Zetech University: Journey that Started from Varsity Hostels

One young man was destined to make a mark on Kenya’s education system. With a vision to bridge the gap between technology and learning, he created an institution that would empower generations and inspire innovation. Ken Mbiuki, the founder of Zetech University, began his interparental journey in 1997 while studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nairobi. At just 22 years old, he discovered a passion for IT.

 He saw a gap among his peers in the institution and started offering classes in his hostel. With his self-taught skills and a computer, the IT lessons went on at intervals, and as the number of students went up, he moved his business to the school’s student center in 1998.

“Initially, I had two to three students, but the number went up between the end of 1997 to 1999, growing between 200 to 300 students. The pressure from the students inspired the decision,” he said.

With earnings of up to Ksh 200,000 a month, he needed to expand as students continued trickling in. According to the institution’s history, the college was first named Zenith Technologies but was soon rebranded in 1999 to Zetech College.

 A vibrant Mbiuki moved from the school’s premises to the upper side of Nairobi’s Moi Avenue. Between 2000 and 2004, the number of students reached 15,000, forcing him to seek new premises. He soon found one at Church House, next to the Railways bus station.

In the following years, the institution opened its Westlands campus, and a collaboration with Jomo Kenyatta University of Science and Technology (JKUAT) saw its students graduate with degrees as part of a mentorship program.

The diversity of programmes, including Information Technology, computing packages, hospitality, business courses, and mass communication, enabled the institution to attract more students.

On 2nd August 2022, H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded Zetech the Charter to become a fully-fledged University after the Commission for University Education determined that it had met all the required conditions.

Today, the university has over 6,000 students and 300 staff members in different campuses.

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Lessons learnt from Ken Mbiuki’s story

Ken Mbiuki’s journey with Zetech University offers several valuable lessons. First, identifying gaps and finding solutions leads to a successful business.

 Also, adaptability and resourcefulness are important in overcoming challenges. Ultimately, with a clear vision and commitment, one can go beyond.

Indeed, Invent your Future!

Story Courtesy of Bizna Kenya