Machakos University Joins The National Access Program To Advance Entrepreneurship And Innovation In Higher Education

Machakos University is proud to be among ten leading Kenyan universities selected to participate in the ACCESS Program (Action for Collaborative Community Engaged and Entrepreneurial Universities), a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and innovation across higher education institutions in Kenya. The program is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), and EXCEED.

The ACCESS Program has brought together institutions including Machakos University, Kenyatta University, Karatina University, Kabarak University, Riara University, Daystar Univerity, Technical University of Kenya, KCA University, and Gretsa University in a collaborative effort to reshape entrepreneurship education in Kenya.

During the program’s launch and planning session, Machakos University was represented by three distinguished members of its academic leadership namely:

Prof. Robert Arasa, Chairman, Department of Business Administration and Finance

Dr. Eric Omuya, Chairman, Department of Computing and Information Technology

Dr. James Murunga, Chairman, Department of Economics

As a key partner, Machakos University will play an active role in implementing the program’s core objectives, which include;

• Development of a joint entrepreneurship curriculum that incorporates practical capstone projects and flexible, self-paced learning pathways.
• Integration of an AI-powered monitoring tool into the university’s Virtual Learning Management System (VLMS), to support student learning and progress tracking.
• Delivery of joint service-learning modules for MBA students, with a focus on research methodology and specialization academic units.
• Establishment of the Student ACCESS Business Ideas Club, a platform designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking and innovation among students.

According to the program, two outstanding student entrepreneurs will be selected from each participating university, to attend a five-day national boot camp, accompanied by faculty mentors. This initiative is expected to enhance student-led innovation and foster cross-institutional collaboration and mentorship.

Machakos University is honored to be part of this forward-looking initiative that aligns with its mission to provide quality education, research, and innovation for sustainable development. By participating in the ACCESS program, the university reaffirms its commitment to equipping students with the skills, mindset, and tools they need to become transformative entrepreneurs and change-makers in Kenya and beyond.