Dear MUA Stakeholders and Friends,

As the curtain falls on the year 2024, allow me to express my unwavering gratitude to all of you for standing with us to the end. Your support has enabled us to realise numerous successes as we implemented our mandate especially in our effort to provide quality services to our learners.

The year was however not devoid of challenges for private universities, MUA included. Some of the notable ones included; rising operational costs arising from increased cost of goods and services and taxation; reduction in learner base due to competition from public universities arising from their benefit from government funding and scholarships; government’s failure to pay MUA hundred of millions of shillings in respect of tuition fees in respect of learners some of who have graduated; government’s delayed remittance of tuition fees for continuing learners; government policy and regulation resulting in delays in accreditation of new and reviewed programmes; high cost of modern technological infrastructure and expertise lowering the levels of uptake in e-learning and blended modes of study; and limited funding for research affecting the deepening of research initiatives.

Despite these challenges, MUA remained strong and steadfast in its efforts to provide quality services to its learners and other stakeholders. The university exhibited remarkable growth in its student enrolment by 20%, revenue by 15%, balance sheet expansion, improved student satisfaction index based on teaching effectiveness and evaluation, staff satisfaction and strategic plan implementation indicators.

Key Achievements of the Management University of Africa (MUA) in 2024

1.  Award of University Charter

MUA achieved a historic milestone by being awarded its official charter by Kenya’s President William Ruto on May 2, 2024 at State House, Nairobi. This recognition elevated MUA’s status, granting it full autonomy to operate as an accredited and independent university with expanded academic and administrative capabilities.

2.  Launch of New Academic Programmes

MUA introduced market-driven programmes, including programmes in Supply Chain Management, Community Health and Development, Information Communication and Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and International Relations and Diplomacy, catering to emerging industry demands and expanding learner opportunities.

3. Enhanced Digital Learning

The university deepened the integration of technology into its education delivery, offering programmes through Online and Distance e-Learning (ODeL), virtual, and blended learning modes. These innovations ensured accessibility and flexibility for diverse learner needs including those in the Diaspora and remote locations, and those with busy schedules.

4. 11th Graduation Ceremony

On November 29, 2024, MUA hosted its 11th graduation ceremony, celebrating close to 700 graduates which included a number of international graduates. The event showcased the university’s commitment to learning and research and its impact on learner development and its contribution to the professional workforce.

5. Graduation of KIM Diploma learners

In collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), MUA facilitated the graduation of over 1200 and 1,100 KIM diploma learners in April and December, 2024 respectively, underscoring its commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth and demonstrating its strong relationship with its sponsor, KIM. The university offers special discount of 20% to KIM graduates; and full scholarship on tuition fees to the top graduates in each of the seven KIM schools. Other offers include nearly 50% credit transfers and block exemptions and discounts in tuition fees for early enrolment to all new learners in 2025.

6. Publication of Research

MUA advanced scholarly work by publishing a book authored by faculty members on “Entrepreneurial Leadership” and releasing an online edition of the International Journal of Management and Leadership Studies (IJMLS), Volume 4, Issue III with research works of MUA learners and faculty members.

7. Strengthened Global Collaborations

MUA signed and renewed partnerships with several institutions such as University of IOWA (USA), Langston University (USA), University of Niagara Falls (Canada), Osaka Jogakuin University (Japan), Toyo University (Japan), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), University of Ilorin (Nigeria), Cavendish University (Uganda), Education Collaborative (Ghana), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), and Eden Consult Limited (ECL) (Tanzania). MUA also signed and renewed partnership agreements with professional bodies and industry players including Certified Human Resource Professionals (CHRP), Institute of Certified Public Accountants Kenya (ICPAK), Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) among many others. These partnerships and collaborations were aimed at fostering academic and cultural exchange.

8. Staff and Learner Exchange programmes

Through its global partnerships, MUA facilitated delegation visits in several countries in 2024 including South Africa in February, Nigeria in March, USA in April, Ghana in May, Switzerland in June, Tanzania in October, where MUA hosted the Education Collaborative’s East African Hub Convening, and Japan in November. Several learners and staff members participated in these trips which focused on research, conferences, learner and staff exchanges, curriculum development, training, teaching, learner supervision and others. These exchanges enhanced global exposure and cross-cultural learning.

9. Innovation Weeks

MUA organized three innovation weeks in March, June and October, providing learners with platforms to showcase creative solutions and engage with industry leaders, thereby promoting practical learning and entrepreneurship. Several learner innovations emerged which MUA faculty nurtured through various stages reaching commercialization.

10. Accreditation for ODeL programmes

The university received accreditation for its Online and Distance e-Learning programmes after a rigorous quality assurance process, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality education through alternative and convenient modes of delivery.

11. Community Service Initiatives

In August 2024, MUA staff conducted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity at Kenyatta National Hospital’s Pediatric Ward, demonstrating its dedication to social welfare and community engagement. During the visit, some gifts and presents were given out to cheer-up the young patients. Other MUA’s CSR activities included tree planting in primary schools in Kajiado and cleaning of public places around its two campuses. 

12. Infrastructure Expansion

MUA invested in infrastructure development, expanding its Kisaju Main Campus to accommodate its growing learner population. It also modernized its facilities creating an enhanced learning environment. Other activities included beautification and landscaping of the campus, naming the internal roads, expansion of CCTV network and revamping of the sports complex.

13. Cultural and Sports Events

The university organized vibrant cultural events, including freshers’ nights and campus vibe days, alongside sports activities like basketball, volleyball, football, badminton, and chess, fostering holistic learner development. These culminated in the sports day featuring learners and staff competitions.

14. Staff Development programmes

MUA prioritized faculty and staff growth by conducting professional development workshops and training sessions, ensuring continuous skill enhancement and capacity building. These entailed local and overseas training in technical and non-technical areas.

15. Learner Support Services

MUA strengthened its learner support systems by setting up a career services center and implementing mentorship programmes, career counseling, entrepreneurship hubs and academic advisory services to enhance learner success and employability. The University also organised career fairs to offer opportunities for showcasing learners’ skills in entrepreneurship.

16. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives

The university adopted green practices, integrating sustainability into its operations through waste management programmes and energy-efficient campus facilities.

17. Industry Linkages

MUA established partnerships with industries players, facilitating internships, industrial attachments, community service and placements that bridged the gap between academic theory and practical applications for learners.

18. Quality Assurance Measures

Through tracer surveys, teaching evaluations, and departmental audits, MUA maintained high standards of academic and administrative processes, ensuring continuous improvement and sustenance of high quality service delivery.

19. Enhanced Alumni Engagement

The university strengthened ties with its alumni through networking events including an alumni dinner held on 11th December 2024 and mentorship opportunities, leveraging their expertise to support current learners and foster community growth.

Outlook for 2025 and Visionary Future Planning

In 2024, the Management University of Africa demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. These achievements reflect its dedication to fostering a transformative learning environment, building a global reputation, and preparing learners to address contemporary challenges. MUA’s focus on sustainable growth and visionary planning positions it for even greater success in 2025 and the years to come.

As part of its strategic vision, MUA has outlined future projects starting in 2025, including additional infrastructure development, alignment of new and current programmes with Artificial Intelligence (AI), additional academic programmes mounting, MUA Technical Institute launch, commercial feedlot farming and crop farming, innovation hubs, art festivals, new partnerships, and international collaboration visits. In collaboration with its partner, Education Collaborative, the University also aims to deepen ethical leadership culture, revamp entrepreneurship hubs, enhance faculty development and research, and strengthen career development and employability. These projects are, aimed at broadening MUA’s impact and maintaining its leadership in leadership and management education.

With the award of charter this year, MUA is well placed to offer even better services to its stakeholders, especially the learners. I welcome you all to register and join us to enjoy our rich menu of programmes and services in our niche areas of management, leadership, entrepreneurship and governance.

Finally, I wish you all a happy festive season as we celebrate Christmas and usher in a prosperous New Year, 2025.

Professor Washington Okeyo, PhD, MBA, BSc, FKIM

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Vice-Chancellor
Management University of Africa