University of Nairobi (left) and Mount Kenya University
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The University of Nairobi has once again secured its top spot in the latest Webometrics ranking, maintaining its longstanding position as a leader in Kenyan higher education.
Meanwhile, Mount Kenya University has made remarkable strides, ascending six places in the ranking to claim a spot among Kenya's top ten universities. This achievement is historic, marking the first time a private university has entered this elite group. The university, previously ranked 16th, now proudly holds the 10th position, challenging the dominance of public institutions in the top echelons.
Mount Kenya University continues to reinforce its commitment to excellence in teaching, learning, research, and innovation, as highlighted by Professor Deogratius Jaganyi, the vice-chancellor. The Webometrics Ranking of World Universities is an initiative by the Cybermetrics Lab, a research group affiliated with the largest public research body in Spain, the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas. The ranking evaluates the quality of education provided by universities and takes into account their research output.
Notably, the rankings consider various forms of scholarly communication, encompassing both formal and informal channels such as e-journals and repositories. It's worth emphasizing that these rankings exclude diploma mills and dubious institutions, ensuring a reliable assessment of educational quality. In the broader context of African rankings, South African and Egyptian universities dominate the top positions. Kenya's University of Nairobi has secured the 15th spot, reflecting its strong standing in the continental landscape. The global evaluation by Webometrics encompasses over 20,000 universities worldwide.
Looking at the international top ten, American institutions take centre stage with only one British university making the cut. The prestigious list includes Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Oxford (UK), University of Michigan, University of California Berkeley, Cornell University, University of Washington, Columbia University New York, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Simon Gicharu, the visionary founder of MKU, attributes the university's remarkable ascent to its focus on research, exemplified by initiatives like the Centre for Malaria laboratory. The positive impact of Mount Kenya University's commitment to training and research is evident in its recognition by researchers, signifying the acceptance of the university's efforts. Gicharu credits this improvement to collaborative efforts among staff and an open leadership style that encourages the free expression of opinions.