Mount Kenya University (MKU) has officially launched a Cloud Computing Initiative in partnership with the Xinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd (Xinyada), marking a significant step towards strengthening digital skills, innovation and technology-driven learning at the University.
The initiative was launched at the MKU Thika Campus on Monday, 21 September 2026, bringing together University management, technology partners, university staff, students and other distinguished guests. The launch reflects MKU’s continued commitment to positioning the University at the forefront of technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Speaking during the launch, MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratious Jaganyi said cloud computing has become an important component of modern digital infrastructure, supporting sectors such as education, business, research, healthcare and government services.
He noted that embracing cloud technologies would create opportunities for students and staff to acquire relevant skills, undertake innovative research and develop solutions to contemporary challenges.
“Today marks an important step in our continued efforts to position Mount Kenya University at the forefront of technology, innovation, and digital transformation,” Prof. Jaganyi said.
The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the Xinyada Consortium team to MKU, noting that the partnership demonstrates the value of collaboration in advancing technological capacity and creating opportunities for young people.
He emphasised that meaningful transformation cannot be achieved in isolation, underscoring the importance of partnerships between universities, industry, technology organisations, government and other stakeholders in ensuring that academic programmes remain responsive to societal and labour-market needs.
Prof. Jaganyi encouraged MKU staff to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the initiative through continuous learning, innovation and collaboration, while ensuring that the infrastructure and knowledge provided through the partnership translate into tangible outcomes.
The launch also builds on the growing collaboration between MKU and its Chinese partners. According to the Xinyada delegation, cooperation between the two institutions began in 2025 and has included the China-Africa Vocational Education Characteristic Project and the International Cooperation Project on Artificial Intelligence.
The partnership has also previously facilitated online training in Chinese language and communication technology for MKU academic staff, with cloud-based courses fostering knowledge exchange, skills development and collaboration between the two institutions.
During the visit, the partners will also hold the ceremony for the China-Africa Digital Technology Supermarket. As a key milestone of our partnership, this facility will provide a physical and practical platform for digital-skills development by integrating digital teaching resources to support classroom instruction and hands-on training.
The initiative is expected to provide young people in Kenya with opportunities to develop core competencies needed to participate effectively in the digital era.
The Xinyada delegation expressed its appreciation to MKU for hosting the visit and highlighted the progress achieved through the partnership since 2025.
The delegation said the partners look forward to expanding collaboration in student and staff exchanges, joint curriculum development, technical research and teacher capacity building.
The collaboration is expected to support the development of new models of China-Kenya higher-education cooperation while contributing to digital skills development and knowledge exchange.
As the Cloud Computing Initiative gets underway, MKU and its partners are looking forward to a partnership that strengthens digital competencies, promotes innovation and contributes to the development of a digitally capable society in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The launch marks another milestone in MKU’s commitment to equipping learners and staff with relevant skills and creating partnerships that contribute to technological advancement and sustainable development.
