Wanjiru Kimani
August 27, 2015
President Uhuru Kenyatta and Zetech University Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Eng. Ken Mbiuki has celebrated Zetech’s remarkable impact in improving the living standards of Kenyans. The Chairman noted that it was a dream come true for the university to witness the opening of the new Zetech University Complex after 18 years through which period over 40,000 alumni have passed through its learning system.
“Today is indeed, a momentous occasion for all those who contributed to the establishment of this society centered facility through provision of ideas, materials as well as moral support”, said Eng. Mbiuki.
Giving the Zetech story which like many Kenyan Dream emanates from humble beginnings, Eng. Mbiuki said the idea to establish the institution was driven by the then need to satisfy the huge demand for Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills amongst his student colleagues. He continued,
“The Zetech Story has its roots from humble beginnings. The journey began 18 years ago in a tiny cubicle (Room 316) in Hall 13 hostel at the University of Nairobi; then at 22 years old while studying Mechanical Engineering, I began saving money earned from doing odd jobs in order to buy one second-hand computer as part of my quest to quench the growing thirst for Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills amongst my campus colleagues”
Speaking during the official opening of Zetech University Complex by President Uhuru on August 21st, Eng. Mbiuki noted that the university which began has a small college had grown to become a leading trainer in several sectors of the economy.
“Initially established as Zenith Technologies, the college immediately lived up to the true meaning of the word Zenith which means the peak or the very best, to become a leading centre for ICT and Engineering tertiary education. Driven by huge demand for higher education in the country, the college devotedly broadened its areas of specialization to include Business, Hospitality, Media and Developments studies. Eighteen years later, Zetech can boast of over 40,000 alumni and now stands as The Zetech University”, said Eng. Mbiuki.
Zetech University was accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) in August 2014 and is today offering undergraduate studies in the areas of ICT and Business and is set to launch new degree programmes in Hospitality and Media Studies.
Eng. Mbiuki further pointed out core focus areas for the university has it aims to become a leading centre for learning in Africa. They include becoming:
- A first-rank private research university with focused centres’ of excellence, prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing, technology-driven global society.
- A global force in innovative, trans-disciplinary research and education in emerging areas of technology, science and learning.
- A ground breaking leader in providing solutions to challenges faced by the business community, policy makers, healthcare and the public.
- A synergy partner with local industries, government, and cultural organisations as well as schools, colleges and universities.
- One of the most creative, innovative universities in the nation and world.
“To achieve this, the university has invested heavily in the construction of this ultra modern learning complex that we are officially opening today. It is fitted with adequate and first-class resources coupled with dedicated faculty members, providing the nation with excellent, innovative education and research. The university is committed to graduating well-rounded citizens whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world; to continually improving educational and research programmes in the arts and sciences, engineering and management and to assisting the commercialization of intellectual capital generated by students, staff and faculty”, said Eng Mbiuki.
In his address, President Uhuru applauded Eng. Mbiuki for his tireless commitment, resilience and fearless innovation in turning challenges into opportunity. Uhuru said;
“We congratulate Ken Mbiuki for nursing his dream of an ICT school from college, and building it to what is now Zetech”.
