During the visit, Dr. Mugisha was taken on a tour of MKU’s upcoming student hostel development, showcasing the University’s continued investment in infrastructure and facilities designed to enhance the student experience. The development is part of MKU’s broader commitment to creating an environment where students can study, live, connect, grow and prepare for life beyond graduation.
The visit further strengthened the relationship between Mount Kenya University and Mount Kigali University, while highlighting the role of international education in building bridges between Kenya, Rwanda and the wider global community. The engagement also demonstrated the contribution of IIDLAW and Equip Africa Institute to creating additional professional and career development opportunities for students.
Speaking on behalf of the international student community, Mr. Peter Dakogol, Chair of International Students and a student from Nigeria, expressed appreciation to the University leadership for creating opportunities for international students to engage directly with senior leaders. He noted that the interaction made students feel valued and heard, and encouraged fellow international students to take advantage of the diverse opportunities available at MKU, build meaningful relationships and make the most of their experience in Kenya.
At Mount Kenya University, international students are not simply studying away from home, they are part of a global community that the University welcomes, supports and prepares to make an impact beyond borders.
