Strathmore University has taken the bold step towards enhancing students’ career development and entrepreneurship by joining the Africa Centre for Career Enhancement and Skills Support (ACCESS 2.0) project for the 2025–2029 cycle. Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) to the tune of €4.5 million, the programme is designed to future-proof African graduates through practical learning, entrepreneurial thinking and global collaboration. 

Coordinated in Kenya by Mount Kenya University, ACCESS 2.0 brings together 10 universities, each committed to equipping students with 21st-century skills. At Strathmore University, the project will be spearheaded by Dr. Njeri Ngaruiya Ng’ang’a and Isaac Kigen from the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (SCES). 

ACCESS 2.0 integrates real-world problem-solving with academic rigor, positioning Strathmore students to thrive in complex, dynamic environments. 

Key Project Activities 

A dedicated team of experts from the participating universities will co-develop a competency-based entrepreneurship curriculum featuring:

~Capstone projects that solve real business challenges

~Self-paced learning modules hosted on Strathmore’s virtual platforms. 

~An AI-powered tool to track student engagement and tailor feedback. 

Also, Strathmore’s graduate students will embed themselves in real business environments, applying classroom knowledge to support SMEs. These engagements will be integrated into their academic research, ensuring learning is both relevant and actionable. 

Through vibrant student-led initiatives, Strathmore will introduce Business Ideas Clubs to cultivate a thriving culture of innovation and entrepreneurship on campus. In addition to faculty providing hands-on mentorship to bridge the gap between academia and industry, top-performing students will be selected each year to participate in a five-day entrepreneurship bootcamp led by seasoned professionals and startup mentors.

Opportunities for the Strathmore Community

The ACCESS 2.0 partnership opens doors to an exciting array of opportunities—from research grants and startup incubation to industry collaborations and global exposure. For Strathmore students and faculty, it means deeper engagement with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

ACCESS 2.0 integrates practical learning, entrepreneurial thinking, and international networking to equip Strathmore students with the skills they need to lead and innovate in a fast-changing world.

Article written by David Kimathi