MKU media students receive equipment to boost training

By Our Reporter

Mount Kenya University Board Chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu has handed over media equipment to boost training at the institution.

The equipment, he said, will also benefit the institution’s students in Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa campuses.

Speaking in an event held at the University’s main campus in Thika, Prof. Gicharu urged media and film students to utilize the new technology to build capacity in their pursuit of professional excellence.

He encouraged students across the campuses to take advantage of the University’s zeal to produce competent graduates.

Prof. Gicharu recalled that lack of basic equipment hindered the acquisition of practical knowledge in his heydays as a high school student. He said those challenges motivated him to invest in the provision of quality education.

“During our days, we used to imagine what a burette was and we only heard of chemicals’ names. As a result, we also imagined how those chemicals reacted with different elements,” Prof. Gicharu uttered, inviting a hearty laughter from staff and students present.

The department of journalism received industry-standard professional video cameras, ATEM Design Video mixers, Teleprompters, film drones, lights, DSRL cameras and many others.

The department offers Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in journalism and media studies. It also offers diploma and certificate media programmes. Other programmes offered at the department are Bachelor of art in Film and Animation and Public Relations.

The university’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi said the university takes pride in its equipped libraries, laboratories and qualified staff and advised students to utilize these resources for their academic benefits.

The department head Mr. Githua lauded the Board Chair and the management for their commitment to the provision of excellent education centered on research and innovation for individual transformation and sustainable development.

On the hand, students expressed their gratitude saying that the equipment will be useful in gaining relevant skills.

The University Media Alumni continue to offer their professional services in local and international media.

Harun Thoya and Peter Kamau, third-year students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, are confident of the impact this state-of-the-art technology will have on their quest to better their journalism skills.

“My passion lies in sports journalism. I am happy that the university has bought these professional microphones and sound consoles,” Thoya said, sentiments that Kamau echoed.

The Mount Kenya University-affiliated TV47 plays a key role in providing media students with relevant industry experience. The fast-growing media house in the region has absorbed key talents from the university, making it possible for inclusive training and employment opportunity to outstanding students.

The Young Catholic Students (YCS) choir also received a brand new keyboard and other musical instruments that the YCS Chaplain Fr. Paul Mbugua said will play a key role in spreading God’s Word through music and building individual talent.