Mount Kenya University (MKU) has signed a landmark five‑year partnership with two leading Chinese technology institutions to strengthen innovation, digital skills, and infrastructure development in line with its global role as the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub Chair for SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
The agreement, signed virtually on March 18, 2026, brings together MKU, Nanjing ZhongxingXinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd (Xinyada) and the Nanjing Vocational College of Information Technology (NJCIT).
The partnership is expected to drive large‑scale skills development and digital transformation across Kenya and the broader African region.
According to MKU Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, the collaboration aligns with the university’s mission to promote world‑class education, research, and innovation for sustainable development.
He added that MKU had already received its first consignment of ICT equipment from Xinyada, which will support teaching and research.
Which areas will the MKU-Chinese ICT institutions’ partnership focus on?
The partnership will focus on several flagship initiatives, including the establishment of a China–Africa Skills Supermarket, promotion of cloud computing platforms, exchange programmes for staff and students, joint skills-based trainings, and digital cooperation such as institutional website backlinking.
These efforts are geared toward strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering innovation — key pillars of SDG 9.
Xinyada, a recognised high‑tech enterprise in China, specialises in digital product development, platform building, as well as international ICT skills training.
Meanwhile, NJCIT, one of China’s top state-owned ICT institutions, offers industry‑leading programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Network and Communication, Intelligent Manufacturing, and Digital Business, and already collaborates with universities in South Africa and Ethiopia.
The partnership will also contribute to Kenya Vision 2030, the East African Community Vision 2050, and the African Union Agenda 2063 by building a skilled workforce capable of driving industrial growth and technological advancement across Africa.
