Students to Be Financially Empowered and Equipped With Financial Skills as MMUST and Jixels Investment Begin Engagement
Students at MMUST stand to be financially empowered and equipped with financial skills as the University and Jixels Investment begin engagement and partnership talks. On 30th October 2025, a team from Jixels led by the Director-Mr. James Atsali met with the Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation)-Prof. Peter Bukhala to discuss possibilities of working together for the benefit of the university, Jixels and the community. The discussions were attended by the Director of International Relations and Academic Linkages (DIAL)-Dr. Umulkher Ali, the Director of Corporate Communications and Marketing (DCCM)-Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Dr. Jasper Ondulo, who was representing the Dean-School of Computing and Informatics (SCI).
Prof. Bukhala commended the Jixels team for developing such a great product, and locating it within the community. He pointed out that the idea of having the Jixels headquarters in Butere town, is a plus not only for the community but also for the University, which is located in Kakamega County. “Jixels Investment is alleviating unemployment by creating jobs through its distribution model, which utilizes agents and scouts to reach community members. As a University, we are keen to supporting collaborations that benefit our students, and therefore, I will make sure that I share this exciting proposal for partnership with the Management,” stated the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor.
Prof. Peter Bukhala shares a light moment with Mr. James Atsali.
Mr. Atsali was accompanied by the General Manager-Mr. Dickson Oturo and the Marketing Manager, Ms. Sharon Ababu Kavulani. Notably, Mr. Atsali is a student at MMUST, pursuing a second Masters Degree at the School of Business and Economics. Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Atsali revealed that Jixels has created employment opportunities for many young people, including MMUST students. “Our aim is to empower and promote University students by equipping them with customer service and entrepreneurial skills. This way, they gain financial stability while keeping constructively busy,” said Mr. Atsali.
Equally, Mr. Oturo reiterated that Jixels has already made an impact in the community, and that MMUST will be their first University to partner with. He added, “we are seeking partnership with MMUST in order to have more impact in the community. We are determined to touch lives; not just make profit.”
MMUST and Jixels teams during the discussions.
“This partnership is expected to assist students from low income backgrounds to access employment opportunities and grow their entrepreneurial skills. Through our campaign, Tenje Campo, students will be mentored by industry experts and our business professionals to enable them achieve economic empowerment,” remarked Ms. Kavulani. Further, Ms. Kavulani requested to have a Jixels Centre located within MMUST campus, saying that this will not only raise the University’s image, but also help to legitimize the projects.
Jixels, a locally owned firm, works with the mantra ‘Form ni Tenje’ built on its core values- Trust, Empowerment, Nurturing, Joy in service, and Excellence. The company is a last-mile phone distributor with tentacles in over five regions, including Coast, Rift Valley , Western, Nyanza and Eastern regions.
Prof. Peter Bukhala with the Jixels team at his office.
MMUST is proud to join entities such as Jixels and jointly work towards powering digital access across Africa. These talks are likely to result in a powerful and productive partnership that will positively shake up the digital access arena in Africa and beyond. Indeed, University-Industry-community linkage and synergy is the way to go if we want to empower our communities, create prospects for the youth and improve livelihoods.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Wangari Wambugu
