Zetech expands course portfolio, set for varsity

By Joel Odidi

After partnering with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 2007, Nairobi’s Zetech College has rolled out an ambitious plan to become a fully-fledged university by next year.

The college, which started offering certificate and diploma courses in Information Technology 14 years ago, is expected to join the league of private universities offering what it refers to as “market-driven” training in line with demands of the 21st century.

It has broadened its courses portfolio and the Commission of Higher Education has approved it’s curriculum. CHE has also approved the institution’s trust deed. The college is also in the process of building an ultra-modern university complex in Ruiru.

The institution principal Edwin Wamukoya says it also plans to build laboratories, lecture halls, administration offices, hostels and sports facilities in Ruiru and later establish another campus in Kitengela.

Fast growth

“We will increase our intake as we spread from technology, hospitality and business-related courses to science and technology-based courses as we seek to be at par with other universities,” he says.

Zetech started in 1997 to offer basic computer packages and computer aided-design skills to students, mostly drawn from the University of Nairobi. It has since grown and is set to become a full-fledged university next year.

The college has six campuses in the Nairobi CBD — at Pioneer House, Summit Summit House, Westlands Campus (at Reliance Centre), Agriculture House, Hamilton House and Stanbank House. The Stanbank Campus opened in January this year.

Zetech’s flagship courses are Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, and Mass Communication, which it offers jointly with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

“We have come a long way in ensuring we offer quality and market-oriented courses to our students. We have partnered with international examination bodies like ICDL, International Air Transport Association, City and Guilds, Association of Business Executives, Institute of Commercial Management as well as local bodies like Kenya National Examinations Council and Jomo Kenyatta University. It is our hope that next year, we will be granted a charter as we move towards becoming a university,” he says.