Kenyan Wits

The prevalence of exam cheating in Kenyan institutions of learning at all levels is evidently wide to an extent some key stakeholders would describe as uncontrollable. Over the past decade, many cases of exam irregularities have been reported in many institutions around the country and thousands of students have been confronted for the vice. However, these reported cases only account for less than 10 percent of all cases which shows just how big an issue it is. In a recent interview, Zipporah Kayuma, an international student in MKU expressed the shock she got when she came to pursue her higher education in Kenya. “In my country, cheating is very rare. Since childhood, we have been nurtured to do our exams credibly hence everybody studies knowing they will reap what they sow, but in Kenya, students steal exams like routine, and even more surprising, the invigilators care less.” Zipporah Abel Kengere Minister Academic Affairs MKUSA Society claims that education is the most important inst...

Kenya is inching forward to yet another general election in August, and the stakes cannot be much higher. Polarization is at its peak and feelings of division and negative ethnicity are fast creeping amongst the citizenry. Many would be forgiven for expecting that scholars would not fall into this ugly trap that has arguably ravaged this nation and left many engulfed in hostility. Sadly, this is not the case. A recent research conducted in Kenyan universities has left shocking results at how much the scars of a national crisis is mirrored in a younger generation. A whopping 70 percent of respondents, admitted that they would not, vote for leaders not of their own tribes regardless of their qualities, while at least 65 percent believed that tribalism and nepotism are heavily practised within university student’s unions. However, this is not the case everywhere. Martin Owilah MKUSA President According to Martin Owilah, the President of the Mount Kenya University Students Association (MKU...

Mount Kenya University is the largest private university in Kenya, hosting more than 21,000 students alone on its main campus. With these enormous numbers, one important question continues to ring in many people’s minds; how does it accommodate these many students? The first aspect of this question involves the reasoning that increases in population without a corresponding increase in facilities undoubtedly leads to the reduction of quality. So, what does MKU focus on? Martin Owilah, President of MKUSA, argues, “Our institution is founded on the principle of giving equal opportunities to deserving students and with the current increase in students supposed to join universities, we had a duty to give as many students as we can opportunities to pursue their dreams. Quality is not necessarily compromised because more facilities have been acquired.” To our next aspect and most importantly, how does the institution ensure all students are comfortably accommodated. Tally Musee; MKUSA Ministe...

The fastest-growing institution of higher learning in Kenya. Home to not less than 70,000 students. A source of employment to more than 5000 staff members. These are some of the descriptions of Mount Kenya University, often referred to by its acronym, (MKU).  Founded in 1996, the institution has grown to become arguably Eastern Africa’s largest attractive education hub for students not only in Kenya but also across the globe. Thanks to the large student’s body, there is a students’ union at Mount Kenya University, referred to as Mount Kenya University Students Association (MKUSA). The powerful association is responsible for collectively agitating for the students’ rights and grievances. All students pursuing an academic program at the University are bonafide members. The association is governed by a cabinet of nine people with key positions being the President, Secretary-General, and the Finance Minister, all, who are signatories to the association’s kitty of funds. Martin Owilah ...

Social interaction is like a routine in university. In fact, you cannot avoid it because of the numerous avenues where you meet people. Hence it is very crucial to always be the best representation of yourself. However, when creating this best self-representation, we occasionally forget to take care of one very important aspect; how we smell. Did you know that ladies are consistently attracted to men who smell great? In recent research by Kampusville, 332 university ladies were asked how high they place scent in their male attractiveness charts. An astounding 83 percent placed it in the top 5. You’d be surprised that looking as sharp as John Allan Namu or Ian Mugoya won’t guarantee you’ll get the girl but smelling like a star will. Ian Mugoya So what exactly can you do to ensure you are always smelling nice? Here are quick tips you should apply to smell like a star. 1. Take two compulsory baths daily. One in the morning immediately after waking up to get rid of sleep sweat and freshen ...

University staff strike of 2017 has finally come to an end after an agreement was reached upon between the UASU officials and the government. The strike which had been on for more than 50 days had paralyzed academics in all the 33 public universities in the country and its constituent colleges. Earlier on Monday 13 th March, UASU which had previously demanded 300% pay rise as in accordance to the 2013-2017 CBA decided to settle with a 17.5% increase in basic salary and 3.9% increase in house allowance. According to the top officials in the union that represents all public university lecturers and staff members in the country, the settlement was the best possible deal under the current circumstances. All university staff have been requested to resume their duties as early as Tuesday 14 th . As for the students, this great news comes as a relief since, for the past 7 weeks, they were left idle and most decided to go and spend time at home. They have been urged to report to their instit...

What does it take to study abroad? To embark on a daunting journey to a new land in search of better education, and a successful future? To leave your home comforts, family and throw oneself into the deep murky waters of uncertainty in foreign lands? International students across the world often tell a tale of courage and utmost audacity. A life of trying to blend in with the locals while away from their citizenry. A story of go-getting. A journey of achieving academic nourishment and an invaluable learning process. An interesting period in one’s lifetime. Violet Zipporah Kayuma is such a student. Born and raised in ‘the warm heart of Africa’,  Malawi, she attended the lower levels of her education life in the country; juggling between the capital, Lilongwe and Blantyre. She, however, chose to come to Kenya recently to extend her academic career. Destination? Mount Kenya University. Her reasons are varying. She says, “People often prefer employing someone who has studied abroad. The qu...

Kenya is home to a large number of international students.  A good foreign policy, better infrastructure and facilities, and an ever-growing number of higher learning institutions are some of the reasons that make many international students choose the country as a destination to expand their academic goals. A huge chunk of these students is at Mount Kenya University. Founded in 1996, Mount Kenya University, often referred by the acronym (MKU) has grown to become an attractive education hub for students not only in Kenya but also across the globe. The number of enrollment is ever-increasing and subsequently the number of international students therein. Yusuf Usman, a Nigerian citizen, is a student pursuing his masters at MKU. He doubles up as the President of the International Students Chapter. For him, the chance to extend his academic career at an ever-expansive institution proved so inviting.   “I discovered MKU through positive reviews from my friends.  Mount Kenya University is th...