Mount Kenya University Chairman and Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu (centre), hands over a Scania Marcopolo bus and equipment to Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi (left), in the presence of student leaders and staff. The new acquisition is set to strengthen sports and creative arts at the University, in line with its continued investment in talent development and student welfare/JOHN MUCHUCHAMount Kenya University’s Sports and Creative Arts Department received a major boost following the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Scania Marcopolo bus, along with new sports equipment and uniforms, in a colourful ceremony held at the university’s graduation pavilion grounds on October 25, 2025.
The grand unveiling came as a delightful surprise to sports and creative arts students, who had gathered for a luncheon to receive the new gear.
The mood was celebratory as the gleaming new bus made its entrance — a symbol of the university’s commitment to promoting talent, excellence, and student welfare.
While officially handing over the bus and equipment to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, Prof. Simon Gicharu, Chairman of the MKU Board of Directors, reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to supporting sports and creative arts.
“This investment fuels the future of sports and creative arts at MKU. These resources will not only boost the morale of our players but also empower them to represent the university in their best form,” said Prof. Gicharu.
The ceremony was graced by key university leaders, including Dr Felix Kiruthu, Chairman of the Student Affairs Committee of Council; Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi; Scania representatives; and members of staff.
Mount Kenya University Chairman and Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, hands over a Scania Marcopolo bus and equipment to Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi. The bus, presented as a gift by Nelson Jeremy, Sales Manager at Scania Marcopolo (right), was received in the presence of MkU students. The new acquisition is set to ease movement for students pursuing sports and creative arts at the University. PHOTO JOHN MUCHUCHAThe new Scania Marcopolo bus is expected to transform the logistical experience for MKU’s sports and creative arts teams, offering comfortable and efficient travel.
“Students will now travel in comfort and arrive ready to compete, unlike before when fatigue often affected performance,” noted William Luta, Coordinator of Sports and Creative Arts.
He added that the new equipment and uniforms would enhance the teams’ confidence and strengthen the university’s branding and identity during competitions.
Luta also highlighted several student success stories that demonstrate MKU’s growing footprint in sports excellence.
Three university athletics students are set to join the Kenya Defence Forces, while Bridgit Lucy Katuku, a Taekwondo student, has been selected to represent Team Kenya in the upcoming World Under-21 Championships.
“These achievements are a testament to the discipline, consistency, and resilience of our students, both in training and in competition,” he remarked.
Mount Kenya University Chairman and Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, cuts the cake alongside Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, and students after handing over a Scania bus and sports equipment — an initiative aimed at enhancing sports and creative arts development at the University/JOHN MUCHUCHAThe event marked a significant milestone in Mount Kenya University’s ongoing efforts to nurture talent and inspire excellence in sports and creative arts, reaffirming its position as one of Kenya’s leading institutions committed to holistic education.
Prof. Simon Gicharu, Founder and Chairman of MKU, also directed the university’s management to develop a scholarship for creative arts, noting that both studies and careers in creative arts are taking off in the country and that the university would take the lead in nurturing creatives in the region.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) has also unveiled plans for state-of-the-art hostels designed not only for student accommodation but also as dynamic centers for the development of creative arts among students.
Prof. Gicharu directed the university’s management to develop a scholarship specifically for creative arts students, noting that the institution is committed to nurturing artistic talent in the region.
“We are building a hostel that will be befitting the status of MKU. We are going to start with one hostel that will have 1,500 rooms, which will be self-contained and will mirror the best developments we have seen in the market,” he said.
Mount Kenya University’s new Scania Marcopolo bus during the handing-over ceremony./HANDOUT“Within the hostels, we will have more facilities, including an upgraded swimming pool and courts for different sports. We understand that you came here for academics, but we also have a duty to ensure that we help you exploit your other talents. That is our commitment.”
He also directed the university management to create a scholarship for creative arts, noting that the sector should be getting more attention, considering the critical role that creatives play in the Kenyan economy.
The industry is increasingly gaining traction as a key source of employment and contributor to the economy.
Prof. Gicharu, however, noted that despite the role creatives play, they are not adequately rewarded.
“Try to think about creating a scholarship for creative and performing arts,” said Prof. Gicharu.
