By Amos Wachira
In the fast evolving landscape of higher education in Kenya, Zetech University stands out as a trailblazer in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence. At the center of this transformation is Professor Njenga Munene, the Vice-Chancellor, whose visionary leadership has propelled the institution to great heights.
Since assuming leadership in 2018, Prof Munene has steered Zetech University with a clear mission; to provide quality education that aligns with industry demands while nurturing talent and creativity. Under his guidance, the university has expanded its academic programs, enhanced research initiatives, and strengthened partnerships with local and international institutions.
Humble beginnings
The idea of founding an institute for training ICT skills was conceptualized in 1997 from a hostel room. As more college mates subscribed, the concept was registered to operate as Zenith Technology (Zenith means at the very top) and the fledgling institution moved to Nairobi CBD.
In 1999, Zenith Technology morphed into Zetech College (Zenith + Technology) offering a wide range of Certificate and Diploma programs and later embarked on a 15-year strategic growth blueprint of becoming a leading university in Technology.
The dream of evolving into a university became a reality in 2007 when Zetech College partnered with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). Under the partnership, Zetech College offered JKUAT degree programs as part of a mentor-ship program.
The college morphed into a university in 2014 when it received the Letter of Interim Authority (LIA) from the Commission for University Education giving it authority to operate as a University.
Its flagship programs were Bachelor of Information Technology, Bachelor of Business Information Technology and Bachelor of Business Administration and Management.
Key milestones
Since then, the university’s journey has been a remarkable one, hitting milestone after milestone.
One of these include the launch of a Sports Scholarship Fund which targets needy and talented students. This fund has seen many students enjoy a bespoke opportunity of pursuing their dream careers while still pursuing their talents in various sports.
In 2017, the University realized another major milestones; graduating the first cohort of students. At the same time, the university expanded its degree program portfolio in the fields of Education, Hospitality, and Procurement. The same year saw the admission of the first cohort of Government Sponsored Students.
The University launched the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan as a road map to attainment of charter. This was followed by the launch of the MBA program, the Service Charter and the Zetech Innovation Hub (iZET) in 2021.
The University’s crowning moment came in August 2022, when it received the Charter to be a fully-fledged University after having met all the required conditions by the Commission for University Education. “Additionally, we opened doors to students at The Technology Park Mang’u Campus,” says Prof Munene.
In yet another milestone, Zetech University became the 1st in Kenya to be accredited as an ODeL centre by the Commission for University Education, making it possible for students to study from anywhere, anytime.
In 2022, the University expanded its program portfolio with ten degree programs in the fields of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science and Media Studies.
A year later, the University launched Silver Jubilee to mark 25 Years of Scholarly Excellence, followed by the launch of the 2022-2031 Strategic Plan, the Zetech University Foundation and the first PhD program.
Today, the university has expanded its academic programs to include nursing and law programs.
Prof Munene’s strategic direction has been instrumental in solidifying the university’s reputation as a leader in technical and vocational education.
One of the hallmarks of his tenure has been the emphasis on digital transformation. Recognizing the rapid changes in the job market, Zetech University has integrated cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data science into its curriculum. The university’s state-of-the-art Innovation and Incubation Hub at the Mang’u Technology Park serves as a launchpad for student startups, providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to industry networks.
“A circular economy seeks to create a regenerative system where resources are reused, re-manufactured, and recycled, and AI can play a pivotal role in this transformation by optimizing resource use, improving efficiency, and creating intelligent systems that can learn, adapt, and evolve,” he said during a recent Zetech Research and Innovation Week held at the Mang’u Technology Park.
“We are committed to equipping our students with skills that make them competitive in the global market.”
In an interview with Prof Munene at his office in Mang’u Technology Park, he says that the university’s model of teaching produces marketable graduates.
“Firstly, innovation and entrepreneurship programs are mandatory for all Zetech University students, regardless of their primary courses,” he explains, adding that the university encourages students to be job creators, not job-seekers.
“We also give industry exposure to our students by sending them to industry for attachment and also having industry captains coming to talk to the students.”
One of the things that Prof. Munene is proud of is the culture of innovation that the university inculcates in students right from the first day.
He says that the iZet innovation hub encourages students to participate in local and international hackathons.
“Students also participate in many other I. T competitions globally.”
Established in 2021, the innovation hub is quickly becoming a household name, thanks to the ideas and concepts it churns out.
One of these is TOTOSCI cables, a homegrown charging cable manufacturer that was incubated at the innovation hub.
“Our students are busy at iZET solving problems.”
Why Zetech University?
In a dynamic higher education landscape like Kenya’s, students look at key parameters when choosing a university.
These include infrastructure, faculty qualifications and experience and a serene learning environment.
Zetech University offers more than this. With a highly experienced and supportive faculty with globally recognized qualifications, students get the best value for money when they choose Zetech University.
“We have incorporated technology into our teaching system. At our Mang’u campus, we have projectors, smart boards and TV monitors in all classrooms to enhance the teaching experience.”
Having achieved oDeL certification, Zetech University is among the few higher learning institutions in Kenya that offer blended learning, where a student can study online or physically.
“We have 11 nationalities studying at Zetech University through blended learning.”
Award-winning university
Zetech University’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The institution continues to excel at the global technology stage, highlighted by Samuel Kinuthia’s outstanding participation in the 2024-2025 Huawei ICT Competition. As a dedicated mentor, Samuel played a pivotal role in guiding six Kenyan students from various universities in the country through the rigorous Computing Track, focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as OpenEuler, OpenGauss, and Kunpeng.
The institution was also awarded the Best University in the utilization of locally-hosted blended learning and online platforms in 2023 by the Kenya Education Network Trust (KENET) 2023.
“At the entrance, there are tens of trophies that have been won by our students in various competitions. The trophies are testament of our students sportsmanship.”
A widely experienced academic scholar and leader, Prof Munene has learned valuable lessons in leadership and life over the years.
He lives his mantra of ‘only the persistent succeed.’
Looking ahead, he envisions Zetech University as a world-class institution with a strong focus on research, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.
With him leading from the forefront, Zetech University continues to redefine higher education in Kenya, proving that innovation, dedication, and a student-centered approach are the keys to success.
Zetech University Startup Incubatees
TOTOSCI cables: Kenya’s first locally-made charging cables
Poor quality charging cables flooding the local market inspired 30-year-old Zetech University graduate to innovation.
While looking for quality charging cables for his phone, Anthony Muthungu realized that most cables in the market were cheap imported knock-offs that barely lasted a month. This experience motivated him to look for ways of manufacturing quality cables that were durable and affordable.
Seeing a gap, Muthungu established his tech startup, Totosci in 2021.
Located at KIE Industrial Park in Sagana, Kirinyaga county, his company started with four staff members who embarked on manufacturing quality cables, using available resources.
“I source some of my raw materials locally, and import some,” he says.
“I source some of my raw materials locally, and import some,” he says. Keen on sustainability, he uses recycled plastics for his mould.
“By focusing on sustainability, we significantly reduce plastic and electronic waste by recycling waste plastics and manufacturing superior quality USB Cables.”
Today, the company has grown tremendously, employing many people and bolstering its production capacity.
His company now manufactures between 2000-3000 durable charging and data transfer cables per day.
Their cables are approved by KEBS, having passed the required quality standards. The Made in Kenya TOTOSCI USB Cables and Chargers deliver fast charging, high-speed data transfer, and durability.
“I was tired of spending money on low quality cables. They barely lasted and were unreliable,” he says.
Starting from scratch, he designed and prototyped quality cables that could pass high standards of quality and could be trusted by consumers.
Showcasing his innovation at the recent Zetech University innovation week, themed “Education for Sustainable Prosperity: Empowering Lives through Innovation,” Muthungu called on the government to support local innovation and manufacturing by creating a more conducive production environment. He singled out the high cost of electricity and high taxes on locally made electronics as a major drawback for local innovators and manufacturers.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene commended Muthungu’s initiative and reiterated the institution’s commitment to safeguarding student innovations.
“We have enforced stringent measures to prevent the theft of student innovations by ensuring proper registration with relevant authorities,” said Prof. Munene during the exhibition.
In Kenya, there’s growing concern about the unprecedented rise of electronic waste, a problem that Muthungu believes has been brought about by importation of low quality, non-durable electronics and charging cables.
“low-quality and cheaper USB Cables, which have a shorter lifespan turn into waste more quickly,” he explains.
By investing in TOTOSCI USB Cables, you will save money and time by avoiding the need for frequent replacements.
TOTOSCI USB Cables are universally compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones,tablets,cameras and other electronic devices.
With a high mobile phone penetration in Africa, a growing middle class population that can afford high quality products, Muthungu is optimistic that his cables will soon become a household name locally and regionally.
His products are available for purchase online and in select stores countrywide.
“For those seeking to support us, they can place their order on www.totosci.net, and delivery is done either the same day or the following day,” said the innovator.
Apart from manufacturing charging cables, Muthungu plans to manufacture mobile phones in future.
“My long-term plan moving forward is being able to build a mobile phone manufacturing company and all associated accessories,” he said.
His greatest challenge so far is the influx of cheap knock off imports that continue to rule the market.
As a local innovator, he calls on Kenyans to embrace the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative to support local manufacturing.
With a strong passion for innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship, Muthungu has been recognized in numerous prestigious awards and fellowships. He is a Top 40 Under 40 Men honoree by Business Daily Africa (2018 & 2021), a Top 100 Kenyans 2019 by Kenyans.co.ke, and the Face of Kenyan Science 2018 by Africa Science Week – Kenya.
His work has been recognized by international and local organizations, including the Royal Academy of Engineering, International Finance Corporation (IFC), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Kenya Climate Innovation Center, and Africa Young Entrepreneurs Support YES Centre.
He has also been a finalist and winner in multiple innovation challenges, such as the DEMO Africa Kenya Tour, ASME iShow Kenya, Business Innovation Challenge at Tangaza University, and the Kiambu Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Week.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Muthungu is a Board Member at St. Paul Githakwa Secondary and Primary School and actively contributes to Kenya’s innovation and business ecosystem as a National Technical Committee Member at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
He has also been selected for numerous fellowships and accelerator programs, including the Because Accelerator, GreenBiz Accelerator, Innovate Now, E4Impact Entrepreneurship Center, and the Kenya Industries and Entrepreneurship Project.
With a steadfast commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and positive societal impact, Muthungu continues to shape the future of technology and local manufacturing in Kenya and beyond.
