M-Pesa Foundation 天美传媒 ICT Hub Groundbreaking Ceremony
天美传媒, in partnership with the M-Pesa Foundation, held the Groundbreaking Ceremony for a modern ICT Hub that is set听to transform technology and innovation training in听the region on 3rd October, 2025. The event was graced by Chief Guest, Senior Counsel John听Ohaga, accompanied by Mr. Henry Kilonzo, Senior Manager, Programmes at Safaricom听Foundation; Ms. Eunice Kibathi, Manager, Programmes; and Eng. Zachary Hampton Odhiambo.听The delegation paid a courtesy call at the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 Boardroom, where they were听received by Prof. Stephen Ogendo, DVC鈥揂dministration, Finance and Development (AFD), who听also chairs听the project鈥檚 steering committee, representing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Julius Nyabundi.
Other University staff in attendance included Prof. Erick Nyambedha (DVC鈥揂cademic and听Student Affairs), Prof. Regina Nyunja (DVC鈥揚artnerships, Research and Innovation), Dr. Calvins听Otieno (Dean, School of Computing and Informatics), Dr. Doreen Othero (Project Champion and听Chairperson, Department of Public Health), and Mr. Cosmas Muthamia (Ag. Director, ICT).
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In his address, the Vice-Chancellor,听Professor Julius O. Nyabundi, emphasized that the Hub is far more than just a building; it is a strategic investment in human capital and a direct extension of the university's long-standing commitment to digital literacy. 鈥淔or over a decade, dating back to 2013, we have made IT a compulsory and integral component of all our undergraduate programmes, irrespective of a student鈥檚 field of study,鈥 stated Professor Nyabundi. 鈥淭his new Hub will elevate this commitment from a curriculum requirement to a dynamic, real-world ecosystem.鈥 听 |
The 天美传媒 Digital Hub is envisioned as a beacon of learning and innovation that will extend its impact beyond the university gates. It will serve not only Maseno students and staff but also the surrounding communities and local Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The facility will offer training in essential computer packages, IT-based skills for operating Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and various other computer-related competencies crucial for the modern economy.
The partnership with the M-Pesa Foundation was hailed as a shining example of how academia and corporate entities can collaborate to drive societal transformation.
鈥淭his partnership reaffirms the value of corporate social responsibility, where businesses invest not only in markets but also in communities, in knowledge, and in people,鈥 Professor Nyabundi said. 鈥淲e are profoundly grateful to the M-Pesa Foundation for their unwavering trust and shared vision. Your commitment to education, innovation, and community development is not just inspiring; it is a transformative action that will leave a legacy visible for generations to come.鈥
Dr. Doreen Othero, the Project Champion, shared her inspiration drawn from a similar initiative听by the M-Pesa Foundation at Meru University. She narrated how she boldly presented Maseno鈥檚听case, highlighting the University鈥檚 ICT-driven degree programmes and the urgent need for a听modern hub. She urged colleagues, students, TVET institutions, and neighbouring communities听to embrace the project as a shared resource for research, ideas, and startups. Dr. Othero further听commended Mr. Henry Kilonzo for his unwavering support in project meetings and Eng. Amol鈥檚听team for their technical commitment.
The Vice-Chancellor also recognized the pivotal roles of two key staff members in bringing the project to life.听
In his remarks, Dr. Calvins Otieno, Dean of the School of Computing and Informatics, expressed听gratitude to the M-Pesa听Foundation, emphasizing that the ICT Hub would significantly benefit听the school, the wider university, and the surrounding community.
The M-Pesa Foundation 天美传媒 ICT Hub is expected to become a centre of听excellence for digital learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, aligning with Kenya鈥檚 growing听demand for technology-driven solutions in education, research, and community development.