Karatina University is proud to be among the ten (10) Kenyan universities participating in the ACCESS 2.0 Project, a transformative initiative led by Mount Kenya University (MKU) and funded under Phase 2 of the DAAD Project Implementation and Transfer Strategy (2025–2029). The ACCESS (Accelerating Competence-based Entrepreneurship and Service-learning in Sub-Saharan Africa) Project is implemented in collaboration with the University of Leipzig (Germany) and other ACCESS consortia partners. The project at Karatina will be coordinated by:
1. Project Coordinator: Prof. Kellen Kiambati
2. Deputy Coordinator: Prof. Lucy Ndegwa
Through this strategic engagement, Karatina University is committed to enhancing entrepreneurship education and embedding service-learning into academic programs to better prepare students for the world of work and impactful community engagement.
Key Activities Underway (2025–2029)
1. Development of a Joint Competence-Based Entrepreneurship Curriculum Karatina University is actively participating in the national curriculum committee to co-develop a forward-looking, joint entrepreneurship curriculum. This curriculum will:
• Feature capstone assignments and self-paced learning modules,
• Be embedded into the university’s Virtual Learning Management System (VLMS),
• Leverage an AI-powered tool for tracking learning progress and outcomes.
2. Integration of Problem-Based Service-Learning (SL) in the MBA and other programmes .The programmes will adopt service-learning modules in Research Methodology and other units enabling students to serve as consultants for local SMEs while simultaneously developing practical solutions through their research projects.
3. Establishment of the Karatina University ACCESS Business Ideas Club.Every year, two top student innovators will be selected through a competitive process to participate in a five-day entrepreneurship bootcamp. The bootcamp will include mentorship from industry leaders, innovation hubs, and international networks, helping students shape their ideas into viable ventures. Faculty mentors will accompany and support the students during these engagements.
