FOUNDER & BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN
Prof. Simon N. Gicharu, CBS
Founder: Mount Kigali University • Mount Kenya University • Capemedia • Kigali Paramount Hotel • Royal FM • University Medical Centre
Driven by a profound belief that education is the ultimate equalizer, Prof. Simon N. Gicharu has spent decades breaking barriers to make higher learning accessible, affordable, and deeply impactful across East Africa. Through visionary leadership and relentless dedication, his mission continues to empower generations with world-class knowledge, paving pathways of prestige and academic excellence.
Prof. Simon N. Gicharu
The Biography
The Vision
Achievements & Impact
Inducted into the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Hall of Fame, his contributions extend beyond education. From leading Kenya’s Rural Electrification Authority to championing UN SDG 4 (Quality Education), his structural impact shapes communities.
FOUNDER'S VISION & CONVICTION
Education is the Noble Instrument of Global Transformation
Prof. Simon N. Gicharu is a trailblazing educational entrepreneur whose life’s work is defined by a relentless belief: that high-quality, accessible higher education is the ultimate catalyst for post-conflict healing and socioeconomic empowerment. Under his guidance, academic landscapes across East Africa have been fundamentally redrawn, offering hope and excellence where it is needed most.
ACADEMIC & FOUNDING JOURNEY
Early 2000s - Founded Mount Kenya University
From humble beginnings as a small computer training center, Prof. Gicharu navigated immense regulatory and financial landscapes to establish Mount Kenya University (MKU). Through clear pedagogical vision, it grew into East and Central Africa’s largest private university, heavily impacting technical training and medical programs.
2010 - Expanded to Rwanda — The Kigali Campus
Committed to cross-border intellectual healing, he established a thriving campus in Rwanda. This state-of-the-art facility eventually transitioned into Mount Kigali University, empowering Rwandan youth with robust qualifications in health sciences, business, and technology.
2023 - Charter Granted — Birth of Mount Kigali University
The Board of Trustees, chaired by Prof. Gicharu, invested in excess of 10 billion Rwandan Francs in state-of-the-art infrastructure. In 2023, the Rwanda Higher Education Council granted the University its Charter, formally establishing Mount Kigali University as a fully independent, accredited institution.
Vision Forward- Building East Africa's University of Choice
Under Prof. Gicharu’s continued stewardship as Board of Trustees Chairman, MKUR is now embarked on an ambitious trajectory: becoming East Africa’s most respected hub for health sciences, business, law, and hospitality education — serving students from across the African continent and the globe.
Prof. Simon N. Gicharu
Founder & Chairman, Board of Trustees
Mount Kenya University & Mount Kigali University • Recipient of the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) Presidential Award for selfless service to higher education development.
HONOURS & RECOGNITION
Professor Gicharu’s contributions to African education have been recognised by governments, academic institutions, and civil society organisations across the continent. His awards reflect both his academic distinction and his service to public life.
CBS — Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear
Awarded by the President of Kenya for outstanding and distinguished services rendered to the nation in educational development and leadership.
EBS — Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear
Recognising exemplary devotion to public service and impactful contributions to expanding higher education access across East Africa.
PhD in Business Administration
Honoris Causa, celebrating decades of social entrepreneurship and pioneering sustainable educational models on the continent.
Pan-African Educational Leadership
Honoured by continental civil society organs for fostering cross-border academic partnerships and youth empowerment initiatives.
HONOURS & RECOGNITION
What distinguishes Prof. Gicharu’s approach to education is not merely the scale of what he has built, but the philosophy that drives it. He believes education must be accountable to outcomes — not just the production of degree holders, but the creation of professionals who can solve problems, lead teams, and drive development in their sectors and communities.
This philosophy is visible throughout Mount Kigali University: in the practical training facilities of the Kigali Paramount Hotel, in the clinical laboratories of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, in the moot courts of the School of Law. At MKUR, learning is not an abstraction — it is preparation for life.