GOOGLE COMMISSIONS INOORERO UNIVERSITY WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK (WLAN).

By Eric Akasa

 GOOGLE, INOORERO UNIVERSITY HEAD ON TO REALIZE MGD 8.

Inoorero University Wednesday launched its wireless local area network (WLAN) with fanfare a project that started in late November 2011 and was completed in early January 2012.

“After two months of testing the LAN is now fully functional. Backing Google’s mission to organize the Worlds information and make it universally accessible and useful, Inoorero University is pleased to be part of the Google App-s supporting Programs (GASP)” says prof. Henry Thairu the Chancellor Inoorero University.

GASP is an initiative designed to catalyze internet usage and Google Apps adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa Universities through providing Google Apps for Education as well as strengthening the existing ICT services of participating Universities through offering combination of internet bandwidth or infrastructure grants, technical consulting and training and Google Apps training.

In line with Google’s focus in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve internet access, Google is working with Kenyan Universities to provide ubiquitous access to internet on the campus as well as improve the experience of users.

“In countries like Kenya where the cost of internet bandwidth is affordable to universities, Google will provide assistance to match the university’s investment of 1:1 up to a predetermined limit for qualifying campus infrastructure projects that improve connectivity for your staff and students.” Points out Joe Mucheru Google Kenya’s country manager who officially launched the wireless local area network (WLAN.)

“Google is committed to get users in Sub-Saharan Africa online by developing an accessible, relevant, vibrant and self-sufficient internet environment. Reducing access barriers at the Institutions of Higher learning by providing grants like this goes a long way towards creating a great internet experience for both students and faculty. The GASP program is available to universities in Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda’s” Adds Mucheru.

To reach this goal, Google offers an infrastructure to partner universities under the Google Apps Supporting Program of Which Inoorero and Strathmore universities are beneficiaries.

According to Prof. Meoli Kashorda CEO Kenya Education Network (KENET) many universities need to upgrade campus backbone networks and provide campus wide wireless networks.

“KENET is working with six universities in East Africa to develop E-learning content, JKUAT and Strathmore in Kenta and four others in Uganda and Tanzania.” Says Prof. Kashorda. “Universities must focus on education and research content development and automation.” He adds.

Inoorero University received an infrastructure matching grant to improve its campus network and provide a wireless hotspot service through their buildings. KENET also provided technical consulting. “The grant has enabled Inoorero University to complete the wireless infrastructure project, which has been a major undertaking for the University.” Says Prof. Thairu

“We now have 25 Wi-Fi access points to cover the two buildings; this project will enhance our service delivery to all our students and faculty.” Adds Prof. Thairu

“In line with our mission of developing quality human capital and entrepreneurs we are committed to employing flexible dynamic teaching g and research. This goal will be further enhanced by the new WLAN in several ways.”  Points out Thairu.

Thairu said that the WLAN comes at an opportune time to the institution when they are working to finalize their content for students to access on the Inoorero University virtual campus. “Currently, we have 350 students studying online and we expect this number to continue growing as the material becomes more accessible. We also want to link our two campuses, in Parklands and the one in Kiserian together using the WLAN.” Remarks Thairu.

The university is currently preparing for video conferencing as a teaching method. “We aim to enabling our executive MBA and online students to undertake their lectures via video-conferencing so as to mitigate on travel costs and inconveniences. “ Says Prof. Thairu.

Thairu commends Google for sponsoring a one week free training on UNIX for a total of fifteen techies at Inoorero University of which eight participants came from the Inoorero University while the rest were from Jommo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Strathmore and St. Paul’s universities back in 2011.

“In May 2012 Google gave one thousand US dollars which was 50 per cent sponsorship on accommodation for Africa Network Operators Group (AFNOG) training workshop in Serekunda, Gambia where much was learnt especially on ICT processes, procedures and a lot more on hands-on configurations.” Says Prof. Thairu.