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The Principal's Vision

Prof. Ndirangu Kioni has one solemn promise to all stake holders of Kimathi University College of Technology: that the college will stick to the path of science and technology, no matter what.

The mechanical engineering professor and former dean of faculty, in Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology (JKUAT) is not new to the world of science and technology-both as a scholar and a professional.

He brings to Kimathi an impressive CV- A solid mechanical engineering foundation from the University of Nairobi, a PhD in the University of Cambridge, and fellowships in Japan and Germany. Four years experience in rolling out science and technology programs with JKUAT, and two years in the board of Africa Laser Centre.

In terms of initiating new programs, Kimathi University is lucky to have the engineering professor for its principal. “Of all the recently established university colleges, we are the only ones that have embarked on programs in technology, we intend to keep it that way,” the principal says.

The three year-old university college has hit the ground running. In these years, the university college has managed to attract an impressive team of experienced lecturers to roll out bachelors and masters degree programs. Already the university college is offering more than ten degree programmes, seven of which are based on science and technology, in line with its vision: "To be a premier technological University College excelling in quality training, research and technology transfer".

This year, the University will be rolling out a master of science in electrical engineering, as well as a host of upgrading courses for diploma holders.

And while many universities that sought to lead the way in science and technology have since deviated from the path, the career engineer vows Kimathi shall stay put:
“I am not saying we will not offer other courses, but a bigger part of our courses and investment shall go to science and technology,” says Prof Kioni.

A consultative meeting between community leaders and the university college resolved to give the onerous task of putting up multi-million accommodation facilities for students and staff to the community around the university.
And with the heavy burden of accommodating students taken care of, the university college has allocated more resources to putting up learning facilities.

The first phase of a multimillion resource centre is now complete, so is sh25 million wildlife sanctuary and Eco-lodge- a part of the college’s sustainable tourism program launched sometime this year.The sustainable tourism program as well as a coffee tasting laboratory are clear indicators that natural resource management is a top priority for the university strategically located between two national parks-Abardares and Mount Kenya.For the college aspiring to be the first public university located in the heartland of central Kenya, Kimathi is already playing a leading role in helping tackle poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth.

Last year, the university college Principal Prof. Kioni was a key speaker in the central Kenya investment opportunities conference, which among other things, sought ways to create employment for the youth.

In its three years of existence, Kimathi has virtually opened up central Kenya to an influx of top scholars, including the indefatigable Prof Ali Mazrui , the outgoing chancellor of JKUAT