The Mount Kenya University (MKU) Council has approved the establishment of an Open Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) Centre in Machakos.

MKU Council Chairperson, Prof Stephen Agong, explains that this is meant to increase access to administrative services to students in Kenya’s eastern region. The University Council has also introduced a raft of other new policies that address various issues at the university.

Prof Agong reveals that MKU has crafted a Health Service Policy targeting the wellbeing of its students. This policy, he explains, “will ensure that students have access to essential health care services, promoting their physical and mental wellbeing.”

He adds that the policy will help in addressing the common health issues and provide preventive care, early intervention, and treatment options.

A photo of Mount Kenya University Embu ODeL Centre

Prof Agong says the university will seek partnerships with local healthcare providers and specialists. “This collaboration will expand the range of services available to students and enable seamless referrals, ensuring comprehensive and specialised care when needed,” he explains.

Following the enactment of the Data Protection Act in the country, the MKU Council has approved a policy that guides the institution on how to safely handle data.

The don says the Data Protection and Privacy Policy provides minimum standards concerning the protection of personal data that the university collects, processes, and stores. The policy covers the use of personal data about all individuals, including students, employees, customers, and other third parties, that deal with MKU and its affiliated companies. 

Says Prof Agong: “The policy ensures that MKU protects the rights of its employees, consumers, customers, and business partners. This will foster transparency in how MKU collects, processes, and stores people’s data and safeguards itself from the risks of data breaches.”