UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
DECEMBER 2016
A magazine of the University of Nairobi
President Lays Foundation for
Wangari Maathai Institute
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Our Vision
A world class University committed to scholarly excellence
Our Mission
To provide quality university education and training and to embody the aspirations of the
kenyan people and the global community through the creation,preservation,intergration,
transmission and utilization of knowledge.
Our Core Values
•
Freedom of thought and expression
•
Good governance and integrity
•
Innovativeness and creativity
•
Professionalism
•
Responsible citizenship
•
Sustainable development
•
National cohesion and inclusiveness
•
Team spirit and teamwork
I N S I D E
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
President lays
Foundation
for Wangari
Maathai
Institute
VarsityFocus
VarsityFocus
4
Published by
The Office of the Vice-Chancellor
Director of Corporate Affairs
University of Nairobi
P.O. Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi
Tel: 020 - 020 3318262 Ext 28263
Telefax: 020 2246369
Email: [email protected]
www.uonbi.ac.ke
8
Copyright
University of Nairobi, 2016
All rights reserved
University
shines at
the Nairobi
International
Trade Fair
Editor
John A. Orindi
Consulting Editor
Otuma Ongalo
Editorial Team
Peter Muturi
Johnson Kinyua
Njuguna Bernard
Otuma Ongalo
Wanyonyi Masinde
Martin Mativo
Esther Nekesa
Peter Oluoch
Teresia Mbugua
Naomi Nyaboga
Mariam Maina
UoN medical
team
participates
in delicate
surgery to
separate
conjoined
twins
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Contributors
Mariam Maina
Peter Oluoch
Esther Nekesa
Brian Abook
Enock Bore
Dennis Omido
Winnie Codawa
Photography
Kevin Wamola
Charles Muriuki
Creative Design
Typescript Printing & General
Supplies
[email protected]
One on
one with
Valedictorian
Amitoj Singh
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VarsityFocus
Editor’s note
Building networks and partnerships
for sustainability
T
he
effects of globalization is
compelling
higher
education
institutions to look inside and out
for solutions to their myriad challenges.
Universities have become agents
of globalization and are actively
preoccupied with serious international
relations
processesinteracting
with
governments,
international
organizations and are also transacting
business with private corporate entities.
Building
local
and
International
networks is one of the strategic goals
of the University of Nairobi (UoN). The
University is keen in identifying and
converting opportunities brought about
by globalization to reposition itself as
an internationally recognized center
of academic excellence. UoN has
joined diverse networks of international
research institutions and universities with
the aim of collaborating to improve
quality in education standards and
contribute immensely to sustainable
development. The Wangari Maathai
Institute for Peace and Environmental
studies that was officially launched
by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta on
August 23rd, 2016 was borne out of
such partnerships and it is expected to
greatly contribute to the promotion of
global environmental governance and
its linkages to peace and democracy.
Hosting
public
lectures
and
conferences on topics of global and
national concerns is one way that the
university serves society. This edition
of the Varsity Focus highlights some
selected conferences and public
lectures that UoN hosted during the
last quarter of the year 2016. They
include the commonwealth universities
conference on women leadership,
the International CASE conference
2016 and study in Japan fair by 17
top league Japanese universities
among the many conferences hosted
at the University facilities. UoN also
participated in external forums like the
RUFORUM conference in Cape Town,
Campus France 2016 and TICAD VI
Summit and Conference at KICC.
The University of Nairobi continues to
assert its dominance in the region by
becoming the first university to secure
a space systems and surveillance
agreement in collaboration with the
University of Rome
“LaSpenza” in
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the framework of United Nations /
Japan Cooperation program on
Cubesat deployment for research and
technology promotion.
Strategic linkages and partnerships
is the way to go in this era of limited
resource capitation from the state
purse. I need not belabor the urgency
required of Institutions of higher learning
to attract extra resources from their
alumni networks, Industry, Charitable
foundations and also work together
with the private partners in improving
infrastructure and quality of research
production.
The University of Nairobi leadership has
put in place the requisite structures
in providing support to strategic
partnerships and collaborations. We
appeal to the rich network of UoN
alumni and stakeholders to enhance
their contributions to support the
rapid growth of the University through
philanthropic
and
benevolent
initiatives. There are lots of opportunities
for the fortunate members of the
Kenyan society to emulate their
peers in the West by creating their
legacies through supporting noble
causes like scholarships, contributing
to endowment funds, improving
infrastructure and contributing to
research grants for the Universities.
The relations between UoN and the
Indian High Commission has continued
to grow from strength to strength.
Recently the university partnered with
the High Commission and the United
Nations Office in Nairobi to celebrate
the United Nations Day for non –
violence which also coincides with the
commemoration of the birth day of
Mahatma Gandhi who was the founder
and key architect of the non violence
philosophy. Prof. PLO Lumumba who
was the guest speaker observed that
the governance and human rights
conditions in Africa today makes
Gandhi’s philosophy of non violence
and peace more relevant than before.
The University is at the forefront of
propagating Gandhi’s philosophy. For
those who may not be aware, I wish
to proudly make it known to all and
sundry that University of Nairobi is one
of the few institutions globally that
hosts the venerated Gandhi statue
within its precincts. If you are a visitor
in Nairobi Central Business District don’t
hesitate to visit and pay homage to the
magnificent Gandhi statue adjustment
to the famous University of Nairobi Taifa
Hall and Great court.
For Africa to claim its rightful position as
the continent of the next century, there
will be need to provide knowledge
based solutions to the current
challenges that have dogged the
continent for far too long. Knowledge
based solutions will mostly emanate
from renowned centers of innovation
and cutting edge technology which
UoN is aspiring to be. During the 2016,
Nairobi International trade fair UoN
exhibited its prowess to generate
knowledge that is relevant to the
country’s development needs when
it scooped 145 prizes in farm products
categories including dairy products
and agricultural produce. These
quality products should under go some
value addition through branding and
packaging and supplied to the retail
outlets to earn the university much
needed extra resources. Value addition
is still an underexploited potential which
the University community especially the
students could easily ride on to propel
them to prosperity.
Universities have a key role to generate
knowledge and sustain the momentum
for sustainable development. UoN
will continue pursuing partnerships
in academic and research fields
to produce globally recognized
graduates with knowledge and skills
to make Africa the dream continent of
the next century.
I invite you to read this edition of the
Varsity Focus and hope that you will be
inspired to work with us and support the
University of Nairobi in building a better
society. Your support will go along
way in promoting sustainable quality
education for prosperity.
Since this will be our last edition of the
Varsity Focus in 2016, I therefore on
behalf of the editorial team wish to
take the earliest opportunity to wish
you a Merry Christmas and a happy
2017. The sky is the limit!
John A.O. Orindi
Director, Corporate Affairs
Vice-Chancellor’s Message
VarsityFocus
Transformative agenda driven by
planning and strategy
revamp the traditional sources of
revenue, i.e. Government of Kenya
disbursements, module II and III and
other IGUs. Significantly, the University
has the challenge to grow its research
grants portfolio and streamline funding
from endowments, philanthropists and
alumni.
The University also has to continue
expanding its academic programmes
and making them relevant to
the industry needs so that they
remain competitive. The improved
programmes will go hand in hand with a
robust ICT infrastructure, which supports
teaching, learning and management.
T
he University of Nairobi (UoN)
continues with an aggressive pursuit
of its transformation agenda. This
critical process to world class status
is anchored on a deliberate strategy
which is propelled by focused and
consistent hard work based on the
objectives of its current strategic plan.
The end of 2016 presents to us
the
penultimate
stage
in
the
implementation of our strategy towards
world class status and is, therefore,
an opportune moment to review our
position in the face of dynamic and
changing circumstances. When the
University prepared the Short Term
Implementation Plan and Priorities for
2015/2016, we indicated our wish to
have UoN exhibit hallmarks of a top
ranked, sustainable University, with
world class attributes which have
enduring and valuable scholarly
excellence.
While the above position remains the
same, the operating environment is
dynamic and in recent times, more
competitive. To remain relevant and
successful, the University’s strategy
has to be tailored to respond to
the challenges emanating from this
environment.
As a big corporate with diverse needs,
the University has to keep expanding
its financial base through exploring
and opening new financial revenue
streams. At the same time, it has to
As stakeholders are aware, the
University has a complement of highly
qualified and experienced academic
and administrative staff. These staff
anchor the academic programmes
while
providing
leadership
and
mentorship to young faculty and
students. In this era of globalization
and internationalization, the University
will continue to pursue collaborations
with
key
stakeholders
in
both
academia and industry. Collaboration
with industry will also be in the areas
of attachments, internships, research
funding, scholarships, and employment
opportunities.
Beyond the realm of teaching and
research, the current administration
has undertaken to have a studentcentered University, where student
welfare will be given more prominence.
Towards this end, there will be a relook
at facilities available in the students’
welfare areas, including student health,
so that we deliver on our promise of
producing holistic graduates.
With great honour and humility, I wish to
take this opportunity to appreciate and
in a special way thank the University
Council for their total commitment
to the cause and mandate of the
University. Their strategic leadership
and stewardship is bare for all to see;
completion of the University towers at
the Main Campus, Kisumu Campus
towers, infrastructural improvements
of Mombasa Campus to mention but
a few.
I must also salute the University
Executive Management for their total
commitment and support, which has
enabled us to deliver excellent services
to our clients. Their solidarity has
propelled us towards realization of our
vision and mission.
I am also delighted by the commitment
and dedication of the University
Senate, which leads the academic
processes, as it is through such that we
are enabled to release graduates in
various disciplines to the global market.
As I go about my duties as Vice
Chancellor, I take pride in the
realization that the staff and students
have continued to defend the
University brand through resilience and
commitment to our common goal.
Thank you all for coming out clearly to
prove that indeed, discipline and hard
work will continue to be the hallmark of
the University’s endeavors.
I must take this opportunity to thank
our benefactors and others who have
supported the University in various
ways. My special thanks go to His
Excellency the President for his interest
and support to this University. After
granting us support of Ksh.100M from
government annually for the Nairobi
Innovation
Week,
the
President
followed it later with a commitment of
Ksh.800M budgetary support to assist
complete phase II of the upcoming
Wangari Maathai Institute.
My thanks also go to the Indian
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who
has granted us Ksh.100M to assist in
renovating the Mahatma Gandhi
Graduate Library.
Finally, I wish to thank all our friends
and partners for remaining loyal to
this auspicious University. We owe it
to Kenyans to sustain this University as
the leading University in Kenya and the
Region.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and
blessed New Year, 2017.
PETER M.F. MBITHI, Ph.D, EBS
VICE-CHANCELLOR
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VarsityFocus
Development
President lays foundation for
Wangari Maathai Institute
President Uhuru Kenyatta unveils the plaque for the Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies.
P
resident Uhuru Kenyatta laid the
foundation stone for the ultramodern centre at the University of
Nairobi to house the Wangari Maathai
Institute for Peace and Environmental
Studies.
The institute, at the University’s
Upper Kabete Campus, will be
a global centre of excellence in
environmental
governance
with
linkages to peace and democracy.
It aims to create a culture of peace
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through transformational leadership in
environmental governance.
resource management and education
for sustainable development.
The construction of the institute is
funded by the Government of Kenya,
the African Union through African
Development Bank (ADB) and the UoN.
The Wangari Maathai Institute (WMI)
will train students on environmental
issues. The Institute will also play a key
role in shaping democracy and peace
building initiatives and be a hub of
activities that target improved natural
It aims to achieve close to 100 per
cent carbon emission reduction to
immortalise Prof. Maathai’s legacy
on peace, environment, democracy,
human
rights
and
sustainable
development.
President Uhuru Kenyatta launched
the Institute on Tuesday, August 23,
2016 at University of Nairobi’s College
Development
of Agriculture and Veterinary Studies
(CAVS) . The President paid glowing
tribute to Prof. Wangari Maathai for her
relentless work and passion to care for
the environment.
The head of state said Prof. Maathai
had a vision to establish such an
institute before she died and it was an
honour for the University to host the
institute. “The environmentalist was the
best role model for all Kenyans who
want to contribute to the progress of
the country. I am encouraged to learn
that this institute is already playing
a critical role in reducing conflicts
in communities by involving women
in green energy technology and in
environmental conservation,” said the
President.
Echoing Pope Francis’s words, the
President urged University staff and
students to love their environment
and by so doing, he said, they will
be showing love for their neighbours.
He reaffirmed the government’s
commitment to support the project
up to its completion. The President
promised Ksh. 800m budgetary support
to assist in completing phase II of the
project.
Education Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred
Matiang’i thanked the President for
championing the ideals of great minds
like Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wangari
Maathai. He added that Prof. Wangari
Maathai is celebrated globally and
was recently recognized in African
Union Summit held in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia.
VarsityFocus
Dr. Matiangi noted that the Ministry
of Education had put in place
programmes to mentor secondary and
primary school pupils on environment
and peace, among other issues.
The University of Nairobi ViceChancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi said
the Insitute “will reincarnate and
immortalise the spirit of Prof. Wangari
Maathai, the global icon, our own
Professor and faculty. In her spirit, we
commit the institute to the service of
the global community.”
“The cost of construction of phase I of
the WMI at Shs. 600m is supported by
the Government of Kenya, the African
Union through ADB and the UoN. We
are optimistic that many more partners
will come forward and extend their
President Uhuru Kenyatta plants a commemorative tree at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences during the laying of the
foundation stone for Wangari Maathai Institute.
VF DECEMBER 2016
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VarsityFocus
Development
generosity to enable us mobilize Shs.
800m required for the second and final
phase,” the Vice-chancellor said.
Prof. Mbithi reiterated that support is
necessary to develop WMI into a global
centre of excellence that will contribute
enormously in championing good
governance through teaching and
research in peace and environmental
management.
He urged the government to construct
and privatise the main road joining
Upper and Lower Kabete and serving
the CAVS grounds, citing the need to
ease communication between the
three campuses.
The VC thanked the President and the
Government of Kenya for its continued
support that has enabled the University
to discharge its objectives and
functions adequately.
Present during the event included Prof.
Judy Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary
for
Environment, Prof. Collette
Suda, Principal Secretary, Ministry of
Education, Science and Technology,
UoN Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi,
Council Chair Dr. Idle Farah, US
ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec
and University Management .
After laying the foundation stone,
President Kenyatta joined students in
one of the lecture halls at the College
of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences.
He called on the students to shun
tribalism and to work together as
Kenyans to achieve their dreams.
The President also called on the students
to abandon tribal organisations and
instead yearn for the higher national
ideals of progress and unity. “The most
important thing is for each one of you
to get a job after graduating and that
will not be determined by where you
come from,” said the President.
The President, who answered questions
from the students on leadership and
youth policies, said that the youth will
not achieve leadership on the basis
of ethnicity. He said his administration
has put in place measures to help
graduates
get
employment
by
creating opportunities for internship.
The Head of State said the government
plans to reward, with tax rebates,
companies that offer internship to
students. Government departments will
also start offering internship to prepare
graduates for the workplace.
President Uhuru Kenyatta poses for a group photo with top officials from the government and the University of Nairobi.( Seated from
left) Prof. Collette Suda, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Judy Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary
for Environment, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, Chancellor, Prof.
Peter Mbithi, Vice-Chancellor and Dr. Idle Farah, Chairman of Council.
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Profile
P
VarsityFocus
Wangari Maathai: The icon of peace
and environment protection
rof. Wangari Maathai was the founder of the Green Belt
Movement and the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
She authored four books: The Green Belt Movement;
Unbowed: A Memoir: The Challenge for Africa; and
Replenishing the Earth. As well as having been featured in a
number of books, she and the Green Belt Movement were
the subject of a documentary film, Taking Root: the Vision of
Wangari Maathai (Marlboro Productions, 2008).
1977 respectively. In both cases, she was the first woman to
attain those positions in the region.
Wangari Muta Maathai was born in Nyeri in 1940. She
obtained a degree in Biological Sciences from Mount St.
Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas (1964), a Master of
Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh (1966), and
pursued doctoral studies in Germany and the University of
Nairobi, before obtaining a Ph.D. (1971) from the University
of Nairobi, where she also taught veterinary anatomy. The
first woman in East and Central Africa to earn a doctorate
degree, Prof Maathai became chair of the Department of
Veterinary Anatomy and an associate professor in 1976 and
She continued to develop this idea into a broad-based
grassroots organisation, the Green Belt Movement (GBM),
whose main focus is poverty reduction and environmental
conservation through tree planting.
Prof Maathai was active in the National Council of Women
of Kenya (1976–1987) and was its chairman (1981–1987).
In 1976, while she was serving in the National Council of
Women, Prof. Maathai introduced the idea of communitybased tree planting.
Prof. Maathai was internationally acknowledged for her
struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental
conservation and served on the boards of many organisations.
She addressed the UN on a number of occasions and spoke
on behalf of women at special sessions of the General
Assembly during the five-year review of the Earth Summit.
She served on the Commission for Global Governance and
the Commission on the Future.
Prof. Maathai represented the Tetu constituency in Kenya’s
parliament (2002–2007), and served as Assistant Minister
for Environment and Natural Resources in Kenya’s ninth
Parliament (2003–2007). In 2005, she was appointed Goodwill
Ambassador to the Congo Basin Forest Ecosystem by the
eleven Heads of State in the Congo region. The following
year, 2006, she founded the Nobel Women’s Initiative with
her sister laureates Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, Rigoberta
Menchú Tum, Betty Williams, and Mairead Corrigan. In 2007,
Professor Maathai was invited to be co-chair of the Congo
Basin Fund, an initiative by the British and the Norwegian
governments to help protect the Congo forests.
In recognition of her deep commitment to the environment,
the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General named Prof.
Maathai a UN Messenger of Peace in December 2009, with
a focus on the environment and climate change. In 2010
she was appointed to the Millennium Development Goals
Advocacy Group: a panel of political leaders, business
people and activists established with the aim to galvanise
worldwide support for the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).
Also in 2010, Prof. Maathai became a trustee of the Karura
Forest Environmental Education Trust, established to
safeguard the public land for whose protection she had
fought for almost twenty years. That same year, in partnership
with the University of Nairobi, she founded the Wangari
Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies (WMI).
Nobel Laureate, the late Prof. Wangari Maathai
Professor Maathai died on 25 September, 2011 at the age of
71 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Memorial ceremonies
were held in Kenya, New York, San Francisco, and London.
Source: Green Belt Movement Website
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7
VarsityFocus
Excellence
University shines at the Nairobi
International Trade Fair: UoN Scoops
145 prizes in crop and animal farming
The President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, presents the trophy for ‘Best Institution to Interpret the Show Theme’ to the
Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi.
T
he University of Nairobi won 6
awards at the Nairobi International
Trade Fair (NITF) 2016.
The University was ranked first in the
stand that best interprets the show
theme, the best stand in research and
development and the best institution
of higher learning in developing and
advanced technology.
UON was also position 2 in three
categories: the Best University stand,
the best stand embracing Information
Technology
and
Communication
System and the best Engineering based
institution of higher learning.
The 7-day annual Nairobi International
Trade Fair, 2016 kicked off on October
3, 2016 at the Jamhuri grounds. The
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theme of the show was ‘Enhancing
Technology in Agriculture and Industry
for Food Security and National Growth.’
The trade fair provided opportunities
for regional, continental and global
exhibitors to display and demonstrate
their services and products.
The College of Agriculture and
Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) registered
sterling performance at the show. It
won 145 prizes in the Livestock, Poultry,
Farm Produce and Rabbits categories.
A total of 38 prizes went to Livestock
section and the cattle were highly
recommended in the interbreed
competition and Kenya Animal
Genetic Resources Center (KAGRC)
awards where they received 22 doses
of semen. Farm produce and rabbit
section secured 79 prizes whereas
Poultry and eggs section had 28.
Several projects displayed at the trade
fair were drawn from all the six colleges
and Central Administration units in line
with the theme. The projects included
the Phototherapy unit that helps treat
Jaundice in new born babies, sign
language speech translation glove,
and infra maize sorting machine that
identifies and sorts out deadly aflatoxin
maize from clean maize.
Nairobi International Trade Fair is the
largest Trade Fair in the East African
region. It is a seven day event that runs
every year. NITF became a Trade Fair
in 2002 and now offers opportunities
for regional, continental and global
exhibitors to display and demonstrate
their services and products. It also offers
Excellence
VarsityFocus
The cattle were highly recommended in the interbreed
competition and Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Center
(KAGRC) awards where they received 22 doses of semen.
Farm produce and rabbit section bagged 79 prizes. The
rabbits won a total of fourteen prizes of which six were 1st
prizes, six 2nd prizes and two 3rd prizes. In this competition,
two rabbit bucks were champions at the show while one
buck was the reserve champion. Another buck was declared
the overall champion and won the ASK Perpetual Challenge
Cup.
University of Nairobi staff take high school students through an
innovation exhibit at the Trade Fair.
Seven pigs were exhibited at the show and they won 7 first
prizes. In the poultry and eggs category, the University won
28 prizes: Sixteen 1st prizes, eight 2nd prizes and four 3rd
prizes. In addition, the poultry and eggs section received a
record 28 prizes.
show visitors an opportunity to meet people from different
countries and backgrounds, hence creating a platform for
interaction and exchanging of ideas and experiences.
The University of Nairobi bagged a stunning total of 145 prizes
in crop and animal farming section at the International Trade
Fair 2016. The College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
(CAVS) entered farm produce that included livestock,
poultry, rabbits, hay, vegetables, seeds, butter, cheese,
ghee, pumpkins, among others.
The most notable accomplishment was witnessed in the
livestock section where Tigoni, a Jersey cow, clinched
both the high-status Supreme Championship trophy and
Championship titles. A total of 38 prizes went to livestock
section; twenty 1st prizes, three 2nd prizes and six 3rd prizes.
The Principal, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences,
Prof. Stephen Kiama poses for a photo with Tigoni, the champion
at the Nairobi Trade Fair 2016.
The University of Nairobi team parades the trophies won at the Nairobi International Trade Fair 2016.
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9
VarsityFocus
Graduation
Record set as 57 candidates
awarded doctorate degrees
service. He urged the graduands to
carry the flag of their alma mater
wherever they go through their
contributions.
The Chancellor, Dr. (Mrs.) Vijoo Rattansi
, urged the graduands to go out into
the world with courage and stand out.
She said: “Today, thousands graduate
from many other public and private
universities. There is, therefore, a
subsisting need to reinforce and even
refresh the brand of this university as the
very crème de la crème of university
education in Kenya and the region.”
The Founder and Chairman of Equity Bank, Dr. Peter Munga is conferred the Degree of
Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa by the Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi. Looking on (from
left) is the Chairman of Council, Dr. Idle Farah, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi and
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Henry Mutoro.
T
he University’s 55th Graduation
ceremony
held
on
Friday,
September 2, 2016 set a record
of conferring the highest number of
PhDs. Fifty seven (57) candidates from
six colleges were awarded Doctor
of Philosophy degrees while
one
Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) was
awarded.
Speaking during the ceremony, the
University of Nairobi Chairman Council
Chairman, Dr. Idle Farah said the
University has diligently continued to
discharge its mandate of teaching,
research, consultancy and community
While Congratulating the graduands,
Vice Chancellor, Prof Peter Mbithi
observed: “This day belongs to our
graduands who will be joining over
188,000 alumni who have successfully
proven the quality of the University of
Nairobi brand. You have sacrificed
personal time in your academic journey
and have eventually been found
worthy of academic recognition. We
assure you that the quality you have
received from this University remains
unparalleled in the region.”
A total of 4,448 degrees and diplomas
were conferred and awarded. They
include 564 Masters, 20 postgraduate
diplomas, 2,812 bachelors, and 996
ordinary diplomas. The graduands were
drawn from the Colleges of Agriculture
and Veterinary Sciences, Biological
and Physical Sciences, Education and
External Studies and Architecture and
Engineering.
A Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa, was
conferred on Dr. Peter Kahara Munga
in recognition of his philanthropic work.
He is the founder of Equity Bank and
also runs the Peter Munga Foundation.
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Graduands capture graduation memories as they celebrate their achievements.
Excellence
VarsityFocus
UoN medical team participates in historic
surgery to separate conjoined twins
stuck and required a lot of precision and
utmost care. “Now that the separation
has been done, plastic surgeons will
come in to restore the areas that were
operated on,” said Prof Mwangombe.
President Uhuru Kenyatta commended
a joint medical team from the College
of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi
and Kenyatta National Hospital after
the successful separation of the twins.
Medical specialists from the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta National Hospital
successfully separate conjoined twins in a 24-hour surgery.
A
medical team from the College
of Health Sciences (CHS) of
the University of Nairobi (UoN)
and Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)
successfully separated conjoined twins
following a delicate and most complex
procedure to be done successfully in
sub-Saharan Africa.
The twin girls, Blessing and Favour,
were born on 4th September 2014.
They were joined at the sacral region
of lower spinal cord but began new life
apart after a separation surgery that
lasted 23 hours.
The over 50 medical specialists, including
paediatric surgeons, neurosurgeons,
plastic and reconstructive surgeons,
anaesthetists and nurses,
were
led by Dr. Fred Kambuni, the KNH
Chief Paediatric Surgeon and Prof.
Nimrod Mwang’ombe, the Head of
Neurosurgery at the College of Health
Sciences, University of Nairobi.
The highly delicate surgery which was
performed at the KNH Main Theatre
started on Tuesday 1st November 2016
at 6am and ended on Wednesday at
5am.
The children have been admitted
at KNH in the specialized Paediatric
Surgery ward for over two years to
allow development of key organs and
also to enable them gain appropriate
muscles bulk to withstand the surgery.
Conjoined twins are rare and many
are stillborn or die soon after birth. The
separation can be easy or difficult
and delicate depending on the body
organs involved. Separation can result
in the death of one or both twins
depending on the complexity of the
surgery.
Prof Mwangombe, the head of
Neurosurgery at UoN, said the back
area and the urogenital system were
“The successful surgery by the
multidisciplinary team is a continental
first; and given the fact that it was
conducted at the KNH Main Theatre is
testimony of the vast improvement in
the quality and capacity of healthcare
facilities and services available in
Kenya’s public hospitals,” said the
President in a congratulatory statement
to UoN and KNH.
The first successful separation of
conjoined twins was performed in
United States in 1955 and there have
been several others since then. This
was a difficult separation as the spine,
buttock and pelvic muscles, nerves,
genital-urinary and gastrointestinal
tracts were shared. Therefore the
approach had to be multidisciplinary
and this is usually the case in most
separations.
KNH is the teaching hospital of the
University of Nairobi and has the benefit
of the university’s pool of skilled and
experienced surgeons.
The live video recording facilities
installed within KNH theatres by UoN
made it possible for the post graduate
students from the different disciplines
to follow the surgery from a class room
within the operating theatres.
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11
VarsityFocus
Mentorship
UoN mentors new universities
The UoN also mentored Embu University
College, which has recorded significant
improvement since its establishment in
2011.
The Embu University College was
awarded ISO 9000: 2008 certification in
December 2014 and it also launched
its strategic plan for the Period 20142019. It held its maiden graduation on
Friday, 30th September this year where
over 100 graduands were conferred
with degree and awarded diplomas
and certificates by the Chancellor, Dr.
(Mrs.) Vijoo Rattansi.
Embu University College 1st Graduation Ceremony.
T
he University of Nairobi, the premier
institution of higher learning in
Kenya, continues to mentor new
universities and colleges to enable
them realise their mission and vision in
accordance with the Universities Act
(2012).
The Universities Act (2012) requires well
established universities to mentor new
institutions as a key component for
their approval by the Commission for
University Education (CUE), before they
get a charter to become fully-fledged
universities.
The Act requires CUE to inspect physical
facilities, human, financial, library
resources, academic programmes,
student enrolment, master plan and
strategic plan for any new university
before they are awarded a charter. It is
the duty of the mentoring institution to
ensure that the new university complies
with the Act.
Currently, the UoN has added on
its stable for mentorship the Koitalel
Samoei University College, which is
located in Nandi County.
The UoN is offering advice with regard
to academic and administrative staff
exchanges, academic programmes
and technical expertise. All this is
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geared at steering the college to
acquire the status of a fully-fledged
university.
On April 7, this year, the ViceChancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi signed
a Memorandum of Understanding
with Koitalel Samoei University College
management in the presence of Nandi
County Governor, Dr Cleophas Lagat
committing the University to mentor the
upcoming institution.
Koitalel University will offer Bachelor
of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts and
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and will be
headed by a Principal assisted by two
Deputy Principals.
The establishment of Koitalel Samoei
University College is in line with the
requirement that there be a public
university in every county. The university
is also a stimulus for the achievement
of Vision 2030 as well as preserving the
cultural history of the Nandi people
in memory of the legendary leader
Koitalel arap Samoei.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected
to lay a foundation stone at Koitalel
Samoei University College early next
year.
And on 7th October, 2016, it was
another historic day for Embu University
College as it marked its transition from
a constituent college of UoN to a fullyfledged university.
The University of Embu was formally
awarded a Charter by President Uhuru
Kenyatta at a colourful function held at
State House, Nairobi.
During the occasion, the President
also awarded Charters to six other
universities:
Kirinyaga
University,
Machakos University, Cooperative
University of Kenya, Taita Taveta
University and Murang’a University of
Technology.
The University of Embu is the successor
of the former Embu Agricultural Staff
Training (EAST) College which started in
1947 as an agricultural training school
and was later renamed Embu Institute
of Agriculture in 1968. In 1990, it was
upgraded to Embu Agricultural Staff
Training (EAST) College. The University
is located about 4km from the Embu
Town Centre along the Embu-Meru
Road.
Other constituent colleges that UoN
has mentored into fully fledged and
chartered universities include Kenyatta
University (1985); South Eastern Kenya
University
(2013)
and
Technical
University of Kenya (2013).
Research
UoN and Washington
State University win
$3.4 million grant
T
he University of Nairobi and
Washington State University (WSU)
won a $3.4 million per year for a
5-year grant.
The grant was won through a joint
application where Washington State
University is the leader and UoN,
through Institute of Tropical and
Infectious Diseases (UNITID), is partner.
The grant is a public health grant and
was highly competitive.
Dr. Guy Palmer, Senior Director for
Global Health, Washington State
University, said: “we largely won the
grant due to our partnership with
UNITID. UNITID has the best enhanced
facilities from all the partnerships that
the University has with other institutions.”
UNITID has offered office space for the
WSU Programme coordinator. This was
noted to be very strategic because
WSU will be near Kenyatta National
Hospital (KNH), Center for Disease
VarsityFocus
Control (CDC) and UNITID. This will help
in enhancing the partnership and the
benefits from the MoU.
Prof. Henry Mutoro, Deputy ViceChancellor, Academic Affairs, on
behalf of the Vice- Chancellor, Prof.
Peter Mbithi, congratulated the team
on the grant that has been won. He
said that it was a great achievement
for both institutions that the MoU has
taken a great start. He urged the two
institutions to make use of the resources
available from the MoU.
Other areas that have been identified
as suitable areas of collaboration are
graduate student exchange, PhD
co-supervision, and development of
courses that can be taught at UNITID.
Prof. Isaac Kibwage, Principal, College
of Health Sciences and Prof. Machoki,
Director, UNITID attended the function.
Washington State University team with UoN team after the courtesy call.
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13
VarsityFocus
Mentorship
Cabinet secretaries mentor University students
at College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
the youth,” he added.
Dr. Matiang’i affirmed the government’s
proposals to additionally fund research
activities in the University considering
its growth in student population and
academic courses. On the idea
of government’s participation in
facilitating exchange programmes, he
stated that the Ministry of Education,
Science and Technology is working
together with the Higher Education
Loans Board (HELB) to diversify the way
in which it funds and supports student
exchange programes.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Fred Matiang’i
addresses the students at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences. Looking on
(from left) is the College Principal, Prof. Stephen Kiama, Cabinet Secretary, Agriculture,
Mr. Willy Bett, Cabinet Secretary, ICT, Mr. Joe Mucheru and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
Peter Mbithi.
S
tudents from the College of
Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
(CAVS) interacted with Cabinet
Sectaries from Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of
Information
Communication
and
Technology, and Ministry of Education,
Science and Technology.
The Cabinet Secretaries, Mr. Joe
Mucheru of ICT, Mr. Willy Bett of
Agriculture and Dr. Fred Matiang’i of
Education docket, shared ideas on;
research and innovation, exchange
programs,
mentorship,
higher
education and research funding,
employment
and
attachment,
incorporation of students-led ideas on
development of government structures
plus other matters affecting students at
university level.
Livestock and Fisheries has considered
integrating Agriculture and Veterinary
students into its development plans
for securing the future of pastoral
communities in Kenya and other
upcoming projects like the creation
and expansion of fisheries and the blue
economy project. Further, he informed
them that the government is keen
to mechanize, finance and market
agricultural produce to improve agribusiness and other agriculture value
chains.
“Agriculture is significant in Kenya’s
economic growth and you should,
therefore, seize the moment when
every player is looking and focusing on
However, he noted that the biggest
obstacle among the students was
information gap which hinders them
from accessing vital academic funding
and sponsorship opportunities. He
challenged them to seek information
and opportunities.
Mr. Mucheru pledged additional
development of ICT recourses that suit
and strengthen agriculture in Kenya. He
advised the students to come up with
more creative and innovative ideas
because the Ministry of Information
Communications and Technology is
ready to support such ideas.
The visit by the three cabinet
secretaries confirms the University
of Nairobi’s position as a leader in
research and scholarly excellence.
Apart from acting as mentorship
opportunities, such initiatives promote
excellence in experiential learning and
transformational community outreach.
They impart positive ethics, values and
practices to the students, thereby
developing a holistic person.
Speaking during the session, Mr.
Bett informed the students that the
government is delighted with the
University’s efforts towards developing
innovative courses that are in tandem
with the current market demands and
assured full support in terms of providing
the relevant teaching, internship and
research facilities.
As part of actualizing seamless
government and University partnerships
in research and development activities,
he stated that Ministry of Agriculture,
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Members of the University management and College of Agriculture and Veterinary
Sciences students follow deliberations during the session.
Appointment
VarsityFocus
Vice Chancellor appointed Chair
of UNU Sustainable Education
Development in Africa
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi presents a paper on Catalyzing the Next Generation for Africa’s Sustainable Industrialization .
P
rof. Mbithi was appointed as
the new Chair of the Education
for Sustainable Development in
Africa (ESDA) Consortium during The
Sixth Tokyo International Conference
on African Development (TICAD VI)
Summit held at KICC on 27th -28th
August 2016.
He took over from
Prof. Stephen Simukanga, the Vice
Chancellor of the University of Zambia.
The new Chair was inaugurated by
Professor Takeuchi, Senior Vice Rector
of United Nations University in Tokyo on
August 28, 2016 at KICC.
The ESDA started as a project of UNU
Institute for Sustainability and Peace
(ISP) in October 2008 to develop
and test, with the participation of
eight leading African universities, a
graduate-level education programme
for professionals to be engaged in
sustainable development in Africa. The
project has benefited from the support
of Japanese and European universities
as well as international organizations
active in this area, including UNESCO,
UNEP, UN-HABITAT and the African
Development Bank.
During the Conference, the Vice
Chancellor delivered a paper on
“Catalyzing the Next Generation for
Africa’s Sustainable Industrialization”
during the Youth Entrepreneurship
Forum. The University of Nairobi
partnered with the Ministry of Youth,
Gender and Public Service; Africa
Development Bank and United Nations
University Tokyo to co-host the TICAD
Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, the first
in Africa. The forum was graced by Dr.
Akiwumi Adesina, the President of the
African Development Bank (AfDB).
Over 11,000 people participated in
TICAD VI, including the representatives
of 53 African countries as well as
development partner countries and
Asian countries, international and
regional organizations, the private
sector, and civil society such as
nongovernmental
organizations
(NGOs). In addition, a business mission
with leaders from 77 organizations,
including Japanese businesses and
universities,
accompanied
Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe and introduced
Japanese private-sector initiatives at
each session.
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15
VarsityFocus
T
Strategic Partnerships
University secures partnership in
satellite project
he School of Enginnering has been
selected to be the first beneficiary
of the United Nations Office for
Outer Space Affairs, UNOOSA and
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency,
JAXA, KiboCUBE Program.
The announcement was made during
the Tokyo International Conference on
African Development, TICAD VI.
KiboCUBE was launched in September
2015, as a capacity-building initiative
between UNOOSA and JAXA to offer
educational and research institutions
from
developing
countries
the
opportunity to deploy cube satellites
(CubeSats) from the Kibo module of
the International Space Station.
The
University
of
Nairobi,
in
collaboration with the University of
Rome “Sapienza”, responded to the
global announcement of satellite
KiboCUBE 1.
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launch opportunities in the framework
of the United Nations /Japan
Cooperation Program on CubeSat
(Nano Satellite) deployment from the
International Space Station (ISS).
Innovative projects like KiboCUBE can
achieve concrete results and have
a real impact on Space Science and
Technology Development for the
benefit of all.”
Applications for the first round of
KiboCUBE selection closed in March,
2016 and a number of impressive
applications were received. The
application by the University of Nairobi
for the launch of 1st Kenyan University
Nano Satellite Precursor Flight (1KUNSPF) using the ISS was successful after
a very competitive global selection
process.
While congratulating the University of
Nairobi, University of Rome and the
Italian Space Agency Cooperation,
Director, UNOOSA, Simonetta Di Pippo,
said, “This is a very exciting moment
and an important step in UNOOSA’s
movement towards tangible initiatives
in
our
capacity-building
efforts.
Under
the
framework
of
the
collaboration, these institutions will
collaborate in terms of the design,
development, testing and integration
of facilities and manpower training
for space missions through joint M.Sc.
Programs and collaborative research
that will be carried out during the
1KUNS-PF Project.
This will foster direct cooperation
among Italian and Kenyan students
and researchers. The 1KUNS-PF Project
Ground Stations will be installed at both
the University of Nairobi and Broglio
(formally San Marco) Space Center in
Malindi.
Recogntion
VarsityFocus
UoN joins league of top universities
The Fountain of Knowledge and University Towers at Main Campus. The University has been admitted to the prestigious World
Universities Network.
T
he University of Nairobi has been
admitted to the World Universities
Network (WUN) following an
assessment by the Global Universities
Network.
WUN is a leading global higher
education and research network of
leading global universities that work
together to drive international research
collaboration and addresses issues of
global significance such as climate
change, global higher education and
research, culture, public health and
non-communicable diseases.
WUN is the most active global higher
education and research network
with 90 active research initiatives,
engaging over 2,000 researchers and
students collaborating in a diverse
range of projects. These initiatives are
committed to addressing some of the
world’s most urgent challenges and
are supported by prolific partners such
as the United Nations Foundation,
World Bank, OECD and World Health
Organization.
This now gives UoN a global strategic
advantage by enhancing its capacity
to respond to global research and
educational challenges, and the
capability to undertake international
strategic research in ways that are
not feasible by single institutions
working alone. The UoN has been
recognized as a member of the
network and intends to work together
with other Members of the Worldwide
Universities Network, bringing faculty
and other staff together to develop
and implement new ideas and pursue
new funding opportunities, to create
avenues for student exchange, and to
share information and best practices.
UoN
has
added
advantages
to access funding for research,
attendance of WUN conferences
and events, development of joint
research proposals, graduate student
exchange, development of distributed
learning and exchange of academic
staff, among other benefits.
WUN Members
•
University of Alberta, Canada
• The University of Auckland, New
Zealand
• University of Basel, Switzerland
• University of Bergen, Norway
• University of Bristol, United Kingdom
• University of Cape Town, South
Africa
• The Chinese University of Hong
Kong, Hong Kong SAR
• University of Ghana, Ghana
• University of Leeds, United Kingdom
• Maastricht
University,
The
Netherlands
• University
of
Massachusetts
Amherst, United States of America
• National Cheng Kung University,
Taiwan, ROC
• Renmin
University
of
China,
People’s Republic of China
• University of Rochester, United
States of America
• The University of Sheffield, United
Kingdom;
• University of Southampton, United
Kingdom
• The University of Sydney, Australia ;
• The University of Western Australia,
Australia;
• University of York, United Kingdom
• Zhejiang
University,
People’s
Republic of China
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17
VarsityFocus
T
International Accreditation
Department of Architecture and
Building Science peer reviewed
he Department of Architecture
and Building Science in the College
of Architecture and Engineering
(CAE) underwent peer review exercise
from Sunday, August 21, to Wednesday
August 24, 2016. The review was
conducted by the Commonwealth
Association of Architects (CAA)
validation Board, which paid a courtesy
call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter
Mbithi after the exercise.
Mrs. Cecilia Chinga, Chairperson of
the Validation Board, said the Board
engaged the students and staff and
was impressed by students’ outputs.
She commended the University for
maintaining high standards.
Since 1968, CAA has periodically
been inspecting and publishing a list
of schools of Architecture which meet
high standards and recommending
them to the national authorities that
they be accepted for recognition as
meeting the academic requirements
appropriate
for
registration,
accreditation, or acceptance for
training architects.
Mrs. Chinga applauded the University
for implementing gender balance
policy among both students and staff.
This was one of the recommendations
from the 2010 validation process.
Dedication of academic and support
staff, highly impressive display of
student portfolio, synergy of the
Architecture department with other
departments, student performance for
the past few years and use of real life
issues in students studio projects were
among the strengths noted by the
Validation Board.
During the courtesy call, Prof Mbithi
reiterated the University’s commitment
to standards and regulations, noting
that UoN is student-led. The VC assured
the CAA Board that the University will
take up the recommendations and
implement suggested changes.
Prize Giving
The peer review of the Department
of Architecture and Building Science
is part of several activities that took
place at the College of Architecture
and Engineering in the year. Earlier on,
CAE held a prize giving gala dinner on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at the Hotel
Intercontinental.
The dinner was sponsored by Dr.
Patrick Mweu Musimba, the Member
of Parliament for Kibwezi West
Constituency to motivate students to
come up with innovative ideas and
projects that bring positive change
and outcome to the society, in line with
Vision 2030. The MP said he was willing
to go an extra mile to ensure engineers
excel in their specialty, by coming
up with brilliant solutions to various
challenges.
The guest of honour was the MP for
Rarieda Constituency, Eng. Nicholas
Gumbo, who presented awards to the
winners. The recipients of cash prizes
were selected by panelists from three
main categories: social, economic and
political pillars. Also present during the
occasion were members of the college
management led by the Principal, Prof.
Peter Ngau, students and members of
staff.
Open Day
The prize giving ceremony was
preceded by the maiden Open Day
on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the
Central Catering Unit. The occasion
enabled potential students to sample
courses offered by the University and
determine their career choices.
Prof. Ngau, who was the Chief Guest,
thanked the engineering students for
organizing the event and urged them
to maintain the tempo. The Dean of the
School of Engineering, Prof. J. Mbuthia,
appealed to students to share ideas
that make such occasions a success.
The open day, which will now be held
annually, was also attended by high
school students from Mary Leakey Girls’
and St. Thomas Aquinas, among others.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi poses for a photo with the validation board from
the Commonwealth Association of Architects when they paid a courtesy call on him.
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Briefs
VarsityFocus
Youth challenged to exercise civil rights
T
he University of Nairobi’s Youth
Alliance
for
Leadership
and
Development in Africa (YALDA)
organized a one- day conference
themed, ‘Empowering the youth
on civil rights through Education,
advocacy and leadership’
Speaking during the World Youth
Alliance event, Chairperson of the
Commission on Administrative Justice
(Office of the Ombudsman), Mr Otiende
Amolo, urged the young people to
study the constitution and be aware
of their rights. The youth were further
encouraged to report complaints to
the Office of the Ombudsman.
Speakers urged the youth to avoid
corruption, impunity, tribalism and
several ills that have bedevilled
the society. The students were also
encouraged to use the social media
positively and stay away from political
conflicts.
The forum focused on how the youth
can and should know their rights and
exercise them in a legal manner.
Understanding of the constitution was
emphasized. The University of Nairobi
was appreciated for outsourcing for
forums and avenues where the thirst for
knowledge is quenched.
Speakers said leadership at young
age should be encouraged, more
so in institutions and at community
level. They said organizations such
as YALDA play a big role on youth
empowerment. The moderator of the
day was John Oyedele Alonge, PhD
student of Journalism and a YALDA
member.
The Panellists comprised Commissioner
Belinda
Akoth
Ochiela,
Policy,
Advocacy
and
Communications
expert, Mr Amollo, Secretary General
of the African Ombudsman and
Mediators Association and Dr Busalile
Jack Mwimali , law lecturer and an
advocate of the High Court.
University of Nairobi students follow proceedings during the conference which aimed at
sensitizing them on civil rights through education, advocacy and leadership.
UoN to Host 2018 RUFORUM Biennial
Conference
T
he University of Nairobi will host the
next Regional Universities Forum for
Capacity Building in Agriculture,
RUFORUM, Biennial Conference in
2018. The forum is also known as African
Higher Education Week.
This was revealed during the 5th
African Higher Education Week in
Cape Town, South Africa. The 5-day
conference commenced on Monday,
17th October and ended on Friday,
21st October, 2016 at the Century City
Conference Centre.
The University of Nairobi participated
in the conference. The theme of the
Conference was “Linking Agricultural
Universities with Civil Society, the
Private Sector, Governments and other
Stakeholders in support of Agricultural
Development in Africa.”
The main objective of the conference
was to provide a platform for
agricultural research for development.
Stakeholders in Africa and beyond
exchanged findings and experiences.
They also shared ideas on improving
performance of the agricultural sector
and ultimately, people’s livelihoods.
RUFORUM has 65 member universities
from Africa. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
Peter Mbithi, the Principal, College of
Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences,
Prof. Stephen Kiama and other staff
members represented the University of
Nairobi at the conference.
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19
VarsityFocus
Scholarships
Rotary Club of Nairobi to support
needy students
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi and the Chairman, Rotary Club of Nairobi, Dr. David Githanga, sign the memorandum of
understanding that will see the club support needy University of Nairobi students.
T
he University of Nairobi and the
Rotary Club of Nairobi signed an
MoU on collaboration to support the
University’s needy students.The signing
was done in the VC’s boardroom on
28th October, 2016.
The students to benefit will be
drawn from the Schools of Business,
Law, Economics and Information
Technology. The fund is known as
Rotary Club of Nairobi Scholarship
Fund.
This bursary is a collaboration of
the Asian Commercial Community
Academic Award (ACCAA) and the
Rotary Club of Nairobi. The bursary will
help the needy students who have
qualified for government sponsored
University education but cannot
support themselves financially. The
Special Students Advisor section and
the Academic Division of the University
will assist in vetting the bright but needy
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students who deserve support.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi
welcomed the initiative. He said that
when students are encouraged to
perform highly and get incentives,
there will be change not only in the
University but also the whole of Kenya.
He said that as the VC and Chair of
the Management, he will support the
students who will be beneficiaries of
this initiative because this is one of the
mandates of the University.
Dr. David Githanga, Chairman, Rotary
Club of Nairobi, said universities are
drivers of progress. He said universities
need partners who can support needy
students. “I hope that other partners will
come in and support students because
the government alone cannot do so
much. We all need to improve the
quality of education in our country,” he
said.
Mr. Romy Madan, Trustee, ACCAA,
said it is critical that the funds go into
supporting the deserving students.
He emphasized that continuance
in participating in the scheme is
determined by an excellent academic
performance. There will be an annual
review of the student’s performance.
The bursary supports undergraduate
students from first year to the last while
mentoring the students on community
service and giving back to the
community. The Rotary Club of Nairobi
Scholarship Fund will be available in
January, 2017.
Present during the ceremony was
Prof. Godfrey Muriuki, Special Student
Advisor, Mr. B.M. Waweru, Academic
Registrar, Mr. Johnson Kinyua, Director,
University Advancement and Mr. Brian
Ouma, Deputy Director, University
Advancement..
Collaboration and Partnership
VarsityFocus
UoN partners with AfDB to promote
agribusiness among youth
T
he University of Nairobi and
African Development Bank (AfDB)
have forged partnership to woo
unemployed youth graduates into
agribusiness.
The Director, Agro-processing and
Value Chains, Africa Development
Bank, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu paid a courtesy
call on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter
Mbithi as a follow-up on implementation
of matters discussed in the 6th Tokyo
International Conference on African
Development TICAD VI, specifically,
Enable Youth Kenya.
Enable Youth Kenya is a proposed
project that will motivate the youth who
have graduated but are unemployed
to focus on agriculture as business.
The Africa Development Bank, in
partnership with governments and
institutions in Africa, wants to enable
the youth through a 12-months business
training programme.
The youth will then come up with an
investment proposal that they will use
to get a minimum of $50,000 to start an
agri-business with. The project targets
10,000 youth in each country every
year.
Enable Youth Kenya is anchored on
four key issues: The need to reduce
extreme poverty in Kenya, to reduce
the level of malnutrition among children
below the age of 5 years, sensitize and
create awareness in Africa for farmers
to produce what is used and to reduce
the amount of raw products exported.
The 7 areas that Africa Development
Bank has focused on are Productivity,
Value addition, Infrastructure; both soft
and hard, Financing, Inclusivity and
Partnerships.
During the courtesy call, Dr Ojukwu
observed that Africa needs $30 billion
annually for the next 10 years to feed
420 million people living below the
poverty line as well as 50 million children
under the age of 5 years suffering from
malnutrition.
Prof. Peter Mbithi said the youth have
great ideas which can be nurtured
in the University’s incubation hubs
for innovation, science park and
fabrication lab. He said the innovations
that were exhibited during TICAD and
the Nairobi Innovation week are some
of the ideas from students of University
of Nairobi.
Prof. Stephen Kiama, Principal, College
of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences,
Prof. John Kimenju, Dean, Faculty of
Agriculture, and Mr. Johnson Kinyua,
Director, University Advancement were
present during the courtesy call on
Tuesday, August 30, 2016.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi presents a souvenir to the Director, Agro-Processing and Value Chains, African Development
Bank, Dr. Chiji Ojukwu. Looking on is the Principal, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Prof. Stephen Kiama.
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21
Pictorial
1
4
1.
Members of staff from the University of Nairobi Press attend to a visitor at the 19th
edition of the International Book Fair held in Sarit Center Nairobi. On exhibit are
book titles published by the department were exhibited.
2.
Best foot forward: The University of Nairobi Choir entertains guests during the 55th
Graduation Ceremony.
3.
UoN students take a selfie with Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbithi.
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2
3
5
6
4.
A helicopter on the University of Nairobi Towers helipad at the UoN towers. (Inset) The helicopter lands on the helipad.
5.
UoN Students visit sick children at Kenyatta National Hospital.
6.
University of Nairobi first year students engage in an ice-breaker during their orientation at the Main Campus in September
2016.
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23
VarsityFocus
Discourse
International Day of Non-Violence
marked on campus
T
he 10th International Day of NonViolence was commemorated
at the University of Nairobi on 2nd
October 2016. This was the first time
the event was organized outside the
United Nations (UN) premises.
The International Day of Non-Violence
is observed in honour of the birthday
of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the
most influential political activists of
all time. Gandhi used nonviolent civil
disobedience to eventually overthrow
British colonialists.
The day is marked to promote
dissemination of the message of nonviolence through education and
public awareness to secure a culture
of peace, tolerance, understanding
and non-violence. The principle of nonviolence, also known as non-violent
resistance, rejects the use of physical
violence to achieve social or political
change.
Present during the ceremony at UoN
were H.E. Ms. Suchitra Durai, the
Indian High Commissioner to Kenya;
the United Nations Director General,
Kenyan Representative, Madame
Sahle-Work Zewde; the Chancellor
University of Nairobi Dr. Vijoo Rattansi
and the University of Nairobi ViceChancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, among
other guests.
The Guest Speaker was Prof PLO
Lumumba, Director, and School
of Law. Prof Lumumba noted that
the philosophy of non-violence is
applicable even today in a world full of
violence. He called for the adherence
to the ideals of Gandhi, such as
humility, truth, integrity, righteousness,
peace and non-violence.
“The relevance of the message of
Mahatma Gandhi is beyond doubt
as people, even today need to
develop innovative, non-violent ways
to overcome oppression and, combat
discrimination particularly in Africa,”
said PLO.
Prof. Peter Mbithi said the University of
Nairobi is at the forefront in promoting
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Director, Kenya School of Law Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba delivers the keynote address during
the International Day of Non-Violence celebrations held at the University of Nairobi.
peace and non-violence. He said
the independence of India was not
all Gandhi fought for. The VC said
Gandhi advocated for building lasting
relationships with people of different
ethnicities and religions, reducing
poverty and expanding the rights
for women. The international day of
non-violence is therefore dedicated
specifically for spreading the nonviolence message to as many people
across the world in commemoration of
Gandhi.
H.E. Ms. Suchitra Durai underlined the
importance of Mahatma Gandhi’s
ideals of nonviolence and truth in
today’s world. She hailed Gandhi as a
man who practised peace and nonviolence and cherished values such as
goodness and bravery.
In her speech, the United Nations
Director
General,
Kenyan
Representative,
Madame
SahleWork Zewde called for the practice
of Gandhi’s ideals of protecting the
environment and avoiding pollution.
She congratulated India for her climate
change ratifications.
Dr. Vijoo Rattansi urged for reflection
on the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi
to avoid violence.
She echoed
Gandhi’s philosophy of humility, truth,
and respect for other races.
Gandhi, who led his country’s battle
for independence, is perhaps the bestknown practitioner of non-violence.
He inspired countless others with his
philosophy, including Nobel Prizewinning scientist Albert Einstein.
During the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial
Lecture in Celebration of the 10th
International Day of Non-Violence, the
High Commission of India, Nairobi and
the University of Nairobi signed a MoU
for the renovation of the Mahatma
Gandhi Graduate Library at the
University. The Government of India
through the Indian High Commission to
Kenya presented a cheque for a cash
grant of $1 million (Kshs. 100 million) to
the University of Nairobi to renovate,
refurbish and equip the Mahatma
Gandhi Graduate Library.
Research
C
VarsityFocus
CASELAP: Promoting innovative
rainwater harvesting
limate variability and change
is evident in North Nyakach,
Kisumu County through the
increase in drought and flood
events. This has led to extensive
and intensive erosions, formation
of
wide
gulleyand
widespread
environmental degradation. Losses
of top soils are generally associated
with poor ground cover and low
fertility. Hence, the communities here
are not only vulnerable to climate
risks, but also to low crop yields in
good seasons, reducing household
food security and income streams.
However, it is the unpredictable rainfall
patterns that have impacted food
production, leading to food insecurity
and impoverished livelihood bases.
These problems have led to extreme
poverty levels compounded by high
prevalence of HIV/AIDS.
The primary livelihood source in these
rural communities is agriculture, based
on a mixed crop-livestock system. That
is, farmers are dependent on rain-fed
agriculture to grow mainly maize and
beans while tending local livestock
breeds, largely for cultural than
economic reasons. Scientific evidence
show that what is required in such areas
is climate-smart agriculture (CSA).
This would be based on appropriate
technologies
for
sustenance
of
soil moisture, diversity of cropping,
livestock and agro-forestry practices.
Outcomes would be a climate
resilient community characterized by
sustainable agricultural productivity
and incomes.
Soil moisture sustenance for cropping
may be undertaken through irrigation.
For poor rural communities, Irrigation
systems must be based on cheap
supply, storage and reticulation of water
based on appropriate technologies.
Although such technologies exist, they
are currently poorly adopted among
the communities of North Nyakach.
Reasons for the low adoption of
innovative technologies are varied but
include inadequate access to credit,
low extension services and lack of
training on their construction and use.
Perhaps, of critical importance is lack
of policy and technical guidance for
such technologies nationally.
Adoption of such innovative practices
by smallholder farmers in Lower
Nyando Basin is particularly limited but
where these exist, it is not technically
sustainable.
We visited Nyakach sub-County
in Lower Nyando in the month of
August, 2016 to assess use of rainwater
harvesting technologies among the
smallholder farmers. We found that a
number of farmers have attempted the
use of these technologies, particularly
that of farm pond storage for rainwater
harvesting. Due to technical flaws in
designs and inappropriate reticulation
approaches, these farm ponds have
not provided the services required to
support agriculture and food security.
As a response to these challenges,
the Centre for Advanced Studies
in Environmental Law and Policy
(CASELAP) of the University of Nairobi,
through the African-Caribbean-Pacific/
European Union (ACP-EU) Technology
Transfer
Network
on
Rainwater
Harvesting (AFRHINET), in partnership
with the County Government of Kisumu,
and the CGIAR Research Programme
on Climate Change, Agriculture and
Food Security (CCAFS) undertook a
technology transfer pilot project and
demonstration trial in North Nyakach,
Lower Nyando Basin. The project was
undertaken in September, 2016 to
promote replication and adoption of
farm pond irrigation technology.
The capacity for the demonstration
pond was increased by adding
three layers of bricks, provided with
appropriate silt-trap to reduce siltation,
and a spillway structure to protect it
from damage in the event of a flood.
At completion of the project, a roofing
structure was also constructed to
minimise evaporation losses and secure
it from mosquito entry. The farm pond
was then fenced to reduce the safety
risks (risk of drowning) and prevent
damage by animals. In this particular
case, the excavated farm pond will
collect runoff water from the catchment
through a natural grass ground cover.
It is expected to support cultivation of
food crops for household health and
nutritional needs; production of high
value market oriented fresh produce
such as vegetables and fruits; water for
livestock production; and tree nurseries
for agro-forestry.
Rainwater harvesting irrigation systems
with a farm pond presents a viable
solution to persistent economic water
scarcity for agriculture in semi-arid and
dry sub-humid agro-ecosystems. Based
on this model farm pond, the County
Government of Kisumu and other
development partners will work towards
promoting this innovative rainwater
harvesting practice. In particular, farm
pond irrigation technology is what we
suggest as the most viable means to
provide water supplies for bridging dry
spells (on-season) or full irrigation (offseason) in this region.
Since 2014, AFRHINET project has
been focused on fostering knowledge
and use of Rainwater Harvesting
Irrigation (RWHI) Management for
supplemental irrigation in rural drylands
of sub-Saharan Africa. This goal is being
achieved through the implementation
of integrated theoretical and practical
capacity-building
programmes,
the development of research and
technology-transfer
centres,
and
establishment of transnational network
of multi-variate actors.
CASELAP, through this project, has
become a National Research and
Technology Transfer Centre in RWHI
management. In addition, CASELAP
has
developed
a
transnational
network platform for capacity building
and technology transfers in rainwater
harvesting irrigation management.
Our partners include Addis Ababa
University
(Ethiopia);
Eduardo
Mondlane University (Mozambique);
University of Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
(Germany); International Centre for
Research in Agroforestry (Kenya);
International Crops Research Institute
for Semi-Arid Tropics (Zimbabwe) and
Water Aid (Ethiopia).
For
further
information,
contact
Nicholas O. Oguge, Professor of
Environmental Policy and Director
CASELAP on [email protected] or
visit http://afrhinet.eu/about-afrhinet.
html.
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25
VarsityFocus
Research
CHSS releases report on
gender mainstreaming
T
he College of Humanities and
Social Sciences (CHSS) Gender
Committee produced pilot survey
report on the implementation and
impact of the University of Nairobi
Gender Policy since its inception in
2008.
The pilot survey was conducted in
April 2015 to obtain evidence-based
information on the best ways to
implement the University Gender Policy
in addition to providing useful indicators
to monitor and evaluate progress.
The specific objectives of the survey
were:
• To establish the level of staff and
student knowledge of the UoN
Gender Policy;
• To examine the steps that have
been taken to provide a gender
sensitive environment for staff and
students;
• To examine the measures that
have been instituted to ensure
gender parity in student enrolment,
employment and decision making;
• • To establish the measures that
have been made to train trainers
in gender analysis skills; and
• To establish the measures that,
have been put in place to
advocate for and promote
gender responsive management
of the College.
The study, financed by CHSS, was
conducted in all the 4 campuses that
constitute the CHSS, with exception
of Mombasa and Kisumu. A total
of 176 face-to-face interviews (133
students and 43 members of staff)
were conducted. In addition, 6 indepth interviews (IDIs), 5 key informant
interviews (KIIs) with top University
managers and Gender Audits were
carried out in 9 of the 12 Academic
units of CHSS.
The finding revealed that over 60
percent of the student respondents
were aware of existence of Genderbased violence (GBV) (rape (21
percent), sexual harassment (46
percent), verbal abuse (23 percent)
and others (9 percent) ) in the College.
Data from KII and IDI showed that
the College had no organizational
structure
for
managing
gender
mainstreaming activities, while 5 out of
the 9 Academic units where Gender
Audit was done were headed by a
female heads.
All the 3 heads of units in School of
Business were male.
Whereas the
College is trying to include women
in management, women were held
back by a work-life balance that does
not favour their career advancement
while fewer women also qualify for
the positions. Besides, more students
(50.7%) than staff (27.3%) felt that the
reproductive health services were
inadequate and a significant number
of the respondents (21.8% student and
27.3% staff) were not aware of these
services.
Some
of
the
recommendations
from the Pilot survey include: The
need to increase the awareness of
the importance of gender issues in
development through the introduction
of a common taught course for all
registered students in the University on
gender issues in order to help them
appreciate the importance of gender
studies in development.
The CHSS Gender Mainstreaming
Committee comprises Dr Alice Odingo
(Faculty of Arts and Chairperson), Dr.
Jared Siso (IAGAS), Ms Monday Businge
(CASELAP), Dr. Silas Oriaso (School of
Journalism), Dr. Rachel Musyoki (IDS),
Prof Tabitha Kiriti–Nganga (School of
Economics), Dr Kate Litondo (School of
Business), Dr Wanjiru Gichuhi (PSRI) and
Mr. Philip Kivati (Secretary).
The Education Building located at the Main Campus where the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is housed..
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Internationalization
VarsityFocus
Envoy urges students to study in Japan
Students follow proceedings at the Study-in-Japan Fair at the University of Nairobi.
The University of Nairobi hosted a Studyin-Japan fair on 26th October 26, 2016.
Speaking during the fair, the Japanese
ambassador to Kenya, H. E Tatsushi
Terada, said
Japanese universities
offer the best education in the world.
He said the Japanese government
has extended the invitation to students
from Africa to go to Japan through the
Japanese government scholarship.
other areas.
The Japanese government has a Top
Global Universities Programme for
13 top universities in Japan. This is a
scholarship fund worth $2.5m for the
purpose of internationalization that will
run for 10 years.
The study-in-Japan fair attracted a full
hall with students from all the University’s
6 colleges plus representation from
selected public and private universities
in Kenya. There was also an exhibition
from close to 20 universities in Japan.
Prof. Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice
Chancellor, Student Affairs, represented
the Vice-Chancellor at the occasion.
He said the University Management
is committed to make the University
of Nairobi a world class University.
“Introductions of collaboration and
partnerships will help obtain the
objective of internationalization of the
University. The management will make
sure that the students participate in the
programmes,” he said.
Prof. William Ogara, Director, Centre
for International Programmes and
Links, said the University aims at 20%
internationalization in terms of the
numbers of students on exchange
programmes,
curriculum,
joint
programmes, and mobility, among
Prof. Lucy Irungu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension
presents a gift to Prof. Satosi Nakamura, African Coordinator for Study in Japan Program,
Hokkaido University.
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27
VarsityFocus
Conference
UoN hosts University advancement conference
Participants follow procedings during the CASE Africa Conference.
T
he University of Nairobi in partnership
with Strathmore University co-hosted
the Africa Universities Advancement
Conference dubbed “CASE Africa
Conference 2016” in Nairobi, Kenya
on 8-10th November 2016. This was a
premier event and Africa’s largest annual
gathering of professionals who work
in alumni relations, communications,
fundraising and marketing on behalf of
educational institutions. The first CASE
Africa Conference was held in Abuja,
Nigeria in 2005.
The Council for Advancement and
Support of Education (CASE) is a US
based International organization that
supports Universities, Schools and
Non-profits organizations in capacity
building through trainings, quarterly
newsletters and other relevant materials
for professionals who work in alumni
relations, communications, fundraising
and marketing. The vision for CASE is
‘Advancing Education to Transform
Lives’ and this can only be achieved
through partnerships and connections
globally.
The University’s decision to embrace the
Advancement concept is anchored
on today’s reality of the challenging
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environment in which Government
support is dwindling in most Higher
Education
institutions
compelling
Universities to seek for alternative sources
of funding from individuals, private sector
alumni and philanthropists to support
their core mandate activities which
are research, training and community
service.
The Conference brought together 110
Advancement Professionals from 48
universities, colleges and schools from
DRC Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia,
Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland, United
Kingdom and United States. Prof. Isaac
Mbeche, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor
(Finance and Administration) opened
the conference.
The CASE trainers also held a one day
CASE on Campus Workshop for the
University’s top management staff on
Friday, November 11, 2016. The CASE
on Campus Workshop focused on
demystifying ‘Advancement’ to the
University Management and Academic
Leaders.
The Advancement office was created in
the year 2013 and was not operational
until 2015 when staff was appointed to
spearhead its mandate. The plan of the
Advancement Office is to raise extra
resources from individuals, friends of the
University, Alumni, Donors, Endowments,
Corporations
&
Foundations,
Philanthropists and contract research
among other sources. The role of
philanthropy is very critical in fundraising
and this calls for developing and
nurturing relations. To leverage on gifts
and donations from different donors,
the University has a huge mandate of
addressing challenges facing higher
education in Africa.
In his welcome remarks, the Vice
Chancellor Prof. M. F. Mbithi recapped
that University Advancement is critical
in three key areas, Relationship
Management, Resource Mobilization
and Reputation Management. The
University felt the need to tap on the
skills and experience of the CASE faculty
to share with staff from the University’s
top management, Academics and
Administrators on how Advancement
works in Africa.
The CASE Africa Conference and
CASE on Campus workshop were all
geared towards strategic positioning
of Universities to compete globally for
resources.
Scholarships
T
VarsityFocus
Chinese Embassy awards 20
scholarships to bright students
he Chinese Embassy, through the
Chinese Ambassador Scholarship
Programme, has awarded 20
scholarships to bright but needy
University of Nairobi students. The
scholarships were presented to the
students by the Chinese Ambassador
to Kenya, H.E. Liu Xianfa, in a
ceremony held at the University on
14th November 2016.
The Ambassador congratulated the
recipients and challenged them to be
the hope and future of Kenya, Africa
and the China-Kenya relations. He
noted that the scholarship programme
was set up to encourage excellent
students from needy families not to
give up due to financial constraints.
Since its establishment in 2014, fiftyeight UoN students have benefitted
from the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the ViceChancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
Academic Affairs, Prof. Henry Mutoro,
thanked the Chinese government for
supporting the students and giving
them an opportunity to complete their
studies. Prof. Mutoro said the award
of the scholarships is a demonstration
of strong ties between the University of
Nairobi and the Chinese government
which spans over 10 years. The
cooperation has resulted in the
establishment of the Confucius Institute
and an active staff and student
exchange programme.
The students, drawn from various
disciplines were identified as genuine
needy students selected after due
verification of family backgrounds to
ascertain their neediness by the Special
Students Advisor, Prof. Godfrey Muriuki.
The Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Liu Xianfa presents a scholarship award to a student. Looking on is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor,
Academic Affairs, Prof. Henry Mutoro.
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29
VarsityFocus
Interview
One on one with 2016
Valedictorian Amitoj Singh
Amitoj Singh delivers the Valedictory speech during the 55th University of Nairobi graduation.
Who exactly is Amitoj Singh?
I am 22 years old, born and brought
up here in Kenya in a family of four. I
completed my primary education at
Visa Oshwal Primary and my secondary
at SCLP Samaj School. As an individual,
I’m easy going yet ambitious and a tad
too logical being a mathematician!
What are you presently engaged in?
I currently work at British American
Insurance in the Actuarial Department
as I continue with my professional
actuarial exams. I am also an aspiring
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programmer so that is what I do in my
free time.
Which year did you complete
high school and what was your
performance?
I did my O-levels in 2010 and A-levels in
2012. In my O levels, I had 7A*s and 6As
while in my A levels, I obtained 6A*s.
I was the second top student in the
world in my A levels as well as the top
student in East Africa in Business Studies.
What can the University of Nairobi do
differently to enhance world class
excellence?
The University is already embracing
technology at a rapid pace and I
would urge more. Technology is the
future and this will further cement UoN’s
place as the leading university in East
Africa.
Were you involved in any extracurricular
activities in your school?
Yes I was. I actively participated
in several charity activities with my
classmates and the Nairobi Actuarial
Interview
Students Association (NASA). I also
engaged in several sports activities
such as sports days and swimming
galas.
Who was your greatest inspiration
while undertaking your undergraduate
studies?
Well, I got my inspiration from former
UoN graduates who studied actuarial
Science like myself and went on to
become fully qualified actuaries. There
aren’t many fully qualified actuaries in
Kenya but of the few, majority are UoN
graduates.
Why did you choose the University of
Nairobi?
Other than being the top ranked
university in East Africa, I felt that UoN
was also the best university in the
region to study actuarial science. The
actuarial profession is very young and
UoN is known for the top actuaries it
has produced over the years.
What did it take for you to achieve first
class honors?
Well, it surely took a lot of late nights,
hard work and determination. You
really do have to be devoted to
your studies and make sure you are
always at 110% before any exam. This
definitely involves lots of planning and
time management.
What is your greatest value that you
have upheld during your studies?
It has to be dedication. There is usually
so much going around in students’ lives
today and it is easy to lose sight of your
goals but in order to perform to the
best of one’s abilities, it is imperative to
stay dedicated and focused.
Who assisted you the most during the
duration of your study?
Well, there were certainly a number of
people who played a major role in the
last four years of my life. My parents who
supported me throughout the course of
my degree, my friends whom I studied
with and of course all my lecturers who
were always there to guide me. I pay
special tribute to Ms. Wang’ombe from
the School of Mathematics. Apart from
being a great lecturer, she always
encourages her students to be the best
they can be and she really motivated
me throughout my four years at the
university.
What is one of your greatest
achievements while studying at the
University?
I’d say being Valedictorian is the
biggest achievement of all. I would
never have dreamt of it but it was
certainly worth all the hard work I put
in.
What are some of your interests in life,
which bring so much happiness to you?
Well, I’m certainly a huge sports fan. In
my free time, I do play and watch lots
of sport. Other than that, I enjoy going
outdoors and reading a good book
now and then.
What next for you after graduation?
Well, for now, I want to get a feel of the
different industries that actuaries work
in (insurance, pensions, investment etc.)
and then I’ll think about specializing in
one of them.
What was your greatest lesson at the
University of Nairobi?
It would have to be “No pain, no gain”.
Having worked extremely hard during
my time in the university, I can say it
was certainly worth it.
What is the future of the field you are
studying?
As in all professions, technology is
certainly coming in at a rapid pace
and actuaries today need to have
programming skills as well, to be
competitive. Other than that, in Kenya,
the industry regulators are recognizing
the vital part played by actuaries in
VarsityFocus
the economy, so a few years down
the line, I definitely see actuaries at the
heart of financial sector.
What advise can you give first years?
I encourage first years to show the
same level of commitment throughout
the course of their degree as they show
in their first year. Lots of times, students
come to the university and work really
hard in their first year but then slack
off during their second and third years
after which it becomes harder to get
the overall grade they had aspired to
get.
What is your take, employment or selfemployment for you?
I would definitely want to be selfemployed in the near future after
gaining a few years of relevant
experience in the industry. I would
probably go into Actuarial Consultancy.
What is one of the failures of students
while undertaking their studies?
I think a key ingredient for success
is choosing something that you are
passionate about, so in order for
students to excel in their studies, they
must choose what they really want to
do, no matter what other people think
about it. Sadly, this is not the case and
thus students don’t live up to their full
potential.
How did you manage peer pressure?
I believe peer pressure can sometimes
be positive, but other times it can be a
bad influence in our lives. Combating
the pressure of your peers can be
challenging but for me, it was essential
to know what my personal values were.
I believe being involved in a group
of friends who are focused on their
schooling and regularly participating
in sports and other extracurricular
activities made it easy to deal with
peer pressure.
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31
VarsityFocus
Capacity Building
FKE Trains University administrators
administrators should be conversant
with the labour laws which they should
use to measure their performance and
the performance of those below them
in organizational structure.
He said, “It is my expectation that as
key players in the realization of the
University’s strategy, you know what
that strategy is. To this end, I expect
all administrators to be conversant
with the University’s mandate, Vision,
Mission and Core Values. Further, you
are expected to learn and internalize
the University’s current strategic
objectives. “
University of Nairobi members of staff follow proceedings during the training by the
Federation of Kenya Employers.
T
he University of Nairobi senior
administrative staff attended by
undergone a two-day training from
the Federation of Kenya Employers
(FKE).
The objective of the training was for
the Administrators to get insights on
key provisions of the Labour Laws,
particularly areas that pose significant
exposure or are poorly understood,
Improvement of personal effectiveness
at work, Enhancement of the job
performance
and
competence
enhancement for the Performance
Contract (PC) target for the year
2016/17.
Speaking during the opening session of
the training, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof.
Peter Mbithi said that administrators
play a key role in the University. He said
The VC urged the administrators to work
in harmony to enhance the University’s
brand.
Registrar, Administration, Mr. G. P.
Mbugua said the administrators had
been drawn from all the colleges of the
University and they had been divided
into two manageable groups for the
training.
Both Prof. Mbithi and Mr. Mbugua
thanked FKE for facilitating the trainings.
The training was held at the Central
Catering Unit from Thursday, September
15-16, 2016.
University of Nairobi members of staff drawn from various departments pose for a group photo during the training.
32
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Icon
VarsityFocus
The University of Nairobi Logo: The interpretation
asset in developing the nation. Every
staff member and student must strive
to eradicate poverty, ignorance
and illiteracy by the search for truth,
academic excellence and upright
moral conduct.
The ART of learning is portrayed by the
fabulour Datura or “Morning Glory”
blaring out its message of HOPE and
the need to use our brains and hands
to think independently and Act
Courageously and with vision, directing
the destiny of our people.
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
T
he University of Nairobi Logo or
Coat of Arms is very closely linked
to its historical development over
a period of 30 years. At the dawn of
Kenya’s Independence in 1963, the
then Royal College Nairobi, became a
constituent College of the University of
East Africa and attained the status of
a fully fledged University in 1970 by an
act of Parliament.
Consequently,
the
Logo,
when
analyzed
closely,
reflects
that
evolution. The three animals depict
the three East African nations which
initially contributed to the growth of
this institution of higher learning. The
lion, Panthera leo, a symbol of dignity,
stands for Kenya, while the graceful
giraffe,
Giraffa
camelopardalis,
holding the right hand side of the
shield, represents Tanzania.
The
elegant crested crane, Balearica
regulorun, currently an endangered
species, holding the left hand side of
the shield, portrays the landlocked
state of Uganda, the ‘pearl’ of Africa.
The giraffe is a call to all staff and
students to “aim high” whereas the
chains with the two miniature shields
depict the beauty of TRUTH, PEACE
and mutual RESPECT for all learning
and teaching processes. The green
shield signifies the readiness to support
and defend academic freedom in the
pursuit of knowledge while the three
torches with burning flames indicate
that, the University must be the “torch
bearers” of society and protectors of
the flame of wisdom and knowledge,
should anyone endanger its brightness.
The black academic gown and red
hood together with the white degree
parchment
roll
mean
scholarly
achievement attained after several
years of painstaking study and diligent
research. The clasping of the Book
of Life and Learning by the three
human persons indicate education
for all, regardless of race, creed, sex,
language or religion through the 3R’s
of reading, research or re-writing of
new ideas, paradigms and initiatives
for dissemination to policy makers,
administrators and educators.
The
central and most important foci are
the people who are the greatest
All the above elements are supported
by “Mother Earth” with the green
plants and red flowers pointing to
the safeguarding of a sustainable
environment and the rock of human
values: caring, sharing, warmth,
security, togetherness, tolerance and
acceptance. Engraved on the rock
is the motto written in Latin: Unitate
et Labore”. This means “unity and
work”. All staff and students must be
loyal people, building bridges of love
not fences, and promoting unity at
all times. Unity in purpose is based on
humility in order to achieve the three
objectives of a university education.
These are: to conduct research leading
to the accumulation, transmission
and dissemination of the knowledge
and understanding: to provide skilled
manpower for government, business,
industry, agriculture and other sectors
of the economy; to participate in
the maintenance of high academic
standards.
Work is a magnificent reality and work
well done is a service to society. With
prayer it can be converted into a work
of God, a labour of love “people are
born to work as birds are born to fly”.
University men
and women need
to work with dignity and peace but
perseveringly using time efficiently
in order to meet the challenges of
nation building, thus making positive
contribution to the social and
economic well-being of all Kenyans.
Written by Assumpta Belinda Rego
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33
VarsityFocus
Benchmarking
Lilongwe University tipped on
distance learning
A
delegation from the Lilongwe
University of Agriculture and
Natural Resources (LUANAR)
visited the University of Nairobi for
a three-day benchmarking tour of
the Centre for Open and Distance
Learning (CODL) in September, 2016.
The delegation, led by the Deputy
Vice-Chancellor
Prof.
Emmanuel
Kaunda, was on a mission to learn
the best practices and experiences in
mounting and implementing distance
learning programmes.
Addressing members of staff during the
visit, Prof. Kaunda proposed the revival
of the memorandum of understanding
(MOU) to structure the relationship
between LUANAR and the University of
Nairobi. He also hailed the University of
Nairobi as a top performer that other
universities in the region can learn from.
The delegation held discussions
with the Director, CODL, Jeckoniah
Odumbe, Dean, School of Continuing
and Distance Education, Prof. Harriet
Kidombo, Prof. Christopher Gakuu, Dr.
Omondi Bowa-Chairman DES, Director,
ICT, Ibrahim Otieno and members of
staff who shared their experiences in
running distance learning programmes.
The visitors learned about thematic
areas of distance learning and toured
the ICT Centre to gain knowledge
about technological set up of the
programme and the facilities at Kikuyu
Campus. The team was exposed to
different modes of delivery, student
support services, and the ICT system
in place for implementing open and
distance learning (ODEL) programmes.
The team also visited the Department
of Agricultural Economics in the
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VF DECEMBER 2016
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Online distance learning(Odel) team with Lilongwe University team after bench marking
excercise
Faculty of Agriculture at Upper Kabete
Campus to learn about agricultural
programmes offered through the ODEL
mode.
The delegation met top university
administrators led by the Deputy ViceChancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof.
Henry Mutoro, who promised to fast
track the revival of the MOU between
the two universities.
LUANAR is a leading University in
Malawi and specializes in Agriculture
and Natural Sciences. Its mission
is to advance knowledge and
produce relevant graduates with
entrepreneurship skills for agricultural
growth,
food
security,
wealth
creation and sustainable natural
resources
management,
through
teaching, training, research, outreach
consultancy and sound management.
The LUANAR delegation comprised
Finance
Director,
Dr.
Patsani
Kumambala, Coordinator of Open
and Distance Learning, Prof. Joshua
Valeta, Dean of Agriculture- Mr.
Christopher Malemba and Open and
Distance Learning Administrator Ms.
Beatrice Bwanali.
CODL has the mandate to develop
open and distance learning and
education in the University of Nairobi
and is tasked with the development
of print materials, audio and visual
materials,
E-learning
materials,
research and learner support services.
Conference
T
VarsityFocus
Varsity hosts international conference on
gender equity in higher education
he University of Nairobi and the
Association of Commonwealth
Universities
convened
an
international
conference
on
Sustainable
Development
Goals
(SDGS) and gender equity and equality
in higher education.
The conference held at UoN on 12th
September 2016 drew participants
from 16 nations. The speakers at the
conference, “The SDGs: An Opportunity
to Embed Gender Equity/ Equality
in Higher Education,” were mainly
women academics and administrators
who overcome great obstacles to
achieve successful careers.
The topics discussed at the conference
were: SDGS: Gender equality and
equity; SDGS: Leadership, gender
equity and equality; and SDGS:
Gender mainstreaming, partnerships
and collaborations. The conference
was followed by a 4-day workshop.
In his opening address to the
conference, the Sri Lankan High
Commissioner to Kenya, His Excellence
Chulpathmendra Dahanayake, urged
women leaders to mentor younger
women in their journey to top leadership
positions. The envoy reiterated that
mentorship is an important factor
towards development.
The High Commissioner noted that
investments made in empowering
women are great multipliers. He noted
that the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) should be the guide in
empowering women.
Maithree Wickramasinghe, a Professor
of English at University of Kelaniya
in Sri Lanka and an expert gender
studies, gave the keynote address. Prof
Wickramasinghe noted that power
dynamics,
institutional
dynamics,
tribalism, religious dynamism and
organizational politics are some
of the issues that hinder women
empowerment and gender equity.
The University of Nairobi ViceChancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, told the
conference that the safety of women
and children is a big concern. The
VC called for development of citizens
who can compete globally.
He
urged conference attendants to find
practical ways of implementing the
SDGs to enhance education access.
One of the issues reiterated at
the conference is the adoption of
technology. Participants were also
informed that school enrolment of
young girls is poor due to factors like
poverty and early pregnancy, among
other factors.
Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe from the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka gives the keynote address during the conference.
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35
VarsityFocus
UoN News
Department of Literature hosts Soka
University students
T
he Department of Literature hosted staff and students
from Japan’s Soka University for a joint student leadership
programme in August, 2016. The programme was
designed to empower students to explore, participate and
enhance leadership skills.
also attended the annual Entrance ceremony and The
Cherry Blossom festival that also celebrates the relationship
between Japan and China.
While addressing the students, College of Humanities and
Social Sciences (CHSS) Principal, Prof. Enos Njeru, noted that
the visit provided an opportunity for the two institutions to
learn best practices from each other.
“A partnership between the institutions’ departments would
be very useful to not only the University of Nairobi but also
to the welfare of the national and global community,” Prof.
Njeru said.
The visit by Soka University’s team follows a similar visit by
University of Nairobi’s students to Soka University in March,
2015. While in Japan, the University of Nairobi delegation
Members of staff from the Department of Literature join the Soka
University students for a group photo.
Youthful scholar admitted to prestigious academy
D
r. George Abong’, a lecturer at the Department of
Food Science, Nutrition and Technology, became
one of the youngest scientists to be admitted to the
International Academy of Food Science and Technology
(IAFoST).
Dr Abong’ , 36, was among the 26 International inaugural
scholars admitted into the prestigious international academy
in a colorful ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland.
His nomination was an elevation of the Young Food Scientist
status he achieved in 2014. IUFoST recognized his scholarly
work as a lecturer and a researcher who has supervised
more than ten postgraduate students and has more than 30
peer reviewed publications.
A
Warm send off
for Protestant
Chaplain
farewell ceremony for Canon Samuel Tei Mawiyoo
who has served the University as a Protestant
Chaplain for 10 years was held on18th March, 2016.
The occasion was graced by the Dean of Students Dr. (Fr.)
Wamugunda Wakimani, all Assistant Deans of Students and
Student Counselors, Chaplains and administration staff from
the Dean of Students department.
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VF DECEMBER 2016
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Canon Samuel Tei Mawiyoo receiving a gift during his farewell
ceremony.
UoN News
T
VarsityFocus
Papal podium to be gazetted
he Papal podium at the University
of Nairobi will be gazetted as a
national historical monument.
The Kenya Conference of Catholic
Bishops (KCCB) and National Museums
of Kenya paid a courtesy call on the
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi in
his office on 1st , November 2016 and
deliberated on the issue.
to many other world leaders to visit the
country.
Prof. Peter Mbithi said it was a great
honour to be considered to host
the Pope. He said the values the
monumental structure hold should be
preserved for posterity.
Prof.
Mbithi
also
said
that
the
Government of Kenya would do a
great service by regulating access to
the structure and maintenance.
“The altar is a symbol of the values
that the Pope stated when he told the
youth to uphold peace, honesty and
integrity in all they do,” said the VC. He
also encouraged the youth to avoid
corruption.
The papal altar holds dear memories of
the visit by the Pope on November 2015
in the country when he held a mass at
the University of Nairobi grounds. His
Eminence, Cardinal John Njue said it
was a big blessing for the Holy Father
to come to Kenya. He hailed UoN for
playing a big role in making the visit a
success. The Papal altar was handed
over to the University Chaplaincy by
the Government.
Dr.
Mzalendo
Kibunja,
Director
General, National Museums of Kenya,
said the Papal altar will be a historical
monument for future generations. The
government, through the museum,
will preserve the history of what took
place at the altar, the values that were
passed and how it was an open gate
T
The Pope’s Podium at the University of Nairobi
UON participates in Higher
Education Fair in Paris
he University of Nairobi participated
in Higher Education Fair held in Paris,
France, on 7th and 8th November
2016. The event was hosted by
Campus France, a public institution in
charge of promoting higher education
and managing the reception and
international mobility of students,
researchers, experts and guests.
The Paris conference, which attracted
over 40 African countries, was
dedicated
to
internationalization
of French Higher Education, with
special focus on African Universities.
Representatives of the Kenya desk
at the fair were Prof. William Ogara,
Director of the Centre for International
Programmes and Linkages, University
of Nairobi and Mr. John Orindi, UoN’s
Director of Corporate Affairs.
More than 70 French universities
interacted with the African Universities
for joint programmes in research,
Masters, and PhDs in the areas of
science, technology and innovation.
During the opening ceremony, the
French Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Development, Jean-Marc
Ayrault, said globalization of higher
education is one of the strategic goals
of extending French global influence
especially in the area of research,
technology , culture and economic
stakes.
“Globalization of higher education
increases solidarity of states in
defeating retrogressive ideologies,”
said the minister. The minister later
visited the UoN booth after the official
opening and was presented a UoN
branded T-shirt as a gift.
Ayrault, who was France’s Prime
Minister in 2012- 2014, promised to
come to Kenya.
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37
VarsityFocus
T
Discourse
Dons, students urged to curb
effects of climate change
he University of Nairobi and
UNEP convened an educational
awareness session to commemorate
the Paris Climate Change Agreement
and CoP 22. The celebrations held
on 14th November , 2016 marked the
adoption of the Paris Agreement on
Climate Change, which came into
effect in 2015 after 177 state parties
ratified it.
Students, researchers and communities
were challenged to put in more effort
to deal with the diverse effects of
climate change.
The
Vice-Chancellor,
who
was
represented by Prof. Enos Njeru,
Principal, College of Humanities
and Social Sciences, noted that
climate change have social -medical
impact and hence the need for
all stakeholders to be involved. He
noted that the University plays an
important role in education, training,
creating environmental awareness
and environmental champions. The
University has established the Wangari
Maathai Institute, the Institute of
Climate Change and Adaptation and
CASELAP to handle environmental and
climate change issues.
Adverse effects of climate change
include: highland malaria, reduce
food production, human and wildlife
conflict, deforestation and human
migration.
It was suggested that to reach
the masses, proper channels of
communication should be used. Such
channels include radio and television. It
was also suggested that environmental
studies should be a common unit at the
undergraduate level in the university.
Other
measures
of
dealing
with
climate change that were suggested
include: action oriented research on
climate change, data generation and
analysis, development of mobile apps
that will solve climate change related
challenges, development of green
buildings, development of policy and
legal frameworks, floating of green
bonds at the Nairobi Stocks exchange
to solve financing issues. Other initiatives
that were suggested include: student
tree planting campaigns, cleaning
and adopting river ecosystems and
proper waste management.
Among other partners who were
present at the event were: National
Environmental
Authority,
(NEMA),
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture
and Technology (JKUAT), Technical
University of Kenya (TUK), Ministry
of Environment and United Nations
Environmental Programme, UNEP.
Participants follow procedings during the celebrations of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and CoP 22 held at the University of
Nairobi.
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News
T
VarsityFocus
SONU pledges to promote
peace and dialogue
he Students Organization of the
Nairobi University (SONU) 2016 held
a retreat at the Mombasa Beach
Hotel in October, 2016.
During the retreat, student leaders and
the University Management discussed
salient issues on students’ welfare.
In
his
address,
Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Peter Mbithi emphasized the
importance of stability and calmness in
the University for academic excellence.
He said the University is committed to
maintaining peace and creating a
conducive environment for teaching,
learning and research, which are the
core business of the institution.
Students were advised to cultivate a
dialogue and peaceful approach to
issues in order to maintain and improve
the image of the University. The
student leaders promised to support
management to maintain peace
and tranquility. They further agreed to
embrace dialogue in all their dealings.
S
SONU leaders and Varsity management at the retreat in Mombasa
Confucius Institute to train Kenyan
diplomats in Chinese language
taff from the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs will learn the Chinese
Language at the University of
Nairobi Confucius Institute.
The launch of the Chinese Language
programme was graced by the
Chinese Ambassador, Dr. Liu Xianfa
who noted that the political and
economic relations between Kenya
and China have greatly improved since
President Uhuru Kenyatta assumed
power in 2013. The two countries have
continued to trade and currently China
is Kenya’s biggest trading partner. He
said that the two countries will realize
great economic prosperity by working
together.
Confucius Institute has trained several
organizations and institutions on the
Chinese language, including Kenya
Revenue Authority, Equity Bank among
others.
Prof. Henry Mutoro, the Deputy ViceChancellor, Academic Affairs, thanked
the Chinese government for their
support towards the construction of
forth coming Confucius Institute Towers.
The Confucius Institute has organized
cultural
exchange
programmes
between Kenya and Chinese students.
Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs,
Ambassador
Amina
Mohammed,
noted that the course will help the staff
increase their skills and competencies
in the Chinese Language. Other
languages that staff members will be
exposed to include; French, Arabic
and Spanish.
The University of Nairobi ViceChancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, noted
that the Confucius Institute has been
key in training of the Chinese language
and enabled people to trade and
relate easily. More than 1,200 people
have been trained at the Institute since
its inception 10 years ago. The ViceChancellor, who was represented by
The best students from the proficiency
classes will travel to China for further
studies on the Chinese language.
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VarsityFocus
Alumni aAffairs
UONAA shares its vision with
the Vice Chancellor
The University of Nairobi Alumni Association Executive Board
when they paid a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor, Prof.
Peter Mbithi.
T
he UONAA Executive Board led by the Chairman, Mr. Isaac
Awuondo paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor,
Prof. Peter Mbithi on November 14, 2016. The Chairman
said there is need to work with the University Management
in order to strengthen the Association in terms of staff, space
and software for sustainable membership organization. He
offered to give the Association the leadership it deserves
in order to contribute effectively to the development of
the alma mater and assured the VC that the Association
will continue to support the University in Scholarship Fund,
Endowment Fund and completion of the Alumni Centre.
The Vice Chancellor indicated that alumni are a key pillar to
realization of his vision of a world class university in terms of
improving university’s image and competitiveness. He said
Alumni contribute to the UON Brand. He said the University
Management and council will support the Alumni Association
in all forms in order to play its right role in promoting UoN brand.
He said that Alumni are critical to the success of the University
and will offer a space at the UoN Tower once it’s opened for
easy recruitment of members, support in recruitment of key
staff and ERP for membership management.
40
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Sports
VarsityFocus
Varsity’s sports team bags awards at KUSA
National Tournament
Students during a rugby event.
T
he
Kenya
Universities
Sports
Association
(KUSA)
National
Tournament in both Basketball
and Athletics was held from 4th – 6th
November 2016 at the University of
Eldoret. University of Nairobi presented
Basketball (men) and Athletics both
men and women.
In basketball, there were a total of
16 teams for men and 15 teams for
women.
The University of Nairobi
basketball team performed well from
preliminaries to semi finals and also
during the finals. During the finals the
Terrorists met Mt. Kenya University. The
University of Nairobi maintained the
lead from the start to the end of the
game. The team won the coveted
National
Inter-universities
Overall
Trophy.
matches at Kakamega Show ground
rugby fields, a total of eight teams
attended the event.
University of
Nairobi was represented by Mean
Machine I comprising 22 players and
Mean Machine II also comprising 22
players. At the tail end of the event,
Mean Machine I met with Kabras
Rugby Club and the results were 14-13
in favour of Mean Machine I.
The Mean Machine II met Kakamega
Rugby Club in the Eric Shirley Shield
finals at the same venue. The results
were 45-35 in favour of Kakamega
Rugby Club. Mean Machine II is an
upcoming team and an offspring of
the mainstream, Mean Machine.
The University of Nairobi athletics team
for men won six medals while the
women team won four medals.
The Rugby Kenya Cup and the Eric
Shirley Shield rugby series were held
November, 2016. During the inaugural
Rugby in action.
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41
42
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Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the Prime Minister of Kenya and Governor Malcolm MacDonald, at the1964 graduation ceremony held at the then University College of Nairobi
later renamed the University of Nairobi.
VarsityFocus
VarsityFocus
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI ENTERPRISES AND SERVICES LIMITED (UNES)
MR. JOHN KENDUIWO
UNES is the Consultancy and Commercial
Enterprise Arm of the University of Nairobi. It was
established in 1996 and is registered under the
Companies Act to provide Consultancy Services,
Bookstore, Hospitality, Management of Income
Generating Units of the University and other
Commercial Activities.
Major Projects Undertaken by UNES Ltd
Consultancy Services
for Primary Education
Development (PRIDE) Project
on School Improvement
Plan (SIP) though Ministry
of Education Science &
Technology supervised by the
World Bank.
MBA (Nairobi), BSc, (Mech. Eng.)
The Dongo Kundu Special
Economic Zone Resettlement
Action Plan Project through
Kenya Port Authority and
Ministry of Industrialization
and Enterprise Department.
UNES provides Consultancy
Services on various Thematic
Konza Techno Cadastral
Survey through the Konza
Technopolis Development
Authority (KoTDA)
Ministry, Departments and
Agencies (MDAs), other Public
and Private Organizations
including Non-Governmental
Organizations and Donor
Agencies. The Consultancy Unit
draws Consultants from the
Study to establish the National
Demand and Supply of Sugar
2014-2018 in Kenya through the Sugar Directorate of the Agriculture Food and
Fisheries Authority (AFFA)
Eldoret Industrial Park by ICDC
Nairobi City County Development Control Policies to facilitate Implementation
of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (NIUPLAN)
Private Sector most of whom are Alumni of the University of Nairobi.
Contact us through!
+254 717 300 006 | [email protected] | www.unesconsultancy.co.ke
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UNES BOOKSTORES
UNES Bookstores are the largest stockiest of textbooks, stationery and other learning
has been at the forefront in supplying these resources to key Government Institutions,
Ministries and the University teaching, Non teaching and students fraternity.
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University of Nairobi Main Campus on Gandhi
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P.O Box 68241-00200, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254 (020) 491 3911 / Mobile: +254 701
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Email: [email protected]
ARZIKI RESTAURANTS
Arziki Restaurants are located on the Main and Chiromo Campuses in the
University of Nairobi open to the public and provide delicious various meals
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We are located on the scenic Chiromo Campus of the University of Nairobi
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43
VarsityFocus
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
CENTRE FOR SELF SPONSORED PROGRAMMES
ONLINE APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Step 1: Visit the application website http://application.uonbi.ac.ke
Step 2: Registration and Creation of user account
To register, you need a valid email address which will be validated during the registration process through
an activation link that will be sent to your email address.
Every applicant must create their own personal user account.
Step 3:
Key in your personal details
Step 4: Uploading of Testimonials
documents are complete can you apply for the programme you wish to undertake.
Step 5: Programme Selection
Select and apply for the course you are interested in studying. You will be issued a REFERENCE NUMBER
and directed to pay the prescribed application fee.
Step 6: Payment of Application Fees
Pay the application fees using:
i. Credit/Debit Card
ii. Mpesa paybill
iii. Direct cash deposit at any KCB branch
Step 7: Application Tracking
Track the status of your application online throughthe system. Status alerts will be sent to your registered email
address and phone number.
1. Academic Registrar- Admissions
(for Undergraduate courses)
Tel: +254-20-3318262 Ext. 28285/28213
Email: [email protected]
2. Director Board of Post Graduate Studies
(for post graduate courses)
Tel: +254- 3318262 Ext. 28267
Email: [email protected]
3. Director, Center for Self-Sponsored
Programmes (for all courses)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +254-20-3318262 Ext. 28366, +254-20-2244680
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
44
VF DECEMBER 2016
www.uonbi.ac.ke
www.cessp.uonbi.ac.ke
@uoncessp
UON CESSP
uon cessp
QUALITY POLICY STATEMENT
THE UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS COMMITTED
TO QUALITY AS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE IN ITS
DECISION MAKING AND LEADERSHIP IN THE
PROVISION OF UNIVERSITY EDUCATION AND
RELATED SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS.
TO REALISE THIS, THE UNIVERSITY
MANAGEMENT SHALL REGULARLY MONITOR
AND REVIEW ITS PERFORMANCE FOR
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT AND SUISTABILITY
BY IMPLEMENTING AN EFFECTIVE QUALITY
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM BASED ON
ISO 9001 STANDARD
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI