Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) today held a sensitization meeting for academic staff on its newly established commercial arm – MMU Enterprises and Services Limited (MMUES).
Speaking during the meeting, which was hybrid in nature, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic Affairs, Research and Innovation Prof. Livingstone Ngoo urged lecturers and researchers to take a leading role in transforming their academic work into market-ready solutions through the enterprise.
The sensitization meeting, coming just days after the inaugural board meeting of MMUES, marks a significant step in operationalizing the entity, which aims to unlock the university’s intellectual capital and enhance financial sustainability.
Prof. Ngoo described MMUES as the university’s official commercial arm and a key driver of innovation and institutional excellence. He noted that the initiative is anchored on professional operations, leveraging the university’s niche strengths, and aggressive market positioning through partnerships with government and private sector players.
He challenged academic staff to move beyond traditional research outputs and actively develop competitive products and services that respond to societal needs.
“MMUES is your platform to shine. Your research, innovations, and field-tested solutions must now be transformed into market-ready products and services,” he said.
Prof. Ngoo further called for interdisciplinary collaboration across faculties, urging MMU scholars to identify gaps in industry and design commercially viable solutions. He emphasized the need for continuous product innovation, proposing an annual product development cycle within faculties and departments.
Through MMUES, the university will offer a wide range of services including consultancy, research and innovation, professional training, media and communication services, ICT solutions, renewable energy solutions, transport governance and electric mobility services, as well as specialized services in optics lasers, chemistry, and hospitality.
Prof. Ngoo highlighted the benefits of the enterprise, noting that it will boost internally generated revenue for the university, create consultancy and training opportunities for staff, and provide students with practical exposure through internships and real-world projects.
During the inaugural meeting, Dr. Kochei described MMUES as a transformative initiative aimed at commercializing the university’s vast but underutilized resources. He emphasized the need for professional management, strategic focus, and strong governance to position the entity as a leading government-owned commercial enterprise in Kenya and beyond.
By Nicanor Ndiege