University to save costs with new management system

The Catholic University of Eastern Africa expects to lower its operational costs by up to 90 percent after implementing an academic management system in collaboration with the Strathmore Research and Consultancy Centre (SRCC).

"It is laudable to see universities working together to develop technology systems," said Kilemi Mwiria, Kenya's assistant minister for higher education. "The ministry will continue encouraging other universities to engage in such collaborative efforts, especially those that enhance the running of the educational system."

The academic management system cost Catholic University 28 million Kenya shillings and is part of an IMIS (integrated management information system) that will include a finance department, library and an e-learning system.

SRCC is the consultancy arm of Nairobi's Strathmore University and has been instrumental in implementing open-source software projects in Tanzania and Rwanda.

"If the system was proprietary, it would have cost Catholic University between 200 and 300 million shillings," said Eric Kathenya, SRCC's corporate communication manager.

The IMIS will provide support for the university's core processes by ensuring effective and integrated academic data management relating to academic activities and financial management.

The system will also allow students to register online, and the university administration will benefit from enhanced managerial control over processes in all academic areas.

The financial aspect of the system will enable the university to organize fees, as well as manage scholarships, discounts and bursaries. The previous system was manual.