#12
USIU-AFRICA
Established 53 years ago, United States International University- Africa (USIU-Africa) is the oldest private university in the country, accredited by the Commission for Higher Education (CUE) in Kenya and by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) in the United States.
Located within a suburban area on the outskirts of Nairobi, USIU-Africa is situated in a beautiful 20-acre green compound, offering both faculty and students a tranquil learning environment.
The USIU-Africa vision is to be the premier institution of academic excellence with a global perspective. The mission is to promote the discovery and application of knowledge, the acquisition of skills and the development of intellect and character in a manner that prepares students to contribute effectively and ethically as citizens of a changing and increasingly technological world.Guided by the tagline, ‘Education To Take You Places’, USIU-Africa hosts over 70 different nationalities, openly and confidently cementing its position as a leader in diversity and inclusion.
This is in accordance with the United Nations 10th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG #10). 85 percent of students and faculty are from Kenya; 15 percent come from different countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. What’s more, 65 percent of the student body is female whilst 35 percent is male, smoothly corresponding to the global narrative of gender equality and women empowerment (SDG #5).
The institution offers 30 Undergraduate, Graduate and Doctoral programs provided across six schools: Chandaria School of Business, School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, School of Science and Technology and School of Graduate Studies, Research and Extension. The core values that have driven USIU-Africa throughout its 52 years of exceptional academics are lifelong-learning, integrity, innovativeness, social responsibility and academic freedom.
An institution of higher learning that churns out well-rounded individuals who have perfected both theory and practical knowledge, USIU-Africa is renowned for having a wide range of successful alumni thriving in different careers both in Kenya and abroad. Professor Margee Ensign was appointed Vice Chancellor (VC) of USIU-Africa in September 2021. Having previously served as President of Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, one of the US’ oldest and most distinguished universities, Prof Ensign continues to bring forth innovative programs in global education.
A Unique Selling Proposition (UPS) offered by USIU-Africa is a flexible class schedule which provides hybrid options of both online learning and/or physical classes. This affords students the ability to work part-time jobs, discover and enhance their individual talents and socialise with peers outside of the classroom. This works to improve the students’ general productivity, in preparation for the outside world of work.
With a vibrant student exchange program, USIU-Africa students acquire global exposure, learn international work ethics and experience enriched learning opportunities. Their world-view and multicultural perspectives are broadened. In 2020, USIU-Africa partnered with the Mastercard Foundation in its Global Scholars Program. The program offers first-time undergraduate, degree-seeking academically talented youth from Africa facing financial, gender, displacement or disability constraints an opportunity to access the university’s top-notch education. This is in line with both SDG #5 and SDG #10. By completion of their studies, scholars are required to lead changes in their communities and contribute to meaningful transformation across the continent, having been equipped with internationally recognized and locally applicable qualifications, promoting global economic development (SDG #8).
To foster environmental consciousness among students, corresponding to SDG #13 and #15, USIU-Africa charges a fine of Ksh 2,000 to anyone who pollutes by way of littering. Additionally, the university sells branded safe multi-use bottles to discourage single-use plastics on the compound.
Within the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Extension, USIU-Africa offers the Women Economic Empowerment Program. The program serves to coach women to take advantage of the opportunities that are available in the private and public sectors, thus enhancing their economic empowerment and contributing to the overall good of the society.
Launched on the 11th of January 2023, the initiative covers important dimensions in developing and managing a successful business, including: building business enterprises, environment and business alignment, implementing effective business processes, managing business productivity and creating powerful networks.
In support of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), young and established entrepreneurs & innovators, and corporate leaders, USIU-Africa has created the Launchpad Masterclass. This is an immersive and transformative one-year evidence-based program designed to incubate ideas through an Outcome-Driven Innovation strategy and process by inspiring confidence, fueling growth ambitions and seizing new opportunities by establishing high-growth enterprises. Participants in the program are trained to become astute entrepreneurs-cum-business model innovators.
Priding itself on being a multinational institute of higher learning, USIU-Africa fosters learners’ minds, affording them exceptional global experiences with the primary aim of producing sustainability-driven, thought leaders for the betterment of the world: a truly socially responsible corporation.
