DO SIC NEC EGERTON UNIVERSITY NEWSLINK www.egerton.ac.ke Issue No. 110 18 June 2021 The 43rd Graduation Celebrating Education and Training Resilience Today for Tomorrow’s Challenges

Egerton Tops Webometrics Rankings 63 Students from Pioneering Law Class among Graduands Reconstructed Classroom: The New Learning Architecture EGERTON UNIVERSITY Welcomes all Graduands OF THE 43RD GRADUATION CEREMONY TO JOIN the EGERTON UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

The Egerton University Alumni Association (EUAA) was founded in 1984 by former students of Egerton College. The Association serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas amongst members, staff, and students of Egerton University. It promotes the image and integrity of the University and engages the Alumni and other stakeholders in the physical development of the University.

VISION To create and sustain a network of connected alumni who call others to action in support of Egerton University.

MISSION The contribution of alumni to society represents the true value of any institution of higher learning. EUAA Alumni are present in all sectors of the economy and spread all over the world. They constitute a vast wealth of knowledge, experience, influence, and resources. They have a common bond – Egerton University. They can be of great value to one another. The Association endeavours to unleash this potential to the benefit of its members, the University, and the greater community, by cultivating life- long relationships, motivating participation, and creating opportunities for a continuous connection with the University, its Alumni, and the community.

MEMBERSHIP AND ALUMNI INVOLVEMENT Membership in EUAA is the gateway for Egerton Alumni involvement in the affairs of the University. It is a commitment that Members make to support the University and each other. The Association aggressively works towards increasing the number of Alumni Life Members and strives to offer valuable benefits and services to attract and retain alumni as Members. The Association recognises students as alumni in residence and therefore supports current students and works to improve the quality of the students' experience at the University. The Association is open to the following as stipulated in its Constitution: Ÿ Egerton University graduates; Ÿ Egerton academic and administrative staff; Ÿ Individuals and organizations interested in the development of Egerton University as a premier institution of higher learning (“friends of Egerton”). The Association focuses its efforts in ways that reach the largest concentrations of Alumni by actively engaging in programmes such as continuing education, career networking, student recruitment, and fund raising.

COMMUNICATIONS As the voice for more than 50,000 Egerton Alumni worldwide, the Association strives to keep Alumni informed about the University and the Association affairs.

MEMBERSHIP FEES Membership fees are as follows: Ÿ Ordinary Membership : Ksh1,000.00 Ÿ Associate Membership : Ksh1,500.00 Ÿ Life Membership : Ksh7,500.00 Ÿ Corporate Membership : Ksh15,000.00 While Ordinary Membership and Associate Membership is paid annually, Life Membership and Corporate Membership fee is paid once. Membership fees may be directly deposited in the Association's account at the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) account: EUAA No. 1139956078.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Alumni benefits include: Ÿ Networking opportunities for professional development; Ÿ Certificate of Membership and University Alumni badge (LAPEL); Ÿ Access to discounted Alumni-branded items; Ÿ Participation in the governance of the University and of the Alumni Association; Ÿ Regular updates through Alumni newsletters, SMSs, emails, telephone, and social media; Ÿ Recognition through Distinguished Leadership Awards.

CONTACT INFORMATION Alumni Relations Office Egerton University P.O. Box 536 – 20115 Egerton, KENYA Telephone: +254 51 2113704 Email: [email protected] Contents Editorial Message from the Chancellor 1 Alumni Fly Egerton University Message from the Chairman of Council 2 Flag High Office of the Vice-Chancellor 4 Message from the Vice- rd Chancellor 4 he 43 Graduation of Egerton University is the long-awaited event at Egerton University Comes Tops which we can acknowledge with pride that the hard work, sacrifice, in Latest Webometrics Ranking 6 Tand resilience of our students have paid off. The Ceremony itself is a moment to celebrate high academic achievement with unreserved joy. It is also I am Confident I am Driving the President’s Agenda in My a moment to reflect on what has made this achievement possible. Own Way There are several things that determine what makes a university By Jared Buoga 8 capable of producing quality graduates. One is the quality of its programmes. Division of Academic Affairs 11 Another is a highly qualified academic staff, as well as competent administrative, technical and support staff. A third one is the high quality and Message from the DVC (AA) 11 impact of the research and extension work undertaken at the university. In all Nakuru Town Campus College 38 these three areas, Egerton University is well endowed. Message from the Principal, What is less frequently spoken about, but is a major way to measure the NTCC 38 potential for academic achievement in a university is the impact of its alumni at Division of Research and the national and the global stage. It is this aspect that has come into prominence Extension 40 in the past one year to demonstrate the value of Egerton University. Message from the DVC (R&E) 40 Egerton University Alumni have continued to fly the flag of the University Division of Administration, high by virtue of their appointment to high-profile offices and various Planning and Development 49 professional achievements. Message from the DVC (APD) 49 Thus, through Alumni engagement activities, Egerton Alumni have supported various initiatives at the University, especially those that benefit Ph.D. Graduands 53 students. A good example is Dr Roselyn Marandu-Kareithi, who graduated Front cover photo: Lecturers leave the from Egerton University in 1992. She recently launched the JASIRI Talent Administration Block, Main Campus, Investor Programme. This initiative represents a fully funded one-year Njoro, in a procession on their way to the nd fellowship that will guide participants to venture creation, starting from idea Graduation Square for the 42 Virtual generation, to validation, prototyping, and market entry. As an Alumnus, she Graduation Ceremony on 31 July 2020. was keen to enlist Egerton University current and former students and gave GRADUATION STATISTICS them a chance to go through the rigorous interviews. The result is that they are Doctorates 23 now Jasiri Fellows. This is a commendable intervention. Masters 83 Other Alumni have secured key appointments in government and the Bachelors 1,977 Diplomas 95 private sector, both locally and abroad. Total 2,178 In 2020, Mr William Amwayi, who is a Principal Quality Assurance Officer at the Kenya Bureau of Standards, became Secretary to the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International A world-class university for the Electro-Technical Commission (IEC) Presidents' Committee, where he offers advancement of humanity technical support. Mr Amwayi graduated from Egerton University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Production in 2007. To generate knowledge and offer exemplary In December 2020, Prof. Theophilus Mwendwa Mutui took over as the education and training to society for national and Managing Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). global development Prof. Mutui graduated from Egerton University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture (First Class Honours). The University's activities and decisions will be Dr Fred Okoth Otieno was appointed the Deputy Director for Enforcement guided by the following core values: National unity and social fairness; Integrity, and Consumer Protection at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority of transparency and accountability; Professionalism; Kenya (EPRA) in February 2021. Dr Otieno holds a Bachelor of Educations Internationalism; Passion for excellence and devotion to duty; (Arts) degree (2006) from Egerton University. He was also the first graduate Team work; from Egerton's Master of Arts Programme in Security Management in 2015. Passion for environmental conservation; Innovativeness and creativity In May 2021, Justice William Ouko was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya. Justice Ouko graduated from Egerton University in @egertonunikenya @egertonunikenya Turn to page 1

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education CESAAM Vision: An excellence centre in agri-innovations, CESAAM Mission: To provide highly trained human capacity to agri-innovative agri-entrepreneurship, climate smart agriculture, research, products, services and sustainable solutions that address the challenge of food training and technology transfer for sustainable development insecurity and persistent hunger in Africa CESAAM exhibits a wide range of products during a visit by the Director of University Education, Ministry of Education, Mr Darius Mogaka Ogutu, and World Bank officials on 28 April 2021 at Egerton University, Njoro.

CESAAM agribusiness entrepreneurs exhibit CESAAM showcase their products at the Agro–Science World Bank representatives and Ministry officials pose their products Park for a photograph with the Vice-Chancellor

CESAAM KEY SUCCESSES IN NUMBERS 240 35 177 1,543,918 USD 15 104 Graduate students Exchange Peer-reviewed Externally 4 industry, 6 Internship and sponsored (168 M.Sc. 72 fellowships to journal articles generated/attracted regional & 5 research Ph.D.) 52% female, from China, USA, UK published funds from research international attachment for 11 countries & Sub-Saharan between July projects and course partners graduate students Africa 2017 and May 2021 fees supported

398 7 21 190 11 81% Stakeholders, farmers and Youth-led Accredited Research grants Virtual Overall students enrolled in short extension forums Programmes awarded to graduate engagement achievements as term skill-based courses and 4-K Club M.Sc. and Ph.D. students and faculty forums in the per verification revival initiatives wake of results Covid-19 CESAAM UPCOMING ACTIVITIES Activity Dates Purpose

Thesis dissemination workshop June 2021 CESAAM graduates and faculty share their research findings International conference in partnership Nov 2021 with stakeholders, farmers from whom they collected data, with African Farm Management Association extension, and industry Retooling workshop on audit compliance June 2021 University finance/Audit/UMB staff trained on new audit and governance issues compliance issues/governance. Funded in partnership with USAID. Econometric modelling and biometric short June 2021 A training designed for the M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in Egerton course and other ACEs. Funded in partnership with USAID. Employers consultative forum (Mombasa July 2021 A private sector engagement forum on employability of and Malindi fruit processors) graduates, internship opportunities, and innovation platforms

Graduate students tracer study July 2021 A survey of Egerton University M.Sc. and Ph.D. graduates to assess impact and obtain feedback on programmes offered by the University Sustainable agriculture short course July 2021 A training designed for farmers Cow signals and animal nutrition short August 2021 A training for farmers and feed industry in Kenya course

REPUBLIC OF KENYA MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR

A World of Possibilities Lies ahead of You

made this impossible, but it has also taught us a new way of doing things. It has disrupted our lives, but not our imagination and our thinking. As we mourn dear ones whom we have lost due to this pandemic, and as we celebrate their lives, let us please remind ourselves not to tire of following the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health. Our discipline will keep the enemy at bay, and together we shall emerge victorious in the end. As we laud your achievements, graduands, do not abandon the idea of advancing your knowledge, particularly with regard to research and innovation. These are the major enabling factors that lead to the growth and development that every nation aspires to. In today's competitive world, Dr Narendra Raval you are called upon not to look for employment but to seek ways to create jobs that are interesting and meaningful. As I have reminded you before, necessity is the mother of feel honoured as I preside over this 43rd Graduation invention. So recognise the many needs our society has and Ceremony of Egerton University. It is noteworthy that to invent ways of meeting those needs and improving Iwe are here at the Graduation Square, but without the people's lives. This will only be possible if you truly believe usual sea of humanity. Those days now seem to be gone, or at in yourselves and if you learn from the challenges you least gone temporarily. We have to appreciate our current encounter. circumstances and adapt to the need to conduct ceremonies Your graduation day opens the door to the world of on a virtual platform. We must embrace the technological possibilities and new realms in life. Take advantage of these advances that we have made. We are indeed fortunate that possibilities, trusting in what you learnt in your academic our graduands are able to celebrate their great day from their and social life at Egerton University. diverse locations. Once again, continue pursuing higher education, and Many of you wished to be here with friends and family more doors will open for you. wearing the graduation regalia. The Covid-19 pandemic has Thank you and God bless you!

Continued from page i Alumni Fly Egerton Flag 2016 with a Master's degree in Criminology and Security Turkana County have been fully equipped with skills in Studies. production of food for their needs from nursery Finally, we recognise one of our prospective graduands, establishment, land preparation, transplanting, pest control, Rachel Ngina, who has been making a mark as a volunteer in harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Ms Ngina will Turkana County where she has been training farmers on drip graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness irrigation. While studying at Egerton University, she Management degree. undertook internship in Israel on an exchange programme, These appointments and professional engagements by and she has been using the skills she acquired to promote Egerton Alumni are a testimony that Egerton produces food sufficiency among the marginalised Turkana graduates who are top professionals. community of Kenya. Her volunteer work has been widely Therefore, be assured, graduands, of your worth and acclaimed in mainstream and social media in Kenya and your prospects for the future. beyond. Through her efforts, farmers in the Lobur, Kibish, Bon Voyage, and Hongera sana, graduands, from the Lodwar, Maisa, Katangon, and Nariakotome parts of entire University, and the Newslink team, in particular!

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF COUNCIL Think Deeply and on a Large Scale!

campus. Now you can move on to the next level. Egerton University has groomed you and sharpened you to achieve every conceivable success. Today's celebration has also been made possible by your parents and guardians. They have stood by you and supported and guided you from your pre-school years all the way to university, shaping and moulding you in every aspect of your human person – spiritual, psychological, emotional, physical, and professional. We are living at a time of a pandemic, which has led to the loss of life, loss of livelihoods, and the general disruption of economic activities and the shrinking of the economy. But this state of affairs should not dash your hopes. Instead, it should make you think more deeply and on a larger scale. Amb. Dr Luka Hukka Wario You must be able to see possibilities that you may not have noticed before. This is because difficulties make us stronger and better. Transform the current challenges and any rd his 43 Graduation Ceremony is a colourful, happy challenges you may meet in future into new opportunities in day! We have gathered here today to celebrate 2,178 life. Tgraduands. Apart from the graduands, we also I wish you all the best as you enter into the professional honour our academic, administrative and support staff. They world and as you become a valuable and productive member have made sure that you have what it takes to graduate from of the society. the first week of orientation to your last assignment on Congratulations!

The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary of Kenya, Ms Ann Amadi, makes a presentation at First National Legal Aid Conference held in December 2020 at the Sentrim, Elementaita, Kenya. The conference was organised by the Faculty of Law, Egerton University.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Chief Officers of the University

Prof. Julius K. Kipkemboi Prof. Richard Mulwa Prof. Bockline O. Bebe Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage (Academic Affairs) (Administration, Planning & Development) (Research & Extension) Ag. Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Daniel Auka Prof. Mwanarusi Saidi Dr Thomas K. Serrem Prof. Nancy W. Mungai Ms Janegrace Kinyanjui Mr Moses Ouma Ag. Principal Ag. Registrar (AA) Registrar (HCA) Ag. Director (R&E) University Librarian Finance Officer Nakuru Town Campus College

The

For everything you need to know about Egerton University Congratulations to all the Graduands of the 43rd Graduation Ceremony at Egerton University!

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR Message from the Vice-Chancellor Alumni Our Strongest Influencers tested human endurance to the limit. It has resulted in losses and restrictions of various kinds. That you have made it this far in spite of it makes your graduation even more significant. Accomplishing your academic work during a harsh time is especially worth celebrating. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, this 43rd Graduation Ceremony of Egerton University is taking place on a virtual platform. The ceremony is being streamed live on our social media accounts and also on our website www.egerton.acke. We have come a long way in embracing digital technology as we strive to live up to our Vision of a world class university for the advancement of humanity. In January 2021, we won the number 2 position in Kenya in the Webometrics ranking of universities the world over. Our Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage goal is to be the leading university in Kenya and East Africa Ag. Vice-Chancellor as well. Graduands, you are now entering a new stage in your oday's graduation ceremony is a testimony to the life. You are also becoming Egerton University alumni. The graduands' individual devotion to work and their alumni are one of our strongest influencers. They tell others Tdetermination to succeed. Your success is a personal about Egerton University and help us reach greater heights accomplishment, but it is also the result of the family support of excellence. I urge you to join the ranks of the Egerton you received in the course of your studies and the University Alumni Association and serve in it with competence and dedication to duty demonstrated by your distinction, loyalty, and generosity. lecturers. Once again, congratulations on your achievement! We As we all know, there is a global pandemic that has are sharing the joy of this special day with you.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, presents a CESAAM cake to the Director of University Education at The Ministry of Education, Mr Darius Mogaka Ogutu. On the right is the Vice-Chancellor of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Prof. Stephen G. Agong.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 DIRECTORATE OF MARKETING AND RESOURCE MOBILISATION Message from the Director New and Interactive Website Enhances Egerton's Presence in the World

key achievements in line with the managing access to information Vision and Mission of Egerton enquiries, requests, feedback and University. complaints. Last year, we launched a new and D i g i t a l m a r k e t i n g a n d interactive University website. We also communication present lots of developed an e-Profile system and opportunities for cost-efficient and created accounts for each staff member effective communication to our to log in remotely, update and manage stakeholders. With the changing their web profiles. We have been demographics and rapid technological u p l o a d i n g a n d u p d a t i n g advances, it has become necessary to announcements and notices on the e- engage with students, prospective Noticeboards, publishing University- students and the public through digital related news, and communicating to platforms. Emerging technologies in Prof. Josiah Ouma Omolo staff promptly through mass emails. video editing, photography and The Directorate has also made d e s k t o p p u b l i s h i n g p r e s e n t strides in increasing alumni opportunities to improve on our n behalf of the Directorate of participation in the University's delivery. Marketing and Resource development. We have established an I wish to thank the staff of DMRM OMobilisation (DMRM), I take Alumni website and created an Alumni for their hard work, persistence, and this opportunity to congratulate the Mailing List and active social media dedication in carrying out their duties. I rd graduands of the 43 Graduation platforms specifically for alumni also acknowledge the support we have Ceremony. It hasn't been an easy interaction. We are in the process of received from other Divisions, endeavour, particularly with the developing an annual Alumni Departments, Sections and Units, and I challenges presented by the Covid-19 Engagement Plan. look forward to our continued pandemic. We produced Egerton University collaboration and cooperation. The Directorate has three branded calendars for 2021 and have To the graduands, congratulations departments, i.e. Marketing and been marketing the University on your achievement! The Egerton Communication, Alumni Relations, capacities through the new website as University Alumni Association and Resource Mobilisation. Over the part of resource mobilisation efforts. welcomes you. past one year, the Directorate has made We are also at the forefront in

Egerton University Excels at URAP

By Agnes Mwangi

gerton University has topped in quality. Publications constitute the Webometrics ranking, where the University Ranking by basis of the ranking methodology. Both University also excelled. EAcademic Performance quality and quantity of publications ______(URAP) system. Egerton was ranked at a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l r e s e a r c h number 2 in Kenya and number 1,945 collaborations are used as indicators. Ms Agnes Mwangi is the Communication in the world in the 2020 – 2021 period. E g e r t o n ’s p e r f o r m a n c e i s and Marketing Manager, Egerton The ranking of the top 3,000 world particularly significant because the University. universities is based on academic URAP ranking is different from the

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education University Launches Newly Designed Website

By Peter Kiganda

n July 2020, Egerton University's Kenya, Africa, and the world in the sections. In addition, the site embraces Directorate of Marketing and January 2021 Webometrics ranking. the most current web technologies, IResource Mobilisation (DMRM) including advanced cascading style rolled out a revamped University What's on the New Website? s h e e t s a n d X M L a n d X S LT website. The website is fully The new website has an elegant programming languages. The website responsive and compatible with all design with intuitive and consistent is built on a powerful content browsers and mobile devices and it site-wide navigation to help the user management system, which improves offers an enhanced user experience. It find his/her way around with ease. The the ease of keeping Web content up-to- is part of the University's ongoing site also contains a powerful search date. efforts to improve access to function to browse the information and information to its current and resources. Feedback prospective students, staff, and The website has sections for A preview of the new site for the members of the public. The website is students and staff, alumni, and University community began a l s o a v i t a l m a r k e t i n g a n d community partners. In addition, the immediately after the launch in 2020. communication tool as it is a primary alumni and members of staff can log Since then, many viewers have channel through which users can learn into the website for additional content. responded with reactions and about the University. Here, they can also edit or update their suggestions. While the web team could The website's development was e-Profiles. Faculty, staff, students, not provide individual responses to inspired by the need to have a user- alumni, community partners and the every item, it has reviewed and friendly one-stop site, with streamlined general public can keep up to date on considered all feedback received. navigation and increased functionality. the latest information, news and This development aims at improving upcoming events available on the What Next? accessibility and ensuring that the website. DMRM will continue developing and entire website is compliant with new The content of the site purposes to improving the website, including global web development standards and meet the needs of both external and adding new applications and content technologies. It represents the internal audiences. The site that will offer our visitors all the culmination of in-house efforts in 2019 incorporates new audience (specific information they need regarding what by a web strategy task force that sections) aimed at current students, it is like to study, work, research and involved broad consultations with prospective students, alumni, faculties, collaborate with Egerton University. D M R M a n d I n f o r m a t i o n and staff members. These act as starting Our visitors, staff and students are Communication and Technology (ICT) blocks into the site's main content as encouraged to explore the new website staff members. With this improvement, well as to other University sites. The at www.egerton.ac.ke. The old communicating to staff, students, and navigational structure and various tools University website will remain online the public has become cost-efficient. are there to serve the users better. a t a n e w a d d r e s s The University has saved money that it Visual elements situate each page (archive.egerton.ac.ke) until the would have spent in advertising within the overall navigation scheme, University permanently phases it out. through mainstream media. making it easy to find the page again. A The revamped website contributed “Search” box now appears directly on Mr Peter Kiganda is the Egerton to Egerton's improved rankings in the home page and in some audience University Webmaster.

Egerton University Comes Tops in Latest Webometrics Ranking By Josiah Ouma Omolo

gerton University has again 2 in Kenya and number 37 in Africa. multidimensional, updated and useful topped the charts in Kenya, T h e “ R a n k i n g We b ” o r information about the performance of EAfrica, and the world in the “Webometrics”, which is the largest universities from all over the world January 2021 Webometrics ranking. academic ranking of Higher Education every six months. This assessment scored universities on Institutions, represents an independent, In the January 2021 ranking, “ I m p a c t ” , “ O p e n n e s s ” , a n d objective, free, and open scientific Egerton University was assessed as the “Excellence”. Egerton ranked number exercise for providing reliable, best university in Kenya and the 5th in

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Africa in the area of Impact. The incorporation of technology in the Ranking highly as a university in Impact aspect measures academic web delivery of education. The move to the Webometrics motivates us to presence, open access initiatives, and revamped University website is only consolidate the processes of change in the transfer of scientific and cultural but the beginning of our journey to academia, increase our scholars' knowledge generated by the sealing our top position cross- commitment, and progressively set up universities to society. Egerton's high categorically. needed long-term academic strategies. score in this respect demonstrates the According to Webometrics, ______University's ability to harness its digital “Webometrics ranking correlates well d e v i c e s , t h e r e b y s e a m l e s s l y with the quality of education provided Prof. Josiah Ouma Omolo is the Director propagating quality education to the and academic prestige, but other non- of Marketing and Resource Mobilsation at people. This improved ranking comes academic variables need to be taken Egerton University. at a time when the world of academia is into account.” We take cognizance of working to adapt to the inevitable all these variables.

University Prepares for Future Webometrics Rankings

By Agnes Mwangi

n the latest Webometrics ranking staff on creating an interactive staff inlinks (internal links) or outlinks (January 2021 edition), the profile on the University website. (external links). IUniversity ranked number 1,887 The exercise that started on 16 Inlinks are links that point from worldwide (out of over 30,000 higher April 2021 involved training the one page on a domain to a different education institutions), number 37 in academicians on how to update their page on the same domain. For Africa, and number 2 in Kenya. Despite personal details, list of publications, example, a staff member has the this impressive performance, there is postgraduate supervision, key projects, opportunity to link a thesis uploaded on plenty of room for improvement. Our conferences, and invited presentations, the Library Repository to his or her primary target is to ensure that Egerton among other parameters. Staff also profile on the University website. University ranks among the top 1,500 learned how to link their publications, Outlinks, on the other hand, serve to universities worldwide. To achieve presentations, and postgraduate direct visitors from our website to other this, DMRM has undertaken such key supervision to the University website. sites on the internet. This happens, for activities as the training of academic The links created could either be example, when a staff member links a publication from an external journal to his or her profile on the University website. Both links are core components of the mechanism by means of which search engines discover and rank a website's content. However, outlinks are more valuable to search engines such as Google, Google Scholar and Microsoft Academia. The more the reputable websites to which we link our site are, the greater our credibility as a source of academic information is. External links are also harder to manipulate, so they are one of the best ways for search engines to determine the popularity and relevance of our website. ______Certificate of merit issued to Egerton University for being ranked second position in Ms Agnes Mwangi is the Communication and the University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP) system (see story on page 5) Marketing Manager, Egerton University.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education I am Confident I am Driving the President's Agenda in My Own Way

By Jared Buoga

y desire to follow my Environmental Movement (YWEM) the programme and exposed us to p a s s i o n i n N a t u r a l Egerton Chapter in my first year. When numerous partners, both in the private MSciences began at a tender elections came for the YWEM sector and the academia. When I was age. This was exhibited in my excellent leadership in October 2002, I vied for later elected as the Director of YWEM, performance in the sciences and the post of Deputy Director and won. it became the norm that the VC would geography, coupled with practical During the tenure of our new team, we rely on our input when planning and engagement in nature-oriented field revamped the movement. I led in executing environmental and natural activities, exhibitions, presentations, organising the annual Youth resources management activities in the and studies. In Maseno School, where I Environment Symposium (YES), University. did my secondary education, I where we invited high-profile guests I led the student team to the dominated Science Congress from UNEP, Government Agencies, Annual East African Environment competitions all the way to the national and Departments to speak to members. Network (EAEN) Conference for four stage. These inspired me to pursue I coordinated and rallied students consecutive years, among other natural resources management. In to participate in the Annual Egerton notable events and activities. I also led 2002, I was admitted to Egerton University Conservation Week. The the most comprehensive tree name University to study Natural Resources event brought together several tagging ever done in the University. Management. Egerton University stakeholders in efforts to conserve the shaped my life and worldview about Mau Forest. It gave me a chance to Community Work conservation and management of interact with many dignitaries across My aspiration to reach out to many natural resources. the globe. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. youths and prospective students to join I joined the Youth Wildlife and Ezra Maritim, was very supportive of Natural Science courses inspired me to

Mr Jared Buoga receives his Master’s degree certificate at ITC - the University of Twente, The Netherlands, in March 2015. Looking on are officials of the university

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 instrumental in the course I was University of Science and Technology Egerton studying at the University. In January (KNUST), in Ghana. 2005 when we resumed our studies, I During the course, I shared my University shaped was burning with passion to share with scholarship application frustrations my life and my student colleagues and our faculty with the Course Director – Dr Nico dean, Prof. Francis Lelo, about GIS. I Rozemeijer, a jovial fellow. He worldview about impressed upon the Dean the encouraged me to try again and gave importance of GIS and RS for our class me some insights. The NUFFIC had conservation and and our course. I shared with him the just opened the system for applications management of CDs with demos showing how to running through to 15 March 2013. manipulate geographical data and its This time, I was placed on a provisional natural resources.” application in natural resources list of prospective scholarship management. In short, we needed a unit recipients. I was so excited when a on GIS and RS to be included in our confirmation came in July 2013 that I curriculum. had been selected. This was a shot in register a community organisation in Unfortunately, our cohort did the arm, two successive scholarships my home District (Siaya) in 2003, not succeed to get the unit taught to us. from NUFFIC! while I was a second-year student. But I am happy to report that out of the Life at ITC, the Netherlands, was Thus, in April 2003, Tembea Youth pressure and efforts, subsequent such a wonder. A rigorous academic Centre for Sustainable Development cohorts benefited. However, at a programme, lovely people, delicious (Tembea) was established. The personal level, I became a private food, people riding cycles of all shapes organisation would be my employer for student of Prof. Japheth O. Onyando, and forms, a host of international seven years after my graduation from who took me through the basics of students, seasoned lecturers and Egerton University in 2007. It played a geoinformation science and earth professors from all Ivy League significant role in incubating and observations. It is Prof. Onyando and Universities and Institutions – adorned nurturing my skills and innovations later Mr Samuel Akeyo Ojode who in a cocktail of characters and towards conservation. Whereas I was taught us photogrammetry where I first personalities – lovely, humble, a n a r d e n t n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s heard about the ITC's Faculty of compassionate, enthusiastic and strict management student, my first Geoinformation Science and Earth in the same measure. experience and interaction with Observations in the Netherlands. Upon my return in March 2015, Geographic Information Systems my desire was to put my professional (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) came NUFFIC Scholarship skills into practice. I must appreciate when I learnt about the GIS Day during My first attempt to join the ITC Faculty and acknowledge the effort that the the long holidays of May – December of Geoinformation Science was in Dutch Embassy in Kenya has made to 2004. 2009. I made two other subsequent enhance the careers of its NUFFIC As the Director of my young unsuccessful attempts and gave up. recipients alumni network. organisation, I was invited by Ugunja However, in October 2012, a ray of Professionally, I have had the Community Resource Centre (UCRC) hope beamed at the end of the tunnel. I honour to support, as a consultant, to a meeting to coordinate and host the successfully won a NUFFIC European Union-funded projects in the November 2004 GIS Day. I took a lot of scholarship for a Certificate rangelands under various organisations interest in the application during the International Short Course in Adaptive in the region and across Africa. I serve period. We were led by one illustrious Management for Natural Resources in school boards and offer my woman called M'Lis FLin from M a n a g e m e n t : S u p p o r t i n g professional services through Leaf Australia who had come to volunteer Decentralised Forest and Nature Magnet Research and Development with UCRC at the time. She inspired Management for Rural Development Ltd. I currently serve as a Regional me to follow the dream of applying GIS under the auspices of the Centre for Delivery Director, President's Delivery and RS in Natural Resources Development Innovation (CDI), Unit in the Executive Office of the Management. Wageningen University of Research President of Kenya. I realised that GIS was very (Netherlands) and Kwame Nkrumah

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education DIRECTORATE OF QUALITY ASSURANCE Message from the Director

Staff Trained on Virtual Self-Assessment of Programmes

internal quality assurance mechanisms of teaching and learning. The Directorate DQA also maintains quality in benchmarking through analysis of continues to External Examiners' (EE) reports by monitor the preparing a synthesised summary report for quality improvement. The quality of recommendations of the External Examiners, once approved by the education offered Senate, are implemented by Faculties in the University and Departments. To maintain quality, the Departments follow up the areas through academic Dr Patricia Wambugu that require improvement by ensuring audits.” corrective action is put in place. Academic programmes that have for the 2021/2022 financial year. The take this opportunity on behalf of u n d e r g o n e a f u l l c y c l e o f process is ongoing. the Directorate of Quality implementation are required to The Directorate continues to Assurance (DQA) to congratulate undergo self-assessments. Deans of I rd monitor the quality of education the graduands of the 43 Graduation of Faculties, in consultation with Chairs offered in the University through Egerton University for completing of Departments, identify programmes academic audits. Further, the their studies successfully. I believe that that are due for evaluation and forward Commission for University Education you will be our ambassadors in the them to DQA. Selected teams from the (CUE) has developed a Management world of work as you demonstrate the respective Departments are trained on Information System to enhance data high quality of knowledge and skills the process of carrying out the self- collection processes in real time to ease you gained in your specific areas of assessment. A compiled self- data collection for universities. In line specialisation. I urge you to make assessment report is submitted to DQA with this, DQA has successfully learning a lifelong practice and to for internal review and follow-up on collected and compiled Egerton always remember that it is important to the recommendations made for quality University's data from all Departments remain a learner. improvement. and Units. The data sets have been This year DQA conducted online To ensure continuity of the uploaded in CUE's University Teaching Effectiveness Evaluation evaluation process during this Education Management Information (TEE) for Semester I of the 2019/2020 challenging times of the Covid-19 System (UEMIS) portal and will be academic year through the Teaching pandemic, DQA carried out a virtual submitted after review and approval. Effectiveness Evaluation Management training in March 2021 on how to In order to improve the System (TEEMS). The management conduct the self-assessment of the Webometrics ranking of Egerton system has been successfully programmes virtually. This was done University, all DQA staff have embedded in the Academic Records f o r 11 Te a m s f r o m v a r i o u s successfully updated their profiles in Management System (ARMS) of the Departments in the University; 6 teams the University website. University. The TEE process is meant for programmes targeted for the to ensure continued improvement of 2020/2021 financial year; and 5 teams

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs)

Egerton University Widens Its Doors to International Linkages and Collaborations

of doing business, including education. We pride in a robust E-Campus that has ensured teaching and learning continue uninterrupted during and after Covid-19. Even before the pandemic, the Division of Academic Affairs had planned to deliver most of our programmes through e-learning, and this will remain on our agenda for delivery. The University has also negotiated with Internet service providers for subsidised internet bundles to facilitate our students and staff to access online teaching and learning. I wish to assure all our students that we remain committed to quality teaching and we will continue to put in place adaptive strategies that will ensure the University meets its commitment as a world-class university. Prof. Julius K. Kipkemboi Quality teaching and learning is the core of our Ag. DVC (AA) business through continuous development and review of academic standards. Consequently, Egerton University he 43rd Egerton University Graduation marks a continues to soar high, both locally and internationally. major milestone for our institution and is indeed a Once again the University topped the charts in Kenya, Treason for celebration. I take this chance, on behalf Africa, and globally in the January 2021 Webometrics of the Division of Academic Affairs, to congratulate all our ranking that scored universities on “Impact”, “Openness”, graduands on their great achievement. I also wish to thank and “Excellence”. We have an enviable research portfolio the outgoing DVC (AA), Prof. Alexander K. Kahi, for with our faculty staff coming up with quality research shaping and scaling the heights of the Division of Academic products that have contributed to national and global Affairs. development. The Division has also been in the forefront in I wish to acknowledge the Faculty of Law and the sharing knowledge and expertise as we continue to seek Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery for presenting answers to the socio-economic issues affecting the nation graduands for the first time. Undoubtedly, this is a and the world. Further, we continue fostering partnerships, momentous achievement. networks and collaborations so that our students benefit May I recognise our academic staff for their endless from academics here and beyond our borders. support in ensuring that we deliver on our divisional In April 2021 the Faculty of Health Sciences enrolled mandate and realise our institutional Vision and Mission with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical despite interruptions in the University Academic Calendar. Graduates (ECFMG) to allow our graduates register for The Division strives to excel in its mandate of United States Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) providing quality education and contributing to knowledge or be recognised for training entry by the General Medical and skills through excellence in teaching, research and Council, UK. Further, in October 2020 the University joined academic-related services. This is despite the challenges the International Association for the Exchange of Students brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has for Technical Experience (IAESTE) to expand international threatened nearly every aspect of academic activities. We opportunities for our students. We will continue to open our continue to develop alternative modes of delivering our doors to linkages and collaborations as envisaged in our academic programmes and to review our standards to ensure Strategic Plan and Core Values. that the quality of education is not compromised. The use of The goal of education is not only to increase the amount technology is no longer an alternative, but an inevitable way Turn to page 12

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE Message from the Dean

FoA Set to Enhance University-Industry Linkages and Agripreneurship

The past year was one with May 2021, CoELIB hosted these two challenges such as the disruption of organisations during a research and physical learning due to the Covid-19 curriculum development workshop for pandemic and the loss of our esteemed the University of Juba. Dean, Prof. Abdul Faraj. You were The Transforming African however, able to rise above these A g r i c u l t u r a l U n i v e r s i t i e s t o challenges and for that I salute you. I Meaningfully Contribute to Africa's would also like to take this opportunity Growth and Development (TAGDev) to thank Dr Arnold Opiyo, our former programme has continued to support Associate Dean, who stepped in to African students who are academically offer leadership at the Faculty upon the bright yet economically disadvantaged demise of our Dean. This leadership and/or marginalised from the Prof. Patience M. Mshenga has enabled us to get to this point. My mainstream of society. Currently, sincere appreciation goes to the Faculty TAGDev has 95 fully supported members for electing me as the first students drawn from Benin, n this great occasion of the female Dean of the Faculty of Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, 43rd Egerton University Agriculture since its inception. Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, OGraduation, on behalf of staff FOA has continued to further its Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda and students of the Faculty of mandate of attracting funding and and Zimbabwe in session. The Agriculture (FOA), I congratulate all of accomplishing Egerton University's recruitment of cohort 5 students is in you graduands on your remarkable Vision through hosting major faculty- progress and the selected students are achievement. It is your hard work, wide projects. The Centre of expected to join in the next academic diligence and resilience that have Excellence for Livestock Innovation year. The programme is also planning enabled you to come to a successful and Business (CoELIB) has forged for its 4th National Forum for completion of your studies. I would strong partnerships with the private Universities, TVETs and other also like to acknowledge and sector in Kenya and with regional and Agricultural Industry Players that will congratulate parents, guardians, international institutions such as MDF take place in June 2021. sponsors and the various organisations Training and Consultancy, which is a The Centre of Excellence in that supported you throughout your Netherlands-based company, and the S u s t a i n a b l e A g r i c u l t u r e a n d stay at Egerton University. University of Juba. Recently, on 2 – 12 A g r i b u s i n e s s M a n a g e m e n t

Message from the DVC (AA) Continued from page 11 of knowledge one has but also to create men and women who more opportunities for you. In addition, postgraduate are capable of doing new things. With the development of e- studies would be a chance for you to improve your skills learning methods and constant technology innovations, towards your dream career path. The doors of Egerton today's students have far more study options, including University remain open for you. online short courses and Coursera. I encourage you to take Finally, I wish all graduands well in your future advantage of these after your graduation. This will not only endeavours! Let your experience at Egerton University help nurture an environment for lifelong learning but will open you to make the right choices in life!

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 (CESAAM) has kicked off its research Additionally, CESAAM is also Africa (AgriSCALE); and Problem- grant initiative to foster academic staff planning to hold its first dissemination b a s e d - l e a r n i n g B i o - e c o n o m y research activities by awarding three workshop in June 2021 in which its Entrepreneurship and Capacity faculty members from the disciplines graduates will share their research Building Programme in Africa (PBL- of Agribusiness Management, findings with stakeholders. BioAfrica). Agricultural Engineering, and Crops FOA has also brought on board Finally, to the graduands, as you Horticultural and Soils with a research three new inter-regional projects on leave campus life and venture into your grant of KSh1.2 million each. The Capacity Building in Higher Education professional career, I assure you that Centre is also currently participating in (CBHE). These are: Strengthening you have received unmatched world the Global Opportunity Initiative in A g r i - E n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p a n d class education that not only gives you collaboration with Virginia Tech Community Engagement Training in what it takes to make a competitive bid University, USA, in which it is East, West and North Africa for a job but also the skills and sponsoring Egerton University faculty (AgriENGAGE); Collaborative Action knowledge required to make you a job members to participate in the training. for Scaling Agri-Entrepreneurship and creator. I wish you all the best in your The training aims to foster networking Industry Engagement in Food and endeavours and may God's guidance and the writing of fundable proposals. Agribusiness Training in Sub-Saharan and blessings be with you!

Egerton Scholar Awarded Multiple Grants

By Dickson Okello, Fahad Luttah Juma and Victor Kilui

rof. Patience M. Mshenga of the c a p a b i l i t i e s , p r o m o t e entrepreneurship competitions. The Faculty of Agriculture is the internationalisation, and modernise project will also review or develop PPrincipal Investigator in three education systems. At the same time, curriculum for agripreneurship and a w a r d - w i n n i n g p r o j e c t s : the projects promote regional and community engagement depending on Strengthening Agri-Entrepreneurship interregional cooperation. PBL- institutional needs that will be and Community Engagement Training BioAfrica is funded by the Higher identified through an institutional in East, West and North Africa Education Institutions Institutional capacity mapping survey, develop (AgriENGAGE); Collaborative Action Cooperation Instrument (HEI ICI), course modules that will enable for Scaling Agri-Entrepreneurship and which supports cooperation projects effective training and engagement of Industry Engagement in Food and between higher education institutions youth in business, including through Agribusiness Training in Sub-Saharan (HEIs) in Finland and the developing on-line platforms, and train academic Africa (AgriSCALE); and Problem- world. staff and education facilitators in b a s e d - l e a r n i n g B i o - e c o n o m y The goal of the AgriENGAGE African HEIs in case study Entrepreneurship and Capacity project is to strengthen HEIs, to development and pedagogy/delivery Building Programme in Africa (PBL- provide excellent training programmes methods. Summer schools, business BioAfrica). in Agripreneurship and Community clinics, farm/industrial attachments T h e A g r i E N G A G E a n d Engagement responsive to evolving and roundtable discussions will also be AgriSCALE projects are co-funded by labour market demands to stimulate organised by the project. the Erasmus+ programme of the agricultural transformation and AgriSCALE aims to create a new European Union as part the Erasmus+ enhanced agricultural sector entrepreneurship learning ecosystem, Capacity Building for Higher competitiveness. Key activities of the which is based on problem based Education (CBHE). CBHE projects project include: establishing and learning (PBL) principles of student- aim at improving the administration of institutionalising an agrienterprise centred and competence-based Partner Countries' higher education, fund scheme, setting up an agribusiness education, collaboration and develop leadership and innovation incubation centre and organising networking with industry and societal Turn to page 14

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Scholar Awarded Multiple Grants

Continued from page 13 partners, and sharing knowledge PBL-BioAfrica is a collaborative recognising the role and potential of through a community of practice. The project for strengthening the capacity women in agriculture will improve project plans to achieve its objectives in bio-economy HEIs in Kenya and both equality and economic through: PBL curricula development Zambia. The focus is in developing development. Another objective of workshops in which findings from a PBL methods in bio-economy PBL-BioAfrica is to strengthen the PBL survey will clarify the curricula education, and utilising open distance networks among HEIs nationally and and training objectives for each partner, learning (ODL) formats and open internationally, as well as with the revision or development of new education resources (OER) in order to industrial sector. A network-based curricula for African partners, student reach large numbers of students in learning ecosystem will be established field challenges where Sub-Saharan partner HEIs. Students and graduates for developing bio-entrepreneurship students and European students work will be equipped with work-life education in the long term. together in field teams to collect data relevant and entrepreneurial skills. ______and develop innovative solutions to the Close collaboration with the industrial real-life cases, and PBL pedagogy sector is central in providing students Mr Dickson Okello is the Administrator, workshops that will concentrate on with real-life learning cases. Climate- AgriSCALE; Mr Fahad Luttah Juma is the pedagogical skills development for smart agriculture (CSA) will be Administrator, AgriENGAGE; Mr Victor PBL method and discussing case introduced as the guiding principle in Kilui is the Administrator, PBL-BioAfrica. studies. business development. In addition,

TAGDev Trains a New Generation of Agleaders

By Nancy W. Mungai

gerton University, the T h e TA G D e v p r o g r a m m e drawn from 14 African countries, have Regional Universities Forum objectives are to: Pilot a new model of benefited from full scholarships. An Efor Capacity Building in agricultural education at early adopter additional 59 students have benefited Agriculture (RUFORUM), and Gulu universities that connects tertiary from research and tuition fee support. U n i v e r s i t y i n U g a n d a a r e agricultural education to rural Recruitment of 15 Master's students for implementing a programme titled communities, with an emphasis on the 2021/2022 academic year is in “Transforming African Agricultural smallholder farmers; Strengthen progress. The programme offers Universities to Meaningfully agribusiness/entrepreneurship at two comprehensive scholarships to Contribute to Africa's Growth and universities and selected TVET students, mentorship programmes, and Development” (TAGDev). This eight- institutions; and Scale the new model trainings to ensure an all-round year (2016–2024) programme is for agricultural education to other graduate at the end of the process. supported by the Mastercard agricultural universities and TVET During the 43rd Graduation of Foundation to train the next generation institutions; and Increase collaboration Egerton University, 29 TAGDev- of Agleaders for rural community and mutual learning among institutions supported students are graduating both transformation. The programme and agencies implementing and at undergraduate and postgraduate focuses on experiential learning, influencing innovative tertiary levels. The programme takes pride in c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t a n d agricultural education for rural them and congratulates them on their entrepreneurship, and supports transformation in Africa. achievement. students who are bright but The programme aims at providing economically disadvantaged or come 220 scholarships to undergraduate and Prof. Nancy W. Mungai is the Project from conflict regions in Africa to train Master's students by the year 2024. So Coordinator of TAGDev at Egerton them as change agents in agriculture. far, at Egerton University, 95 students, University.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 CESAAM Zeroes in on Food Security By George Owuor

elcome to the Centre of namely Botswana, Burundi, Ethiopia, At community and youth level, 7 Excellence in Sustainable Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Youth-led extension forums and 4-K WA g r i c u l t u r e a n d Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Club revival initiatives have been A g r i b u s i n e s s M a n a g e m e n t Uganda. carried out. For industry engagement, a (CESAAM)! The Centre is funded by total of 104 internships and research the World Bank in collaboration with Key Achievements attachments for graduate students have the Kenya Government, and supports CESAAM has supported a total of 240 been supported at 4 institutions, students, faculty and partners across graduate students from 11 countries in namely the Hive Kenya Limited, Africa through building their capacity Africa (168 M.Sc., 72 Ph.D.), of whom ICIPE, Community Action for Rural for quality teaching and innovative 52 percent are female. From this group Development (CARD), and the Feed research. In its efforts, the Centre has 14 Master's and 3 Ph.D. students have Industry. partnered with peer and top global successfully completed their studies. In The industry engagement also universities, the industry and farming enhancing exposure to the international includes support for innovation community actors. The Centre is environment, the Centre has supported products. So far, a total of 4 products anchored at the Faculty of Agriculture 35 students and staff to exchange have been supported and some are and focuses on agri-innovations, agri- experience in China, USA, UK and undergoing commercialisation, entrepreneurship, climate smart Sub-Saharan Africa for a period of one namely aflatoxin reduced peanut for agriculture, research, training and to four months. This has provided the dry land farmers/ industry, sugarless technology transfer for sustainable exchange fellows with the opportunity jam for diabetics, sorghum with low development. to work with top institutions and gluten for bread suitable for diabetics, The main goal of the project is to researchers around the globe. and fabrication of farm machinery, address food insecurity, one of Kenya's Out of the research work at the including winnowing machines and Big 4 AGENDA and perhaps the most Centre and through regional and maize shelling machine. cited African challenge. international collaboration, a total of As we continue supporting The objectives of the Centre are: 190 research projects have been capacity building, research and Capacity development along the s u p p o r t e d , r e s u l t i n g i n 2 0 4 c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t , t h e Agricultural Value Chain in the Eastern publications in internationally peer- CESAAM project takes this and Southern Africa region, especially reviewed journals. opportunity to congratulate all for the fragile and post-conflict states; As an avenue to improving graduands and wish them success in Undertaking innovative research, industry and community skills through their future life. including use of biotechnology and short courses, the Centre has trained a ______climate smart agriculture, for increased total of 398 stakeholders made up of Prof. George Owuor, a Lecturer at Egerton crop and livestock productivity; farmers, students, extension workers University, is the Director of CESAAM. Enhancing the capacity of Egerton and industry representatives. The short University's Agro-Science Park to courses available on demand at the assist partner universities establish a Centre are Animal Feed Formulation, similar model for incubation of Conservation Agriculture, Data Wise Saying: technological innovations; Developing Analysis, Food Safety and Quality evidence-based agricultural policy M a n a g e m e n t , A p i c u l t u r e , “Proverbs are the palm briefs; and disseminating best practices A g r i b u s i n e s s Va l u e C h a i n through Agricultural Knowledge Development and Management, and oil with which words Centres in Egerton and partner Business Plan Development. The universities. Centre has also organised short courses are eaten.” The Centre has over 200 graduate in Governance and Leadership for – Chinua Achebe students from 11 countries in Africa, university management staff.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Message from the Dean

MA Students in Juba Benefit from Zoom Defences

many setbacks you encountered as you A N e w P ro g r a m m e a t t h e kept your eyes on the prize. Some of Department of Peace, Security and you stumbled and fell academically but Social Studies still picked yourselves up and moved on In January 2021 the Department of driven by your single-minded desire to Peace, Security and Social Studies see this day. All this is behind you now. launched a Diploma in Criminology You are all winners. A big recognition and Security Studies. The launch of goes to your parents, guardians, and this programme was informed by a sponsors for selflessly ensuring that rising market demand for that kind of you completed your studies. qualification both in Kenya and the We encourage you to navigate the region. This is also a potential feeder job market with your heads held high programme for the Bachelor of Arts and demonstrate to your potential (Criminology and Security Studies) Dr Hadija M. Murenga employers why they should hire you. programme for those who desire to go We have confidence in the fact that you for further studies after Diploma. We appeal to Egerton staff, students, are well prepared for the challenges of alumni, parents, guardians and n behalf of the Faculty of Arts the job market. We wish you all the best sponsors to help spread the word to and Social Sciences staff and as you enter the world of work and potential students who have interest in s t u d e n t s , I t a k e t h i s nation-building. God bless you all! O career in security. opportunity to congratulate all the graduands of our 43rd Graduation Online Teaching and Zoom Defences A Forthcoming Visit Ceremony. It has been a long journey for Postgraduate Students On 30 May – 3 August 2021, the from when you were admitted to FASS has carried on with academic Department of Philosophy, History Egerton University and embarked on activities despite the disruptions of the and Religious Studies (PHR) will host your studies to this day. For the University academic calendar due to a Carnegie Fellow, Prof. Shadrack graduands from the Faculty of Arts and closures occasioned by the Covid-19 Wanjala Nasong'o. This is not Prof. Social Sciences: a BIG Congratulation! surges. We have continued with classes Nasong'o's first visit to Egerton You fitted in well in the four through e-learning, online teaching, University. He gave a public lecture at Departments that make up the Faculty, consultations, WhatsApp and other FASS on 23 July 2019, titled “In the i.e. the Department of Economics, the media platforms; and with proposal and Shadow of the Natural Sciences: Department of Literature, Languages theses defences via Zoom. Worth Humanities in Crisis or the Crisis of the and Linguistics, the Department of noting is the fact that our MA Security Humanities” as a CODESRIA Fellow Peace, Security and Social Sciences, Management students based in Juba, and Visiting Professor of International and the Department of Philosophy, South Sudan, have also benefited from Relations. PHR, the Faculty, and the History and Religious Studies. the Zoom defences. We are slowly but University are excited to host him As we come together (physically surely embracing this method as the again for the fellowship. and virtually) to celebrate your “new normal”. Some of the Juba One of the major activities of the achievements, we must remember the students have already successfully fellowship will be to support PHR and achievements and challenges that you presented their proposals. Many more the Faculty in developing a programme have experienced during your studies. are scheduled to make their in International Studies and These include deep friendships, presentations soon. This confirms our Diplomacy. For the past six years, the comradeship, the fun of campus life, as determination as a Faculty to surmount Department has run a very successful well as such virtues as hard work and all obstacles so that the academic life of undergraduate programme in History your determination to overcome the staff and students continues. and International Studies, but there has Turn to page 17

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 BA Is Both Challenging and Exciting

By Charity M. Makau

was admitted to Egerton found it both challenging and exciting. University at Njoro to pursue a The courses I took not only helped me IBachelor of Arts degree in 2016. understand society better but also The opportunity allowed me to study equipped me with skills and values that three disciplines, and I settled for should help me in future endeavours. I Economics, Mathematics and am confident that the experience I Sociology. In the third year I dropped gained through the BA curriculum, as Mathematics and concentrated on the well as the opportunity to study for other two disciplines, which I had CPA and other packages, will serve me found both exciting and intriguing. well in the field of work or further Ms Charity M. Makau Even before I enrolled for the studies. programme, my father gave me a book In many ways, the academic Government of Kenya announced titled Economics: A Very Short activities involved team work and the various measures aimed at curbing the Introduction, which helped me learn a forging of friendships that may last a spread of Covid-19. Among the few things about the discipline and why lifetime. Similarly, interacting with measures was the closure of learning there are differences among economies people from diverse cultures and other institutions and the transition to online in the world. backgrounds over the four years I was classes for learners at various levels. At In the course of lectures and at Egerton University broadened my Egerton University, online studies had through private study, I came to view of society and life generally. It mainly been confined to the E-Campus appreciate the disciplines I chose for was a truly enriching experience, before that time and so the rest of us my degree programme. I came to learn which will not only leave me with fond had challenges adjusting to what was a that Economics is mainly about the memories of Egerton University but new mode. Accessing the e-learning choices people make concerning will also serve as a worthy foundation platform was difficult for many production, consumption, and on which to build a future. students for a variety of reasons. For distribution of goods and services. My story would not be complete some, access to an internet-enabled Most learning activities in the without a comment on the campus laptop or a smartphone was barely discipline, therefore, involved itself. The rural nature of Njoro and its possible. In other cases, the major analysing data on these processes. On well-endowed physical environment hindrances were the lack of sources of the other hand, the study of Sociology accorded us the perfect setting in which electric power and internet bundles. involved analysis of issues such as to pursue our various programmes. But Even when one had the necessary change and development, deviancy, the peace was on several occasions accessories, there was no assurance feminism, and gender. disrupted by unscheduled closures that one would log in successfully and Contrary to the misplaced views caused by strikes by either students or stay connected till the end of the some people have concerning the staff. However, the greatest disruption session. However, lecturers did their Bachelor of Arts degree programme, I was from March 2020 when the best to keep learning going through strategies like sharing lecture notes and Message from the Dean keeping consultation channels open. Continued from page 16 Despite the difficulties of e- learning, and those created by the been a sense of incompleteness without strengthening research methodologies, Covid-19 pandemic generally, we a postgraduate programme for students epistemologies and pedagogies among eventually did our final examinations intending to further their studies. teaching staff and postgraduate in December 2020. As we graduate Therefore, the fellowship could not students in the Faculty as a whole. It is today, we look back at our sojourn at have come at a more opportune time. anticipated that Prof. Nasong'o will Egerton University with gratitude. We In addition, there is high expectation also help to forge collaboration and are grateful to all those who made this that the Fellow will discuss best linkages with Rhodes College in phase of our lives as stimulating as it practices in teaching International Memphis, USA, where he is Professor was despite the academic and other Studies and Diplomacy and assist in of International Studies. challenges life thrust our way.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STUDIES Message from the Dean Prepare to Train Students with CBC in Mind

outstanding performance during Field opportunity for universities involved in Attachment and Teaching Practice. As Pre-Service Teacher Education to re- a Faculty, we believe we are giving the think and re-design the Bachelor of best to Kenya and the entire world. Education programme. Teacher Graduation is a special day for all education is critical to the attainment of of us as it is a culmination of tireless the SDGs, particularly SDG4. The efforts by the graduands as well as a design of the current Initial Teacher realisation of considerable sacrifice on Education (ITE) at the university level the part of parents, guardians and all the has by and large remained the same stakeholders concerned. On behalf of despite the numerous changes that the staff of FEDCOS and on my own have taken place in Basic Education behalf, I congratulate all the graduands from the 7-4-2-3 to the 8-8-4 system. and wish them success in their future The 21st Century teachers require a set Prof. Joseph Mworia Wamutitu careers. The intensive training you of pedagogies that are aligned to the have gone through has equipped you new education system which was with knowledge, skills, and attitudes implemented in 2017 with the first he Faculty of Education and that make you the best leaders in cohort being in Grade Five. By simple C o m m u n i t y S t u d i e s tackling Kenya's challenges. I strongly calculation, this first group will join T(FEDCOS) takes great pride in believe that you have the potential to university in 2029. Are we ready as presenting the highest number of transform humanity and improve lives. individuals and as an institution to students for the 43rd Graduation Graduands, dare to dream even receive the CBC learners? We have Ceremony. The Faculty has four when your power is turned off. You do about eight years to prepare. departments, i.e. Curriculum, know that candles burn, don't you? A Training of Trainers for Teacher I n s t r u c t i o n a n d E d u c a t i o n a l Overcome moments when faith seems Education and Management in Kenya Management (CIEM), Agriculture like an empty concept and trust like a (TOTEMK) project is in place. The aim Education and Extension (AGED), scam. Always walk the tight rope of is to train university lecturers on how to Psychology, Counselling and trying and succeeding; do not succumb train the teacher trainees who will E d u c a t i o n a l F o u n d a t i o n s to despondency. Even before the clouds handle the CBC learners at secondary (PSYCOEDFO), and Applied have dispersed, reflect on how much school level and prepare the university Community and Development Studies you have grown. Hold tight to your lecturers in handling learners under the (ACDS). Each Department has highly dreams because this is the only way to CBC system. The first phase of the qualified academic and technical staff, mould a legacy that history will not initiative began in April 2021 with a who play a key role in imparting ignore. As you join the world of work, three-day intensive training after knowledge and sharpening learners remember our slogan “Students First”. which the trainees will have a 10-week d u r i n g t r a i n i n g t o w a r d s t h e Make your slogan “Kenya First”. Give distance assignment. Egerton achievement of Kenya's Vision 2030, yourself fully to serving our nation, University is represented in the project the Sustainable Development Goals putting the words of our National by three faculty members drawn from (SDG), and the Big Four Agenda of the Anthem into practice. FEDCOS. They will disseminate the Government of Kenya. The FEDCOS knowledge acquired to others within academic programmes are engineered Embrace the Change and beyond the institution. In the words to generate, develop and share The launch of the Competency-Based of Buckminster Fuller, “You never knowledge for efficient and effective Curriculum (CBC), the Competency- change things by fighting the existing management of the educational sector, Based Education Technical (CBET), reality. To change something, build a training, research and outreach. That a n d t h e C o m p e t e n c y - B a s e d new model that makes the existing we are succeeding in this is Assessment (CBA), as well as the model obsolete”. demonstrated by our students' Covid-19 pandemic have presented an

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY Message from the Dean

Faculty Wins Partnership Supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK

Harvesting Technologies for Increased Busitema University, Uganda; Food Production in ASALs, targeting Murang'a University of Technology; Baringo, Kajiado, Machakos and Taita Egerton University; and Technical Taveta Counties; and Validation of University of Mombasa (TUM). The Improved Biomass Cook Stoves in kick-off meeting for the programme Baringo and West Pokot Counties, both was held on 4 – 5 February 2021 in sponsored by the Kenya Agricultural Nakuru with discussions focusing on and Livestock Research Organisation “Delivery of Engineering Academic (KALRO). The Department is also Programmes in the Wake of the Covid- collaborating with Virginia Tech in 19 pandemic”. The Faculty will use USA on the Global Opportunities this opportunity to strengthen its Initiative project with focus on linkage with the industry and also building partnerships, leadership skills, establish bilateral collaborations with and creating opportunities globally for institutions in the consortium. he Faculty of Engineering and staff and students. Another project The Department of Electrical and Technology in this 43 r d sponsored by the Orange Knowledge Control Engineering (ECEN) has been TGraduation Ceremony is Programme focuses on capacity e x p l o r i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r presenting candidates from both the building in Technologies for Water collaboration with the Kenya Space undergraduate and the postgraduate Smart and Climate Smart in nexus with Agency (KSA) to host a Research level to be conferred with degrees in agriculture, which targets TVET Chair on Microsatellite Technology four main areas of the engineering institutions. Development, “Nanosatellite disciplines. Congratulations to all the The Department of Industrial and Development”. The Department made graduands! E n e rg y E n g i n e e r i n g ( I E E N ) a presentation on the same on 28 As a Faculty we are proud of our successfully wrote a proposal that won September 2020 where both staff and graduates because they are preferred in a partnership for collaboration between students participated. In addition, the the job market. This is because our Egerton University and Moi University Department participated in the space teaching incorporates an extensive supported by the Royal Academy of sector stakeholder workshop organised practical component comprising three Engineering (UK). This was an open by KSA held in Nairobi on 24 – 25 industrial attachments that sharpen the call under the framework of the Higher February 2021. The workshop focused skills of our students. Annually the Education Partnership for Sub-Saharan o n E a r t h O b s e r v a t i o n a n d Faculty declares an undergraduate A f r i c a ( H E P S S A ) P h a s e I I I Applications, and Space Engineering, capacity of 150 places. Currently, the Programme which is intended to Space Science and Space Law and total student population is 879. At the e n h a n c e I n d u s t r y - A c a d e m i a identified challenges hampering space postgraduate level we attract students collaboration as well as to develop development in Kenya. These will be locally and internationally, mainly innovative methods in Engineering used to inform the development of from Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Education. This initiative is supported programmes in the Department so as to and South Sudan. by the University of Highlands and respond to market needs. Other areas of A number of activities are going on Islands, UK; University of Leeds, UK; collaboration being explored by the in the departments. For example, in the Konza Technopolis Development Departments are through the Industry D e p a r t m e n t o f A g r i c u l t u r a l Authority (KoTDA); the Institution of Academia Platform (IAP), the Engineering, staff are actively engaged Engineers of Kenya (IEK); Rivatex Geothermal Development Company in research in a number of projects. The East Africa Limited (REAL); (GDC), KenGen, and Scode. projects include Adaptation of Water Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK); The Department of Civil and Turn to page 20

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Department Builds Complex to Address Water Issues

By Raphael M. Wambua

he Department of Agricultural The Department has established a of Excellence in Sustainable E n g i n e e r i n g h a s b e e n Centre for Integrated Water and Basin Agriculture and Agribusiness Tfacilitating its staff members Management (CiWaB) that focuses on Management (CESAAM). and students in a number of ways. For the following key pillars of the water The Dean of the Faculty of example, to address the challenges of sector: water governance; catchment Engineering presents a number of the Covid-19 pandemic, staff members protection and rehabilitation; value- undergraduate and postgraduate have been conducting on-line student added water resources data; economic students from the Department for training. They have been developing e- water use and investments; and water graduation during today’s 43 r d l e a r n i n g m a t e r i a l s f o r b o t h use efficiency and livelihood Graduation Ceremony. undergraduate and postgraduate diversification. ______students that can be used to conduct There are 25 students in the long-distance classes. Department who are pursuing post- Dr Raphael M. Wambua is the Chair of In addition, academic staff graduate degrees, including Ph.D. and the Department of Agricultural members have been undergoing M.Sc. Some of the students have Engineering, Egerton University. training in career development as well secured scholarships from the Centre as carrying out research in a wide range of focuses. For example, the Department has been facilitating training and research in the use of e- resources, data management, and the engineering profession. Five staff members from the Department have secured career growth programmes at the level of the Doctor of Philosophy degree and are progressing well. Furthermore, some staff members are participating in the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) for Validation of M e c h a n i z e d s o i l a n d w a t e r conservation in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), as well as in bioenergy research along agricultural value chains. AGEN staff participate in KCSAP mechanised soil and water conservation

Message from the Dean Continued from page 20

Environmental Engineering has a especially rainfall data. The data is and others are also using the data to standing collaboration with the Kenya being used in research and practice in calibrate near real time livestream Meteorological Department which has collaboration with the Kenya meteosat data from GEONETCAST ensured sustenance of recording of Meteorological Department, Nakuru for land use change studies and metrological data from the weather County, in detection of climate change watershed management, among others. station in the Faculty. The station is one occurrence and downscaling weather of the best nationally and has records of data for early warning at local level. metrological data since 1955, Postgraduate students from the Faculty

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES Message from the Dean

Egerton University Now Enrolled with ECFMG

into your studies as well as the Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other contribution of your parents, countries around the world. guardians, and well wishers, as well as It has been the wish of our the input of your lecturers and graduates to be able to register for the administrative and support staff. I also United States Medical Licensing take this opportunity to thank them all. Examinations (USMLE) or be Since our last graduation, a great recognised for training entry by the deal has happened in the Faculty of General Medical Council of the Health Sciences. However, let me for United Kingdom. This is now going to now single out the development that be possible. has impacted most directly on the ECFMG is a world leader in welfare of our medical graduates. promoting quality health care. It Dr Brian Lishenga On 23 April 2021 the Faculty of serves physicians, members of the Health Sciences enrolled with the medical education and regulatory Educational Commission for Foreign communities, health care consumers, n behalf of the Faculty of Medical Graduates (ECFMG). and researchers in medical education Health Science I take this The enrolment will allow the and in the medical industry. Their opportunity to congratulate all University to authenticate the website: www.ecfmg.org. O rd the granduands of the 43 Graduation credentials of medical graduates who Once again congratulations to the Ceremony. Your graduation is the seek to join postgraduate residency graduands! culmination of the hard work you put programmes in the USA, the United

FACULTY OF LAW Message from the Dean 63 Students from Pioneering Law Class among Today's Graduands

am happy to be part of the 43rd with our first intake. Among the 63 are Graduation Ceremony of Egerton 35 women and 28 men. They have IUniversity, and I take this successfully transitioned their studies opportunity to congratulate all the to the Kenya School of Law. graduands, parents, and other As a Faculty, we are proud to be stakeholders on this achievement. associated with this class as a litmus For the Faculty of Law, this test of our capacity to provide hands-on ceremony is a double victory since we legal education in the country. Their are celebrating the achievements of our stint here has given us lessons from the pioneer class for the Bachelor of Laws successes and challenges we (LLB). A total of 63 students from our encountered that we intend to use to faculty are graduating today, closing strengthen the programme. Dr Ruth Adhiambo Aura the journey that started in June 2016 Turn to page 22

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education The most outstanding thing about Besides this, I feel delighted to second week of December 2020. This this group is that we involved them in inform you that our legal aid project conference attracted scholars from the legal aid activities through the Faculty established in 2019 under the auspices legal fraternity, legal practitioners, of Law Legal Aid Project (FOLLAP). of the European Union and the United social service providers, the Judiciary, FOLLAP's aim is to facilitate access to Nations Development Programme the Office of the Attorney General, the justice by the most vulnerable (UNDP) Amkeni Wakenya Project is Office of Director of Public members of our communities using progressing well. We have been Prosecutions, Civil Society, and students under the guidance of Faculty privileged to get further support from development partners, among others. staff and advocates drawn from the Pro the donors to run the second phase of The conference was sponsored by the Bono Scheme. This project exposed the project as part of practical European Union and the UNDP our pioneer students to the real legal programme delivery to our students. Amkeni Wakenya Project. We world they intend to join. We instilled We undertake to continue offering deliberated on the successes and in them the spirit of community service legal assistance to vulnerable challenges of the provision of legal aid by showing them why and how to offer community members in Nakuru in the country. Due to the success of pro-bono services as legal practitioners County as we continue with practical the conference there is a proposal to to deserving parties. training of our ongoing students. Our host a similar event in 2021. We are confident today to present aim is to induct more students in the In summary, the last five years to the world the Egerton Vision of “a project with more emphasis on have tested and proven our capacity to world-class university for the research and publication. provide legal studies in Kenya. As we advancement of humanity” through To this end I wish to inform you present our first products today, we legal professionals who will have the that as we concluded the first year of resolve to continue bettering ourselves interest of the communities they serve the project, we successfully organised so as to improve on our services in the at heart. We congratulate them in a the First National Legal Aid conference coming days. special way and wish them all the best on the theme “Strengthening Access to I thank you all! in their endeavours. Justice through Legal Aid” in the

Participants in the First National Legal Aid Conference held in December 2020 at the Sentrim Elementaita, Kenya.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 FACULTY OF SCIENCE Message from the Dean Department of Chemistry at Forefront of Fight against Covid-19 on Campus

and do all that appertains to your knowledge-generation through respective degrees, you have to look to research. the future with great desire and Right from the onset of the novel determination to succeed and reach for Covid-19 situation in our country and even higher achievements. globally, the Department of Chemistry Now that you have gotten hold of has continued to provide protection what you tirelessly and diligently against the virus to the various units in worked for, we urge you to go out there the University by way of availing well and pursue your dreams. Without a packaged sanitiser for use by staff and doubt the training you have received students. The Department has also enhanced its production of the high during your study period has prepared quality liquid soap. you well to embark on the next phase of During this period, the Faculty has your life and be great ambassadors of remained focused and innovative in as Dr Moses N. Gichuki this great institution. On our side as a far as teaching and research is faculty we will always put our best foot concerned. Our teaching and technical ear Graduands of the 43rd forward for our students. staff have been working tirelessly to Graduates: On behalf of the Since the inception of the Faculty ensure that we reach our students for Faculty of Science staff, I take of Science 34 years ago we have always online classes. This enabled us to D endeavoured to provide our learners this opportunity to congratulate you on complete part of the final semester for your graduation. Your great with an excellent foundation in line the students graduating today, and with the institutional Vision, Mission achievement that we are celebrating going forward we are determined to and Core Values. We remain today is a culmination of your hard ensure that nothing inhibits our committed to quality teaching, creation work, discipline and determination. generation and delivery of knowledge. and application of knowledge through Our members of staff continue to Graduation is an exciting moment pure and applied research and which marks both an ending and a pursue further studies, and so far we dissemination of new knowledge have a sizeable number of them on beginning; it gives warm memories of through scholarly publications in studies locally and abroad. Others have the past and big dreams for the future. forums that are locally and resumed work after successful Looking back to memories of hard internationally recognised. Besides completion of Ph.D. studies, and we work and commitment to this course, equipping graduands with knowledge, look forward to growing the Faculty you truly deserve to be celebrated. skills and attitudes that have enabled through their newly-acquired Today, as you get the powers to read them to be here today, our faculty staff knowledge and skills. have continued to contribute to Finally, dear graduands, as you plan your way forward from this point, please remember that the Faculty of Science has a lot to offer you in terms of postgraduate programmes and collaborations. Please liaise with your mentors in the departments for further information and guidance regarding the various progression paths in your academic and career journey. Best wishes as you join our other graduates in serving our beloved country using the knowledge and skills imparted to you. Students under training in Microscopy at a Laboratory at the Faculty of Science, Happy Graduation Day! Egerton University

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Despite Covid-19, the LWM Programme Continues to Thrive

By Nzula Kitaka

he Limnology and Wetlands environment and good health, is jointly offered by Egerton Management Programme positioning LWM as a regional flagship University, Kenya, The University of T(LWM) is part of the Education programme in Eastern Africa coupled Natural Resources and Life Sciences, and Research Hub for the Sustainable with the establishment of South-South BOKU, Austria and IHE-Delft, The Management of Aquatic Ecosystems in and North-South collaboration and Netherlands. East Africa (AQUAHUB) project. The networks. Since its inception in 2012, the main objective of the project is to In the long term LWM targets the programme has trained 80 young water enhance the facilities and capacity at intervention logic of Theory of Change professionals on the wise and Egerton University and other African (TOC) with the alumni influencing sustainable use of aquatic resources partner institutions (Addis Ababa sustainable management of aquatic within the region and beyond with a University and Bahir Dar University, ecosystems and their resources in 100% completion rate. both in Ethiopia) through training. The Eastern Africa coupled with improved The programme involves a wider context of training in LWM is in livelihood. rotational system whereby students line with Strategic Development Goal The Master's in Limnology and begin their first trimester in October in (SDG) 6 and SDG 3 on clean water and Wetlands Management (LWM) degree BOKU, Austria, and then move to

The Ag. DVC (R&E), Prof. Bockline O. Bebe, and the late Prof. S.T. Kariuki’s family members plant a tree in the garden in his memory. Egerton University staff and members of t h e c o m m u n i t y a l s o participated in the tree planting ceremony. Prof. S. T. Kabuitu Kariuki, who passed away in November 2020, was a staff member in the Department of Biological Sciences and the founder of the Botanic Garden, located on the Main Campus of Egerton University. The Botanic Garden serves as a biodiversity conservation centre, a research and training facility, and a recreational centre.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Makerere University, Uganda; University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and government institutions such as the Marine and Fisheries Institute. The wide experience of the resource persons has ensured that students have been acquiring the necessary skills and new knowledge using innovative ways of material delivery. This milestone achievement of the 2020/2021 group of students has demonstrated the resilient nature of the programme and of its participants, motivating us to advertise for the 2020/2022 intake despite the Covid- 19 pandemic. Currently the programme has nine students from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda under blended learning (both Students enrolled into the LWM programme collect samples for their research during field fieldwork and lectures) under strict work at River Njoro in March 2021 adaptive prevention measures to Covid-19. The students have completed the Egerton University in February for the several challenges, including Kenyan trimester and are on transit to second trimester, which runs for four restrictions on movement, LWM IHE, Delft for the third trimester. The months. This is followed by the third shifted swiftly to online learning. lesson leant is that Covid-19 is a game- and the last trimester in IHE, Delft, Consequently, five students out of eight changer and requires an adaptive which starts in June. The final phase of conducted their research and thesis management approach to overcome the the project involves the writing of a phase at Egerton University and are challenges that come with it. Master’s thesis. graduating today. They are Mr Ali Lastly, I wish to encourage the The students are expected to Makame, Ms Lorine Omondi, and Ms young water scientists from the region develop a Master's research proposal, Dorcas Mutei from Kenya; and Ms who seek to quench their academic to undertake the research, and to Mary Florence Nantonngo and Ms thirst to apply for this great opportunity present a thesis for examination in one Harriet Okomo from Uganda. and become part of the 2021/2023 of the partner institutions. Given the To the students: You have shown cohort. They should visit the stringent deadlines of the programme, resilience and adaptability. On our following website for the information learners must complete their studies behalf and on behalf of our partners, they need: and graduate within 18 months, during CONGRATULATIONS! https://boku.ac.at/en/wau/ihg/mast which they enjoy a scholarship Similarly, congratulations to Mr er-programme/international-joint- supported mainly by the Austrian Daniel Mwangi and Ms Christine rd master-in-limnology-wetland- Development Cooperation (ADC), the Nyangaya Owino, the 3 cohort of the management. Orange Knowledge Programme Rotary Club of Vienna fellowship The programme will endeavour to (OKP), and, in special circumstances, recipients graduating today. I hope that provide quality training. Again, the Erasmus Mundus Fellowship this journey has been a life-changing congratulations to this year's LWM Programme (EMFP). experience for you. graduands at Egerton University and LWM was not spared by the 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic has those graduating from partner Covid-19 pandemic, which rocked the transformed LWM into a more adaptive institutions! world at large. The first Covid-19 wave programme, which has continued to in Kenya began to affect the offer quality training despite the programme as the 2019/2021 cohort challenges presented by the pandemic, were undertaking their second with lectures given by professionals Prof. Nzula Kitaka teaches in the Department of Biological Sciences and is trimester in Kenya. from Egerton University, Kenya; The the Coordinator of the LWM Programme at Although the pandemic came with University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Egerton University.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education BOARD OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES & FIELD ATTACHMENT PROGRAMMES Message from the Director BUGS/FAP Adjusts to Covid-19 through Virtual Interactions

they set foot in class, as the Directorate farms and farmer organisations in the coordinates the departments and Arava region of Israel for five days in a faculties in the process of developing week, and to spend one day in class at new programmes/courses and AICAT. Most of the students are reviewing the existing curricula to involved in field work and different make them better suited to the needs of agricultural activities usually within students and the market. each farm or group of farms. The Directorate has continuously The Covid-19 pandemic has improved on the Farm Attachment disrupted the programme and so far the Programme (FAP), whereby students 2019-2020 cohort (the seventh cohort), are attached in farms and work with the which includes 25 Egerton University Dr Geoffrey O. Ong'ondo farmers to make meaningful gains in students who were to complete the Ag. Director implementing relevant projects and internship programme in June 2020, activities in collaboration with the have been in different locations in oday we celebrate the farmer. Israel since August 2019. BUGS/FAP a c h i e v e m e n t s o f t h e Feedback from the students is keenly following the situation to Tgraduands of this 43 r d emphasised the need for reliable, ensure resumption of the programme Graduation Ceremony. Graduation is a unbiased sources of agricultural as soon as possible. major milestone in the academic cycle, information to farmers. The database of In line with the “new normal”, both for the graduands and the the farmers and other organisations BUGS/FAP has embraced virtual University. It is the culmination of the participating in the programme has meetings to ensure the scheduled effort made by each candidate in their been updated and reviewed in the past 6 reviews of programmes are not studies and by the academic staff in months with the assistance of the delayed. On 26 October 2020, on 17 their departments and faculties. The Faculty of Agriculture and facilitation March 2021, and on 23 March 2021, Board of Undergraduate Studies and from the TAGDev project. However, the Board held meetings to discuss and Field Attachment Programmes the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the review curricula from various (BUGS/FAP) is happy to be associated planned attachment period for this year Faculties. The Board also held a Field with the graduands as they celebrate (May-August 2021) as the University Attachment Coordinators' virtual this momentous occasion today, and we calendar was revised following closure meeting on 22 March 2021 to plan for a congratulate them all. of learning institutions in March 2021. Field attachment exercise that had been BUGS/FAP is mandated with the Through BUGS/FAP, Egerton originally scheduled to commence in review of, and recommendation to the University has continued to partner May 2021. Senate on, the quality of undergraduate with Arava International Agricultural Finally, teaching practice took programmes. The Board also Training Centre (AICAT) in Israel to place between January and March c o o r d i n a t e s a n d f a c i l i t a t e s provide hands-on skills for students 2021, during which a total of 1,151 field/industrial attachment (FA) and undertaking agricultural related students successfully completed their teaching practice (TP). Therefore, p r o g r a m m e s . T h e 11 - m o n t h s teaching practice in various schools. B U G S / FA P i n t e r a c t s w i t h programme provides selected students undergraduate students long before with an opportunity to be attached to

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 BOARD OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES Message from the Director Covid-19 a Game Changer for Postgraduate Studies

sometimes uncertain journey, which learning easier. The regulations and became even more uncertain in the last procedures of online processing of two years due to the Covid-19 proposals, projects, and theses pandemic. However, the fact that you developed and approved by the Senate are graduating today marks the in May 2020 have ensured that our benchmark of your success and a true postgraduate students have continued indicator of your drive, perseverance, with their academic activities. In determination, resilience and, above all particular, this became an advantage else, your dream. As Anatole France during the third wave of the Covid-19 once observed, “to accomplish great pandemic in 2021, whereby most things, we must not only act, but also students continued with their dream, not only plan but also believe.” submission of documents, including Egerton University has prepared defenses, despite the lockdown. you to go out into the world and face the In addition, BPGS is finalising the expectations and challenges ahead of first Postgraduate Handbook, which you. The world today has become a was approved by the Senate in April t is that time again when Egerton global village, which requires radical 2021, to give further guidance to University graduands celebrate s h i f t s , o p e n m i n d e d n e s s , s t u d e n t s o n p r o c e d u r e s a n d their achievements with newly innovativeness, and solution-oriented expectations. I actions that have no boundaries in order We are now preparing the acquired Diplomas and Degrees. On behalf of the Board of Postgraduate for you to make a difference and make Plagiarism Policy, which will be Studies (BPGS) I celebrate ALL of you the world more hospitable in line with presented to the Senate for discussion during this 43rd Graduation Ceremony Egerton’s Vision of a world-class and approval soon. This policy will for your focus and determination. university for the advancement of contribute considerably to our Helen Keller once noted that “the humanity. determination to close all loopholes highest result of education is For the doctorate degree relating to plagliarism at all levels of tolerance”. Moreover, I believe that graduands, as I noted in a previous the University in respect of both you were all driven by Malcolm X's Graduation Ceremony, today's classwork and research, and we are observation that “education is our ceremony marks the beginning of your proud to note that BPGS again has been passport to the future, for tomorrow career, as a thinker, a problem solver, the driver behind it. belongs to the people who prepare for it and a leader, implying that whatever Lastly, I would wish to thank ALL today”. You are ALL winners, which you say from today on will be listened the BPGS Members together with the calls for a celebratory mood, since to very keenly. For the Master's Deputy Director, Dr Samuel Nyalala, graduation is not only a symbol of students, a slip road to access the who sacrificed and came to the office, success and a milestone for the a c a d e m i c a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l even when everyone else was working graduands but also an institutional and superhighway has been opened for you, from home, to ensure that students' societal achievement. The knowledge and with the skills and knowledge you progress and the postgraduate and skills you have obtained from have acquired from Egerton guidelines were followed. This is Egerton University should serve as a University, the END is your ascertained by many students springboard from which to take the B E G I N N I N G . O n c e A g a i n completing their studies on time and next step in your life. As B.B. King CONGRATULATIONS for your the quality of projects and theses being once said, “the beautiful thing about achievements! submitted to the Graduate School and learning is that no one can take it away Since the year 2020, the Covid-19 to the University Library. from you”. pandemic has been a wake-up call and a A special appreciation to ALL the A special congratulatory message “Game Changer” to many, demanding supervisors for their tireless efforts in goes to all postgraduate students for new ways of doing things. From guiding the students to completion of 2020 to date BPGS has continued to their studies. (See photograph of the graduating today. As the Director of rd BPGS, I am honoured to have walked develop new approaches and 43 Graduation Ceremony Ph.D. with you in this eventful and supporting documents to make graduands on page 53).

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education AGRO-SCIENCE PARK AT EGERTON UNIVERSITY

The Agro-Science Park (AgroPark) is a Directorate under the Division of Research and Extension at Egerton University. The strategic role of the Agropark is to promote innovations, products and services to be commercialised to link the University with the industry for their uptake.

Upcoming Lord Egerton Agri-City Industrial Park

· As the expansion of the AgroPark, the Lord Egerton Agri-City Industrial Park was initiated in 2019 following a request to the University by the Nakuru County Government and the National Government through the Ministry of Industrialisation, Trade and Enterprise Development.

· The Lord Egerton Agri–City Industrial Park will be an addition to the other two industrial parks in Kenya, one in Naivasha and the other in Ahero. These three parks double as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under the Special Economic Zone Authority (SEZA). The proposed Park will occupy 200 acres within the Ngongongeri farm.

Expansion and Upscaling New Varieties in Turkana County Through funding from Dutch-based IKEA Foundation, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the AgroPark team initiated the Refugee Groundnut Agricultural Value Chains for Economic Self-Reliance (Raves) project in Turkana County. New groundnut varieties will be introduced and processed at INSTA Foods Ltd, Chandaria Industries, to supply multi- Egerton Groundnut 1 (EUGN-1) Egerton Groundnut 1 (EUGN-1) nutrient deficient kids and mothers in (Mwangaza) (Mwangaza) refugee camps in the County. Brown large size seeded Red medium size seeded

In Memoriam Egerton University pays tribute to five distinguished lecturers, researchers, colleagues, and friends who passed away in 2020 – 2021: Prof. Samwel W. Wachanga Prof. S. T. Kabuitu Kariuki Prof. Abdul K. Faraj Ms Marion G. K. Anakalo Prof. John Gowland Mwangi We also pay tribute to 4 administrative and technical staff, 3 support staff, and 11 students, who passed away during the same period.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 DIRECTORATE OF INTERNATIONAL LINKAGES AND CAREER SERVICES Message from the Director Egerton University In Collaboration to Form IAESTE-Kenya

At the Directorate we facilitate abroad, Egerton University joined the and sustain linkages between our International Association for the university and other universities or Exchange of Students for Technical similar institutions outside Kenya, in Experience (IAESTE) in October addition to providing advisory services 2020. The IAETE platform will be to international students and staff at the accessed through the IAESTE-Kenya, University. The Directorate also Egerton University Local Committee facilitates the processing of under the Directorate. international students' applications and I A E S T E - K e n y a , E g e r t o n enrollment as well as the promotion University has joined hands with and marketing of the academic Dedan Kimathi University of programmes of the University globally. Technology (DeKUT), Murang'a Other functions of the Directorate University (MU), and Jomo Kenyatta Prof. Charles M. M'Erimba include facilitating access to welfare University of Science and Technology services to international students and (JKUAT) to form IAESTE Kenya. We staff and assisting students in industrial look forward to collapsing our placements on completion of their collaborating status and jointly he 43rd Egerton University studies for internships with prospective working with sister institutions in Graduation Ceremony is here employers. advancing the IAESTE agenda and with us. We thank God for the T In a bid to assist our students to expanding opportunities for our far He has taken us as a University. source for internships/attachments students. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has made it impossible for the celebrations to be made face to face, it is a fact that this will not stop you graduands from receiving your degree and diploma certificates. Mine is to wish all of you the best in life as you venture out there into the world. Be good ambassadors of Egerton University and exploit every opportunity that comes your way. Although it might appear difficult at the beginning serving without formal pay, it would be encouraging to take voluntary activities that will shape your career and keep you engaged. For those who will get an opportunity to come back to further their education, feel free to do so. For those who might be lucky to secure employment outside Kenya, be good ambassadors and lift the name Ms Rachael Ngina (in the middle), an Egerton University student pursuing the of Egerton University high. As the Bachelor of Science degree in Agri-business Management, has been making a mark in Directorate of International Linkages Turkana County, where she has been training farmers to acquire skills in the and Career Services, we are proud of all production of food using drip irrigation. (Photo courtesy: Rachael Ngina) of you.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education THE CONFUCIUS INSTITUTE Message from the Directors Institute Unites Kenya and China through Wide-Ranging Scholarly Collaborations

agriculture in the world, the Institute has focused on teaching the Chinese language and culture and transferance of appropriate and advanced agricultural technologies from China to Kenya and other African nations ever since its establishment in 2012, through training and short courses. Because of its excellent work, this Institute stands out among the other 61 Confucius Institutes and 48 Confucius Classrooms in 46 African countries. Prof. Joshua O. Ogweno Prof. Li Zhenhong Director For this reason, on 16 December 2020, Director Prof. Joshua O. Ogweno, the Kenyan Director, was invited to be one of the e feel honoured to seven keynote speakers during the precautionary material donated by c o n g r a t u l a t e t h e Virtual African Confucius Institute NAU and the Jiangsu Pengfei rd Wgraduands of the 43 Forum to share the experience of Group Co. Ltd. China, which Graduation Ceremony of Egerton running the Institute. helped Egerton University to fight University for the successful Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, against the Covid-19 pandemic, completion of your studies under the in 2020 the CI at Egerton University and which has deepened the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. recorded the following achievements: exchange and friendship between The past year was hard for everybody, ■ On the recommendation of the CI, the two institutions and two but despite the hardship, you have five Egerton University staff countries. managed to achieve your goal. members and students were ■ On 18 January 2021, the CI took Therefore, this Graduation Ceremony awarded China Scholarship the lead in the four CIs in Kenya to shall be a special moment of your life, Council (CSC) scholarships to start face-to-face teaching. which will endow you with enduring pursue Doctor of Philosophy Meanwhile, it also organised pride and joy. The future path is studies at Nanjing Agricultural paper-based HSK/HSKK tests on unpredictable and long, but we believe University, China. Another six 20 March, which enable students you are capable of overcoming Egerton students won CI to win the qualifications to apply whichever challenges will come your scholarships for further studies in for this year's CI scholarships for way with courage and perseverance relevant universities in China for further studies in China. All the from now on. one year or four years. Ten c a n d i d a t e s f r o m E g e r t o n The Confucius Institute (CI) at students studying at Egerton were U n i v e r s i t y p a s s e d t h e Egerton University was set up with the also awarded Chinese Ambassador examinations. joint efforts of Egerton University in Scholarships worth US$1,000.00 ■ In February this year, the institute Kenya and Nanjing Agricultural per student. brought forth innovative ideas by University (NAU) in China. As the first ■ In 2020, through the CI, Egerton holding two online cultural Confucius Institute featuring University received two batches of activities together with the

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 students from NAU and Nanjing sang and danced to both Kenyan and other Board Members were Medical University (NMU) in and Chinese traditional songs, briefed on the CI activities for the China. NAU students showed the while experiencing Chinese year 2020 and a 2021 work plan CI students around the Chinese calligraphy and paper cutting, was approved. The Board meeting Agricultural Civilisation Museum appreciating the Chinese tea also put forward the plans for online, while NMU students led ceremony, and tasting Chinese organising research activities and the CI students to “visit” the food. Following their acquisition training in the Belt & Road Crop Confucius Temple in Nanjing. The of new knowledge on Chinese M o l e c u l a r B i o l o g y a n d two online activities promoted the culture during the party, the Biotechnology Laboratory, as well understanding and friendship students exhibited more interest in as for developmental activities of between the students of Kenya and learning Chinese language. the Agro-Science Park at Egerton China. ■ On 16 March 2021, the CI held University. The video conference ■ On 10 February 2021, the CI at video conference for a board elevated the cooperation between Egerton University held a garden meeting during which Prof. Chen the two institutions to a higher party in the compound of the Fadi, President of NAU; Prof. level. Institute office to celebrate the Richard Mulwa, Acting DVC, Chinese New Year–the Spring Administration, Planning, & Festival. CI students and teachers Development, Egerton University;

The former Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. Rose A. Mwonya, receives Covid-19 precautionary materials donated by the NAU and the Jiangsu Pengfei Group in 2020

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education INSTITUTE OF WOMEN, GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Message from the Director Institute Hosts Anti-FGM Training Workshop

Development Studies (IWGDS) over envisage that your contribution will the last four years. We recognise the result in equitable solutions to health, struggles you may have gone through agriculture, environmental and these four years but appreciate the fact educational concerns not only in that you were able to surmount them Kenya but also across the globe, thus effectively to the end. We acknowledge catalysing communities' socio- that you are leaving the University economic growth. when the world is dealing with We believe that, armed with the enormous economic and health-related skills and knowledge you have challenges, including the Covid-19 attained, you are confident and eager to pandemic, but this situation could also tackle the next phase of your lives, offer great opportunities for you to whatever that might be, whether you address these challenges. choose to proceed with your higher- Prof. Rose Odhiambo Ag. Director As a technologically savvy level education at Master’s and generation, the quality of education eventually Ph.D. level or head straight that you have gained will enable you to to the workforce. Whichever direction t is such a pleasure to share in the fit effectively within the fast- you take, we guarantee that Kenya and intensity of emotions with our globalising world by contributing to the world will realise tangible changes Igraduating students, who are applied research, educating the because of the academic gains you closing the brightest chapter of their communities, and developing made during your stay in the fascinating life's story at Egerton functioning social networks. Being University. These tangible outcomes rd University at this 43 Graduation part of a global generation, Kenya's will be determined by how you follow Ceremony. We marvel, celebrate and technological advancements are set to your individual dream and imagination honour your accomplishments at the benefit immensely from your new and as distilled by the Egerton University Institute of Women, Gender and dizzying dimensions of knowledge. We environment. As we celebrate your academic accomplishments, we, the IWGDS family, are happy to highlight some of the main activities that your contribution helped us achieve during your stay at the University. First, there was the Gender Awareness Day, which was celebrated on 17 October 2020. Secondly, there was an Anti- FGM training workshop, which was held on the 6 February 2021 in Education Theatre II. The event remains perhaps the single most memorable student-focused activity to date, and for which the Institute will forever be thankful to you for your p a r t i c i p a t i o n a n d g e n e r o u s resourcefulness. Among other things, An Egerton University student from the Kingdom of Eswatini entertains guests during the workshop demonstrated your the 42nd Graduation Ceremony innate capabilities to fund-raise,

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 organise, and facilitate public events that are beneficial not only to the University fraternity but also to the neighbouring communities. Lastly, there was the International Women's Day celebration, which was held on 8 March 2021 and which would also not have been successful without your unreserved participation. These activities solidified and demonstrated that not only are you academic giants but also leaders in community outreach activities. We want to challenge you to continue with your quest for knowledge and to strive to discover other unique ways through which to contribute to our societal advancement. The next life steps may look bleak, but we believe that with the determination you have displayed you will surely find a productive footing in the society. We urge you to remain strong change agents among the global young generation, whom professional opportunities and explorations may Egerton University students participate in an Anti-FGM workshop on the theme “Diversifying Advocacy Against FGM through Young People” held on 6 February take to the furthest reaches of the world 2021 in Education Theatre II, Egerton University and beyond.

SCHOOL OF DISTANCE LEARNING Message from the Director Reconstructed Classroom: The New Learning Architecture

he world has gone through four one challenging question: “Can Africa industrial revolutions: the first Claim the 21st Century?” Twas the coal age; the second the While the Bank answered this electricity age; the third the electronics question in the affirmative, one age; and the fourth the internet age or wonders why the World Bank focused the age that is now being referred to as on Africa. Two trajectories seem to Internet of Things (IoT). emerge: first, in the past centuries, Each industrial age transformed the there were low North-South socio-economic activities and hence technology transfers; and second, the the lives of the people. Unfortunately, fact is that Africa entered the 21st the African continent was not an active Century as one of the poorest participant and beneficiary in the first, continents and hence it is expected to the second, and the third industrial catch up during this fourth industrial revolutions. Invariably, at the onset of revolution through maximisation of the the 21st Century, the World Bank asked

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education use of digital technology in all sectors, adopted a new teaching and learning chemistry problems; assignment of including, but not limited to, business architecture, benefits and full family chores and responsibilities and education. utilisation of this architecture are yet to consumed learning time during the With respect to the educational be realised. In this new learning day; and interruption of concentration sector, the question is: “Have African architecture, learners and tutors have by such platforms as Facebook, universities moved to the fourth encountered both bright and dark spots. Instagram and WhatsApp. industrial revolution?” Simply put, The bright spot is embracing the The only intrinsic barrier identified what do we do in our classrooms that flipped classroom methodology. The by the students that inhibited them reflects the fourth industrial dark spots, identified by the first-time from effective participation in online revolution? online learners in a survey carried out learning is low familiarity with this The fourth industrial revolution by the School of Distance Learning in mode. This is the need for more classroom architecture is no longer that January 2021, were basically extrinsic exposure to online practices and of the earlier industrial ages. The barriers. They included the following: a experiences. readiness and the activities of this digital divide – a situation whereby the In buttressing the University to be Internet of Things era has several learners came from diversified more attuned to the activities of the manifestations, including the delivery backgrounds with respect to location or fourth industrial revolution, the School of teaching and learning. The new place of residence and family socio- of Distance Learning has ensured that classroom architecture is multifaceted economic status impairing their staff and the students are facilitated on and includes the utility of several accessibility and affordability to technology-enhanced learning through platforms to achieve successful internet; poor or unreliable power and the development of new skills and delivery of learning, namely: video internet network connectivity; techno- dispositions for teaching and learning. conferencing such as Zoom, Google cultural adaptation – technology comes The restructured classroom, anchored Meet and Microsoft Teams; e-modules; with a culture that tutors are yet to adapt on the use of ICT in teaching and Learning Management System; with respect to the provision of learning, will be a familiar learning YouTube; and WhatsApp. These are feedback to learners on assignments; territory as the learners build the faces of the fourth industrial access to technology-involved barriers confidence, acquire more experience, revolution. arising from inability to own a laptop, and develop positive attitudes to From a sociological point of view, a tablet or a smartphone; inadequate assimilate and accommodate its norm is an expectation or a rule that can training and preparation whereby benefits for now and in the future. only be broken under special students were using a computer for the Bravo to the tutors and the students circumstances without sanctions or first time; isolation and lack of for having taken the challenges of penalties being imposed. In the past peer/group interaction on problem swimming through the new learning one year, educational institutions have solving; lack of appropriate software architecture. g o n e t h r o u g h a s i g n i f i c a n t for solving mathematical and transformation in the way of teaching and learning. The institutions were forced by the Covid-19 pandemic to intermittently break learning and the teaching norms that have been in CERTIFICATE PROGRAMMES MASTER’S PROGRAMMES practice for centuries. Minimum Mean Grade D+ (plus) Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with in KCSE or its equivalent at least Second Class (Upper Division) The familiar learning territory was or Second Class (Lower Division) with shattered. Learners and tutors moved DIPLOMA PROGRAMMES two years relevant working experience from in-person learning and teaching to Minimum Mean Grade C- (minus) DOCTORATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES the online learning environment. This in KCSE or its equivalent movement involved a number of Master’s Degree in related field changes, including breaking of the DEGREE PROGRAMMES Minimum Mean Grade C+ (plus) t r a d i t i o n a l l e a r n i n g n o r m s , in KCSE or its equivalent reconceptualisation of the classroom, and development of new skills and dispositions for learning and teaching. NJORO (MAIN CAMPUS) NAKURU TOWN CAMPUS COLLEGE E-CAMPUS While our universities have

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS Message from the Director Egerton University Wins Inter-University Blitz Challenge

promote an enabling environment that 2021, with the following topics supports and enhances both the covered: leadership skills for Student academic pursuits and other Leaders; academic Advisory: Policies development processes of students. and procedures concerning Students, The Office offers services that cater for Covid-19 sensitisation for students; the general welfare of students and national cohesion and integration; serves as an advocate by assuring that conflict management; students: finance the interests of students are served in issues and challenges; and signs of strategic aspects of university Alcohol, Drug Substance abuse and operations. The Dean of Students referral among students coordinates counselling, registrations of clubs, public lecturers, financial aid, Students Psychological Debriefing orientation of First Year students and on Covid-19 Prof. D. Odera-Wanga recreational activities. The aim of the psychological Some of the activities that have debriefing exercise was to provide taken place since July 2020 include the emotional and psychological support to n behalf of the Dean of following: training of class students in light of the Covid-19 Students office, I am glad to r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s ; s t u d e n t s pandemic. The idea was to prevent the e x t e n d m y s i n c e r e O psychological debriefing due to Covid- development of cases of post-traumatic congratulations to all graduands for 19 pandemic; Covid-19 sensitization; stress disorder and other negative their commitment and hard work and inter year championship. consequences among students. during their academic journey at Egerton University. Let me also thank Training of Class Representatives Covid-19 Sensitization the parents, guardians and sponsors for The class representatives training was a A seven day sensitisation was done to the support they gave to the graduands full day event done on 11 February encourage students to adhere to and ensured that they completed their Turn to page 36 training in various disciplines despite the hard economic times and difficulties occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. To the graduands, it is now your turn to make use of the competencies and skills you have acquired to make valuable contribution to your communities and the entire nation. At the Dean of Students office, we are committed to serving all undergraduate and postgraduate students. We endeavour to assist our students to develop their physical, psychological, social, spiritual and leadership skills as part of our quality objectives. The mandate of the Office of Dean Ms Peninah Kilinge the captain of Egerton University’s Women Karate Team, takes of Students is to develop, nurture, and participants through a warm-up during the Inter-Year Championships on 20 Feb 2021

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Egerton University Students Excell Globally

By the Newslink Team

n 2020 two Egerton University International Award, the others being students, Mr Gregory Kipchirchir from Canada, the Czech Republic, and Iand Ms Jane Mwende Mwanzia, Indonesia. The four were honoured by excelled locally and internationally in the Royal Family for their outstanding the President's Award – Kenya. work during the 2020 International Gregory, a third-year Bachelor of Youth Day. Agribusiness Management student, Gregory's story has been made was selected to represent the public to over eight million people who President's Award–Kenya at the Duke follow social media platforms of the of Edinburgh's International Award. Royal Family. His story has been For his voluntary service to the featured internationally on BBC and community, Gregory had introduced an locally on KTN, NTV and the print initiative of teaching other young media. people in his neighbourhood on best The President's Award – Kenya is agricultural practices. This was aimed a programme for young people aged at not only equipping them with skills between 14 and 25 and is aimed at but also keeping them busy with equipping them with skills to make something impactful, especially during them ready for the world. Egerton the Covid-19 pandemic, when students University has embraced the were out of school. He has continued programme and has empowered with his activities throughout the hundreds of students over time. pandemic. For her part, Jane, a second-year Gregory has been improving his Bachelor of Education student, was Top: Ms Jane Mwende Mwanzia who was skill in vegetable production as part of identified to speak at the Global Award identified to speak at the President’s fulfilling the requirements of the skills Fellows Dinner. The dinner is an Award Global Fellows Dinner section of the Award. annual event held in honour of World Below: Mr Gregory Kipchirchir who was Gregory was among four Fellows (WF) for their continued selected to represent the President’s Award–Kenya at the Duke of Edinburgh's participants in the Duke of Edinburgh's support of the award globally. International Award

Message from the Director Continued from page 35

Ministry of Health guidelines on In the men's soccer, finalists Third- The Egerton Chess Club has been Covid-19 as well as guidelines Years and Second-Years battled it out. exemplarily participating in virtual developed by the University to direct The same scenario played out in the competitions and emerging top from a their behaviours and actions while on women's finals. Netball saw Second- pool of over 20 universities in a campus. Years triumph, while First-Years championship dubbed Inter-University emerged victorious in the women's Blitz Challenge. This was due to the Inter-Year Championships Badminton duel after Melissa hard work of the Captain, Mr Eric Inter-Year Championships were held Dorothy's outstanding performance. Ngechu Gitau. on 17-20 February 2021. Covid-19 The chess event was dominated by the protocols were in place at all the venues Third-Years. as each year-group rose to the occasion. Inter-University Blitz Challenge

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 DIRECTORATE OF EXAMINATION AND TIMETABLING Message from the Director

Covid-19 Lessons for Coping With the Present While Adapting to the Future

achievements with your families and the traditional face-to-face lectures will friends, yet you can't do that! not face challenges. Every activity For the first time the University scheduled over the last and the current has been witnessing unusually empty academic year has had its share of lecture halls for a larger part of 2020, interruptions. This has occasioned not because of the normal end of the several revisions of the academic academic calendar schedule or the calendar and coming up with unprecedented unrest occasioning the innovative solutions to ensure Senate to declare closure of the continuity of learning. For the first University but because of suspension time we have had to schedule classes of learning occasioned by an unusual without allocating venues. “Virtual health conundrum. We had to quickly classroom” is now a term we cannot prepare to comply with the public ignore in timetabling. In fact, this could Prof. Julius K. Kipkemboi health recommendation on social and be the invisible solution to the recent physical distancing. Little did we know challenge of inadequate lecture halls. that one year down the line we would The greatest lesson we have learnt still be living with the potential is that higher education requires ear graduands: on behalf of uncertainties of lockdowns. flexible pathways. Michaela Martin, a the staff of the Directorate of Today none of us is confident that UNESCO International Institute for Examination and Timetabling, D curriculum implementation through Educational Planning researcher, avers may I take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to you all on this special occasion of your graduation. Indeed, you deserve to get more powers to read and do all that appertains to your respective educational qualifications. Today you graduate in unprecedented times and contexts. The fact that you are not here physically to celebrate with colleagues should not limit your thinking but inspire you to know that challenges create opportunities. We all have to adjust to the “new normal”, as a directorate, the Covid-19 p a n d e m i c h a s s h a p e d u s i n immeasurable ways; however we have been able to surmount the challenges therein. In fact “new” is now our “norm” at the Directorate, since the academic calendar keeps changing. The 15 March 2020 presidential Mr William Amwayi (centre), an Alumnus of Egerton University who graduated in directive that suspended physical 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Production, became Secretary to the learning seems to have been a turning International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electro- point, which we did not realise Technical Commission (IEC) Presidents’ Committee in 2020. Engineer Eddy Njoroge immediately. Today you would be here (right) is President of ISO, while Mr Sergio Mujica (left) is Secretary General of ISO. celebrating your well-deserved They were attending an ISO Consumer Policy meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe in 2019.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education that “flexibility enhances the resilience depends on all the key players. Not Otherwise, the perceived open doors of education systems”. The more only does this require investing in will remain closed. flexible the learning pathways are, the infrastructural resources at institutional Certainly this pandemic has not more likely systems are able to cope and individual levels but also only created new experiences but also with emerging challenges. Flexible and commitment at a personal level. As is unbundled opportunities beyond blended learning is the most plausible the case with the traditional learning, classrooms. We should all use these option with the possibility of we have to accept that quality learning experiences to learn and adapt to scheduling timed assessments as we can also take place through virtual challenges as they emerge. explore technological solutions to education. As you graduate and ultimately other coursework requirements. With a The Directorate of Examination change your status to become Alumni good balance of synchronous and and Timetabling endeavours to work of this great institution, go out there asynchronous learning we can optimise together with other units in the and don't forget to “keep up” with the on time and both physical and virtual University to contribute to learning new normal. Open your minds to the space. Making the learning process to continuity during the pandemic and the outside world. Remember to always take place “anytime, anywhere" is the transformation of the educational keep safe and follow the laid-down way to go. landscape beyond Covid-19. But this public health protocols as long as the What is perhaps important to keep can only succeed if we all have the pandemic is still here with us. in mind is that the success of blending shared vision of managing the God bless! face-to-face and virtual learning institutional and individual transition.

NAKURU TOWN CAMPUS COLLEGE Message from the Principal Faculty of Health Sciences Promotes Community Health Care Services

our story of resilience and hope. Faculty of Health Sciences partnered Congratulations to you, your parents, with the County Government of guardians, and well-wishers. Nakuru, the Beyond Zero Programme, This is the second graduation that and Technion-Israel Institute of the University is holding under the Technology from Israel in a project Covid-19 pandemic; a pandemic that called “Simulation on Wheels has pushed humanity to its limits. Programme” aimed at promoting Although the challenge still persists, community health care services in the we remain strong in our resolve to County. Through the project our staff at counter it and emerge victorious each the Faculty of Health Sciences will day. train County Health Volunteers (CHV) Today's graduation is very special on how to offer services in the for Nakuru Town Campus College communities in order to boost the fight Prof. Daniel O. Auka Ag. Principal (NTCC) since we are presenting our against Covid-19. The partnership was first class of graduands for the Bachelor made possible through the Embassy of of Laws (LLB). The programme began Israel in Kenya. am pleased to join all of you today in 2016, and with today's graduation we This project adds to another in marking the 43rd Graduation can officially say that it is now fully community service project that was ICeremony of Egerton University. tried and tested. In a special way I started by the Faculty of Law on I wish to congratulate the congratulate the best student in the offering legal aid to the vulnerable graduands today. Whether you are with Faculty, Emmanuel Munene. He members of the community in the us here physically, or joining us becomes the first to open the roll of County. The project, popularly known virtually, I feel overwhelmed by your Egerton's Best Lawyer. as the Faculty of Law Legal Aid Project presence. Your success today is part of At the start of April this year, our (FOLLAP), is in its second year after

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 purposes. Before I finish, I wish to acknowledge the contribution of NTCC's former Principal, Prof. Lenah Nakhone-Wati, who steered the campus for the last decade, propelling it to the heights at which it is today. Through her stewardship, the campus grew steadily, and for this we shall forever be indebted to her. On behalf of the entire NTCC fraternity and on my own behalf, I wish her all the best in her current and future endeavours. Once again, I congratulate you, the graduands. I appeal to you to consider coming back to NTCC and to Egerton University to further your studies. As Communication and Media students in the renovated Egerton Radio studio in 2021 you step out, I ask you to be our brand ambassadors wherever you go through inception. It is sponsored by the United e x p a n d t h e U n i v e r s i t y ’ s the services you offer to communities. I Nations Development Programme Communication and Media programme pray that the world welcomes you with (UNDP) Amkeni Wakenya Project. as we use the radio for information, all of its finest gifts. The two projects are a testimony fundraising, and community extension that as an institution we have the interest of the community at heart, just as we say in our Vison: A world-class university for the advancement of humanity. This is part of the University's core mandate of community outreach. With respect to the Faculty of Commerce, I wish to report that the Faculty has fully relocated from the Bawani building to the NTCC main Egerton University SACCO invites university employees, civil servants, administration building. In the coming employees of companies, schools and other instuons, groups, chamaas months we shall embark on setting up and business people to join us today, contribute and benefit from our range prefab structures at the University of great products and services. grounds formerly known as Kokeb Restaurant and thus stop renting space Our savings products: Our loan products: at the Loncom building. The move is part of a larger plan of ceding rented space for the campus in order to cut our operational costs and optimise on the available resources as we improve on FOSA product loans our services. I also wish to report on our electronic media studio that we have completed the first phase of its For more informaon, please visit our website: refurbishment. We have acquired state www.egertonsacco.coop E-mail: [email protected] or call 0110009393/0733999002/0770999002 of the art broadcasting equipment and P. O. Box 178-20115 expanded our reach to some areas in EGERTON Nakuru town. With this we hope to Regulated by SASRA (Sacco Sociees Regulatory Authority)

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education DIVISION OF RESEARCH AND EXTENSION Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Extension) You Are the People Who Will Rebuild the Post-Pandemic World

rebuild it. I believe that the quality education that you received at Egerton University has exposed you to what the world has to offer and to the possibilities open to you. Achieving your dreams after college requires more than qualifications. Open up to change, bravely try something new, and create a pathway where there appears to be none. Pursue every ambition as far as you can dream. Let me emphasise this by using the words of John B. Gough: “If you want to succeed in the world you must make your own opportunities as you go on. You can commit no greater folly than to sit by the roadside until someone comes along and invites you to ride with him to wealth or influence.” Prof. Bockline O. Bebe Let me close with the words of Tom Brokaw: “You are Ag. DVC (R&E) educated. Your certification is on your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to a good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the y Esteemed Egerton Graduands, I Congratulate world.” The world is you, us, and everybody else. you for a milestone in your academic journey. It My prayer is that Egerton University remains a place Mhas been a learning journey full of experiences in you will often want to come back to, whether in memory or your education. Our value proposition to you was delivery of in person. Congratulations once again to each one of you, quality education that fosters a transformed life. At the tail and all the best in all your life endeavours. end in the four years or so long journey, Covid-19 disrupted our traditional education delivery style. This necessitated going virtual, and a change in what we teach, how we teach and what we learn. In the midst of this, you, your parents and guardians, and the lecturers sacrificed heavily to ensure that you still acquired quality knowledge with which you could continue in that pathway to transforming lives: yours, ours, and of the others in this world. With the milestone you have recorded and celebrated, now proceed to figure out who you are, which Richard Grant simply puts as, “The value of identity is that so often with it comes purpose”. No one else defines you but yourself. What other people think of you is never as important as what you think of yourself. You are not defined by what you lost in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic or by the challenges that you will encounter along your growth pathway, but by how you respond to them. We are all aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a big impact on how we live, how we operate, and even on the economy at large, but this should Mr Reuben C. Kiptoon shows Maji Moto Women Group Members the ideal species for rangeland rehabilitation at the not deter your course. With the pandemic, the world has Egerton University Chemeron DRTEC changed and you are the people who will innovate how to

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR (RESEARCH AND EXTENSION) Message from the Director Egerton Annual Research Conference Goes Virtual

documentation, and publication. To were presented either orally or as ensure the Division delivers on its core posters. The conference attracted over functions, various committees, headed 750 attendees drawn from local and by the DVC (R&E), Director (R&E), international universities, research the Deputy Director (R&E), and other institutions, county and national experts from within Egerton governments, local and international U n i v e r s i t y , o v e r s e e t h e N G O s , a n d p r i v a t e s e c t o r implementation of these functions. organisations. Participants from 32 countries interacted with the Research Overview conference website. The top 11 Currently the Division is overseeing countries represented at the conference the administration of 108 research were Canada, China, Ghana, France, Prof. Nancy W. Mungai projects and consultancies which are Kenya, Netherlands, Nigeria, Rwanda, Ag. Director (R&E) both internally and externally fund, USA, UK and Uganda, among others. with a cumulative value of Kshs 2.1 The theme of the conference was n behalf of the office of the billion. Over 350 researchers and their “ I n n o v a t i o n , R e s e a r c h a n d Director of Research and students are involved in these projects. Transformation for Sustainable OExtension, I take this Fifty percent of the researchers are Development”. Underlying this theme opportunity to sincerely congratulate Egerton University staff and students. is the acknowledgment that Science, all the graduands of this 43 r d Female researchers are principal Technology, and Innovation are major Graduation Ceremony. Your hard investigators in 28% of these projects. drivers and enablers of social and work, discipline and patience have economic transformation. The brought you this far, and we are proud Achievements for the Period 2020- application of knowledge and of you. The efforts and support of your 2021 innovation is necessary for attaining parents, guardians and lecturers are Through online platforms, training, sustainable economic growth and much appreciated. As you receive the meetings, and service delivery in the competitiveness. Presentations were power to read and to do all that Division have progressed with minimal made under six sub-themes, namely; appertains to your discipline of disruption despite the challenges Natural Resources and Climate training, a world of opportunities caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Change; Food Security; Geopolitics awaits you. These opportunities are Researchers have been encouraged to and Governance; Health, Science and accessible to the proactive, creative, use online facilities to communicate Technology; History, Literature and and open-minded individuals among with the Division to minimise the Culture; and Education and Change. you. I believe you all have received the spread of Covid-19. necessary skills to grant you success in The achievements of the Division Training your next phase of life. Remember, since our last Graduation Ceremony Various training activities were research is key in your search for the are as outlined below. conducted by the Division in the last next steps in your life. one year. To begin with, 20 members of The Division of Research and International Conference staff and postgraduate students Extension's core functions include The Egerton University Virtual participated in the Statistical Analysis coordination and development of International Conference was held on System (SAS) Training in December relevant policy documents in the 24 – 26 November 2020. This was the 2020. following core areas: research, 13th International Conference that the To increase the number of extension services, consultancy University has organised hosted by research projects, early career services, short courses, technical the Division of Research & Extension. researchers and postgraduate students courses, information dissemination, During the conference, 137 papers

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education received virtual training on scientific research projects in the University. for consultancy from Egerton communication and publishing, which This year's M&E session was held University, the Dvision offers support included proposal writing. The most virtually on 8 April and 19 April 2021. to the bidders by forming teams of recent training was conducted on 23 – The purpose of conducting M&E is to experts to respond to the calls, issuing 25 February 2021 in collaboration with a s s e s s a d h e r e n c e t o d o n o r letters of support for the bidders and the Training Centre in Communication expectations, achievement of research offering financial support where and TAGDev Programme. Seventy- objectives, and documentation of key necessary. Members of staff and seven staff and students participated in outputs and outcomes. It also provides postgraduate students are trained on this training. an opportunity to address any consultancy services every year in an A one-day training on Kenya i m p l e m e n t a t i o n c h a l l e n g e s effort to enrich their consultancy skills. Research Information Management encountered during research. The support offered has proven to be Systems (KRIS) was held on 17 The Division also supports very helpful to Egerton University February 2021. Nineteen researchers innovations from students and staff experts. from Egerton University were trained. through training and facilitates Among our upcoming activities is Egerton researchers also participated extension services to communities. an interactive workshop with in the National Research Fund (NRF) Community extension outreach is a researchers which will be held in June capacity building workshop held at core function under the Deputy 2021. The workshop will address Maasai Mara University on 23 – 25 Director, Outreach and Extension. service delivery, procurement and March 2021. The training covered There are various ongoing outreach finance, and general research wide topics in research management, programmes where the communities management. The 14 t h Egerton i n c l u d i n g i n n o v a t i o n s a n d involved have benefited from the University International Conference is c o m m e r c i a l i s a t i o n , r e s o u r c e technical knowledge of the experts proposed to take place on 23 – 25 mobilisation, and scientific writing and involved from Egerton University. March 2022. Finally, partnership publishing. During the 2020/2021 Financial discussions with various institutions Year, staff from Egerton University and stakeholders are ongoing and will Other activities s u c c e s s f u l l y b a d e f o r f i v e be unveiled soon. The Directorate conducts regular consultancies. In order to enhance the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of chances of success of the various bids DRYLAND RESEARCH TRAINING AND ECOTOURISM CENTRE Message from the Director DRTEC Enhances Biodiversity Conservation in the Lake Bogoria Landscape

wish to take this opportunity on accomplishment, bearing in mind the behalf of the Dryland Research many sacrifices that you have made ITraining and Ecotourism Centre this far. We are confident that you will (DRTEC) staff and myself to put to use the skills and knowledge you congratulate the graduands of the 43rd have acquired in transforming Graduation Ceremony upon this livelihoods and conserving the achievement! With the challenges environment in whichever part of the brought about by the Covid-19 country or globe you will be. pandemic, it is worth celebrating this DRTEC's role in transforming milestone in your academic journey. lives through extension and Graduands, we applaud and celebrate community engagement has not been you! We join your parents, friends, and easy during this Covid-19 pandemic. significant others in recognising this Most of the planned activities had to be

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 enhance livestock production and it safeguards against losses during extended dry periods characteristic of this semi-arid lands of Baringo. These pasture and livestock production activities have seen a significant and active participation and engagement of women, youth and persons living with disabilities. The participation of these groups, which had been marginalised from such economic activities in the past, has brought about an increase in household incomes as well as conserved the environment. In partnership with Seeds Savers Network, DRTEC staff have in the last one year trained over 200 farmers on climate-smart agriculture, specifically focusing on tree nursery establishment, agroforestry, and production of indigenous vegetables (spider plant, amaranths, and black nightshade) and cereals (finger millet and sorghum). Using GEF/SGP funds, the farmer groups have established two- acre demonstration plots, bulking, and storage centres within the Lake Bogoria Landscape. Widespread adoption of the aforementioned pasture and climate-smart agriculture technologies will lead to improved livelihoods and enhanced biodiversity conservation. Members of the Maji Moto Women Group package value-added Cenchrus ciliaris grass fields at their project site at Marigat, Baringo South cancelled or scaled down so as to adhere to the World Health Organisation containment measures. We had to invent new ways of carrying on with community extension, including the use of social media platforms, video conferencing facilities and mainstream media which farmers and other stakeholders have come to accept and appreciate. During this pandemic era, agro-pastoralist and climate- smart agricultural groups in Baringo South, which are funded by the Global Environment Facility/Small Grants Programme (GEF/SGP), made significant impacts in enhancing their livelihoods and conserving their environment. This was made possible with the support of the Kenya Organic Agriculture Network (KOAN). For the past three years, KOAN and DRTEC have been strategic partners in spearheading livelihoods improvement and biodiversity conservation within the Lake Bogoria Landscape. Using knowledge and skills acquired during trainings conducted at the Chemeron DRTEC, the farmers established over one thousand acres of pasture fields using Buffel grass, Cenchrus ciliaris. This pasture grass is now branded the “Saviour and Gold” of Baringo owing to its growth patterns, drought tolerance, and high productivity. The farmers have proceeded to do value addition to the harvested grass Goats graze in a pasture field established by the Maji Moto through baling and mixing it with other nutritious plants and Women Group in Mogotio, Baringo County supplements. The value-added pasture has been shown to

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Council and UMB Visit Chemeron DRTEC

By George M. Ogendi

n 21 May 2021, the Dryland Research Training and OEcotourism Centre (DRTEC) hosted the Egerton University Council and the University Management Board (UMB). This was a rare opportunity for the DRTEC staff that saw the visitors get exposed to the infrastructure and facilities as well as the various activities that take place at the Centre. The visiting team toured the Chemeron DRTEC tree nursery, hostels, livestock units, the apiary, and the nature park that houses the botanic garden, the tortoise park, the crocodile park, the aloe garden, the lizard park, and the snake The Chairman of the Egerton University Council, Amb. Dr Luka Hukka Wario, park. addresses Members of the Council, UMB and DRTEC staff on water storage and The visitors interacted with the conservation during a visit to the Centre on 21 May 2021 Chemeron staff and offered various pieces of advice on how to efficiently Among the key challenges facing rangeland rehabilitation at Chemeron. They learnt that uptake of these tree and deliver on the University's key mandate beekeepers in the country is the low grass technologies by communities relating to research and extension. The colonisation of beehives which the within Baringo has already taken place, Council and UMB members planted University intends to solve using this and that there is considerable progress various dryland tree species in Queen Bee Technology. The project will also include the construction of a especially with the establishment of commemoration of their visit as well as pastures and tree nurseries under to mark the World Bee Day, which was m o d e r n b e e - h o u s e t h a t w i l l accommodate 100 hives. enclosure conditions. The said pasture celebrated on 20 May 2021. They also technology has found wider acceptance launched a beekeeping project funded The Council and UMB members were shown the various tree species owing to the prevailing climatic by the Council which involves the conditions and the local community's Queen Bee Technology that will be (Leuceana leucocephala, Azadiracta indica, Senna siamea, and Delonix cultural attachment to goats and cattle, implemented by DRTEC and the Agro- regia) and grass species (Cenchrus hence the increased demand for Science Park. Through this project, ciliaris, Enteropogon macrostachyus pastures during the dry period. beehive colonisation and honey and Eragrositis superba) being used for The Council pledged to mobilise production in Kenya will be enhanced. their personal resources and those from well-wishers to complete the construction of the snake park located at Dr John N. the DRTEC nature park. Completion of Ondari the snake park will enable the (Member of the Egerton University to operationalise the nature University park and thus enhance education and Council ) plants research opportunities for students, a Flamboyant researchers, and other stakeholders. tree at DRTEC during a visit by Finally, the Council and UMB pledged the Council and to support the construction of an the UMB to the elevated tank and water kiosk to enable Centre on 21 the surrounding community access May 2021. Looking on are clean and reliable water from DRTEC. some Members of the Council and the UMB. Prof. George M. Ogendi is the Director, DRTEC, Egerton University .

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Egerton Staff and Students Plant 5,000 Trees

By Charles M'Erimba

rees and grass belts along water bodies, commonly referred to Tas riparian corridors or simply vegetated buffer strips, are important in stabilising streambanks, buffering of pollutants entering a stream from runoff, controlling erosion, and providing habitat and nutrient input into the stream. They also contribute to the balance of oxygen, nutrients, and sediment, besides providing habitat and food for fauna. It is due to these filtration functions that streams, and rivers are sometimes referred to as “kidneys of the earth”. Members of staff from Egerton University’s Division of Research and Extension and Climate change, coupled with the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development plant trees along the rapid population growth, is likely to Njoro River near the Egerton University Main Gate on 11 May 2021 stress water reserves in Kenya. Kenya's Vision 2030 spells out the mechanisms onset of long rains and in an effort to and Career Services, took part in a tree of conserving all the water catchments conserve this water catchment, the planting activity along the Njoro River in Kenya. Egerton University is Division of Research and Extension on 11 May 2021. This is an annual mandated under Vision 2030 to together with members of staff from the activity and the target for 2021 was to conserve Njoro River, which emanates Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural plant 5000 tree seedlings along the from Eastern Mau, one of the critical Policy and Development and the river. water catchments in Kenya. With the Directorate of International Linkages Njoro River is one of the main rivers that contribute water to Lake Nakuru National Park, which is home to thousands of flamingoes, wild animals, and diverse tree species. Close to 600,000 people depend on this river for drinking water as a source of livelihood. We call upon other stakeholders, notably the Kenya Wildlife Services and the Nakuru County Government, to plant more trees on the lower sections of this river to prevent loss of soils through erosion and maintain the water quality for the wildlife within the Nakuru National Park. ______Prof. Charles M’Erimba is the Mr Paul Chek, the Chief Technologist in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology (in blue overcoat), takes AGEN 375 students Coordinator, Njoro River Rehabilitation through a lesson on profile leveling as a tool for soil and water management on the Project. grounds of Egerton University, Njoro on 11 March 2021

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Tegemeo Institute Lands Strategic Research Partnerships

By Miltone Ayieko egemeo Institute of Agricultural the Regional Network of Agricultural the ALL-IN initiative. One of the grants Policy and Development, Policy Research Institutes (ReNAPRI), supports an Impact Study of Digital TEgerton University, is a leading the International Food Policy Research A g r o - We a t h e r A d v i s o r i e s o n provider of evidence and knowledge for Institute (IFPRI), Michigan State Productivity and Resilience in Farming accountability and learning, to catalyse University (MSU), and the Overseas and Pastoral Communities of Kenya. agricultural and rural sector Development Institute's Chronic The project partners are KCSAP's transformation. The Institute's research Poverty Advisory Network to analyse national and county coordinating units, is organised around five thematic areas: the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic Kenya Agricultural and Livestock transformation of the agricultural sector and associated policy responses on food Research Organisation (KALRO), for inclusive growth and development; systems, national and global food and Kenya Meteorological Department enhancing rural service delivery in a nutrition security, poverty and (MED), and Virginia Tech University, devolved and dynamic institutional development. These analyses are useful USA. setting; building resilience in the in advancing policy-relevant and The second grant supports a study context of climate change; unlocking evidence-based insights on actions to on Willingness to Pay for Soil Testing the potential for regional integration for counter the negative effects of the and Impact of Soil Test Information on trade and food security; and provision of Covid-19 pandemic and how to develop Demand for Soil Acidity Management Measurement, Learning and Evaluation effective preparedness for managing Technologies on Smallholder Farms in (MLE) services. future pandemics. Kenya. This research will be During the 2020/2021 period, the Tegemeo, partnering in a undertaken in partnership with MSU Institute partnered with the Ministry of consortium with MSU and Purdue and service providers involved in soil Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and University (USA), was recently testing and distribution of lime Cooperatives to support three World awarded a grant by USDA/USAID for a products. Bank-funded projects. These projects three-year project to support the The Institute is also partnering with Mathematica in the Bill and are the Kenya Climate Smart agencies' work in Kenya and the East Melinda Gates Foundation-funded Agriculture Project (KCSAP), the African region through applied research evaluation of AGRA's PIATA National Agricultural Rural Inclusive and analysis. Tegemeo is the lead (Partnership for Inclusive Agricultural Growth Project (NARIGP), and the African Institution and will host the Transformation in Africa) programme. National Value Chain Support project office in addition to Tegemeo will be coordinating data Programme (E-Voucher), which are implementing the project activities. collection and will also lead in being implemented across all Kenyan In yet another significant evaluating the policy and state rural counties. Specifically, the Institute development, Tegemeo was awarded capability thematic area of the supported the operationalisation of the two grants by USAID's Feed the Future evaluation. In addition, the Institute is respective projects' Monitoring and Advancing Local Leadership and collaborating with ReNAPRI, Alliance Evaluation strategies, capacity building Innovation Networks (ALL-IN) for African Partnership (AAP), and for project staff and implementation of initiative. This is a collaboration MSU in a consortium to advance the projects' baseline surveys. between the International Centre for conversations about how to increase Staff at Tegemeo Institute held Evaluation and Development (ICED) fertilizer use and soil health in Africa. consultative meetings with governors of and the Feed the Future Innovation Lab Finally, the Institute continues to five counties (Kisumu, Kisii, for Markets, Risk and Resilience at the provide useful evidence to the Ministry Kakamega, Vihiga, and Makueni) University of California at Davis, USA. of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and regarding the County Functional ALL-IN advances the host country's Cooperatives that is informing debate Analysis studies which will be l e a d e r s h i p i n d e f i n i n g a n d and reforms in the coffee, tea, beef and conducted by the Institute. This follows implementing research projects and aquaculture value chains. the successful completion of a study by deepening host-country networks. Out the Institute on Functional Analysis for of the more than 125 proposals that Dr Millitone Ayieko is the Director, Kenya's Agricultural Sector at the were submitted, Tegemeo Institute is Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural National and Intergovernmental Levels. one of the only two institutions that Policy and Development, Egerton Further, Tegemeo partnered with received funding for two projects under University.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 AICAD Trains Kakamega Bodaboda Riders By Joseph Mwenda

he African Institute for and non-communicable diseases. They with like-minded institutions, C a p a c i t y D e v e l o p m e n t were also trained on road safety, organisations, government agencies, T(AICAD) is a not-for-profit customer care, road use and signage, ministries, and county governments, organisation which seeks to link basic first aid, costing, savings and among others, NTSA can come up with knowledge to application. The AICAD investment. a comprehensive curriculum. The – Kenya country office is domiciled at From the trainings, it was evident synergy will also help the riders to Egerton University’s Division of that there is need to train more riders on harness the support they may need Research and Extension. Recently, similar issues since the gap between from a one-stop shop. A well-trained AICAD conducted a baseline survey knowledge and its application was rider is a safe and resourceful rider. which sought to understand the gap that wanting. It is imperative for the exists between the knowledge of traffic National Transport and Safety rules and their application amongst Authority (NTSA) to go beyond a day's bodaboda riders in Kakamega Central, sensitisation and focus more on in- Mr Joseph Mwenda is the Assistant Kakamega County. The findings depth training for as many riders as Country Director, AICAD, and is based at indicated that most of the riders have no possible countrywide. In partnership Egerton University. formal riding training since they are self-taught. Other findings indicated that most of them do not use the rider's and passengers protective gears. This exposes them to diseases like pneumonia, TB and the like. Hygiene and sanitation are also not keenly observed by the riders. Moreover, although most are in some form of self- help groups, they have not been trained on basic book-keeping procedures. These findings prompted AICAD to action, leading them to train 50 riders from Kakamega Central on the issues identified by the survey. The five-day training was conducted in March 2021. Trainers from AICAD use the simulation method to take boda boda riders through a The riders were trained on health, session on traffic safety personal hygiene and communicable Egerton Launches Queen Bee Rearing Technology

By Paul Kimurto, Bockline O. Bebe and Joel Masobo

gerton University, through the DRTEC will be used as the upscaling Otieno is also the Chair of the Planning support of the University site for farmers in arid and semi-arid Committee of the Council. One of the ECouncil, has launched a Bee lands before expanding it to Mpeketoni key components of the BRDU is the Research and Demonstration Unit Research Station in the future. Queen Bee Rearing Technology (BRDU) at the Agro-Science Park and The project was launched by (QBRT) which involves the process of the Dryland Research Training and Members of the University Council, developing a new queen as the choice Ecotourism Centre (DRTEC). The led by Mr Joshua N. Otieno, to of the beekeeper rather than the choice Agro-Science Park will be used as the commemorate the World Bee Day of the bees themselves. Currently, due queen bee multiplication site, while marked annually on 20 May. Mr to very few colonies, hive colonisation

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Egerton University marked the World Bee Day on 20 May 2021 by launching an innovative technology for rearing queen bees to increase quality honey production and pollination services is between 20 – 50%, which is too low. scale queen rearing is central to the global crops, including fruits, This is because there are few queen process of royal jelly production. The vegetables, nuts, and other plants that bees available to lay the workers and technology requires the use of a provide food, fibre, drugs, and fuel for drones which constitute 99 per cent of moveable comb or a moveable frame humans, are dependent on insect the bee colony. hive so that the hive components can be pollinators for reproduction. The QBRT therefore aims to moved in the way the beekeeper wishes Economically, insect-pollinated crops contribute to increased honey to rear the new queens. have an annual worth of about $14.6 production by increasing honey-bee billion, of which $2-3 billion is colonies through innovative queen Role of Bees in the Ecosystem contributed by wild bees. In addition, rearing technologies. This will increase A bee colony is composed of queens, pollinators provide indirect benefits in the number of young queen bees per which lay eggs and produce the form of livestock forage such as colony, hence raising the number of pheromones to keep the colony alfalfa and clover. Pollinators also eggs laid to 1,000 – 2,000 per day. This together, drones, which are the male contribute to aesthetics, recreational is because the queen bee has a life honeybees that develop from values, and cultural activities, and help expectancy of 4 – 5 years, after which unfertilised eggs and which mate the maintain ecosystem integrity. The her laying capacity reduces drastically, queen, and the workers, which project, which will use the modern which in turn hinders the attainment of constitute 95 per cent of the colony. Langstroth hives, will help to increase the projected 60,000 bees per colony. Workers are the smallest in size, and honey production in Kenya from the The QBRT will therefore enable they develop from fertilized eggs. current 25,000 metric tons by bridging beekeepers to get more queens from the Honeybees are critical for the the deficit of 13,000 metric tons of Agro–Science Park, which will be used provision of ecosystem services like honey per year. to head small new colonies (or nucleus insect pollination, which maintains colonies) hence increasing the number wild plant communities and global of colonies and hives owned by agricultural production. Insect farmers. In addition, this will replace pollinators, through their mutualistic old queens with younger ones and Prof. Paul Kimurto and Prof. Bockline O. relationships with plants, are crucial for Bebe are researchers in the Faculty of reduce the swarming impulse as well as the reproductive success of several Agriculture; Mr Joel Masobo is an Egerton exchange failing queens with vigorous plant species in the natural University staff member and a bee keeper ones to prevent a failed colony. Large environment. Roughly, 35 per cent of

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATION, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT Message from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration, Planning and Development) Egerton Has Adequate Covid-19 Isolation Facilities

Covid-19 posters have been placed strategically to remind people to wear face masks properly, wash or sanitise their hands regularly, keep the required social distance, and use their elbow while coughing. Thermo guns have been placed at specific entrances and assembly points for temperature screening. The Division has also ensured that there are adequate isolation and quarantine areas to be used in case some members of the University community test positive for Covid-19. The isolation facilities, which are regularly fumigated, have enough personnel manning them. On 26 February 2021, the Njoro Sub-county Covid-19 Response Team led a community sensitisation tour to our Medical Prof. Richard Mulwa Department. To reduce the risk of infection, a number of Ag. DVC (APD) Egerton University staff and students were vaccinated against the Covid-19 pandemic in line with Ministry of Health protocols. rd he 43 Graduation Ceremony is yet another great The Division has constantly worked with community occasion when we celebrate our achievements and leaders to address mutual challenges that affect both the Tsignificant success in our contribution to society. community and the University. For instance, the Njoro On behalf of the Division of Administration, Planning and River Rehabilitation Project has helped plant thousands of Development, I wish to congratulate all graduands for their tree seedlings along the river to improve water security and efforts, discipline, sacrifice and hard work that have enabled ecosystem sustainability. There also have been several them to succeed in their academic pursuits. The graduands meetings with landlords around the University to improve have clearly demonstrated devotion to excellence which the status of hostels for our non-resident students. will further transform lives in our society. We were able to renovate some lecture halls, hostels, Today's graduation comes at a time when the nation of and staff offices to improve on provision of services. This Kenya is hopefully emerging from the third wave of the has also improved the appearance of our buildings and Covid-19 pandemic and our economy is on a tough test. reduced the number of asbestos roofing materials which, in Kenya confirmed its first case of Covid-19 on 13 March the long-term, will be entirely replaced. 2020 and the cases have continued to rise and spread across Our Income Generating Units (IGUs) are working the country. Egerton University has been compelled to close tirelessly to re-brand their products and services for better twice in observance of Presidential directives to control competitiveness in the market. The Division supports these further spread of the virus. Despite the difficult time we face, useful ideas which will boost the financial base of the the Division has continued to support the University's Vision University and ensure proper management of resources. of a world-class university for the advancement of I wish to thank all our stakeholders for every step they humanity. have taken in supporting Egerton University’s Mission. We In collaboration with the Faculty of Health Services take cognizance of ideas and activities that are geared and the Nakuru County Government, the Division has towards transforming lives within our set-up to enable the constructed hand-washing facilities in all University University to have a greater influence in national and global entry/exit points and within all buildings, including lecture development. halls, hostels, offices, and other public areas.

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education DIRECTORATE OF UNIVERSITY WELFARE SERVICES Message from the Director Renovated Ruwenzori Hostel Now Popular among Students

session for both students and the prioritising security of students, community in and outside the ensuring availability of repair University on the importance of materials, and providing high-density observing the Ministry of Health mattresses, curtains, comfortable beds, protocols in order to curb the spread of and lockable rooms, among others. the disease. In conjunction with the The prefabricated Ruwenzori sub-county administrators and public Hostel recently received a facelift. In health officers, the Directorate has held the past, many students did not like the various consultative meetings to Ruwenzori blocks. Today, this hostel is discuss matters pertaining to the the choice of many students because handling of Covid-19 cases inside and the capacity was reduced to two per around the University, where some of room. To ensure fairness in allocating Fr Dr Gerishon K. Njuguna our students reside. For the purposes of hostel rooms, students are encouraged Ag. Director (DUWS) attaining social distancing, we have to book rooms online in advance. decongested our hostels and Once again congratulations to our encouraged private hostel owners to do graduands! May the good Lord bless n behalf of the Directorate of the same. and guide you in the next phase of your University Welfare Services Alcohol and drug abuse has professional development. O(DUWS), I join the entire become another big concern. This University fraternity in congratulating negatively affects the good learning rd all the graduands of the 43 Graduation and working environment. The Ceremony on this important day. This Directorate is involved in continuous graduation marks the beginning of a discussions with community leaders new chapter in your academic life after and other relevant government your hard work, self-sacrifice, agencies to find a lasting solution to resilience, and discipline. The toil was this problem. As a Directorate, we not in vain. This is a great achievement. continue to advise and conscientise our May you conquer and subdue the world students and staff on the dangers of the with the knowledge you have acquired same. In this respect, on 9 December in your training. 2020, the Directorate held a training T h e D U W S h a s a l w a y s workshop on alcohol, drug and endeavoured to create a good living and substance abuse, whereby staff and working environment for the students their dependants were trained on the and the staff. In this regard we have in cause, effects, and the mitigation of the the recent past engaged private hostel same. owners, the local administrators, and Regarding accommodation, we the neighbouring community, in are striving to preserve student welfare finding solutions to the issues that and social life with minimal affect our students and staff. disruptions despite the pandemic. This We have had challenges brought is done by maintaining student by the Covid-19 pandemic. This facilities through renovation of A corridor in one of the renovated Directorate, together with the Dean of dilapidated hostels, decongestion in Ruwenzori blocks Students Office, held a sensitisation rooms to ensure social distancing,

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 An Egerton University Alumnus' Kenya-Australia Connection

In 1959, Mr Michael Chartres (top picture, second from right, standing), a British citizen, graduated from the Egerton Agricultural College with a Diploma in Agriculture. Following his graduation, Mr Chartres worked as Livestock Manager for Kipipiri Ltd until 1962, when he relocated to New Zealand. Later, he moved to Australia, where he worked as a researcher in the Western Australian Department of Agriculture. Subsequently, he worked in various agricultural research and marketing companies until 1970. For the next seven years he was Rural Officer under the Commonwealth Development Bank. During the same period, he acquired a Diploma in Valuation from the Western Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University). He went on to establish and run a successful private property valuation and arbitration business in Perth until 2002, when he retired. Interestingly, Mr Chartres' daughter, Ms Alison Chartres (bottom picture, centre), served as the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya from 2017 to 2020. During the period, she took time off to visit the places where her father had lived, studied and worked. On 9 October 2020 she paid a private visit to Egerton University, her father's Alma Mater. She was hosted by Prof. Emilia Ilieva and Prof. Reuben Matheka (also in the picture). The two Egerton University lecturers have been undertaking research on the history of Egerton University and will prepare the final manuscript for publication by the end of this year. (Top photo: Courtesy Mr Michael Chartres; Bottom photo: Courtesy Mr Robert Sirotka).

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education Egerton University Vaccinates against Covid-19

By Agnes Mwangi

n Wednesday 24 March 2021, E g e r t o n U n i v e r s i t y Ocommenced the Covid-19 vaccination, first targeting staff members and students from the Faculty of Health Sciences and frontline health workers. The vaccination uses a digital immunisation records platform that pre-registers those getting the AstraZeneca/Oxford University vaccine and notifies them when they are due for the second dose. The vaccination, which targets all staff members, is being done in phases. The first phase targeted over 100 staff members. Ms Mary Njuguna, an Expanded Programme Immunisation (EPI) Nurse at Egerton University, said The Deputy Chief Nursing Officer of Egerton University, Ms Roselyne Odhiambo that the Covid-19 vaccination will be vaccinates against Covid-19 on Ms Mary Njuguna, an EPI nurse at Egerton University an important additional measure to help stop the spread of the pandemic. Wearing masks and social distancing Due to the global shortage of the ______help reduce the chance of being AstraZeneca/Oxford University exposed to the virus or spreading it to vaccine, the vaccination programme Ms Agnes Mwangi is the Communication others, but these measures are not did not proceed according to the initial and Marketing Manager, Egerton enough. Stopping a pandemic requires schedule. However, it resumed in the University. using all the tools we have available. second week of June 2021. University Audits Facilities to Enhance Access by PWDs

By Josephine Khaemba

he Disability Mainstreaming taken four people to the Nakuru Level accessibility audit of the CESAAM Unit (DMU) of Egerton Five Provincial General Hospital and building that is still under construction TUniversity is mandated to another three to Bahati District to enhance compliance. This was advance the welfare of Persons with Hospital for assessment on various informed by a design philosophy that Disabilities (PWDs) within the disabilities. Out of these, three people promotes inclusivity in all projects University. To carry out this mandate were confirmed to have disabilities and undertaken at the University. Finally, successfully, DMU regularly presents were recommended to apply for the the DMU assisted one student with people with suspected disabilities to NCPWD identification cards. disability to get financial assistance health facilities for assessment and Between November and December from the NCPWD. proper diagnosis. This enables those 2020, the DMU carried out confirmed to have disabilities to accessibility audits of hand-washing ______receive National Council for People points for staff and students at the Dr Josephine Khaemba is the Coordinator w i t h D i s a b i l i t i e s ( N C P W D ) Njoro and Nakuru town campuses to at the Disability Mainstreaming Unit, identification cards in order to access enhance inclusivity and a friendly Egerton University. disability friendly services. environment for all persons, including Over the last one year, DMU has PWDs. The Unit also conducted an

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Ph.D. GRADUANDS

Kibet, Noah Mwabonimana, Marie - Françoise Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics Ph.D. in Animal Science

Smallholder French Bean Farmers Global-GAP Assessing Prevalence, Biosecurity Measures and Lost Standards Risk Attitudes and Their Effects on Welfare in Carcass-Value Associated with Porcine Cysticercosis Kirinyaga County, Kenya” along Pork Value Chain in Western Kenya Supervisors: Supervisors: Prof. Gideon A. Obare Prof. Bockline Omedo Bebe Prof. Job K. Lagat Dr Anthony Macharia King'ori Prof. Charles Muleke Inyagwa

Mwaura, Simon Nganga Nyabinwa, Pascal Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics Ph.D. in Animal Science

Impact of Water Collective Action on Household Welfare Assessing Prevalence of Endometritis and Associated in Kenya: the Case of The Upper Ewaso Ngiro North Influence on Performance of Smallholder Zero-Grazed Catchment Area Dairy Cows in Gasabo District of Rwanda Supervisors: Supervisors: Dr Isaac Maina Kariuki Prof. Bockline Omedo Bebe Dr Symon Kiprop Dr Claire d' Andre Hirwa Dr Augustus Sammy Muluvi Dr Olivier Basole Kashongwe

Okello, Dickson Otieno Odero-Waitituh, Jane Atieno Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Agribusiness Management Ph.D. in Animal Science

Impact of Agripreneurial Orientations on Resilience and Reduction of Anti-Nutritive Compounds in Ground Performance of Dairy Agripreneurs in Murang'a County, Mature Prosopis juliflora Pods in Rabbit Diets Using Kenya: The Mediating Effect of Agribusiness Support Fermentation Technology Services Supervisors: Supervisors: Prof. George Owuor Dr Anthony M. King'ori Prof. Catherine Larochelle Dr Mary K. Ambula Dr Edith Gathungu Prof. Joseph W. Matofari

Wambua, John Mulwa Habimana, Richard Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics Ph.D. in Animal Science

Analysis of Factors Influencing Productivity and Extent Genetic Diversity, Growth Performance, Newcastle of Smallholder Commercialization of Green Grams and Disease Resistance and Response to Selection of Pigeon Peas in Machakos County, Kenya Indigenous Chicken in Rwanda Supervisors: Supervisors: Prof. Margaret Ngigi Dr Tobias Otieno Keno Dr Lutta Muhammad Dr Kiplangat Ngeno

Gore, Dominic Lado Marino Mutimawurugo, Marie Chantal Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Animal Science Ph.D. in Horticulture

Reproductive Performance and Genetic Response to Efficacy of Plant Extracts for Management of Potato Bacterial Selection of Dairy Goats in Kenya Following Incorporation Wilt (Ralstonia Solanacearum Smith) in Rwanda of Reproductive Technologies and Genomic Selection Supervisors: Supervisors: Dr Thomas K. Muasya Prof. Joshua O. Ongweno Dr Tobias O. Okeno Prof. Nyokabi I. Wagara Dr Jane N. Mburu Dr Muhinyuza J. Baptiste

Mwesigwa, Robert Otieno, Peter Caleb Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Animal Science Ph.D. in Animal Science

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Dried Goat Rumen Biosolids from Wastewater Treatment Pond as a Potting Contents on Performance of Broiler and Layer Chickens Substrate for Greenhouse Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.) Production Supervisors: Supervisors: Dr Perminus Karubiu Migwi Dr Samuel Nyalala Dr Anthony Macharia King'ori Dr Joseph N. Wolukau Dr Paul Athans Onjoro

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 Transforming Lives through Quality Education FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STUDIES Lateiro, Salvador De Sousa Karaya, Rebecca Njoki Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering Ph.D. in Agricultural and Rural Innovation Studies

Assessment of Temporal Trend-Dynamics of Water The Role of Social Learning in Linking Knowledge and Flow and Sediment Flux for Chókwè Irrigation Scheme Practice for Rehabilitation of Degraded Drylands in in Gaza Province, Mozambique Njemps Flats, Baringo County, Kenya Supervisors: Supervisors: Prof. Dr.-Ing Benedict M. Mutua Prof. Christopher A. Onyango Dr (Eng) James M. Raude Prof. George Ogendi Dr Raphael M. Wambua

Ndayitegeye, Olivier Ogot, Wilson Addero Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Water Resources and Environmental Ph.D. in Educational Psychology Management

Students' Academic Interaction, Self-Esteem and Evaluation of Deficit Irrigation and Irrigation Intervals Achievement Relationships in Public Secondary Schools on Banana Water Use Efficiency in Kisii, Kenya in Nakuru County, Kenya Supervisors: Supervisors: Prof. Japheth O.Onyando Prof. Micah Chepchieng Dr Romlus O.Okwany Prof. Mary Kariuki Dr Hohnson Kwach

FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENT AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Margaret Jepkemboi Ayub Mokaya, Samwel Bogonko Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Educational Foundations Ph.D. in Geography

Selected Factors Influencing Educational Participation of Household– Access to Public Primary Healthcare Student Mothers in Public Secondary Schools in Baringo Facilities in Nakuru Town - Kenya

Supervisors: Supervisors: Prof. Micah C. Chepchieng Prof. Kennedy N. Ondimu Prof. Thomas K. Ronoh Prof. Wilkister N. Moturi Prof. Teresa Njonge

Thuo, Caroline Muthoni Mwatu, Morris Maingi Programme: Programme: Ph.D. in Agricultural Extension Ph.D. in Geography

Participatory Technology Development and Dissemination Effects of Rainfall Variability and Households' Processes in Relation to Acceptance of Improved Sugar Cane Adaptation on Livelihood Vulnerability in Kitui South Varieties among Small-Scale Farmers in Kakamega County, Sub-County, Kenya Kenya Supervisors: Supervisors: Dr Wambongo. C. S. Recha Dr Justus Ombati Prof. Ondimu N. Kennedy Dr Agnes Nkurumwa

Ouma Matilda Auma FACULTY OF SCIENCE Programme: Chore, Judith Kavulani Ph.D. in Agricultural and Rural Innovations Studies Programme: Ph.D. in Biochemistry Assessing the Uptake of System of Rice Intensification Practices Through an Innovation Platform in Oluch Irrigation Scheme, Rangwe Sub County, Kenya Biochemical Changes and Microbial Profiles Affecting Quality and Vase Life of Cut Gladioli (Gladiolus Supervisors: grandiflorus L. 'Fado') Following Pulsing and Cold Wet Prof. Christopher A. Onyango Storage Dr Justus M. Ombati Supervisors: Dr Karori Mbuthia S. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING Dr Mariam Mwangi Barasa, Henry Masinde Programme: Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering Wise Saying:

Optimisation of Biogas Production Using Some Process Parameters in a Fixed Dome Laboratory Bioreactor “The greatest threat to freedom

Supervisors: is the absence of criticism.” Prof. Daudi Nyaanga Dr Musa Njue Prof. Joseph Matofari - Wole Soyinka

43rd Graduation, 18 June 2021 TAGDev-Supported Graduands of the 43rd Graduation

John Atsu Agbolosoo Mercyline Jerusa Ong'ayo Geoffrey Ng'enoh Elizabeth Nderitu M.Sc. Agrienterprise Development M.Sc. Agrienterprise Development M.Sc. Agrienterprise Development M.Sc. Community Studies and Extension. GHANA KENYA KENYA KENYA

Lucky Nyasulu Edwin Otieno Ondiege Peter Biamma Stephen Odera M.Sc. Community Studies and Extension M.Sc. Community Studies and Extension. M.Sc. Food Science and Technology M.Sc. Food Science and Technology MALAWI KENYA KENYA KENYA

Emmaculate Kiptoo Yegon Wilbon Stanley Onyimbo Faith Ngaruiya M.Sc. Agricultural Economics M.Sc. Agricultural Economics M.Sc. Agricultural Economics M.Sc. Environmental Science KENYA KENYA KENYA KENYA

Pauline Aarakit Julia Wanjukia Catherine Ndung'u Morris Mwatu M.Sc. Agronomy M.Sc. Horticulture M.Sc. Animal Breeding Ph.D. Geography UGANDA KENYA KENYA KENYA

Millicent Kanario Patrick Mdemba Evans Omondi B.Sc. Food Science and Technology B.Sc. Agricultural Economics B.Sc. Agricultural Economics KENYA KENYA KENYA

Samuel Ngala Seline Akoth Duke Moseti B.Sc.Agribusiness Management B.Sc. Food Science and Technology B.Sc. Agriculture KENYA KENYA KENYA The Graduation Special Issue of the Egerton Newslink is published by Egerton University. Telephone +254-51-2113700/01, E-mail [email protected] Editorial Team: Emilia Ilieva (Professor of Literature), Joseph Walunywa (Senior Lecturer in Literature) and Hillary Chakava (Assistant Lecturer in Communication and Media) Production Coordinator: Agnes Mwangi (Communication and Marketing Manager) Design & Layout: Roselyne Wamalwa (Graphic Designer) and Stephen Thuku (Media Technician) DO SIC NEC

Egerton University, the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), and Gulu University in Uganda are implementing a programme entitled “Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDev)”. This eight-year (2016- 2024) programme is supported by the Mastercard Foundation to train the next generation of Agleaders for rural community transformation. The programme focuses on experiential learning, community engagement and entrepreneurship.

TAGDev Pillars

TAGDev representatives during community engagement activities TAGDev Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator and Mastercard representatives being taken through research innovations

Upcoming Events

1 Recruitment of cohort 5 students

2 Fourth National Forum

3 Establishment of a business and community incubation hub

4 Enhancement of community outreach

TAGDev cohort 1 students showcase their entrepreneurial innovations

For more information, visit: @egertonmastercard http://www.tagdev.org @MCFatEgerton