UoN Joins Universities Joint MoU with KCB to Boost Innovation and Financial Sustainability
The University of Nairobi joined public and private universities from across the country in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KCB Bank Kenya on August 7, 2025. The MoU signed during a ceremony at the Sarova Stanley Hotel marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within the university ecosystem and enhancing institutional financial sustainability.
Gracing the occasion were the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, and the Managing Director of KCB Bank Kenya, Mrs. Anastacia Kimtai. Representing the University of Nairobi was the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, who joined fellow Vice Chancellors of Public and Private Universities. Signing on behalf of public universities was Prof Henry Mugendi, Vice Chancellor, Embu University and Prof Henry Kiplagat, Vice Chancellor, Kabarak University, on behalf of private universities.
The University of Nairobi, as a premier institution of higher learning and research, stands to benefit greatly from this collaboration. The partnership will provide a platform to support student-led and staff-led MSMEs, enhance entrepreneurship training and promote innovation and enterprise as core pillars of the university’s transformation agenda.
Speaking during the event, KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Mrs. Kimtai noted that this was the beginning of a great Journey. “This is the beginning of a journey to build a stronger education ecosystem. Our partnership with universities will support MSMEs, create a sustainable impact and nurture the next generation of business leaders,” she said.
In her remarks, Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala commended the initiative as a model of what public-private partnerships can achieve. “This is more than just a banking package. It is a holistic solution that will help universities achieve financial sustainability while empowering students and faculty to drive innovation. The government is ready to walk this journey with you,” she said.
The University of Nairobi has long championed student innovation and enterprise development through its Innovation and Incubation Hub, the Nairobi Innovation Week and business incubation programs such as those hosted by the Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Hub. This MoU now opens a new frontier for access to tailored financial solutions, credit facilities, and business support that will strengthen the commercialisation of research outputs and support enterprise growth within the university community.
The collaboration is expected to unlock opportunities for financing university start-ups, enhance financial literacy among students, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of universities. The University of Nairobi will work closely with KCB Bank Kenya and fellow institutions to implement the provisions of the MoU in line with its mission to transform society through quality education and innovation.
