MKU Collaborates with Swedish Universities on Mental Health Research

MKU Collaborates with Swedish Universities on Mental Health Research.

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has partnered with Sweden’s Umea and Lulea Universities to conduct research on mental health and education.

The initiative aims to identify causes, risk factors, stimulators, and effective interventions to address the rising cases of depression among students.

This collaboration, involving institutions from Sweden’s Norrbotten Region, is one of several research projects MKU is undertaking.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi highlighted MKU’s commitment to research, revealing that between August and October this year, the university secured over Sh52 million to fund research and innovation.

He emphasized MKU’s dedication to forming partnerships that strengthen research ecosystems, noting that staff members frequently travel to Europe through Erasmus Mobility Grants and Access project schemes to foster collaborations.

“MKU continues to build strategic partnerships to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems. Several members of our staff continue to travel to Europe under the Erasmus Mobility Grants and Access project schemes to engage with colleagues in different universities to discuss future collaborations,” said the VC.

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Prof. Jaganyi shared these remarks during the 26th graduation ceremony at MKU’s Thika Campus in Kiambu County, where 7,448 graduates received degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The event was presided over by Chancellor Prof. John Struthers.

Breakthroughs in Malaria Research

Another major research focus at MKU is malaria elimination and control. Prof. Jaganyi reported that the university’s Malaria Elimination Laboratory, established through a partnership with the Japanese government, has recently acquired a Next-Seq 1000 Illumina sequencer.

This advanced equipment, capable of generating 160GB of data per sequencing cycle, is expected to enhance research outputs and support interventions aimed at eradicating malaria in Kenya.

Prof. Jaganyi highlighted that MKU’s Vice Chancellor’s Research and Innovation Grant has funded eight research teams this year, each receiving Sh1.8 million.

These investments aim to position MKU as the region’s research and innovation hub, with students consistently earning accolades locally and internationally.

Regional Impact and Expansion

During the ceremony, Deputy High Commissioner for Uganda Eunice Kigenyi commended MKU for its significant contribution to education in the East African region, particularly through the establishment of campuses across multiple countries.

Dr. Jane Nyutu, MKU Co-Founder, revealed that the university is constructing an office block in Kibuli, Kampala, to expand its services.

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This facility will serve as a strategic hub for providing quality education to regions including South Sudan, Burundi, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dr. Nyutu represented MKU Chairman, Board of Directors, and Founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, at the event.

MKU continues to leverage strategic partnerships, cutting-edge research, and regional expansion to maintain its leadership in education and innovation.

MKU Collaborates with Swedish Universities on Mental Health Research.

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