Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK) has today launched a Regional Language and Cultural Centre powered by the Samsung Digital Classroom, a multi-device and software solution developed for East Africa by Samsung Electronics East Africa.
The initiative marks a significant step towards advancing digitally enabled education, language proficiency, and workforce readiness in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Hosted through the Kisumu Institute of Development Studies (KIDS), the initiative positions GLUK as a pioneering educational institution within the newly launched TEP Connect Ecosystem, an integrated platform that brings together educational institutions, technology providers, language partners, employers, and workforce development stakeholders to support learner success in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
As higher education continues to evolve, institutions are increasingly challenged to equip learners with the digital, professional, and language skills required to compete in both local and global labour markets. Through this initiative, GLUK is integrating technology-enabled learning, language proficiency pathways, AI-powered assessment tools, and employability support into a single ecosystem designed to enhance both teaching and learning outcomes.
At the centre of the initiative is the Samsung Digital Classroom, powered by Samsung Interactive Displays, Samsung Tablets, and Samsung Knox for Education. The solution creates a connected and secure learning environment that enables more interactive teaching, collaborative learning, effective classroom management, and improved engagement for both educators and students.
Samsung Knox further strengthens the university’s digital learning infrastructure by securing devices, academic content, institutional data, and learning resources within a trusted and well-governed ecosystem.
Speaking on the partnership, Anthony Njihia, Head of Integrated B2B at Samsung Electronics East Africa, said:
“At Samsung, we believe technology has a critical role to play in shaping the future of education. As learning environments continue to evolve, institutions require solutions that enable collaboration, improve engagement, and prepare students for an increasingly digital world.
Our partnership with Great Lakes University of Kisumu reflects our commitment to supporting educational institutions with technology that enhances teaching and learning outcomes. Through the Samsung Digital Classroom ecosystem, including Samsung Interactive Displays, Samsung Tablets, and Samsung Knox for Education, we are helping create connected, secure, and future-ready learning environments.”
He added:
“We are proud to support this pioneering initiative and hope it serves as a model for how technology can be leveraged to expand access to quality education, empower educators, and equip learners with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern economy. Samsung remains committed to working with universities, colleges, schools, and other learning institutions across Kenya and the region to support their digital transformation journeys and unlock new possibilities for education.”
The initiative also brings together a diverse network of ecosystem partners, including Berlitz East Africa for language proficiency and cultural readiness, Simplified IQ for AI-enabled assessments, Lumion for learning management systems, Loho Learning for CBC pathways, and connectivity partners Airtel, Jamii Telecommunications, and Starlink.
Commenting on the launch, GLUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Hazel Miseda said:
“The future of education demands institutions that can connect academic excellence with technology, language proficiency, employability, and global opportunity. Through this initiative, Great Lakes University of Kisumu is investing in a model that prepares learners not only to graduate, but also to compete, contribute, and succeed in a connected world.”
The university plans to expand the programme across its campuses while working with industry, development partners, and financial institutions to broaden access to digital education, language enhancement, and workforce readiness opportunities.
The launch signals GLUK’s ambition to build a practical East African model for future-ready education—one that connects learning, technology, employability, and opportunity to deliver meaningful outcomes for students, educators, employers, and communities.