Mount Kenya University (MKU) has renewed its pledge to deepen collaboration with businesses, innovators, and industry stakeholders to spur innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in Thika and beyond.
Delivering remarks on behalf of MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi at the official opening of the “Touch of Thika SMEs Expo 2026” at Christina Wangari Gardens, Prof. Peter Wanderi said the university is eager to work closely with the business sector so that research and innovation from the institution can become practical solutions for society.
The gathering brought together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and government representatives, including Margaret Nyechiyama, the Thika Municipal Manager, and Dr. Juliet Kimemia, a director at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) – Kiambu Chapter.
Prof. Wanderi extended greetings from the university community and thanked the expo organizers, especially the Thika District Business Association led by Chairman Alfred Wanyoike, for choosing MKU as the keynote institution.
“Your choice was wide, but you chose Mount Kenya University. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important occasion,” Prof. Wanderi said while delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s message.
He emphasized MKU’s position as a comprehensive university with 14 schools across the East African region, adding that Thika remains its headquarters and the centre of its greatest impact.
The Vice-Chancellor said MKU values its long-standing relationship with Thika Town and the broader business community, describing local enterprises as vital partners in the university’s growth and development.
A key point in the address was MKU’s recent recognition by the United Nations. The university was competitively appointed as the United Nations Academic Impact Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 Hub Chair for 2025 to 2030. SDG 9 focuses on industry, innovation, and infrastructure, positioning MKU at the centre of efforts to advance sustainable industrial development and innovation globally.
Prof. Wanderi said the university is calling on businesses and industries to partner with its researchers, innovators, and students in tackling real-world challenges through practical and scalable solutions. He added that collaboration between academia and industry is increasingly becoming a major driver of economic growth worldwide.
“We want businesses to work with the university so that the innovation aspect of the university can be felt by everybody. This is not just a local initiative; it is a global undertaking that seeks to create meaningful impact,” he said.
Research by the World Bank and UNESCO has shown that closer collaboration between universities and businesses strengthens innovation, improves competitiveness, and creates employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The Vice-Chancellor also appreciated the many organizations and businesses in Thika that have worked with MKU over the years by providing industrial attachment opportunities, supporting research projects, and taking part in community engagement programmes.
“We appreciate all the Thika Town businesses and organisations that continue to work with MKU. Your support has been invaluable in providing attachment opportunities for our students and contributing to research and community engagement initiatives,” the statement read.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Wanderi assured participants that MKU would soon engage members of the Thika District Business Association through their leadership structures to identify areas for mutual cooperation and partnership.
“The university thrives on partnerships. Academia, industry, business and the community are all expected to work together. We shall be reaching out through the association’s leadership to discuss joint engagements and collaborations. When we come seeking partnerships, kindly open your doors to us. Equally, our doors remain open to you. Let us work together and become partners in everything we do,” he concluded.
The remarks highlighted MKU’s ambition to build stronger links between education, innovation, and enterprise, positioning the university as a key partner in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises while advancing sustainable development in the region.