Mount Kenya University (MKU) has launched a groundbreaking ICT system, the University Integrated Resource Planning (UnIRP), designed to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into both academic and administrative functions. This innovative system, developed in partnership with Marwadi Technologies of India, aims to position MKU as a leader in embracing the digital revolution in education.
The UnIRP system offers students a range of tools to take charge of their academic journeys. One of its standout features is a mobile app that allows students to track their progress, access real-time updates, and engage directly with their lecturers. The system’s automation of administrative processes from admission to graduation promises to reduce the bureaucratic workload, giving students and faculty more time to focus on their core academic tasks.
For faculty, the new system introduces exciting possibilities for research, collaboration, and mentoring. It empowers lecturers with the ability to enhance their interactions with students and peers, streamlining communication and facilitating the development of innovative academic solutions.
The UnIRP system is also a step forward in maintaining academic integrity. With built-in proctoring and plagiarism detection technologies, it ensures that assessments remain fair and transparent. This, in turn, boosts the credibility of the institution’s academic outputs.
Speaking at the launch, MKU’s founder and chairman, Prof. Simon Gicharu, emphasized the importance of AI in shaping the future of education and development. “Artificial Intelligence will be a key resource for development across all sectors, and we are committed to leading the way in AI adoption within education,” he remarked.
The university plans to further embed AI in its curriculum. Starting with the next academic intake, all MKU students will be required to undertake AI as a compulsory unit across all programs. According to Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, the system is designed to provide a personalized, adaptive learning environment that meets the evolving needs of students, faculty, and the wider academic community.
With the introduction of the UnIRP system, MKU is positioning itself at the forefront of AI integration in higher education, preparing its students and faculty for a future where technology and innovation play a central role in academic and professional success.
