UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI JUNE 2017

VarsityFA magazineocus of the University of Nairobi

Trailblazers: A tale of UoN women

Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, OGW Chancellor, University of Nairobi 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 creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge.

Our Core Values • Freedom of thought and expression • Excellence • Care • Good governance • Innovativeness and creativity • Partnership and teamwork VarsityFocus I N S I D E

Chancellor Dr. (Mrs.) Vijoo Rattansi

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI VarsityFocus 4

Published by The Office of the Vice-Chancellor Director of Corporate Affairs UoN hosts University of Nairobi st P.O. Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi 1 All Africa Tel: 020 - 3318262 Ext 28263 Postharvest Tel: 020 4913193 Email: [email protected] Congress www.uonbi.ac.ke 19

Copyright University of Nairobi, 2017 All rights reserved

Editor John A. Orindi UoN scoops

Consulting Editor top awards at Otuma Ongalo EYA 2017 Editorial Team Peter Muturi 25 Johnson Kinyua Njuguna Bernard Esther Nekesa Peter Oluoch Teresia Mbugua Naomi Nyaboga ODeL Campus Mariam Maina Florida Keru to expand

Contributors programmes Brian Ouma Silas Katam 28 Fidelis Nduku Dennis Omido Enock Bore

Photography Kevin Wamola Mean Machine Charles Muriuki teaches Black Blad Peter Oluoch a lesson Creative Design Kevin Wamola 43

www.uonbi.ac.ke 1 VarsityFocus Editor’s note Harnessing women power at UoN he University of Nairobi (UoN) from disadvantaged backgrounds to go excellence. is one of the few institutions in through education by providing them UoN is out to reclaim its glory as the TKenya that has institutionalised with scholarships. regional centre of intellectual discourse. policies that promote inclusivity and In management, UoN women have The University has entered into a diversity. During the recent Employer of also broken the glass ceiling and are partnership with the Nation Media the Year Awards (EYA) 2017, UoN comfortably discharging their mandates Group and other stakeholders to emerged top in the inclusiveness and with passion. Prof. Lucy Irungu, Deputy provide leadership in promoting quality diversity category. The University also Vice Chancellor (DVC) in charge of ideas and debates on issues of strategic scooped first runners up in innovation Research Production and Extension has interest to the country. One such risen through the ranks to her current and productivity, second runners up in initiative is the Thought Leadership position. Before her, there was Prof. corporate Performance, second runners forum that brings together policy makes, Fl o r i d a Ka ra n i , a re n o w n e d up in Leadership and governance; and academia and individuals to discuss educationist and the pioneer female overall second runners up. The Survey various issues touching on citizenry. DVC in Kenya. w a s c o n d u c t e d b y The University shall continue to Prof Lucy Irungu is a scholar and a PriceWaterHouseCoopers and provide a conducive environment for research guru! She is very passionate sponsored by Federation of Kenya about enhancing the quality and holistic development of students. Apart Employers. quantity of research outputs from the from excelling in academics, UoN In this edition of the Varsity Focus the University of Nairobi. provides an opportunity for students to University of Nairobi celebrates with Another Professor at UoN is Judith exploit their talents in sports and pride the contribution of its women Bahemuka, The Chancellor of entertainment. leaders and scholars who have University of Eldoret and the chair of At the international arena, the stamped their foot prints locally and the Chancellors forum in Kenya. She is University has consistently maintained globally in various fields. When you a Professor and researcher at the favorable global ranking during the review the profiles of who is who at Department of Sociology. Prof. Webometrics Universities rankings due UoN, you come across names of Bahemuka is a celebrated diplomat to team work, steadfast leadership and who has served the country with outstanding personalities who have support from the stakeholders. We give made significant contribution to society. distinction. Other renowned UoN special thanks to the external At the Apex, you come across the scholars include Prof. Maria Nzomo stakeholders and UoN Alumni who humble, soft spoken and visionary and Prof. Kameri Mbote who have have continued to support the university Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi. She is served with distinction in the world of through provision of student internships, the first woman Chancellor of the academia and in the public sector. scholarships, mentorship and coaching University of Nairobi.Dr. Rattansi was A new generation of young women programmes. recently awarded the Knight of the scholars and researchers like Dr. Jane Ambuko, Prof. Park, and Dr. Parita Shah Order of the Star by the Italian John.A.O.Orindi government in recognition of her efforts have also emerged and are ready to Director, Corporate Affairs. in promoting cultural and economic carry the mantle from their senior relations between Kenya and Italy. Dr. scholars. Harnessing women power is Rattansi is a renowned philanthropist one of the key pillars for UoN's global who has assisted thousands of people competitiveness and scholarly

2 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Vice-Chancellor’s message UoN passes scrutiny by statutory and regulatory bodies University's operating landscape, currently graduates in accordance with Kenya's characterized by growing pressures relating Vision 2030 and improving the quality of to declining income and rising operational graduates. Further, the University is costs. In the revised strategy, the University committed to enhancing the growth of has undertaken to be more responsible to its p o s t g r a d u a t e s t u d e n t s a n d t h e internal and external stakeholders, with internalization of UoN. greater focus being given to the customer In order to create an enabling environment and also greater engagement with society. for conducting cutting-edge research, the Within this period, the University also University has undertaken to enhance its participated in the Government job evaluation exercise conducted by the research infrastructure and facilities. Since Salaries and Remuneration Commission July 2016, we have signed 280 new MoUs (SRC) through PriceWaterHouseCoopers with various partners, peer institutions and (PwC). The exercise, which is part of Public other agencies. Service Reforms, is expected to assist the As regards students' welfare, the University Prof. Peter M.F. Mbithi, University in streamlining its pay structure to continues to enhance students' mentorship, Vice-Chancellor compensate members of staff in a manner counseling services and co-curricular he year 2017 started with a series of commensurate with their individual portfolio with a view to producing socially high profile activities, directly touching contribution in productivity, efficiency and holistic graduates. Ton core University operations. Some effectiveness in service delivery. Recently, the University witnessed the of them were internal while others were On staff welfare, the University through the successful launch of the Law Chapter of the externally driven. Inter-Public Universities Consultative Forum University of Nairobi Alumni Association. In January 2017, the Commission for (IPUCCF) and together with other public The function was graced by the Chief Justice universities completed negotiations and University Education (CUE) undertook a and President of the Supreme Court of Quality Inspection Audit of the University, an signed Collective Bargaining Agreements Kenya, Justice David Kenani Maraga. exercise that was targeting all universities (CBAs) with the three staff unions. The CBAs As I have stated before, it is my belief that our and university colleges authorized to enhanced salary and housing allowances operate in Kenya. The purpose of the for all staff, for the period July 1, 2013 to strength as a corporate will to a large extent Quality Inspection Audit was to establish the June 31, 2017. lie in our relationships and linkages with our extent to which universities were complying I must express my satisfaction with the alumni in various professions. I therefore with the Universities Act No. 42 of 2012, patience and maturity displayed by the call upon other Schools and Faculties to the Universities (Amendment) Act 2016, union leaders during the negotiations. emulate the School of Law and work among other Acts and Guidelines, and to In another development, I take this towards launching their alumni chapters. I assure members of the public that CUE was taking appropriate measures to regulate the opportunity to inform our staff, students and also wish to urge our existing Alumni quality of education in universities. other stakeholders that the University has Chapters to be more visible and active in I am pleased to inform stakeholders that the won major trophies in the inaugural spearheading and supporting University University of Nairobi was found to have Employer of the Year Awards, organized by activities. adhered to the provisions of the Acts as the Federation of Kenya Employers. At the Finally, I take this opportunity to thank our required and further, to the Guidelines for ceremony, which was held on May 19, staff and students for their dedication to the Appointment and Promotion of Academic 2017, the University emerged the Overall University, and to wish everyone the best in 2nd Runners Up as Employer of the Year in staff. the daily endeavours. We pray that the Kenya. The University also scooped awards Early in the year, management finalized the Almighty God grants us peaceful elections in the sub-categories of Inclusiveness & p r e p a r a t i o n o f t h e S h o r t Te r m in August 2017. Implementation Plan for the final phase of Diversity, Innovation & Productivity, the 2013 - 2018 Strategic Plan. The Short Leadership & Governance and Corporate Term Implementation Plan (STIP) is to cover Performance. the period January 2017 to June 2018, by At the academic front, the University remains PETER M.F. MBITHI, PhD, EBS which time another fully fledged five year committed to enhancing the quality and VICE-CHANCELLOR Plan will be prepared. relevance of all academic programmes, AND The STIP addresses various challenges in the with a view to increasing the relevance of PROFESSOR OF VETERINARY SURGERY

www.uonbi.ac.ke 3 VarsityFocus Profile interview UoN women achievers and trailblazers

Since its inception in 1970, the University of Nairobi (UoN) in other aspects outside the University. has overcome many hurdles in its steadfast voyage to fulfil its Documenting the profiles of outstanding scholars and vision as a world class university committed to academic administrators at the University of Nairobi across decades is excellence. a herculean task that requires eons and several volumes of Today, UoN proudly perches on the pedestal of honour as books. Since 1970, every generation has had its the leading university in East African region and among the outstanding scholars and administrators under whose best in Africa and the world, according to recent globally shadows the University proudly stands today as a distinctive recognised rankings of higher institutions of learning. shrine of knowledge and trailblazer in different facets. This success stems from a myriad of factors, including sound In this special issue of the Varsity Focus, we celebrate some of leadership, institutional and individual collaborative the current generation of UoN women scholars and initiatives and, above all, a solid team of highly qualified administrators who have left indelible footprints in their scholars whose reputations are globally acknowledged. specialties and other aspects that have touched and The top dons, both men and women, are the fulcrum around changed lives. In our subsequent issues, we will go back in which the University has revolved for over four decades. They time to celebrate the men and women who have proudly have not only nurtured academic excellence in teaching and placed UoN on the global map in their respective research but also gone beyond the call of duty and excelled specialities. VF Chancellor reveals her vision for the University n old Greek adage goes that “a society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they will never sit in.” When they started Athe Mohamedally and Maniben Rattansi Educational Trust in 1956, little did Mr. and Mrs. Mohamedally Rattansi know how much impact the trust would have on the higher education sector in Kenya 60 years on. Yet from those humble beginnings, timeless vision and shoulders of the gigantic founders emerged Dr. Vijoo Rattansi. As part of celebrating accomplished women leaders at the University of Nairobi, the Versity Focus editor had a one-on-one interview with the Chancellor who is also the Chair of the Rattansi Educational Trust, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi excerpts:

Your contribution in the higher education sector and culture has been phenomenal. Last year alone you and the Rattansi Educational Trust donated scholarships worth KES 60 million to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Rattansi Educational Trust. What motivates you? Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, An old Russian acquaintance once told me that education is light. Simply put, the Chancellor, University of Nairobi lack of education is darkness. The world is a beautiful place yet with all this infinite beauty, a child born into poverty in our part of the world faces monumental odds to stem the slip into the viscous cycle of cross generational poverty. For many years, the Trust has invested in higher education of many students from least advantaged backgrounds in Kenya. Nothing inspires more than to see a child from a humble background attain a good education, turn the corner of misfortune and like a flower in season, bloom to be a man or woman of substance. Over the last 30 years, I have witnessed many success stories and with every person a renewed impetus to play a catalytic role in the transformation of society, one person at a time. Every child successfully plucked out of poverty holds the promise of light to his/her family, his/her society and the world at large. The butterfly effect of such an intervention is too great a quantum to be ignored. We may not do it for the entire nation but for as long as I live, the Trust and myself will continue standing in the gap for the children of fortune.

4 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Profile interview

You are the first female Chancellor of My tenure has been marked by many the University of Nairobi. What has changes at the top executive level of the How would you term the relationship b e e n y o u r e x p e r i e n c e a s a University with the retirement of the that you have with other public Chancellor? immediate former Vice Chancellor (VC) university chancellors? Firstly, I must say that being the first Prof. George Magoha and the As chancellors of public universities, we female Chancellor of this University may competitive elevation of Prof. Peter Mbithi have in place a consultative caucus ably represented by a committee. Every so be more of a case of historical accident to the position of the VC in 2015. often, and funds permitting, we meet to than design. The history of man's Additionally, the positions of Deputy Vice deliberate and reason together on existence is replete with moments in time Chancellor Finance and Administration, matters of concern to the body of where societies made significant Student Affairs (SA) and Research, chancellors. As a result of positive changes to their modus operandi. One Production and Extension (RPE) fell interaction and the shared nexus of such moment in Kenya was the vacant and were competitively filled. This similar challenges, the relationship promulgation of a new Constitution in c o n s t i t u t e s 8 0 % c o m p e t i t i v e amongst chancellors, myself included, 2010 which Constitution expanded reconstitution of the top 5 management can be termed as warm and cordial. space and opportunities for women to positions at the University in a little under As you may be aware, outside participate in decision making and one and a half years. Leadership schools conferment of degrees and awards, the nation building. I want to believe that I teach that change management is a facilitation for Chancellors of public fall in the category of pioneer women process. What they do not tell you is that universities in execution of their mandate leaders who may have benefited from the time element in this process may be is virtually non-existent. For this reason this wind of change in the country inflexible. and together with a team of like-minded governance. On many occasions, I engaged the individuals, I have initiated a number of Secondly, I have had a most humbling wisdom of the Council and many other resource mobilization initiatives that have experience as Chancellor. Just when I men and women of goodwill. The secured funds to facilitate two very thought I was old enough not to learn Council was supportive and I want to important meetings of chancellors. believe I gave them unqualified support. new things, new challenges at this level Arising out of these meetings are key This was through advice as mandated by have called for personal re-calibration of recommendations to the Ministry of the Universities Act 2012 and in so decision making processes. New Education, Science and Technology that doing greatly enriching the governance opportunities have opened my eyes to chancellors believe, if implemented, will body of the University. I am a strong new dimensions of scrutiny and go a long way in resolving or minimizing defender of the autonomy of governance measured yet thoughtful steps. conflicts at the policy and top boards and I believe I have not fallen I hope someday, when I shed this official management levels of public universities. short when called upon to safeguard the cloak and pen my memoirs, I can lend operational independence of the These recommendations have been you a precision eye into the world of a University Council. This constructive shared with the Ministry's Cabinet Chancellor of this University. tension has, in my humble view, Secretary and it is the earnest hope of succeeded in yielding a semblance of chancellors that he will accord them due You took over chancellorship at UoN stability for the University. regard. with a full tray especially during a Certain levels of societal leadership transition and what others say was a expose the office bearers to an unkind You have just mentioned resource turbulent period for UoN. How have world. One must therefore remain firm mobilization. As an ardent supporter you managed to navigate UoN and steadfast in the faith knowing that o f t h e U n i v e r s i t y ' s re s o u rc e through the storm back to stability? they laboureth not in vain. The alternative mobilization strategies, would you like I wouldn't necessarily use the term to fervent positive effort is the finality of a to comment on a few of those turbulent. I would instead use the word damnation that slumbereth not. I believe successes on a more personal as uncertain. Change by its very definition that we have reached where we are opposed to institutional level? comes with its own measure of today through constancy of purpose, I consider myself part and parcel of the uncertainty which can be quite commitment and positive synergies. wh o l e o n ma t ters of resou rc e disruptive. mobilization, where the whole here refers

www.uonbi.ac.ke 5 VarsityFocus Profile interview to the University. As chancellor, I am increasingly need dependable heartstrings. I am greatly saddened and acutely aware of the resource challenged assistance from independent legal sympathize with our students struggling environment within which the university minds. It is for this reason that I am with these vices and I wish to echo the operates. Consequently, beyond the convinced that governors, managers University's commitment to walk with bounds of institutional frameworks, the and leaders of every creed in institutions them the path to rehabilitation. We hope challenge to mobilize resources impinges need sound legal advice on matters that to scale up efforts to fight this menace on my conscience. For this reason, any they may, from time-to -time, be and secure the future for our students personal interventions to make better the considering. I hold the view that the since Universities and other institutions of resource endowment of the University University's School of Law should be at higher learning are cultivating grounds only augments the collective effort of the the fore as the country's Centre of for the country's future human capital and leadership. I am verily informed that the entire University. Excellence in Law. It should be a pre- University has taken steps to greatly The Rattansi Educational Trust, which I eminent technical resource in crafting of sound and time-tested legislation, improve the safety and security situation chair, continues to contribute towards growing legal practice, jurisprudence in our campuses in liaison with national higher education at the University. In and constitutionalism and grooming of security agencies. There have been, and addition to the Trust's annual allocation the finest legal minds that will seek to I believe there are, ongoing discussions to the University, we have contributed advice dispassionately and without with counselors and the National KES 1,000,000 as seed fund to selective, political or any other bias. This Authority for Campaign against Alcohol University of Nairobi Foundation. will subsequently help address or resolve and Drug Abuse (NACADA) to increase Further, we have contributed KES 10, many legal questions. awareness, access to information of and 000, 000 towards furnishing of five This walk began with a contribution of interventions on drug and substance lecture theatres at the new University of KES 9,000,000 to equip the Law School abuse. Nairobi Towers. This, I believe, will go a library with legal text books for purposes Last word? long way in improving the teaching, of meeting the stringent Council for Legal We want to make the University of learning and research infrastructure for Education (CLE) standards on training of Nairobi the oasis of hope and scholarly students at the University and lead to lawyers. excellence. We want every student that better quality graduate outcomes. I therefore look forward to spearheading walks into this University to feel safe and Further to monetary contribution, we this resource mobilization effort for the secure so as to quench their academic hope to start resource mobilization efforts benefit of this University and the entire curiosity and to walk out of our gates towards the construction of the School of country. well-armed with the tools of life. For as Law Towers to be based at our Parklands long as I have breath and the Campus in the coming days. What are your thoughts on the issues appropriate instruments of governance, I am and will always remain committed of students discipline and drug and substance abuse at the University? rest assured that I shall keep pursuing this to the pursuit of a financially sustainable As a mother, I am naturally concerned with heart and soul and shall leave university. a b o u t t h e we l l - b ei n g a n d a l l nothing to chance.

roundedness of our students. Like a You just mentioned a School of Law From us at Varsity Focus, we wish to Towers to be based at Parklands shepherd, we cannot sit on our laurels if only one of our sheep strays. We must convey our congratulatory message to Campus. Tell us more? the Chancellor on her recognition by the shepherd the lost sheep back to the fold. My short tenure as Chancellor has Italian Government through the award of If, as a university, we only succeed at exposed me widely to the central role the 'Knight of the Order of the Star of played by sound laws and sober inculcating academic excellence without Italy'. Further, we wish the Chancellor interaction with the same. Some of the the requisite character and culture that well in all her undertaking and look problems generally afflicting universities makes our graduates fit-for-society, then forward to reading her memoirs when are of legal nature flowing from we will have failed in toto. she finally puts pen to paper! VF misinterpretation and/or misapplication Indiscipline and drug and substance of law. Universities, in general, abuse are issues that tug on my

6 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Profile Feature A Research guru at high pedestal

In 1988, she joined the Innovation Ecosystem in Kenya's Higher Department of Zoology, UoN, Education Sector. The taskforce also as a lecturer and rose through the developed the TIVET and University Bills ranks to Full Professor in 2008. 2013. These three bills were enacted as Prof. Irungu served as the separate Acts in 2013. Chairman of the Department of Prof. Irungu has served as a board Zoology from 1999 to 2004. member of the UON Pension Scheme, She was then appointed Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Fund, KEMRI Principal ,College of Biological –Wellcome Trust Research Scientific and Physical Sciences (CBPS), a and Advisory Board, ICIPE Post position she held up to February Graduate Board, Consortium for 2011 when she was appointed National Health and Research Advisory as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, C o m m i t t e e , A s s o c i a t i o n o f Research, Production and Commonwealth Universities Structured Extension. Training for African Researchers (ACU- Prof Irungu is a vibrant researcher STARS), Murang’a County Initiative, and the JRS Biodiversity Foundation. in the area of vector biology and The researcher belongs to several regional control and host –vector parasite networks e.g. African Women in Prof. Lucy Irungu, Deputy Vice-Chancellor RPE relationships, with special interest Agricultural Research and Development in malaria vectors and other vectors and rof. Lucy Irungu is the Deputy Vice- (AWRAD), East African Research parasites of neglected diseases. In Chancellor, Research, Production Innovation Managers Association addition, she has supervised 23 MSc Pand Extension at the University of (EARIMA) and African Research students and 11 PhD students to Nairobi and a Professor of Entomology in Universities Alliance (ARUA). completion and is currently supervising 3 the School of Biological and Physical She is a fellow of the Royal Society of PhD students. She has published over 60 Sciences. She graduated from the Tropical Medicine and Hygiene UK, a papers in peer-reviewed journals. Her University of Nairobi with a BSc. first fellow of the Kenya Academy of Sciences, commitment to growth is demonstrated in class honours degree (Entomology) in a member of the KIM, among other fundraising for research and scholarship 1978 from the Department of professional organizations. Entomology. She immediately joined in addition to strong collaborative links During her six years as DVC (RPE,) she ICIPE as a graduate research scholar and that have built institutional and individual has fully operationalized the mandate was awarded a scholarship by the capacities. Key amongst them was in and functions of the office by ensuring Commonwealth Fund for Technical leadership role in the establishment of the that the organizational structure is in Cooperation to pursue an MSc degree in Centre for Biotechnology and place. Medical Entomology and Applied Bioinformatics (CEBIB) in2006. “Under my leadership, research related Parasitology at the Liverpool School of She served as a member of task forces and strategic plans and work plans have Tropical Medicine, graduating in 1979. committees in the MoHEST, Board of the been developed and implemented and Prof. Irungu proceeded to Imperial National Council for Science and all relevant policies and guidelines for College and the British Museum on Technology (NCST). Most significantly, the management of Research, internship for six months before she chaired the committee of the Taskforce Innovation and Extension in the entire returning to ICIPE. In 1981, she was of MoHEST that developed the Science University have been developed or awarded a scholarship by the Technology and Innovation Bill which led reviewed and implemented in line with Association of Commonwealth to the establishment of the National the UoN strategic Plan 2013-2018. Universities (ACU) to pursue her PhD. Commission for Science and Technology This has resulted in the marked increase She completed her studies at the (NACOSTI), the National Research Fund in the research funding portfolio, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (NRF) and Kenya National Innovation university research activities research in 1984 and returned to ICIPE for her Agency (KENIA) .These state corporations visibility and the University's ranking,” postdoctoral work. manage the Science Technology and says Prof. Irungu. VF

www.uonbi.ac.ke 7 VarsityFocus Profile feature Educational warrior and pioneer female Deputy Vice-Chancellor rof. Florida Amakobe Karani was the management and facilitation of the born at Kima Mission (currently change during which the College has PBunyore Girls' High School) where played a leading role in income her late parents were pioneer teachers generation and the expansion of and preachers. The Butere Girls' High University education, through the use of School and Alliance Girls' High strategic, innovative and state of art School alumna studied at the educational delivery modes. Many University of East Africa – Nairobi, graduates of the various phases of the and graduated with an honours development hold responsible degree in history. positions in the public and private She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in sectors throughout the country. Education and Masters of Arts degree in As first woman Deputy Vice Chancellor history and education of the University of (Academic Affairs) and the first woman Nairobi, a PhD in Educational Chancellor of a public University in Prof. Florida Amakobe Karani Communications and Technology Kenya, she has been a trailblazer. (Major) and Educational Research Prof. Karani has participated in catylization and democratization of (Minor) of the University of Pittsburgh steering education in Kenya to greater education. She is a pioneer member (USA) and a Doctor of Education heights through manning key positions of the Forum for African Women Honorar y degree of Maseno (including Chairman, Vice Chairman, Educationalists (FAWE) which has University. She is a Professor of Commissioner and member) of some chapters in 33 African countries, Education. Boards, Councils, Commissions and working with Government Ministries of committees in the field of education. Prof. Karani has been described by the Education, Non Governmental She has helped to improve the quality of Third World Organization for Women Organizations, the Civil Societies, and education of some needy schools by in Science (TWOS) Trieste, Italy Local Communities, empowering sourcing text books for them and (1999) as an 'Educational Warrior.' women and girls through securing participated in guiding academic, all Her professional career in education gender responsive education. As a round growth and learner character member of some UNESCO committees, started off with a brief stint as a formation in schools and colleges where she has participated inter-alia in the Secondary School teacher before she has been a member of the Board of promotion of continuing education and becoming a lecturer at the Kikuyu Governors and those where she has lifelong learning and the production Campus (which eventually became the been guest of honour on Open, and use of local content in education College of Education and External Education and/or Prize Giving Days. where relevant. For example, the Studies). Through self-help and harambee efforts, production of the General History of From its inception, the College has she has built a modern tuition block of Africa (GHA) text book series which l i v e d t h r o u g h c h a n g e a n d four classrooms at her village school were unveiled recently and are slated transformation, from residential – founded by her late parents – Mwitukho extramural - distance programmes in for use in schools in Africa-grades one to diverse disciplines, to the current teacher Primary School. The educationist has twelve. education and open, distance and e- financed the education of some needy In these and other ways, Professor learning that cuts across University youth and helped in job hunting, thus Karani has been a transformation academic disciplines. As a lecturer, rescuing them from stark poverty. agent in education and a motivator, researcher, manager and administrator, At the regional and international levels, helper, pathfinder and a role model to Prof. Karani has played a pivotal role in Prof. Karani has participated in the many in and outside Kenya. VF

8 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Profile feature Champion for peace and development

Prof. Bahemuka is the brains behind Humanities National Committee to the Construction of Knowledge UNESCO for five year. She was Societies- Elimika Project, an initiative instrumental in negotiating for two other that seeks to empower Kenyans for UNESCO Chairs, one for Egerton prosperity by equipping them with broad University and the other for Moi based knowledge on their citizenship, University. human rights, good governance, In 2001 Prof. Bahemuka became a sustainabilit y l ivel i h o o d s a nd member of UNESCO Executive Board, development. where she served until 2005. She held “Elimika creates an opportunity to look the UNESCO Chair on Women at education afresh and build Education, Health and Sustainable knowledge blocks that will help Development at the University of Kenyans articulate their rights and Nairobi. P ro f. B a h e m u ka f o u n d e d t h e responsibilities,” she says. “Universities International Learning Centre with have a special role to play in creating s u p p o r t f ro m A n d rew M e l l o n and disseminating knowledge to Foundation, in conjunction with Great society in a bid to ensure that the Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) and Constitution of Kenya 2010 is Amb. Prof. Judith Mbula Bahemuka Kalamazoo College of the USA, and implemented.” was appointed its first Director. The To date, the Elimika Project has recorded Centre brings together researchers and mb. Prof. Judith Mbula significant impact in empowering scholars from Eastern and Southern Bahemuka is a woman of communities in five counties by Africa with American colleagues to m a ny h a t s. S h e i s t h e equipping them with knowledge on cross-fertilize intellectual thinking A pertinent issues as enshrined in the Chancellor of University of Eldoret, the between the two continents. Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The Chairperson of the Chancellor's Forum She was appointed as the country's project has achieved varied results in i n K e n y a a n d t h e permanent representative to the United the five target counties of Nairobi, UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair at the Nations in New York (2003-2006); the Kwale, Turkana, Homa Bay and Kenya High Commissioner to Canada University of Nairobi. Prof. Bahemuka Makueni. and Ambassador to Cuba until February, is a celebrated scholar who is widely “Universities have been recognized as 2009. During her tenure as Kenya's published. fore in promoting a culture for peaceful Representative at the United Nations, she A trained sociologist with interests in co-existence and to ensure that the was appointed by the UN Secretary poverty reduction, wealth creation, community has responsible citizens,” says General as member of UN Special good governance and sustainable Prof. Bahemuka. “Universities are central Co m m i t t e e o n Fi n a n ci n g a n d livelihoods for marginal communities, to peace building and sustainable Technological Transfer for Developing security through engagement in critical Prof. Bahemuka has initiated various Countries. She served as the President of research that bridges the gap between UNFPA Committee; President of the projects that have registered great research, policy and practice and the impact in the target communities. United Nations Forum on Forestry development of a curriculum to address (UNFFV) which, under her guidance, She has been a member of staff at the peace and security” she adds. agreed on a legal frame framework on University of Nairobi since 1974, with Prof. Bahemuka participated fully in the Forestry. breaks to serve as Visiting Professor at preparations for the Beijing Conference, Prof. Bahemuka also championed the Leiden (Netherlands); Catholic working closely with the then Kenya Women's Bureau, and consulting for negotiations for the creation of African University (Washington DC); Maryknoll Green Revolution Alliance for food College (USA); and has been UNIFEM and UNFPA up to and during the conference. security in Africa. The Alliance is now appointed by the Kenya Government to She held the chair to the Sociology headquartered in Nairobi. spearhead many programmes locally Department for four years, and also She is a great resource to the global and overseas. chaired the Social Sciences and community. VF

www.uonbi.ac.ke 9 VarsityFocus Profile feature

development of the Foundational Incredible Curriculum-1990-1995. Beyond the academia, Prof Nzomo's contributions are equally outstanding in achiever public service. The don was Kenya's Ambassador and High Commissioner in academia to Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland (2003-2006). In this tour of duty, she set precedence as the and public first Kenyan woman Ambassador to serve in the four Southern Africa service countries. The envoy was also the first Kenya mbassador Maria Nzomo is Ambassador to successfully organize for Professor of International Kenyan envoys accredited to Southern ARelations and Governance and Africa, a Regional Strategic Workshop Director, Institute of Diplomacy and Amb. Prof. Maria Nzomo for capacity building to enhance International Studies (IDIS), University of effectiveness in advancing Kenya's Nairobi. due to graduate later this year. national interests abroad. This initiative In a professional career spanning 35 The teaching and training pressure over promoted warm bilateral relations years, Prof. Nzomo has served in many the years has not dampened Prof between Kenya and other countries. senior academic, management and Nzomo's passion for research. In 2002, Another feather in her diplomatic leadership positions. She has served as the scholar initiated a pioneering mission was appointment as Permanent a University Professor, Ambassador, Representative to the UN and the World and Manager of various academic and regional research project for Countering Trade Organization in Geneva (2006- non-academic institutions, Researcher, International in Africa. This project 2009). In this role, Ambassador Publisher; as well as Coordinator and propelled IDIS to become one of UoN Consultant in various NGOs, Nzomo represented Kenya in over 20 Intergovernmental Governmental Centres of Excellence in 2016. Prof UN agencies and other International Organizations and UN bodies. Nzomo has developed a Curriculum to Organizations, including UNHRC, In academia, Prof Nzomo has set a trail transform the programme into IDIS UNHCHR, WTO, ILO, WHO, ITU, of firsts. She was the first Kenyan woman Center of Excellence. She has to date UNCTAD, WIPO, UNHCR, WMO, to obtain a PhD in Political Science and fundraised Ksh. 12million for this IOM, ICRC, IPU, and UPU. She International Relations from Dalhousie research programme. effectively served as Kenya's Chief University, Canada, in 1981. This Prof Nzomo has published widely in the Representative, Spokesperson and impressive feat put her on the course for areas of International Relations, Negotiator at the UN. another precedent as the first woman full Governance, Gender, Human rights Prof Nzomo contributed to successful professor of International Relations and and civil societies in Africa. She has over conclusion of various UN Treaties and Governance at IDIS, a culmination of 60 publications in the form of books, Agreements and the foundational academic voyage which began with journal articles, book chapters, and institutional building and Work BA and MA in Political Science from the technical reports. This is besides Programme of the UN Human Rights University of Nairobi and McMaster Council (UNHCR) 2006-2009. She numerous unpublished papers, public University (Canada), respectively. also chaired the inaugural UNHRC lectures, and keynote addresses Prof Nzomo has taught and successfully Panel on Mainstreaming Gender into delivered at various academic supervised thousands of UoN Students the Work of the Human Right Council, at conferences locally and internationally. th at undergraduate and postgraduate the 6 Session of the Human Rights (MA &PhD) levels in Diplomacy and As the University of Nairobi continues st Council, 20-21 September 2007. International Studies. More than 1000 winning accolades as one of the top In honour of her outstanding service to MA and eight PhD students have ranked universities in Africa and successfully completed studies under her globally, Prof Nzomo has been a key Kenya, Prof Nzomo was awarded the guidance. The passion to impart cog in the wheel. She is one of three Presidential award- Moran of the VF knowledge remains relentless, as four persons who spearheaded the IDIS Burning Spear (MBS) - in 2005. PhD students under her supervision are institutional building process and the

10 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Profile feature The linguist and language skills expert interpersonal communication. bursary, procurement of books and She has over 25 years' teaching and specialized equipment, staff and research experience in Descriptive student mobility in 2015. In 2010, and Applied Linguistics, and is a she received a UN donation of furniture, computers and other seasoned consultant in language and assorted equipment valued at communication skills, translation, Kshs.10 million for the then newly curriculum development, instruction established Centre for Translation and and training. She has excellent Interpretation. Prof. Jayne Mutiga proficiency in English, Kiswahili, Prof. Mutiga has served for six years rof. Jayne Mutiga is an Kikamba and Kikuyu languages. as an elder at the Christ is The Answer A s s o ci a t e P ro f e s s o r o f Prof. Mutiga is widely published both Ministries (CITAM), Church Valley PLinguistics and the Director for locally and internationally, with over R o a d, a n a s s e m b l y w i t h a the Centre for Translation & 30 journal articles in peer-reviewed congregation of over 10,000 Interpretation of the University of journal, books and chapters in edited members. She is currently serving as a Nairobi. She is the Founding Director books. She has been an external member of the Wycliffe Global of the Centre, having founded it in examiner for Masters and PhD Alliance International Board, 2010. The centre is a crowned programmes in the following representing the Anglophone Africa Centre of Excellence and the only one universities: Bayreuth University in region in a board that governs over in the Eastern African region, training Germany, Kenyatta University, 100 organizations, coordinating the profess iona l t ra n s la tors a nd University of Dar es Salaam, work of Bible translation worldwide. interpreters for the work of translation University of Zimbabwe and Rhodes She is also a board member of Bible and interpreting in the regional and University, South Africa. Translation and Literacy, Kenya, a international market. In the course of her scholarly career, member of university council of the Prof. Mutiga holds a PhD in Prof. Mutiga has benefited from Pan-African Christian University, is the Linguistics, a Master of Arts in several awards including: University vice chair of university council of Scott Linguistics and African Languages o f N a i ro b i s ch o l a r s h i p f o r Christian University and the vice-chair and a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics, postgraduate studies, British Council of the National Governing Council of from the University of Nairobi. She S ch o l a r s h i p f o r t ra i n i n g i n FOCUS Kenya. also holds a postgraduate certificate communication skills, DAAD PhD She is a member of several in Communication Skills from scholarship and DAAD Visiting p r o f e s s i o n a l a s s o c i a t i o n s , Lancaster University, UK. researcher to Bayreuth University, namely:Association of African Prof. Mutiga is a linguist and Germany. Linguists of Southern Africa(ALASA), l a n g u a g e s k i l l s ex p er t wi t h P r o f. M u t i g a ' s o u t s t a n d i n g Multilingual Education Network achievements, both academic and professional training in language and (MLEN), East Africa, Chama cha professional, and her unique K i s w a h i l i A f r i ka M a s h a r i k i communication in the following contribution to society are numerous. (CHAKAMA), Chama cha Kiswahili areas, among others: language Through the Pan Africa Masters analysis and documentation, Consortium in Interpretation and cha Taifa(CHAKITA) and German- translation, document review and Translation (PAMCIT) she attracted the African Network of Alumni and VF proofreading, editing, précis writing, U n i t e d N a t i o n s / Eu ro p e a n Alumnae (GANAA). report writing, public speaking and Commission Grant for student

www.uonbi.ac.ke 11 VarsityFocus Profile feature The Professor of plant pathology Protocol member countries. In and the control of mycotoxin producing addition, she established a plant pathogens. training center at the Kabete In addition to her role as a researcher, Prof. Field Station of the University of Nairobi. At the center, she set Mutitu has been an outstanding educator, up a substrate culture under drip having participated in the founding irrigation system for cut flower Department of Crop Protection and serving and vegetables, a gravity drip as its first chairman for 6 years. She has irrigation system for small scale growers with high value outdoor supervised 9 PhDs and over 30 masters crops, a field for the use of students to completion. This work has led to effective non ozone depleting the publication of over 40 publications chemical fumigants and a and numerous conference presentations. facility that uses steam for n u r s e ri es a n d s u bs t ra t e She is a member of many professional disinfection. During the project associations related to her field and has phase, many high value crop served as a member of the International and cut flower growers were Methyl Bromide Technical Committee Prof. Eunice Mutitu trained and assisted with setups for the effective phase out of MB. For all (MBTOC) which evaluates whether unice Mutitu became a professor of these efforts she was awarded the countries that request for critical use of of plant pathology in the national honor of Elder of the Burning methyl bromide have a case for approval. Department of Plant Science and Spear. E In the recent past, Prof. Mutitu was Crop Protection in the Faculty of Professor Mutitu was also at the forefront appointed as director of the Board of Post Agriculture in 2010. She holds a BSc in of the fight against the Citrus Greening Agriculture and a Masters and PhD in Disease that had devastated citrus Graduate Studies for six years up to Plant pathology from the University of production for years in different regions of January 2015, where she led the efforts Nairobi. She is also a Fulbright scholar and has been a visiting scientist in the Kenya highlands. To this end, the to establish the new Graduate School DSMZ Germany. Professor Mutitu has team produced thousands of disease free and the revision of the old regulations to served as an external examiner locally clean seedlings, by employing capture the current developments in and regionally at the University of advanced tissue culture and molecular post graduate training. Additionally, Botswana and Makerere University in techniques, and distributed them to during her tenure, the number of PhD Uganda. In the years since she began farming groups in Machakos, Kakamega her work at the university, she has and other counties. In addition, graduates increased annually from 40 u n d e r t a ke n m a ny m a j o r a n d comprehensive training programs that to over 120, and many new market fundamental projects that have have been instrumental in educating driven postgraduate programs were spanned a host of topics ranging from academic explorations to international many farmers on how to combat the developed and senate approved under initiatives. Of these projects, her most disease were put in place. At present, the the guidance of the Board. Along with profound has been the Methyl Bromide University continues to produce the her work at the University of Nairobi, seedlings and carries out training using Alternatives Project in Kenya, where she she was appointed to serve as the successfully led the national effort to the laboratory and greenhouse facilities chairman of the Kenya Education phase out the ozone depleting developed by the project. chemical, Methyl Bromide (MB), from Along with the aforementioned projects Management Institute (KEMI) Council national use in soil disinfection. To this Prof. Mutitu has led very many research for three years up to 2016. end, she ushered in the use of effective, Professor Mutitu is an exemplary example non ozone depleting alternatives, efforts of national importance. Her current which successfully replaced the use of research interests include biological of the great and potential talent that is MB by 2010, far in advance of the and integrated management of available at the University of Nairobi. VF 2015 deadline set by the Montreal economically important plant diseases

12 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Profile feature Legal scholar per excellence rof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote is a editorial boards of the following Professor of Law and the former journals:, Journal of Law, Environment PDean at the School of Law, and Development (LEAD); the Global University of Nairobi (UoN). An Environmental Politics (GEP); Journal of advocate of the High Court of Kenya Human Rights and the Environment; and Prof. Kameri-Mbote teaches Women, the East African Journal of Peace and Access to Resources and the Law at the Human Rights. Southern and Eastern Africa Research Prof. Kameri-Mbote has served as Centre on Women's Law (SEARCWL) Chair of the Department of Private and Law of Property in Land at the Law and Acting Dean at the School School of Law, University of Nairobi. of Law, University of Nairobi. She She has also taught international has also served as the Director of environmental law at the University of Research and Policy Outreach and Kansas; Trade, Environment and Law at Acting Executive Director at the Prof. Patricia Kameri-Mbote the University of Stellenbosch, Cape African Centre for Technology Town, South Africa. Studies, Nairobi from 1999 to Gender & Sexuality, University of For her exemplary contribution to the 2002. She was a member of the Kent; and Chair, Seeds and Plant country, Prof. Kameri-Mbote was Committee of Eminent Persons Varieties Tribunal. awarded the national honour in the appointed by His Excellency the She has consulted for many order Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS) President of Kenya in February international and national agencies in December 2015. In 2012, she was 2006 to advise the government on conferred the rank of Senior Counsel i ncl ud i ng t h e I nterna t io na l the way forward for the stalled Telecommunications Union; UN (SC). constitution review process. Women; UN Habitat; UN FAO; the Prof. Kameri-Mbote serves on various Prof. Kameri-Mbote served as a UK Department for International national, regional and international Policy scholar at the Woodrow Development, the World Bank, the boards such as: the Global Council of Wilson International Center for United States Agency for International the Water and Sanitation Program Scholars in 2006. She is also an (WSP); the International Development Development, the United Nations external examiner to the Faculties of Law Organization (IDLO); Lewa Environment Programme (UNEP), the Law at the Universities of London, Wildlife Conservancy; Advocates United Nations Development Kent, Witwatersrand, Makerere; Coalition for Development and Programme (UNDP), the World Australian National University; Environment (ACODE-Uganda); and is Intellectual Property Organization Westminster; and Dar es Salaam. the Chair of the Advisory Board of (WIPO), the Norwegian Agency for She has served on the following Strathmore Law School (Strathmore Development Cooperation (NORAD) boards: Chair, Kenya School of Law University, Nairobi) whose preparation, and the Government of Kenya. Board and Chair, Water Services planning, initiation and launch she She has published widely in the areas Regulatory Board (WASREB); executed between 2009 and March of international law, environmental Member, the Council for Legal 2012. She is a member of the Kenya law, women's rights and property Education; the Kenya Copyright National Academy of Sciences; the rig h t s a n d p a r t ici p a t e d i n I n t e r n a t i o n a l Co m m i s s i o n o n Board; the Pell Centre for international, regional, national and Environmental Law (ICEL); and the International Relations, Salve local conferences. Patricia also UNEP Expert Group on Environment & Regina University, Rhode Island; the chaired the Kenya Nile Discourse Security. She also serves on the Arts & Humanities Research Board (AHRB) Research Centre for Law, Forum from 2003 to 2005. VF

www.uonbi.ac.ke 13 VarsityFocus Profile feature Guiding the nation in conservation and climate change

a b l e t o i d e n t i f y t h e highlighted. biodiversity policies of “It is my vision to see the results of this Kenya which truly reflect the study taken seriously so that Kenya can international biodiversity be an example worldwide in 100% conventions and their successful implementation of MEAs,” obligations and also their she states. strengths and weaknesses. At UoN, Dr. Shah teaches a variety of “The study is a real asset to units including Environmental Impact the many biodiversity Assessment, Environmental Audits, institutions namely, National Natural Resources Management, Environment Management Climate Change and Biodiversity, Map Authorit y, Ministr y of Interpretation and Aerial Photography, Environment, Water and Tourism and Biogeography. She also Natural Resources, Kenya super vises undergraduate and Wildlife Service (KWS), postgraduate students on various topics Kenya Forest Service and ranging from climate change to human- wildlife conflicts. Dr. Parita Shah the National Museums of Kenya as some of these institutions are Dr. Shah has written papers with senior r. Parita Shah strongly the lead agencies in implementing colleagues in various areas including conservation and heritage and also believes that women have these international conventions,” says participated in conferences where she intelligent brains and are Dr. Shah. D has presented papers on topics like competing equally with men in all For example the Convention on climate change, conservation of fields, and even doing better. International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna biodiversity and population, health and “Prof Wangari Maathai was one of the environment. first women to get a PhD in Africa and ( C I T ES ) , C o n v e n t i o n o n t h e Conservation of Migratory Species of “My vision is to help the country she actually set a rolling stone which Wild Animals (CMS) and the implement research recommendations other women like myself have C o n v e n t i o n o n We t l a n d s o f in areas of conservation and climate courageously followed. Her words and International Importance, especially as change,” she ends. VF actions have always encouraged and Wa t e r fo w l H a bi t a t ( R A MSA R motivated me to do my best,” she says. Convention), are under the docket of the In December 2016, Dr. Shah KWS for effective implementation. The Prof. Wangari Maathai’s completed her PhD in Biogeography at findings in the study also indicate the words and actions have the Department of Geography and strengths and weaknesses of our Environmental Studies, University of biodiversity institutions. Furthermore, the always encouraged and Nairobi. Her study analyzed the ex t e n t o f t h e i nvo lv e m e n t o f motivated me to do effectiveness of biodiversity Multilateral s t a ke h o l d e r s , e s p e ci a l l y t h e Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in communities and the role of MEAs my best Kenya. Through this study, she has been education to the communities, is well

14 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Profile feature Postharvest technologies ace R U F O R U M , conferences. She is a member of N A C O S T I several professional associations (NRF) among including the International Society of others. Horticultural Science (ISHS), American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS), N o t a b l e Horticultural Association of Kenya among these (HAK), and Kenya National Young m u l t i - Academy of Sciences (KNYAS). d i sci p l i n a r y She is a recipient of a number of r e s e a r c h prestigious fellowships including the projects are Norman Borlaug Fellowship, African those piloting Women in Agricultural Research and l o w - c o s t Development (AWARD); and Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund – ABCF. In technologies Dr. Jane Ambuko 2013-2014, Dr. Ambuko was for smallholder farmers in Kenya. appointed by the FAO-United Nation's Examples of the technologies include r. Jane Ambuko is a Senior Committee on Food Security to the High the 'Coolbot' Technology, a low-cost Lecturer in the Department of Level Panel of Experts (HLPE), the project DPlant Science and Crop cold storage alternative, and the zero team on 'Food Losses and Waste in the Protection, University of Nairobi. She energy brick cooler (ZEBC) which is a Context of Sustainable Food Systems' holds a BSc Agriculture and MSc simple evaporative cooling alternative (HLPE report #8). Horticulture from University of Nairobi for farmers in rural areas without Her most recent accomplishment was and a PhD in Agricultural Sciences electricity. convening the 1st All Africa Postharvest (Pomology and Postharvest Major) from After successful pilot studies to adapt Tsukuba University in Japan. Congress and Exhibition (2017), and validate these technologies, Dr. which received overwhelming support Dr Ambuko's area of specialization is Ambuko is working with development and funding from local and global Postharvest Science and Technology. partners such as the Rockefeller partners. The congress held at Safari She says that 30% of farm produce Foundation to scale up. Besides teaching and research, she is involved Park Hoitel created awareness about does not reach the table. Her current in outreach and capacity development research focus is adapting, validation the problem of high postharvest losses initiatives aimed at empowering and has set the agenda for addressing and promotion of posthar vest smallholder farmers especially on technologies and Innovations mainly postharvest management and market the problem in Kenya and Africa as a targeting smallholder practitioners in access. whole. VF agricultural value chains. In this regard, Dr. Ambuko has supervised and she has received funding for multi- mentored over 20 graduate students in disciplinary research from various different agricultural disciplines. She 30% of farm produce organizations including United States has authored/co-authored several does not reach the Agency for International Development papers in peer reviewed journals and actively disseminates research findings (USAID), Rockefeller Foundation, table in national and international

www.uonbi.ac.ke 15 VarsityFocus Profile feature Pushing engineering to new frontiers Dr. Mumenya has over 30 years of management of new schemes, site experience as an engineer and investigation, assessment of structural academician. This includes experience in soundness of old structures, renovations engineering designs for a wide range of and alternative design solutions for high-rise as well as low level structures and problematic sites. the associated civil and geotechnical A wealth of expertise has been acquired works. For a period of over 20 years, while attempting to offer solutions to structural engineering work has been problems which are unique to the building undertaken under employment in the industry such as; advising clients on cost public sector as well as in the capacity of effectiveness in project management as a consulting engineer. well as identification of critical paths The responsibilities have ranged from during project implementation. In the design and supervision of residential course of project administration and structural engineering consultancy work, buildings, commercial complexes, schools, the local authorities' by-laws have been religious institutions, water reservoirs and well understood. Dr. Siphila Mumenya basements. The civil engineering works Dr. Mumenya is currently the Chairperson have essentially been in design of roads, r. Siphila Mumenya holds a of the Department of Civil and Bachelor of Science in Civil car parks, and drainage as well as waste Construction Engineering. By being DEngineering from the University of water disposal systems. affiliated with an academic environment, Nairobi and master's degree in Structural For over 10 years, extensive consultancy experience in research and development Engineering with specialisation in work has been undertaken in liaison with has been acquired, which complements materials from the City University in reputable firms of architects and quantity the engineering challenges encountered London. She holds a PhD in Mechanical surveyors. The responsibilities have in the construction industry. VF Engineering from the University of Cape comprised of contract and project Town. UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI TOWERS

Performing Acts Theaters Lecture Theaters The Helipad

Engineering Laboratoriesoratories Serine Learning Environment For more details contact: The Office of the Vice-Chancellor Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Nairobi | P.O. Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi Tel: 020 - 3318262 Ext 28263 | 020 4913193 Email: [email protected]

16 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Conference UoN holds 3rd Nairobi Innovation Week The University of Nairobi held the 3rd The UoN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter successful and truly global event,” she said. Innovation Week 2017 from 6th to 10th Mbithi, said that since inception in 2015, She thanked H.E the President and the entire March, 2017, amid strong government the Nairobi Innovation Week has recorded government of Kenya for consistently commitment to continue supporting the significant results. “We have seen research supporting the University morally and University's annual event as a national products get launched, startups scale and materially. She was also grateful to all event. policy environment improve as a result of partners, sponsors and the UoN community The Cabinet Secretary, ICT, Mr. Joe this initiative,” he said. for the immense support they accorded Mucheru made the pledge when he The VC added, “As a University, we have Innovation Week. officially opened the Innovation Week on id en t i fi e d sp e ci fi c p roje c t s a nd March 8, 2017, at a highly attended The sponsors ceremony held at the University of Nairobi programmes that we are focusing on that The Nairobi Innovation Week 2017 strategic Towers. The event drew participants from a re a l ig n e d t o t h e S usta i n a b l e partner was UNICEF while the title sponsor partners in various sectors of the industry as Development Goals. We are revising was Barclays Bank of Kenya. The gold sponsor well as the government. curricula and launching new academic was KCB Group while Safaricom was silver In the key note address, the Cabinet programmes. We have also started sponsor. Secretary, commended UoN for the initiatives like the Bicycle Sharing initiative The Bronze sponsors included Konza consistency in hosting the event. Mr. to transform urban mobility and reduce the Technopolis, Kenya Revenue Authority , NIC Mucheru highlighted the initiatives by the over-reliance on motorized transport. We Bank, government to support innovation and have built new partnerships to enhance our entrepreneurship among the youth with Kenya Climate Change Innovation Centre, commercialization of research, among specific focus on the use of technology. University of Nairobi Enterprise services other initiatives.” “We have rolled out various programmes (UNES), University of Nairobi Alumni fraternity, targeting the development of the Kenyan Prof. Mbithi announced that the Nairobi Strathmore University, AALTO University from youth. For example, we have the 'Talent ni Innovation Week 2018 will be held from Finland and the Embassy of Finland, UBER, Kazi' whereby the government has set up March 5th to 9th, 2018. and National Research Foundation. music studios in different counties to support The UoN Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi The partners were the Ministry of Industry, upcoming young artists. The youth must be thanked all the partners and sponsors for Trade and Cooperatives; Ministry of ICT; encouraged to get into the innovators hub, supporting the University. Ministry of Education; ICT Authority; Embassy develop innovations and earn an income. I “I am extremely happy and humbled by your challenge the youth to have a job creating support through participation, mobilization of Israel; KENET; DEMO Africa; IBiz Africa; mentality instead of job searching,” said of resources, and generation of ideas that Metta; NIC Bank; Chase Bank; Samsung; the CS. have made the Nairobi Innovation week a IBM and Nation Media Group. VF

www.uonbi.ac.ke 17 VarsityFocus Conference Skills Hunt Summit 2017

Advancement, UoN, urged students to develop complex problem solving skills, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, active listening and communication skills. Mr. Kinyua noted that these skills are the most sought after by employers. It was clear from the summit that acquiring a degree is important, but developing special skills opens doors of o p p o r t u n i t ies. St u d e n t s we re encouraged to make an effort to develop their soft skills. In a keynote speech, Ms. Risper Mukoto, the Managing Director, Centum Business Solutions, cautioned students against 'get rich quick' schemes and guided them on the importance of working hard, discovering their Students follow proceedings during the Skills Hunt Summit in purpose in life and identifying a mentor Chandaria Auditorium, University of Nairobi Towers. or a coach who will continually challenge them. he University of Nairobi and 16-18, 2017 at the University of She encouraged students to engage in Accelevate Ltd, a talent search Nairobi. More than 250 companies sharing their knowledge with the world Tfirm committed to developing will be invited to exhibit “career by giving back to society, engaging in students' skills to meet the market needs, opportunities” and over 5,000 students internships and industrial attachments in co-hosted the Skills Hunt Summit 2017 from the University of Nairobi and other order to get the much needed at the University of Nairobi. universities and colleges will interact experience required by most employers. More than 500 students from all UoN with potential employers. Ms. Mukoto noted that the Centum colleges attended the Summit, which In his welcome remarks, Prof. Peter Graduate Programmed receives over was sponsored by the Centum Business Mbithi said the programmed was very 15,000 applications but only 15 Solutions of the Centum Group. timely and is in line with the University's candidates get the job because of their Ms. Viridiana Wasike, the Managing strategic vision of producing holistic special skills, character, attitude and Director of Accelevate Ltd, said the graduates who are better skilled and leadership potential. company chose the University of able to meet the global market needs. Other speakers at the summit were Dr. Vincent Gout, Strathmore University Nairobi to host this event because of its He noted that 'Graduate Skills (through Video), Prof. Ruth Nduati and leadership position in higher Enhancement' is one of the key pillars in Dr. Susanne Nabulindo from the UoN education. She urged UoN to take lead his 10-point Transformative Agenda. Medical School, Ms. Miriam Boit, in this process and partner with all other The Vice Chancellor urged more Britam Assets Management, Dr. June Universities and Industry partners in industry partners and alumni to join Madete, African Biotechnology matching UoN graduates' skills with hands with the University in mentoring Engineering Consortium, Mr. Paul industry needs. students on leadership in order to make Onditi, ArtLab Africa, Ms. Catherine Ms. Wasike said the Skills Hunt Summit them marketable and relevant in this Wamwangi, Robert Bosch East Africa initiative is expected to culminate into globalized, highly competitive and very (Germany) and Pastor Charles another event dubbed “Skills Hunt dynamic world. Okereafor from In His Presence Bible Mega Expo” to be held in November Mr. Johnson Kinyua, Director, University School. VF

18 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Conference UoN hosts 1st All Africa Postharvest Congress

10 innovations. The ten finalists pitched for their innovations during a special s e s s i o n o f t h e congress and were awarded a cash prize amounting to USD 35,000. The congress was officially opened by t h e C a b i n e t S e c r e t a r y f o r Agriculture Mr. Willy B e t t , w h o Mr. Willy Bett, Cabinet Secretary Agriculture addressing participants represented Deputy during the All Africa Postharvest Congress. President William Ruto. In a speech read he Universit y of Nairobi South America, North America, Russia, on his behalf by the Cabinet Secretary, organized the 1st All Africa Asia, Middle East, and Europe. The Mr. Ruto congratulated the University of TPosthar vest Congress and delegates were drawn from diverse Nairobi for accepting the task of hosting Exhibition, which took place at the sectors including researchers, the inaugural event. He pledged the full Safari Park Hotel from 28th to 31st a c a d e m i c s , e n t r e p r e n e u r s , support of the government for such noble March, 2017. The congress was farmers/farmer organizations, initiatives. organized in partnership with a development agencies, civil society and The University of Nairobi's Vice Chancellor consortium of universities, research and policy makers. The congress sessions Prof. Peter Mbithi congratulated the organizing development organizations, the provided a platform for the delegates to committee led by Dr. Jane Ambuko for Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and learn, share information and build reaching out to the diverse stakeholders and Fisheries and the World Food strategic partnerships with the overall partners who make the congress a reality. Preservation Center (WFPC). objective of identifying effective He reiterated the importance of partnership interventions to reduce food loss waste on among the diverse stakeholders in finding The aim of the Congress, whose theme the continent. problems facing humanity. The Vice was “Reducing Food Losses and Waste: More than 50 exhibitors from all over the Chancellor pledged the University's support Sustainable Solutions for Africa”, was to world show-cased innovations and for such initiatives and hoped that the contribute to the global agenda of technologies that can be applied to reduce congress would provide a clear way reducing postharvest food loss and postharvest losses in various food value forward to address food losses in Africa. waste. It is estimated that 30 per cent or chains. The congress also featured the Dr. Ambuko thanked the Vice Chancellor 1.3 billion metric tonnes of food Postharvest Technologies Challenge (PTC) and the University Management for produced for human consumption is lost which sought to identify and document accepting to host the congress and for the or wasted along various supply chains. hitherto unknown technologies and unwavering support throughout the innovations that can be used to address planning process. She also thanked her The Congress brought together over postharvest challenges in various food value team for their concerted efforts and support 600 participants from all over the world chains. The entries were screened by experts that turned what started off as a dream representing 40 countries from Africa, through a process which identified the top into a resounding success. VF

www.uonbi.ac.ke 19 VarsityFocus Community Elimika project impacts communities in 5 counties

he Construction of Knowledge Irungu, commended the Elimika team for guided the baseline studies; baseline Societies- Elimika project has identifying the research gaps which studies in the five counties; a training Trecorded significant impact in would form a basis for further research. manual in both English and Kiswahili, empowering communities in five counties “The Elimika project has demonstrated and several pamphlets on governance by equipping them with knowledge on that the goal of high quality research and devolution, philanthropy, leadership pertinent issues as enshrined in the underpinning knowledge creation and and integrity, and Bill of Rights; and an Constitution of Kenya, 2010. technology transfer at the county level is edited volume drawing from the findings In a report presented to the stakeholders within our reach. The University of during the validation workshop held at Nairobi is a research intensive university that was being finalized at the time of this the University of Nairobi on March 9, with a reputation for excellence and a evaluation. 2017, it emerged that the project had strong and vibrant research culture. It is The project has awarded five partial achieved several results in the five target our objective to ensure that our research, scholarships, including one to a PhD counties (Nairobi, Kwale, Turkana, across all disciplines remains relevant by student and four internship opportunities. Homa Bay and Makueni). positively impacting the community and Elimika is being implemented by UoN's While officially opening the workshop, the region,” said Prof Irungu. UNESCO/UNIT WIN Chair in the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbithi The Elimika lead consultant and the UoN partnership with Ford Foundation, K-Rep said the Elimika project was an important UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, Prof. Judith Development Agency, United States Bahemuka, said the baselines yielded link between the University of Nairobi International University (USIU), the important information on areas of priority and the communities where the project Ministry of Education, Science and and gaps in each of the counties. was being implemented. Technology, Ministry of Devolution and “The shifting of the learning space from “This knowledge is an important resource Planning, Ministr y of Health, university lecture theatres and seminar for researchers, the county governments Commission for the Implementation of the rooms to local communities is a as well as other policy actors in the five Constitution (CIC), Ethics and Anti- significant step in bridging the divide that counties,” she said. Prof. Bahemuka has traditionally characterized the thanked FORD Foundation for supporting Corruption Commission (EACC), relationship between the university and this innitiative. Commission on Revenue Authority (CRA) ordinary citizens,” he said. Elimika has generated several and the county governments of Makueni, The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, knowledge products including: a Kwale, Turkana, Homa Bay and Production and Extension, Prof. Lucy comprehensive literature review that Nairobi. VF

Prof. Peter Mbithi, Vice-Chancellor University of Nairobi confers with UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair, Prof. Judith Bahemuka Extreem left), during the validation workshop held at the University of Nairobi. Others present where from left , Maurice McOloo, Ford Foundation and Prof Lucy Irungu, DVC (RPE).

20 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Scholarship 24 students receive Mitsubishi Corporation and DAAD scholarships as Rotary Club comes on board scholarship various sectors of the Republic of Kenya,” presentation said the VC in a speech read by Deputy ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs Prof V i c e - Henry Mutoro, who represented him at Chancellor the occasion.. Prof. Peter The VC noted that the German studies Mbithi and programme has become attractive to M i t s u bi s h i many young African scholars. He Corporation attributed this to the thematic areas G e n e r a l covered, and the competent teaching M a n a g e r staff in the Department of Linguistics and Ichiro Sugane Languages. The thematic areas include pledged to linguistics, literature, didactics and translation. c o n t i n u e suppor ting The Cultural Attaché, German Embassy, The Cultural Attaché, German Embassy, Mr. Uwe Koppel (Left), bright and Mr. Uwe Koppel, congratulated the during the awards ceremony as Prof. Henry Mutoro DVC AA looks on scholarship recipients and urged them to (Right). n e e d y work hard in their studies. He highlighted students from he Mitsubishi Corporation and the importance of learning a foreign the University of Nairobi. DAAD have awarded scholarships language and the opportunities that Tto 24 University of Nairobi students Speaking on behalf of the Vice- come with it. while the Rotary Club of Kenya has Chancellor, the Deputy Vice- Chancellor, The DAAD Regional Director, Dr. Helmut entered into a partnership with the Academic Affairs, Prof. Henry Mutoro, Blumbach, on his part commended the University to offer scholarships to bright thanked Mitsubishi Corporation for the students on their achievements and called but financially needy undergraduate continuous support the company has on others to take advantage of the many students at the Schools of Business, extended to the University. He said the opportunities presented to them. Economics, Law and Computer Science. corporation has been supporting 14 The University of Nairobi has been Fourteen students were awarded the students annually in the last decade. hosting the DAAD funded German Mitsubishi scholarships through its annual UoN's Corporate Affairs Director, Mr. Masters programme in the Department of Mitsubishi Corporation International Linguistics and Lanuages since 1994. John Orindi, requested Mitsubishi to Scholarships Programme while DAAD support other university activities such as Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Nairobi gave 10 scholarships to students drawn (RCN) has unveiled a KES 2M annual from various African countries pursuing research and innovation. He appealed to the corporation to provide coaching and scholarship programme at the UoN their masters degrees in German studies targeting disadvantaged students in the mentorship to engineering students and in the Department of Linguistics and School of Business, Economics and Law. Languages. extra curriculum activities. The scholarships are part of the Rotary The Mitsubishi awards were given to During the DAAD scholarships award Club's community service project whose selected students, drawn from the ceremony on a separate occasion, Vice- a i m i s t o s u p p o r t fi n a n c i a l l y Depar tment of Geography and Chancellor Prof Peter Mbithi thanked the disadvantaged students at UoN to be Environmental Studies and the School of Federal Republic of Germany and DAAD developed in partnership with the RCN in a long-term recurrent programme. Biological Sciences (Bsc degree in for the continued cooperation in diverse Environmental Conservation and Natural fields. The minimum criteria for applicants is that Resources Management). The students they must be registered needy students at “We are indeed grateful for the continued come from needy backgrounds but have the University, with an excellent academic support that the German government has recorded excellent performance in their record, individuals of impeccable respective courses. given us in training members of the character, and non-beneficiaries of any academic staff in various fields and also other scholarship in the previous Speaking during the Mitsubishi for training other professionals working in academic year. VF

www.uonbi.ac.ke 21 Pictorial

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1. ICT Cabinet Secretary, Joe Mucheru looks into the microscope during the Naiorbi Innovation Week. Looking on is Prof. Peter Mbithi, Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi and one of the exhibitors.

2. Trevor Ombija, NTV , News Anchor, with his fans, during the University of Nairobi Open Day. Nation Media Group was the official media partner during the event.

3. Diamond Platinumz, Tanzania's top rated musician entertains students at the Chandaria Auditorium, University of Nairobi Towers on the final day of the Open Day.

22 www.uonbi.ac.ke 2 3

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4. University of Nairobi Basket Ball Team ' Terrorists' play against Strathmore University during Inter University Spoprts Day.

5. Nation Leadership Forum , audience listen as opinion leaders discuss nation issues relating to food security, famine and climate change at the University of Nairobi's Chandaria auditorium.

6. Chief Justice, David Maraga, unveils the University of Nairobi Law Alumni Chapter. The launch was at the Chandaria Auditorium.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 23 VarsityFocus Infrastructure UoN Towers completed

he iconic University of Nairobi Towers, which was officially Thanded over by the contractor China Wu Yi to the University of Nairobi Management in November 2016, is now occupied. A key Kenya Vision 2030 project of the University, the building was completed on schedule and within the budget at a cost of 2.3 billion. The University Council has applauded the contractor, China Wu Yi and the lead architects, Waweru a n d A s so cia t es, fo r completing the job within the set timelines. The Tower was fully financed by internally generated resources without external support or loan. The University of Nairobi Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi, thanked the contractor for a job well done. He hence the concept of 'green building'. There also several seminar and also thanked the Council for their The Tower hosts the Graduate School, conference rooms to facilitate the continued support over the years, School of Business, School of University core business of teaching and pointing out that the University Council Engineering, and Confucius Institute learning and also provide the had been very supportive of University endeavours to improve infrastructure together with the members of the opportunity to generate more revenue. and academic quality. University Management, University The building has a helipad which has The construction of the building took Council and Senate who take up the been gazetted as Aerodrome class D. It three years, the ground breaking upper floors. boasts of state of the art ICT services having been done on June, 17, 2013. The building has space for a restaurant and and firefighting equipment. The project was successful courtesy of also houses an ultramodern auditorium several teams that worked tirelessly to The University of Nairobi Towers is one of see it through. Key among them being with a capacity of 600 at the Chandaria the infrastructural projects recently quantity surveyors, electrical engineers, Centre for Performing Arts on Level six. The undertaken by the University and is structural engineers, among others. The Theatre is expected to support UoN's expected to further smoothen the business building holds a student population of competitiveness in hosting high profile of teaching, learning and conducting 3,500 and is 89m high. conferences and also promote the research. The University of Nairobi Towers has a development of performance arts by giving The University Vice-Chancellor has appointed a team to develop a concept 24 hour security surveillance system. the youths the opportunity and space to for marketing the facility with a view to The structure also boasts of a water actualize their talents and promote the rich taking advantage of the increased recycling system. It uses solar energy and cultural diversity of Kenya. interest in conference tourism in Kenya.VF

24 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Excellence UoN scoops top awards at EYA 2017 he University of Nairobi (UoN) government of Kenya. The government Following its flagship innovation has been named this year’s has put in place measures to ensure that project, Nairobi Innovation Week, the Twinner in the Inclusiveness and the youth, women and persons living University was recognized under the Diversity category at the Employer of with disabilities are given fair treatment category, ‘Innovation and Productivity’. the Year Awards (EYA). in distribution of tenders and in The Employer of the Year Awards is an At the ceremony which was held on employment opportunities. initiative by the Federation of Kenya May 19, 2017, UoN was also As far as governance and leadership Employers (FKE). It is aimed at crowned the 1st runner’s up in the category is concerned, the University promoting and encouraging best Innovation and Productivity category was not left behind as its leadership practices in Corporate Performance, and 2nd runners up in Leadership and were recognized for the good work and People Management and Industrial Governance, 2nd runners up, rewarded. Other companies that were Relations among employers in Kenya. Corporate Performance and 2nd recognized in this category include This was the first annual Employer of the runners up in the overall Employer of the Centum Investment and BAT. Year Awards gala which publicly Year category. Speaking during the awards ceremony, honoured employers implementing best UoN was recognized for her FKE Executive Director, Jacqueline practices in the areas reviewed. inclusiveness and diversity in the Mugo said that Employer of the Year The initiative is in a bid to raise and workplace. The University as an Awards, (EYA), will each year sustain productivity, enterprise opportunity employer has recruited recognize and fete ‘organizations that performance and responsibility. persons from all the ethnic groups in place people at the core of their Employer of the Year Awards attracted Kenya. The University has a policy that businesses and have implemented 128 organizations. Out of these 78 caters for employment of persons with policies, systems and processes that were shortlisted for site visits. The overall disability. This is partly a requirement of create and sustain productivity along winners performed well relatively in all the performance contract by the with industrial peace and harmony.’ the eight thematic areas. These areas are: Leadership and Governance; Corporate Performance; Innovation and Productivity; Responsive Business Conduct; Inclusiveness and D i v e r s i t y ; L e a r n i n g a n d D e v e l o p m e n t ; Wo r k p l a c e Environment and Effective Human Resource Practices and Industrial Relations. VF

The University as equal an opportunity employer has recruited persons from all the ethnic groups in Kenya The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi (3rd Left), flanked by senior University Managers, - Prof. Peter Mbithi receives trophies from FKE Executive Director, Mrs. Jacqeline Mugo (3rd Right)

www.uonbi.ac.ke 25 VarsityFocus Excellence UoN leads in Webometrics and Digital Repository Rankings he University of Nairobi was ranked position 8 in Africa and T775 in the world in recent Webometrics Ranking while the University's Digital Repository is top in the region according to the latest Ranking Web of Repositories. The Webometrics ranking confirms ranked position two in the East Africa worldwide view, the UoN repository UoN as the kingpin among East African region. Harvard University was first in recorded excellent performance in the and Kenyan universities. The University the world ranking, while South Africa's different parameters. It emerged of Nairobi was ranked position 11 University of Cape Town led in Africa. number 22 in the size parameter which worldwide in the presence parameter. The Webometrics Ranking is the highest looks at the total number of pages Presence is the number of pages of the academic ranking of higher education provided, including all the rich files, like main web domain of the institution. On institutions and is aimed at promoting those in pdf format. In the scholar and the visibility parameter, which is the academic web presence and rich files parameters, the University was number of external networks originating supporting the Open Access initiatives ranked position 37 and 460 backlinks to the institutions web pages, for increasing significantly the transfer of respectively. UoN is position 785. scientific and cultural knowledge The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Peter Mbithi According to the transparency or generated by the university to the whole congratulated the University of Nairobi openness parameter which reflects the society. staff and students for the excellent number of citations from top authors th In the 20 edition of Digital Repository performance in the ranking. according to the source, the University ranking, the University of Nairobi was “The University's performance in the was ranked number 910. In the ranked 4th out of 74 other universities in competitive ranking of web repositories excellence or scholar parameter which Africa. Globally, the University was is a clear indication of the University's reflects the number of papers amongst ranked position 214 out of over academic and research growing the top 10% most cited in 26 2,300 universities. portfolio,” he said. disciplines, UoN recorded a significant In Africa, the University of Pretoria The aim of this ranking is to support improvement to position 1,513. The Repository was ranked best, followed Open Access initiatives and therefore ranking covered more than 24,000 by Stellenbosch University and the the free access to scientific publications h ig h e r e d u c a t i o n i n s t i t u t i o n s University of South Africa. In Kenya, in an electronic form and to other worldwide. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture academic material. The web indicators In Kenya, Moi University and Egerton and Technology and Mt. Kenya are used here to measure the global University took position two and three University were ranked positions two visibility and impact of the scientific respectively after recording an and three respectively. repositories. VF improvement in their overall web According to the results, from a ranking. Makerere University was

26 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Development increased its popularity. ODeL Campus to The availability of highly trained staff, a expand programmes robust ICT infrastructure, content availability, a strong university brand and pen, Distance and Electronic and Masters in Early Childhood long experience in ODeL are among the Education. A student applies through Learning (ODeL) Campus strengths of this campus. the online application module at was established in 2015 at O application.uonbi.ac.ke The University of Nairobi has been the University of Nairobi. The campus offering Open and Distance Learning streamlines the use of modern The campus has 12 learner support programmes since the 1960s and e- technologies in teaching and learning centres all over the country. The support learning delivery since 2001. The at the University. centres are used as the examination University has experienced staff in centres. They have library services, teaching and learning and management The focus of the campus is on mobile internet connectivity, tutorials, helpdesk of ODeL systems. learning, both online and offline. A and online learner support. The centres student can access education from are situated in Mombasa, garissa, The main objective of the Campus is to anywhere and at anytime using a smart Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu, enable the University provide enhanced device. Education is based on cloud Kisii, Eldoret, Kitale, Kakamega and access to quality education and training computing and backed by print. Kitui. to students from Kenya and all over the ODeL Campus has plans of launching ODeL is recognized as a mode of world who meet the minimum admission 15 online undergraduate and delivery by Commission of University requirements for specific undergraduate p o s t g ra d u a t e c o u r s e s i n t h e and postgraduate courses through use of 2017/2018 academic year besides Education (CUE) and is also accepted modern instructional content delivery the Masters in Project planning that is and recognized by employers as an fully online. These include Bachelor of alternative means for providing quality techniques, skilled personnel and Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Arts education. effective learner support services. The (BA), Masters in Business Administration specific mandate of the campus is to Its flexible mode of delivery, with many (MBA), Masters in Climate Change, support, guide, and facilitate the use of opting to study this way in local and Masters in Christian Religious Studies, open learning, distance education, e- foreign universities due to access and Bachelor of Science (Bsc), Bachelor of learning, blended learning, mobile convenience of the programmes, has Education (B.Ed), Masters in Education learning and short lifelong courses. The UoN's ODeL campus mission is to enable access to quality education and training through robust, integrated and scalable technology platforms, skilled personnel and effective learner support services. Its vision: to be a world class hub for open, distance and e-learning. VF

A student can access education from anywhere and at anytime using a High school students visit one of the University stands during the smart device 2017 Open Day at the University grounds, Main Campus.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 27 VarsityFocus Development University establishes Graduate School n line with the University of Nairobi expansion. Board with representatives from Senate, becoming a world class university it The local environment has also all colleges and external stakeholders Ihas established Graduate School changed dramatically, more so with the provide policy direction to the school. (GS), replacing the former Board of establishment of the Commission for The Graduate School is highly Postgraduate Studies. The GS has an University Education (CUE) in Kenya endowed with a diversity of graduate expanded mandate which includes which put in place stringent academic programmes. It is expected to play a formulation and review of policy standards. Among these requirements is pivotal role in national development by framework, admission of graduate to introduce course work in doctoral training more doctoral graduates and students, coordination of graduate programmes, to increase international mentoring of other institution learning at syllabi and regulations, sourcing and graduate students and the ratio of postgraduate level. The school will administration of scholarships and graduate students to 25% of the total foster mutual linkages and partnerships research grants and ensuring general student population in line with the with various key stakeholders in the welfare of graduate students. international standards. The Strategic promotion of research and mobilization The Strategic Plan for the Graduate Plan set in motion the transformation of School was approved in May 2015 at of resources for scholarships. the Board of Postgraduate Studies into a a time when the University of Nairobi Varsity Focus wishes the Graduate Graduate School, in line with global had upscaled its quest to world-class School well as it charts its way within best practices, to match the increasing status as a centre of excellence in the revitalized mandate. VF research. There was therefore need to need for graduate training and research. The operationalization of the enhance the capacity of the Board of The University of Nairobi Postgraduate Studies to enable the Graduate School came to effect in University realize its vision. Over time, February 2017 with the appointment of Graduate School is a Leading the University of Nairobi has recorded Prof. Lydia Njenga as the Director and Centre of Excellence in a significant increase in the number of Prof. Charles Mulei, Deputy Director Graduate Studies graduate students, which called for (Academic) and Prof. Lawrence and Research expansion of the human and Ikamari, Deputy Director (Admissions) - Prof Lydia Njenga, infrastructural capacity to cope with this respectively. .A Graduate School Director, Graduate School

A prospective student being served at the reception of the new Graduate School, located at the UoN Towers, level 13

28 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Graduation A record 8,500 Graduate at the 56th ceremony

every challenge with a measure of as an epic journey. I sincerely thank the enthusiasm, positive attitude and an Government for according me the undying spirit. Your crowning moment is opportunity to serve my country and my at hand and I am humbled to be with you alma mater. I am also grateful for the on this happy occasion,” she said. support I have received from my fellow The Chancellor also paid glowing council members, the university tributes to Dr. Idle Farah on completion of management, senate, staff and students,” his tour of duty as the Chairman of the he said. University of Nairobi Council. She Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi thanked him for his distinguished and congratulated the graduands and urged dedicated service to the University. t h e m t o b e U o N ' s g o o d w i l l “While Dr. Idle's time at the helm of the ambassadors as they pursue their Council has been marked by huge careers. Prof. Mbithi also celebrated the members of staff who have been challenges, he and his team of wise men involved in high profile research, and women did not fall short whenever ore than 8,500 graduands negotiating beneficial memoranda with able stewardship was required,” she were conferred with degrees various institutions and development said. and awarded diplomas at the partners, locally and abroad. He said Mth Dr Rattansi further observed: “I challenge that through their efforts, the University 56 University of Nairobi's graduation you to pen your memoirs of this phase of nd has continued to improve research and ceremony held on 2 December , your life and enrich the body of university ac ad em ic qua l i t y, playi ng a n 2016. governance. We wish you only the very increasingly more relevant role in A record 56 PhDs, 2477 masters best as you transit from the university to providing sustainable development degrees, 5177 bachelors' degrees, 49 your next station.” postgraduate diplomas, 143 ordinary solutions for Kenya and the global Dr. Farah applauded the graduands on community. diplomas and 2 fellowship awards were their achievements. He appealed to The Vice-Chancellor thanked the University presented. them to always keep time and always be Council for providing the policy The ceremony, which drew graduands committed to their goals. He confirmed mainly from the College of Health that the 56th graduation ceremony framework, strategic direction and Sciences and the College of Humanities marked the end of his term, having stewardship. He also hailed the and Social Sciences, was presided over served on the University of Nairobi Government of Kenya, through the by the Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi Council for 12 years. His term ended on Ministry of Education, for relentless strong while the Cabinet Secretary for Fe b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 f o l l o wi n g h i s support and guidance to the University Education, Dr. Fred Matiang'i, was the appointment as chairman in February and its leadership. He appreciated the chief guest. 2013. faculty and staff for serving the University During the ceremony, Dr. Matiang'i “It is 12 years that can only be described diligently. VF challenged universities to streamline their systems of operation. The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of good record keeping curbing against missing or lost students' examinations marks. He said the Education ministry was reviewing ways of improving the quality of programmes offered in the universities and challenged universities to uphold the integrity of the examinations processes. Dr. Rattansi celebrated the great achievements of the graduands. “The road, no doubt, has been long and wearying but most of our graduands met University of Nairobi graduands during the 56th Graduation Ceremony at the Chancellor Court.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 29 VarsityFocus Excellence One-on-one with Valedictorian 2016, Sakina Shabbir

Tell us briefly about yourself opportunity to study at The (your name, age, degree University of Nairobi. Right course) from the Deans, to the My n a m e i s S a k i n a S h a b b i r lecturers to the students and Mohamedali, Registration number learning material and to the D33/31514/2014, 23 years old. I administrative staff, I believe pursued the course BCOM (first class UON is endowed with best honours) majoring in Finance at the of best. University of Nairobi in 2016. Highlight some of the Why did you choose the course challenges you faced Sakina Shabbir Mohamedali, you pursued at UON? while at UON? Valedictorian 2016 Well as said, we explore our strengths While studying at UON Mombasa in high school, mine was Business campus, one of the challenges I faced intend to commence with MBA Studies. I found my true passion in that was limited copies of some of the hopefully in September this year. field of study, hence chose to pursue books and reading material in the Bcom at UON. library. However, the issue was What is your advice to other Why BCOM? It's a wide coverage of addressed in a short while when they students? all aspects in the field of study. opened a new library at the campus. My advice mostly goes to girl child out Why UON? Just one word, It's The My! One of the finest libraries I have there, brace yourselves and don't let best! ever been to. Its where I found the drive anyone dull your spark. Study as hard to work and study harder. as you can, dream as bigger as you How did you achieve the feat of can and achieve as much as you can. valedictorian? How can these challenges be “One child, one teacher, one book, A dream doesn't become reality addressed? one pen can change the world”, through magic, it takes sweat, I believe nothing good comes without Malala Yousafzai. determination and hard work. facing challenges. And as its said it According to me, that should basically takes two to tango, The University Any last word? sum up the success to achieving even should increase its resources supply in To all you hardworking and high- the impossible. terms of books and learning material spirited students, always believe in the Honestly, I had never imagined of while the students should take greater saying that the sky is the limit. You can achieving such a prestigious title, I responsibility in taking good care of achieve anything and everything as aimed for a first class honours, being those materials and returning the long as you want to, nothing can stop the top surely was a cherry on the cake. books in time for everyone to benefit. you, after all Where there is a will, My God, my parents and lecturers and there's a way. my loved ones have played a major What have you been up to since I would Like to conclude with a quote by role in helping me achieve this great graduation? the famous American poet, Walt honour. I am currently working with ACE group Whitman, "Keep your face always of companies where I have been able towards the sunshine and the shadows What are your major highlights to exploit my skills and knowledge will fall behind you" VF of studying at UON? obtained through my journey at UON. I consider myself lucky to have had the I am pursuing CPA (section three) and

30 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Excellence University performs well in Commission for University Education assessment

etween January 23 and February programmes at all levels and others related to research, staff 3, 2017, the Commission for postgraduate diploma programmes, appointments, various awards and others BUniversity Education (CUE) with emphasis on minimum to confirm our conformance with conducted a quality audit inspection of admission requirements, students regulations and guidelines. progression and credit transfer all public and private universities and Following the quality audit, the university colleges authorized to operate system for the last 5 academic years; Commission in its report noted that UoN in Kenya. ● Quality and integrity of examinations, adhered to the provisions set out in the The purpose of the inspection was to dissertations and research projects; Universities Acts, 2012, 2014, establish the extent to which universities delays in release of transcripts and missing marks; were complying with the Universities Act Universities Standards and Guidelines ● Certification process, including No. 42 of 2012, the Universities 2014 and the Harmonized Criteria and p ro c e d u re f o r p ro c e s s i n g (Amendment) Act, 2016, the Universities Guidelines for appointment and certificates; Regulations 2014 and the Universities promotion of academic staff. ● Award of degrees, with evidence of Standards and Guidelines, 2014. adherence to minimum standards The Commission also identified a few CUE is the body solely mandated by on instruction hours and workload; areas of improvement which, once Government to assure the public and ● Award of honorary degrees (Honoris implemented, will enhance the quality of stakeholders that education offered in Causa) as per University Standards education in the University. The University universities and university colleges in and Guidelines; was also advised to enhance its internal Kenya is of good quality, accessible, ● Appointment and promotion of quality assurance mechanisms to better affordable, equitable and relevant. ac ad em ic sta f f, b ase d o n deliver and even exceed the desired The regulatory body audited a total of qualifications and merit. quality for university education. 70 public and private universities and During the audit exercise, the CUE team The University through Senate and other university colleges, with the University of met members of the University th th key organs is in the process of Nairobi being audited on 24 and 25 Management, Senate, teaching staff and implementing the CUE recommendations January, 2017. students' representatives. They also Among others, the focus of the Quality with a view to enhancing quality in the reviewed several documents to ascertain Audit was on the following key areas: the status of University programmes and core business of teaching, learning and ●· Student enrolments into degree research. VF

Members of the University Executive Board having a session with the Quality Inspection Audit team in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 31 VarsityFocus Discourse Dons challenged to publish, practices. He was speaking at the stakeholders' breakfast forum organized patent and prosper by the University of Nairobi to discuss the establishment of a modern enyan businessman Chris Kirubi research findings, work closely with the Graduate School of Business. has challenged university dons industry and also shape government Kirubi further urged dons to collaborate Kto publish, patent their research and public policies,” he said. more with the industry to produce work and prosper. The industrialist advised universities to quality graduates who are experienced “Universities such as Harvard are use agility and virtual principles to to face the job market. “Most successful because they pioneer deliver results, avoid reinventing the graduates lack practical experience research, publish authentic and relevant wheel and borrow from the best forcing companies to spend huge sums

Mr. Chris Kirubi (right) with the University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi and Prof. Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Student Affairs of money on training new employees. said. He reveled that to enhance its Various organizations such as Universities should define the needs of contribution to society, the University Safaricom Limited, Cooperative Bank, industry and not respond to the market i n t e n d s t o l a u n c h E x e c u t i v e Equity Bank, Barclays Bank, IBM, Kenya needs,” Kirubi advised. Development Programmes targeting Revenue Authority, and Kenya Power The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi managers in government, business and were represented. said the march towards world class industry, not forgetting international The University will enhance its digital status had started in earnest by the clients. The executive programmes will learning platforms as it seeks to tap into establishment of the graduate school. be housed in the University of Nairobi international students' market. The “Times have changed and the market Towers. Graduate School of Business will demands of the 21st century require us Stakeholders at the meeting expressed engage industry experts in fine-tuning to re-engineer our programmes so as to willingness to work together with the the various programs and in the work in close partnership with the University in establishing the best establishment of the endowment chairs.VF industry and support each other,” he graduate school in the continent.

32 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Welfare Universities conclude negotiations with staff unions for 2013 – 2017 CBAs

staff) c) Leave Travelling Allowance (once per year) d) Transfer Allowance e) Clinical Allowance (relevant cadres) f) R i s k A l l o w a n c e (relevant cadres) g) Hardship Allowance h) Optical Allowance i) Dental Allowance j) Daily Subsistence Prof. Francis Aduol, Chairman Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, shakes hands with Dr. Charles Mukhwaya, KUSU Secretary General, after signing the Union CBA for 2013-2017 Allowance k) Medical In-patient top up enya's public universities have implementation. The pay outs are Typically, allowances and other now completed negotiations supposed to be done on or before June benefits negotiated through internal Kand signed the staff Collective 30, 2017. CBAs (by Union Local Chapters) differ Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for the The IPUCCF and the three staff unions from University to University, since they period 2013 – 2017. are now expected to commence are dictated by the University's The Inter-Public Universities Councils negotiations for the CBA's covering July operating environment and are paid Consultative Forum of the Federation of 1, 2017 to June 30, 2021 since from internally sourced funds. Kenya Employers (IPUCCF) finalized Government has advised that a CBA Following the signing of the UoN negotiations for new Salaries and cycle takes 4 years. In essence, the internal CBAs, the due allowances House Allowances with the Universities benefit of the 2013 – 2017 CBAs will were effected and backdated Academic Staff Union (covering all be paid lump sum, in arrears, as the accordingly. teaching staff), Kenya Universities Staff period covered has virtually elapsed. In a related development, the Salaries Union (covering non-teaching staff in The benefits negotiated with the and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Grades 5 – 15) and KUDHEIHA IPUCCF, which is a forum of University through Price Waterhouse Coopers Workers (grade 1-4) for the period July Councils chairmen from all public (PWC) undertook a Job Evaluation 1, 2013 to June 2017. universities – incorporating their Vice Exercise for all jobs in the University The Government had offered Ksh. 10 Chancellors - apply equally in all public between February 13 and March 17, billion to finance the CBAs, which after universities. 2017. The evaluation is meant to computations, translate to an average Meanwhile, earlier on in February, total increment of 16 -19% for salary, 2016 the University of Nairobi Council determine the relative worth of jobs, depending on one's union and current and the three staff unions had finalized harmonize the job grading structure salary point. Staff will also get a house negotiations and signed internal CBAs and produce a salary survey. The job allowance increment of 3.9% from their covering the period 2013- 2017. The evaluation exercise was covering the current (pre July 2013) levels. There is internal CBAs cover the following key whole public sector in Kenya, and its currently a Joint Implementation benefits: report for various sub-sectors is keenly Committee of IPUCCF and the Unions a) House to Office Allowance awaited. VF in place working on the final figures (“Mguu” allowance) a n d m o d a l i t i e s o f t h e C B A b) Book Allowance (for teaching

www.uonbi.ac.ke 33 VarsityFocus Development Finance Department automates systems to enhance service delivery

he University Finance Department accommodation in order to event of default the system is is the central unit charged with the negotiate for competitive rates integrated with the payroll system Tresponsibility of implementing and reduce on agency fees; to facilitate automatic recovery. sound financial controls, effective 3. Centralized purchase of stationery, 3. Research Grants Management management of the University's financial cleaning and electrical materials Information System that captures to take advantage of bulk all Research MOUs and budgets resources and offers professional purchase discounts and enhance and also enables the researcher to guidance on financial matters. accountability. track other financial information The management of the University's In order to enhance service delivery to relating to the project. financial resources is regulated by the both internal and external customers, the 4. Motor Vehicle Track System to track Constitution of Kenya 2010, the Public Finance Department has come up with the the movement of all University Finance Management Act 2012, the following service delivery innovations: Motor Vehicles to ensure proper Public Audit Act 2009, the State 1. A tracking system that enables usage of fuel c a rd s t hus Corporations Act (Cap.446), the tracking of documents within minimizing the fuel costs. Universities Act 2012 and the University departments in the University. This 5. Mobile Money Transfers (M-pesa of Nairobi Charter and statutes. systems analyses documents Transaction) which has eliminated In line with the foregoing, the University is t u r n a ro u n d t i m e, n o t i fi e s crowds along the corridors in required to respond to and comply with its document owner of document finance department. own financial regulations that guide day- status, reminds section of pending The department is in the process of to-day financial management. The tasks as well as improving automating all the University's fixed Finance Department also ensures timely traceability of document current assets, an exercise that is expected to be preparation and submission of relevant location. finalized by the end of June 2017.The financial reports to the government. 2 . A d v a n c e M a n a g e m e n t Asset Management System will track the The University's main sources of income Accounting System that constantly cost of the assets, how they are includes recurrent and development reminds the advance holder the maintained, and depreciation levels and grants from The National Treasury, tuition due date of accounting and in the how they can be disposed. VF fees from module I and module II students, research grants, accommodation and catering fees, donations and proceeds from income generating activities. In order to improve revenue generation and contain costs, the finance department took over the Management of the University of Nairobi Business Centre, formally known as Central Stores. The Business Centre is in charge of following operations. 1. The production of Royal Satima mineral water for distribution to internal and external customers; 2. Centralized air travel and hotel Finance Office customer care centre.

34 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus UoN team to develop National Master Plan for Science and Technology Parks he University of Nairobi, through Ngau, the project team leader. the company had worked with various University of Nairobi Enterprises “To this end, UoN/UNES partnered with governments in preparing science and TServices (UNES), was awarded a Frost & Sullivan, a company based in technology parks master plans. “Together contract to develop the National Master Singapore with vast experience in science with the UoN/UNES team we hope to meet the objectives of this project,” he said. Plan for Science and Technology Parks in and technology parks. UoN/UNES also Prof. Mbithi said the project is in line with its Kenya and designs for technology parks constituted the project team comprising ICT, research and knowledge dissemination for Konza and Dedan Kimathi University of planning and business professionals drawn mandate stating that the National Master Technology and Science. from various schools in the university,” Prof. “The call for expression of interest was Plan for Science and Technology Parks will Ngau said when the project team members floated by the Ministry of Education. The be of great value to Kenya. “I call on the paid courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, consultant had to be a Kenyan public project team members to work towards the university and was expected to have an Prof. Peter Mbithi, on April 19, 2017. VF international partner,” said Prof. Peter Mr. Richard Wong from Frost & Sullivan said success of the project,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi (Center), and Prof. Peter Ngau (3rd left) Principal CAE, meet members of the project team to work on the National Master Plan for Science and Technology Parks.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 35 VarsityFocus Recognition Team involved in historic separation of conjoined twins honoured

Mwang'ombe. The radiologists were crucial in the pre-operative planning and their images were useful in the creation of 3D models of the joint pelvis which was done by one of the plastic surgery residents. The separation, which took 23 hours, was performed at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). UoN anaesthetists and plastic surgeons ensured that the recovery and healing process progressed well. The wounds had completely healed by January 2017 and the two girls were for the first time allowed out of their rooms on 14th February (Valentines Day) and visited the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. On 12th April, KNH hosted a dinner in honour of the medics. The dinner event was hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nairobi's Upper Hill area and was graced by College of Health Sciences Principal, Prof. Isaac Kibwage and KNH CEO Ms. Lilly Koros. Prof. Kibwage said the college was always ready to offer expertise University of Nairobi’s, College of Health Sciences in difficult cases such as the separation of the Siamese twins and immediate former Principal, Prof. Isaac Kibwage with one of the formerly conjoined twins during will continue collaborating closely with KNH. He commended the a dinner organized to honour the medical team teams from both institutions for high level of professionalism and that conducted the historic surgery. expertise. VF

medical team from the University of Nairobi's College of Health ASciences (CHS) that participated in a delicate surgery to separate sacropagus conjoined twins received presidential commendation and certificates. The UoN team leader, Dr. Chris Musau, a neurosurgeon, was awarded the order of the Moran of the Burning Spear (MBS) of Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta also hailed the team for a job well done. In November 2016, the UoN team comprising of radiologists, anaesthetists and plastic surgeons took part in the historic operation. The consultants for the team were Prof. Julius Kiambi and Prof. Nimrod Separated twins, Blessings and Favour when they were taken for a day out of hospital on Valentine's Day.

36 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Appointments Senior University managers appointed The University of Nairobi Council recently made senior management appointments as part of UoN's transformative agenda to achieve and maintain world class status.

Prof. Lydia W. Njenga has been appointed as the Director, Graduate School. This post is established at the level of College Principal. Prof. Njenga is the immediate former Director of the Board of Postgraduate Studies and also a former Dean, School of Physical Sciences. She is widely published in Inorganic, Environmental and Analytical Chemistry and has supervised many students at Masters and PhD. Levels.

Prof. Charles M. Mulei has been appointed Deputy Director in charge of Academics, at the Graduate School. A Professor of Internal Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Mulei is the immediate former Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and former Chairman, Department of Clinical Studies. He has published widely in his area of specialization.

Prof. Lawrence D.E. Ikamari has been appointed as Deputy Director incharge of Admissions, Graduate School. Prof. Ikamari is a former Director, Population Studies and Research Institute and has also served as Associate Director, Research Centre for HIV Prevention and Research in the School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences.

Prof. Christopher M. Gakuu has been appointed as the Director of the new ODeL Campus. The post of Director, ODeL is established at the level of College Principal. An Associate Professor in the Department of Extra Mural Studies, Prof. Gakuu has widely published and has supervised many students at Masters and PhD level. He is the immediate former Associate Dean, School of Continuing and Distance Education.

Prof Harriet J. Kidombo has been appointed Deputy Director, ODeL Campus. An Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Studies, Prof. Kidombo is the immediate former Dean of the School of Continuing and Distance Education. She has supervised several postgraduate students and is a member of various professional bodies.

Prof. Mohamud Abdi Jama has been appointed as Deputy Principal, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, responsible for Main Campus. Prof. Jama is an Associate Research Professor at the Institute for Development Studies and former Director of the Institute. A widely published scholar, Prof. Jama holds a PhD degree in Agricultural Economics from the Washington State University.

Varsity Focus wishes the new appointees all the best in their new duties.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 37 VarsityFocus Innovation week UoN hosts the first Triple Helix summit in Africa he first ever International Triple Helix Dr. Richard Belio Kipsang, Principal solutions that can help the country deal Summit in Africa and 15th of its kind Secretary, Ministry of Education with effects of drought, climate change Tin the world was held at the Science and Technology, enumerated and improve the education system. Chandaria Auditorium, University of the various efforts made by the The summit was organized by I Choose Nairobi Towers. government to attain universal access to Life and addressed 7 SDGs such as quality education in Kenya. He said the ending poverty in all forms everywhere, Experts from government, academia and end hunger, achieve food security and government had established feeding industry explored how ICT and data can improve nutrition, ensure healthy lives programmes for pupils from arid and be used to accelerate the attainment of and promote well being for all at all s e m i - a r id a re a s, c o n s t r u c t e d Sustainable Development Goals. ages, ensure inclusive and equitable infrastructure, connected electricity to quality education, ensure access to During the official launch of the summit, schools and trained quality teachers, affordable, sustainable, and modern University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor among other initiatives. energy for all, take urgent action to Prof. Peter Mbithi urged the event combat climate change and strengthen Speaking during the summit, Mr. Irungu participants to develop an acceleration the means of implementation and Nyakera, Principal Secretary, Ministry revitalize global partnership for roadmap and implementation plan to help in of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing & sustainable development. the attainment of the eight SDGs. Prof. Urban Development, quoted the mantra Participants observed that technology Mbithi pledged to support the “What gets measured, gets done.” He can be used to accelerate the implementation and realization of the challenged participants to actively attainment of SDG. The event was SDGs. Prof. Mbithi also acknowledged perform monitoring and evaluation of the attainment of the SDGs. He also attended by delegates from Vodacom, the role the civil society plays as a critical challenged technologically savvy Erikson, Uber, Microsoft, among other linkage with the Academia. young people to rise up and build ICT technology companies. VF

Prof. Peter Mbithi, Vice-Chancellor University of Nairobi, addressing delegates during the Triple Helix Summit held at the Chandaria Auditorium, University of Nairobi Towers.

38 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Student’s corner Students participate in practical snake ecology and handling

r. Ambrose Kipyegon (right) and veterinary students inspect an African puff Adder at the 5th Year Lecture Theatre -Clinical Clinical DStudies Department. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine students participated in a practical snake ecology and handling session that was facilitated by researchers from National Museums of Kenya-Snake Park and faculty lecturers.

During the hands-on session at the 5th Year Lecture Theatre- Clinical Studies Department, students learnt new skills in reptile trapping, handling, blood sampling and testing for repeatability in measurements of length and mass.

Practical training aims to elevate the students' knowledge and skills in a specific profession of their respective fields and produce graduates who are VF UoN students participate in practical credible, creative and proficient thus increasing their employability. snake handling. Engineering students visit Makerere University ifty-eight students from the five Engineering departments and from Urban Planning visited F th Makerere University on 19 April 2017.

The various activities that took place during the three-day trip to Uganda include: a guided tour of the College of Engineering Design Art and Technology(CEDAT) at Makerere University, a workshop on how to promote innovations and research in East Africa(Students from both universities presented their projects Students pose for a group photo outside CEDAT Conference Hall during their during the workshop), TOTAL lecture on visit to Makerere University. oil and gas production conducted by The trip was organized by The field. ESA organizes corporate talks, Total Professeurs Associes, a trip to Engineering Students Association expos, community outreach and Karuma dam, a visit to the Uganda (ESA) as part of its aim of fostering the industrial visits aimed at the holistic National Museum and a visit to the student's interests in the engineering growth of the students. VF Bahai temple.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 39 VarsityFocus Student’s Corner activities, events and conferences AIESEC empowers youth throughout the year. Among major to make positive impacts events for the year are AIESEC Week, which is an event carried out within the IESEC is the world's largest non- events. The core products include Global university to increase their presence and profit youth-run organization. It is Volunteer, Global Talent and Global also to sell exchange to the students. FLIT Aa n i n t e r n a t i o n a l n o n - Entrepreneur. Forum, which stands for Financial Literacy governmental not-for-profit organization Global Volunteer is an opportunity for a and IT Forum, is a platform which brings in young person to develop leadership that provides young people with external speakers to challenge the youth qualities of self-awareness, solution leadership development and cross- on finance and IT and what their place is orientation, empowering others and cultural global internship and volunteer in the current world and society. At the end world citizenship while living a cross- of the year, AIESEC holds an annual exchange experiences across the globe, cultural volunteer experience. In the with a focus to empower young people so Stakeholders Thanksgiving Dinner to product, a young person volunteers appreciate supporters and also they can make a positive impact on abroad for a period of 6 weeks to 3 recognize the members and give out society. months on social impact projects that awards. The A I ES EC net wo rk i ncl ud es c o nt ri bu t e t o t h e S usta i nabl e Two conferences are normally run in the approximately 70,000 members in 127 Development Goals. year: Local Chapter Motivation and countries and territories. The vision is peace Global Talent is a professional Training Seminar, LCTMS (to offer training and fulfillment of humankind's potential internship experience where a young and motivation to the members) and achieved through youth leadership person works abroad in a multinational Election Conference (where the next sets development. company to advance their goals and of leaders that will make up the Executive AIESEC in Kenya was formed in 1970 with gain professional experience. The Board for the preceding year are the first chapter being opened in the project lasts for a minimum of 6 months. University of Nairobi. Since then, AIESEC in Global Entrepreneur is similar to Global elected). University of Nairobi has been able to Talent but the young person volunteers AIESEC has received support from facilitate close to 1,000 exchange abroad for a minimum period of 3 months various organizations over the last five years. experiences and has engaged students with entrepreneurs in a startup, These partners have offered support either across various campuses. Currently, there are accelerator or incubator to advance their financially; in-kind or even taken up about 60 members in total, with 50 other goals and grow. interns under the various exchange students being actively engaged in AIESEC AIESEC in UoN runs a variety of products. AIESEC's impact in University of Nairobi can be seen through the number of leadership experiences facilitated around the world. Last year, AIESEC was able to deliver 180 exchange experiences, i ncl ud i ng b o t h t h e students taken out for exchange and the interns brought in to work in community development projects. It has been an incredible journey of impacting lives and creating leaders among the youth as an Members of AIESEC pose for a group photograph organization. VF

40 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Student’s Corner Former SONU Deputy President at the helm of Pan-African students union

s . continent. Since its inception in 1972, AASU now has a Angel presence in all 55 countries in Africa, and has played an MMbut important role in the struggle against colonialism and h i a , t h e apartheid. AASU is at the forefront of the fight for equal i m m e d i a t e access to quality education, quality assurance in higher former Deputy education, democratic governance, respect for human President of the rights and gender, promotion of African culture, and S t u d e n t s sustainable development. Organization of As per the requirements of her office, Ms. Mbuthia will Ms. Angel Mbuthia N a i r o b i be provided with various logistics to facilitate her work: University (SONU), was elected as the Gender and accommodation, diplomatic status, monthly International Relations Secretary of the All Africa Students compensation and other material and moral support as th Union (AASU) during 12 Elective Congress of the union captured in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), held in Khartoum. signed between AASU and the Government of Ghana in Ms. Mbuthia, who is in her final year in the Faculty of 1987. Arts, will have the honour to serve at the highest office of The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi on behalf of students' governance on the African continent for a term management and Senate, congratulated Ms. Mbuthia of four years. AASU is the Pan-African students organization formed to for the achievement. The Vice-Chancellor urged other galvanize the young people particularly students into student leaders to emulate her and strive to be good efforts geared towards development of the African ambassadors of the University of Nairobi brand.VF

Government makes changes in governance of University Students' Councils he Universities (Amendment) Act, 48 of 2016 renders all the students' member has been elected and served No. 48 of 2016 has made far bodies as currently constituted defunct. for two terms. Tre ach i ng cha nges i n t he In the future, as per the Act, elections Elections will be conducted by an governance of all students' councils. will be conducted through students independent electoral body and will The areas amended include the electoral colleges based on academic mirror national electoral laws and governance structure which will have a departments, schools or faculties as structures. Students are further required lean representation as the students' to comply with leadership and integrity council will comprise of a chairperson, appropriate. The electoral colleges vice-chairperson, treasurer, secretary- elect members of the university student prescriptions. g e n e r a l a n d t h r e e m e m b e r s council within 30 days. The new law provides a totally new representing special interests of Council members will be limited to two approach to the way students elections students. The Act underpins students' terms of one year each. Therefore, this are handled, and will lead to a lean governance structure framework in law. disqualifies a student council member to students government organ. VF The Universities (Amendment) Act, No. seek elective position where such a

www.uonbi.ac.ke 41 VarsityFocus Sports

baseball items come in handy as we train our students on the Kenya Little League baseball principles and practices,” said the departmental head. donates baseball Amb. Muthaura stated that KLL is tasked with promoting both baseball and softball in Kenya. “Since its establishment in books and kit 2010, the Kenya Little League has managed to promote baseball in primary and secondary schools and colleges. We he Kenya Little League (KLL) has donated a are now promoting it in universities,” he said. collection of baseball books and equipment The Ambassador was accompanied by KLL's President Mr. Tto the University of Nairobi. George Mahinda and Patron Mr. Samuel Kimiti. VF At a ceremony held on May 10, 2017, Ambassador Francis Muthaura, KLL's Goodwill Ambassador, presented the items to Prof. Henry Mutoro, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs. Prof. Mutoro thanked KLL for the generous donation, stating that with the additional resources, the University is better equipped to teach and train baseball. “It would be good if the Department of Physical Education and Sports and the Kenya Little League jointly promote baseball in Kenya,” he said. Prof. Jacob Nteere, the Department of Physical Education and Sports head, said the University Ambassador Francis Muthaura (3rd Right) donates Baseball has started a curriculum on baseball and softball in books to Prof. Henry Mutoro, Deputy Vice-Cahncellor the College of Education and External Studies. “The Academic Affairs.

UoN Students to wo University of Nairobi students will represent Kenya in the 4th Roll Ball World Cup 2017. They are part of a represent Kenya in Tseven-member team that will travel to Dhaka, Bangladesh, for the competition. the Roll Ball World Cup Amito Kevin Ouma and George Mbutu Mutie, from the College of Biological and Physical Sciences, have been part of the UoN roll ball team that has been participating in the local league.

Roll ball is a relatively new game in Kenya and is played between two teams of 12 players. Out of 12, only 6 players are allowed to play on court at a time. This game is played on skates. The ball can be held in single hand or both hands, even during passing. A player must dribble the ball while carrying it. VF

42 www.uonbi.ac.ke VarsityFocus Sports he University of Nairobi's rugby team, Mean Machine, beat Mean Machine teaches TKenyatta University's Blak Blad 16-10 during the inter-university games. Blak Blad took an early lead when they Black Blad a lesson scored twice in the initial minutes of the game at the UoN sports ground. H owever, M e a n M a ch i n e re - strategized and gained control of the game and eventually emerged victorious. The 15 a side rugby game was played on February 18, 2016. Other games played during the inter-university games include basketball, volleyball, handball and football. University of Nairobi teams that performed well include the women basketball team that beat Machakos University 20 – 0. The men basketball team beat African Nazarene University 48-32 while the men hockey team beat Machakos University by 2- 0. VF Students participate in a rugby match at the University of Nairobi Grounds. TECNO Mobile to spruce up sports facilities he University of Nairobi signed an The University is proud MoU with TECNO Technology to partner with TECNO TLimited, a company responsible for in the improvement of the marketing and promotion of TECNO sports facilities for the mobile devices in Kenya. TECNO students. Excellent pledged to sponsor the renovation and refurbishment of the University rugby field s p o r t i n g a n d and basketball boards and also the recreational facilities sponsorship and purchase of uniforms for are important for the the University teams fitness and health of TECNO will erect three technical benches s t u d e n t s i n t h e which will be strategically placed at the University. It cannot go University rugby field for substitute players unsaid that there is a and match officials. The addition of the significant relationship three technical benches shall ensure that between the fitness and the field meets required standards to health of students and enable the University host more games. t h e i r a c a d e m i c TECNO will also improve the standards of performance. This is basketball boards to provide better why the university is training and gaming facilities to keen on the quality of basketball teams. This shall promote the recreation facilities for basketball court and facilities and lead to the students. VF possible use of the same by third parties at An artistic impression of the proposed TECHNO a fee. benches at the University of Nairobi.

www.uonbi.ac.ke 43 The first UoN Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Josephat Karanja, consults with the Chancellor, President Jomo Kenyatta, during the 1970 Graduation Ceremony. Looking on is Apollo Milton Obote, then President of Uganda. ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI VarsityFocus www.uonbi.ac.ke University of Nairobi @uonbi universityofnairobi