UoN Steps Up Digitalization with Multiple Initiatives

The University of Nairobi on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, commissioned several digitalized initiatives in a ceremony held at the university’s Taifa Hall.

The event was graced by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Hon. Eliud Owalo, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Kiama.

The initiatives include Electronic Record and Document Management System (EDRMIS), Online Recruitment System and Portal, Financial Management System Upgrade, Virtual Car Sticker Issuance System, and the expansion of campus LAN and Wi-Fi infrastructure to 150 Wi-Fi hotspots spread across student hostels. 

The digitalization is a comprehensive upgrade plan that includes modernizing server hardware, enhancing network infrastructure, and bolstering disaster recovery capabilities, with substantial investments committed to supporting the institution’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

The EDRMIS, for example, undergone meticulous customization, with a number of training sessions held. The result of this effort is already clear, with revolutionized document management practices.

The Online Recruitment System, on the other hand, seeks to streamline hiring processes to ensure efficiency and transparency from the start.

Similarly, the Financial Management System, since upgraded to Sage 300, coupled with workflow automation is now actively driving the university’s financial operations. The aim of this automation is enhancing financial efficiency and data management.

While reflecting on the significance of the digital initiatives, the Director ICT at the University of Nairobi, Mr. Paul Kariuki, emphasized the transformative impact of technology on the institution’s operational processes and academic environment.

He stated, “Today’s ceremonial launch of UON’s digitization initiatives was a brilliant success. As part of our cross-cutting strategic plan, we are moving towards a digitally-enabled and technology-driven university.” He also underscored the university’s commitment to advancing ICT, positioning it as a leader in innovation and ICT adoption among higher education institutions.

Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama, in his opening remarks, expressed profound gratitude to the Cabinet Secretary for his invaluable support and participation in the commissioning of the transformative projects. Prof. Kiama highlighted the University’s longstanding commitment to digitalization, dating back to the 1990s, and reiterated its dedication to becoming a 21st-century digitally-enabled and technology-driven institution.

Under the leadership of Prof. Kiama, the University has spearheaded a comprehensive digitalization master plan and ICT strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency and competitiveness.

The implementation of these strategies has seen the automation of core administrative functions and the establishment of a robust digital infrastructure, including a tier 3 Data Centre and campus-wide networks spanning multiple locations.

Prof. Kiama emphasized the University’s pivotal role in supporting the Government’s Digitalization Agenda, citing its contributions to national efforts to create a paperless working environment and reduce operational costs. He lauded the university’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated by its strong ICT infrastructure and innovative application of digital tools and platforms.

The university’s investments in digital infrastructure have been substantial, including the establishment of a tier 3 Data Centre, campus-wide networks, smart classrooms, and enhanced security systems. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy’s recognition of the university’s digital assessment level at 84.7% in November 2023.

Further, Prof. Kiama outlined the university’s commitment to continuous improvement, citing ongoing projects aimed at revamping broadband networks, enhancing internet connectivity, and developing smart campus infrastructure.

He underscored the importance of collaboration with government and industry partners to drive innovation and provide students with practical learning experiences.

In his keynote address, the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Hon. Eliud Owalo commended the University for its leadership in embracing digitalization and pledged continued support from the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy.

 “I am a beneficiary of the University’s E-learning. I am sure you have witnessed the effectiveness and efficiency of all your processes and services,” he reflected.

Hon. Owalo in addition highlighted the Government’s initiatives to promote digital inclusion, including the assembly of affordable smartphones and the digitization of government records.

He said, “All government records will be fully digitized. Three percent of CDF [will be used] to set up Digital Infrastructure in every County. The Government won’t shy away from Digitalization because of Data Privacy and Security. It will ensure the safety of data centres, and has invited partnerships from the private sector globally.”

The University of Nairobi aims to remain at the forefront of digital innovation, providing world-class education, research, and innovation outputs in an increasingly digital world.

Other participants at the ceremony were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs Professor Leonida Kerubo, and the Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Brian Ouma.