VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 26TH FEBRUARY 2019

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST: Realizing Major Milestones  Improved Commu- nication Platforms

 CUAA Registration

 Alumni Networking Fora

 Alumni Relations Conference

Caption describing picture or graphic. INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Mission and Core 2 From right to Left: Prof.Stanely Kagwanja, former DVC (Finance, Administration and Planning), Prof. Erastus Njoka - Chuka University Vice Chancellor, Livingstone Makori-CUAA Values Chairperson and Mary Esther Wawira– Former CUAA Sec Gen. displaying some of the books CUAA had donated to Chuka University Library. huka University Alumni it has managed to secure crucial (www.chukaalumni.org), social About CUAA 2 Association Leadership tools and put in place mecha- media channels such as (a Twit- assumed office on March 2018. nisms to improve its functionality ter handle; @chukaalumni, within the social sphere, the uni- Chuka University Alumni Asso- Membership Cate- 3 Since then, it has been making serious efforts towards achieving versity and the society at large ciation Facebook Page and You- gories the vision of being exemplary through online and offline plat- tube show called Quest Show. alumni association by champion- forms. The association is pur- This Youtube show will be fea- Scholarship Con- 5 ing the welfare of its members posed to reach all Chuka Univer- turing success stories of alumni ference and stakeholders. The association sity graduates across the globe. members with an intention of believes that through unity, it can Among things that the associa- encouraging the spirit of entre- Alumni Sacco 6 achieve development. That ex- tion has achieved is the establish- preneurship and hard work plains why for the past few years, ment of a website among members. Networking Fora 7

Alumni Relations 8 ssociation is expecting to Diplomacy Awards where Professor Erastus Njoka as a way Conference launch Partial Scholarship alumni members wishing to fur- of honouring his contributions to Kitty to help its members who ther their studies can apply for a the Chuka University. The asso- wish to further their studies at partial sponsorship which should ciation will get in touch with the Chuka University. be covering Thesis Fees for Mas- university senate to share the idea In a bid to come up with a sustain- ters and PhD degrees. That spon- of seeking partnership on this able achievers and award scheme, sorship will be partial and one- plan. This will be shared when it the association intends to come up off. The scheme is named after is ready. with a Professor Erastus Njoka PAGE 2 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

elcome to the First Issue of the Chuka U n i v e r s i t y Alumni Association Pub- University alumni Association News- licity Subcommittee, Executive Committee letter! and more than 10,000 members for their sup- This publication is one of our communica- port and everyone who contributed to the tion platforms where we are going to high- production of this newsletter. light the association’s efforts to meet its In this issue, we capture, some of the activi- constitutional obligations to the Chuka ties that we have done since we assumed University Student Community, Alumni office, what we are currently doing and lastly Members, The Alma Mater and the com- what we will do to achieve our dream. munity at large! Alumni association con- We wish to request for your feedback, sug- tinue to take pride in the steps that we have gestions, positive criticism, and ideas to taken in bringing together our alumni make our association better for us all through members and harness them towards one the communications channels provided at the common agenda of development. last page of this publication. Thank you! Indeed, I wish to congratulate the Chuka Livingstone Ochwando Makori

Chuka University Alumni As- rent regime was elected. The how we can better this premier Pro- sociation (CUAA) was formed association was registered phetic university. in 2015. Its first Annual Gen- officially under office of regis- eral Meeting was held and trar of societies in line with the The Chuka University Alumni Asso- Interim office bearers were Societies Act 2012 (Cap 108) ciation through its leadership is work- elected. In 2016 March, the ing around the clock to continuously Association held its 2nd Annual The association seeks to bring bring together the Alumni to partici- General meeting and its office together all students, former pate in the Alma Mater as they social- bearers were elected for a pe- students friends and well wish- ize and network in line with the asso- riod of two years. In 2018, the ers of Chuka University to- ciation’s vision and mission . association held its 3rd Annual gether to forge a way forward General Meeting and its cur-

To be an Exemplary Alumni Association  Core Values championing the well-being of all Chuka  Teamwork University alumni and stakeholders.  Accountability  Service  Commitment To unite and promote interests of the es-  Integrity teemed members and vigorously support the development and leadership of Chuka University by mobilizing requisite re- 1. Convocational membership sources to achieve excellence in education, 2. Associate membership training, research and extension for sus- 3. Full membership tainable national and global advancement. 4. Honorary membership 5. Life membership

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

From CUAA Constitution 2018, let’s look at 8. Provide programmes and services that de- the objectives . velop professional and personal skills of members of the Association. The objectives of CUAA shall be to: 9. Provide members of the Association with 1. Establish and maintain a mutually benefi- industrial networking opportunities for cial relationship between Chuka Univer- career advancement. sity and its Alumni. 10. Promote membership subscription and 2. Develop Alumni programmes that pro- growth of the Association. mote effective networks among members. 11. Create an endowment fund to cater for 3. Support the University in the growth and bursaries, scholarships and fellowships for development of its socio-cultural and co- current students and the Alumni. curricular activities. 12. Make plausible and tangible recommenda- 4. Authorize, promote and assist in the for- tions to Chuka University Management mation of local and international chapters. and Council for promotion of the welfare and image of the University at large. 5. Engage in resource mobilization and fund- raising activities to assist the University. 13. Create Chapter (Branches as may be de- termined from time to time. 6. Recommend persons who may fill the post of Chancellor of the University. 14. The Association shall be non-political 7. Assist the University to initiate and organ- 15. Promote welfare of alumni members. ize an achievers award scheme.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 PAGE 4 Professor Erastus Njoka Diplomacy Awards

20,000) per applicant. ii. Must have fully subscribed The criteria for awarding the sponsor- b) PhD Level as an alumni member and in “The scheme is ship will be as follows: i. Must have a masters or undergradu- good standing at least two years a) Masters Level ate degree of Chuka University iii. Must have a current PhD named after admission not more than a year i. Must have a diploma or undergradu- Professor ate degree of Chuka University old in any programme of any ii. Must have gotten 60 points (Second University in Erastus Njoka as Upper) and above or its equivalent iv. The award will be limited to iii. Must have fully subscribed as an one person and up to a maximum a way of alumni member and in good standing for of Kenya Shillings fifty thousand at least two years (KSH. 50,000) only honouring his iv. Must attach a current admission contributions to letter not more than one year in any Once kitty is officially launched, programme of Chuka University forms of application will be v.The award will be limited to five (5) the Chuka available on the website. people and up to a maximum of Kenya University” shillings twenty thousand shillings (Ksh.

1. Some of the Chuka University Class Representatives pose for a group photo with the Alumni Association Chairperson after the Chuka University Class reps training 2018. 2. Mr. Lucas Sagire (Executive Committee Member ) awarding a member during the CUAA’s Scholarship conference held in December, 2018. 3. CUAA Members pose for a photo with Chuka University Management after 2017 AGM ALUMNI NEWSLETTER PAGE 5 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

n line with objective (viii) is our CUAA ast year, the Association held a successful Scholarship con- ference for the 2018 graduands. The Scholarship brought Constitution, which is to provide pro- together different stakeholders, Corporate Staffing, who grammes and services that develop profes- pitched a CV Clinic, Uniserve Kenya who highlighted differ- sional and personal skills of our members, ent skills to apply when looking for scholarships and many the association intends to hold a Sports Day “attendees more firms. At the end of the one day conference, attendees recorded a satisfactory remark as some got jobs out of the within the university every year. This year, recorded a exercise. the association will focus on football and satisfactory Going forward, the scholarship conference will be carried on rugby. The association is in discussion with the prize-giving day. The association shall organize an annual Kenya Rugby Union officials and Rugby alumni prize-giving day that will cut across alumni and con- remark as Alumni Players with the aim of having one tinuing students. Firms and individuals of interest will be major event which will enable Chuka Uni- some got approached for partnerships for this event. The prize-giving versity students who love rugby to learn jobs out of day will be held on the last Friday of the month of November or the first Friday of December every year. On this day, win- more tactics which will help them in future. t h e ners of The Professor Erastus Njoka Diplomacy Award The association welcomes all members to will be unveiled. In addition, the association through the Ca- come on board and help in one way or the exercise.” reer and Award Sub-committee will establish various funds to other in making this day successful and honour exemplary performance in the University (staffs, more impactful to our members and stu- alumni and students). dents. Feel free to share your ideas. Corporate Social Responsibility n Corporate Social Responsibil- set aside some money which will be used ity, the Association has donated to buy food to some few needy students at “We have set books to Chuka University and the university. The office of Dean of Stu- aside some money Tharaka University College. Last dent will help us in identifying the right which will be used year, CUAA erected two shades at cases and distributing food. We also in- to buy food to Ndagani along the -Meru tend to be part of this year’s tree planting some few needy Highway for students and the com- ceremony. From the People living with students at the uni- munity. Disability’s office, we are coming up with versity.” a frame work on how to indentify, and ap- This year alone, we have several preciate people living with disability start- CSR activities in pipeline. We have ing with the student fraternity.

Recently, the Association’s we now welcome you to our new North Rift. “we are leadership finalized working office at Egerton house. Feel free on 2018-2021 Strategic Plan to seek our services from a cen- Benchmarking grateful for and the Communication policy tral point. having been which defines the Associa- The impact of alumni associations tion’s Communication Style. Chapters in the development of university allocated an These documents are available education all over the world cannot In compliance with the associa- office within on the CUAA website for be understated. In that regard, downloads and across all social tion’s motto: Unity Promotes Chuka University Alumni Associa- the univer- media platforms. Development, we’re committed tion did visit for sity’s vicinity.” to reach over 10,000 members Office and Funds spread across the globe to form Benchmarking. Besides that, Chapters. So far, we have met CUAA is playing a very key role in CUAA appreciates the unwav- several groups including all for- the formation of the Kenyan Uni- ering support and commitment mer CUSA Leaders and soon versities Alumni Association which accorded by the University will be meeting Chuka Univer- will be an umbrella body for all Administration. In particular, sity Staff and former Chuka Uni- we are grateful for having been versity Religious groups before university alumni associations in allocated an office within the embarking on launching five the Country. university’s vicinity. Members, chapters namely: Mombasa, Western, Central, Nairobi and By: Alumni Team ALUMNI NEWSLETTER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 PAGE 6

he Chuka university alumni association Members will be asked to registers for the spe- constitution provides two objectives of the cific forum based on their training, skills and association targeting the alumni members: work experience. The alumni association will Provide programmes and services that de- organize the function if more than 50 relevant velop professional and personal skills of members register for the forum. The initial fora members of the Association and Provide can be facilitated by senior alumni with relevant members of the Association with industrial experience and exposure in the fields, speakers networking opportunities for career advance- and facilitators will be engaged were the alumni ment. association lacks talent. This will serve as the best opportunity to recruit more members as we It is against this backdrop that we suggest sell our agenda for 2019 and beyond. Future alumni networking fora which will enable us meetings will be easier to happen as members in to meet the above objectives as we focus on the areas of interest keep a record of their mem- the best way to increase our alumni members, bers as we meet them at their point of need. This The actual date of each forum will be deter- will enable us create committed teams who mined by the number of registered members for share common interests. These fora will go a the forum and their availability. The forum can long way in terms of learning and sharing of be held on a week day or during weekends de- employment opportunities. pending on the availability of members

ur motto envisages unity that promotes mon purpose. This shall also help us to create a development. As a sign of develop- welfare fund to cater for unforeseen occurrences ment the association has a vision of building and reduce reliance on contributions which are Alumni Complex around the university . This not sustainable. The Sacco shall be run as per the can be achieved when our members are eco- Sacco society regulatory ACT. We look forward nomically empowered. Economic develop- to tabling this in our next AGM so that members ment is made possible by a law of large num- can decide between an Investment Sacco, Sav- bers. It is in this realization that the alumni ings and Credit Sacco or both. association proposes an alumni Sacco. One of Currently, the association is dealing with the its kind in the history of University alumni process of establishing an endowment fund. This associations. This will enable us pool together fund will be run by the proceeds from all invest- resources for the common economic benefit ment sources. This fund will provide a frame- of the individual members in the spirit coop- work on how the revenue generated will be used erative movement. This will strengthen our since the association is not a profit making en- alumni bond as we pool resources for a com- tity.

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7 FORUM Target Audience Objectives Invited organiza- tions

2019 Trend: Strategic Mar- Marketing Managers/ Marketing To develop clear and business focused marketing Marketing society of kenya keting Executives/ Alumni in Sales and objectives Marketing department, Entrepre- To articulate a vision and goals for alumni’s brand or Chattered Institute of Marketing neurs and alumni aspiring for a marketing responsibility career in sales and marketing To identify the latest marketing trends, both on and offline, and how they could apply to alumni’s roles intheir organisation Think more strategically in a range of marketing scenarios. Networking College of Insurance Technology and Innovation Financial advisers , underwriters , This forum aims at assisting alumni identify and Association of Kenyan Insurers Forum for Insurers and claims officers ,risk officers, Ban- implement insurance regulatory and accounting re- (AKI) banc assurers cassurance officers in Insurance quirements with regard to IT systems, as well as Insurance Institute of Kenya companies, banks ,Sacco’s & Credit applying the use of data analytics and Big Data to Association of Insurance brokers companies compliance officers and their insurance operations. Association of insurance agents financial managers (BIAK) Networking Kenya Bankers association

Agribusiness and the value Alumni in the agribusiness value The aim is to assist alumni share and identify the KEPSA chains chain ,those in agriculture current technologies, skills and opportunities in the Ministry of agriculture and .agronomy ,value addition agribusiness value chain Ministry of Youth affairs poultry and all farming enterprises alumni who are managers in facto- ries and companies that deal with Agriculture and agribusiness pro- duce This forum will enable accountants to delve on new KASNEB Financial Innovations & This forum will benefit alumni who ideas, trends and best practices in accountancy and ACCA Emerging Issues in account- have background in accounts, invest- financial management. The alumni will be equipped ing ,audit and finance ments, audit, risk management and with intellectual tools and mind-set requisite for financial reporting progressive change leadership

Education, higher education Alumni who are teachers, tutors , This forum will provide an opportunity for alumni in Ministry of Education and funding opportunities lecturers , managers of schools own- education, learning and training to share skills in Univerv ers of schools and those unstressed training and education. Kuppet in education and training Participates will learn on available opportunities to Knut further their studies KASNEB

Economics and research Alumni who are in research, eco- The forum as at providing an avenue for alumni in Institute of economic affairs nomics. planning and data analysis the sector to learn and share on the emerging trends, Central bank available opportunities and trends in the relevant Ministry of planning industries NBS Networking

Procurement ,sourcing and Alumni who are in procurement, To develop clear and business focused knowledge KISM purchases supply. logistics and operations To identify the latest sourcing trends and how they KASNEB management could apply to alumni’s roles int heir organisation PPOA Networking

Technology, innovation- This forum targets alumni who are The forum as at providing an avenue for alumni in sand communication in Technology , Information sci- the sector to learn and share on the emerging trends, ence ,computer science ,media , e available opportunities and trends in the information, commerce and those working in communication and technology Fintech companies Networking Kepsa 2019 Entrepreneur summit Alumni who are willing to venture This forum will help alumni harness their entrepre- Association of Kenyan directors into Business or are already in Busi- neurial skills in the changing trends in entrepreneur- ness. ship. Alumni who are owners of compa- Alumni will be able to share experience and skills nies, businesses and are involved in job creation Networking

Alumni who are work in innovation departments

ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

system and maintain it to n September 25, 2018, some engagement as well as insti- ensure “contactability.” of the Chuka University tutions structure (small to Alumni Association Leaders at- large, newer to older, tech- 4. Universities have done a tended an Alumni Relations Con- nical to general, public and good job in establishing ference which was organized by private.) foundational structures Future First Kenya and Impactrics relative to the size and at with the The following are the con- age of the alumni organi- support of the clusions drawn from the zations. and Strathmore University. This survey. 5. There’s need to be more conference brought together ap- 1. While a few institutions student support and ca- proximately 90 people representing have very strong pro- reer-oriented program- 20 Alumni Institutions in Kenya, to grams with extensive ming, share best practices in alumni rela- structures, the majority The CUAA Leaders leant a tions and establish a network of in- are beginning their ef- lot from the conference on forts. stitutions for continued cooperation how the association is fair- 2. For technical (or for- in developing alumni engagement. ing as compared to other As part of the conference, partici- merly technical) entities, alumni organizations in the pating institutions were invited to alumni engagement is take a survey on alumni relations likely to center around country. They are going to programs to help benchmark for shared values and shared put serious considerations to Kenya institutions. goals more than shared the recommendations pro- Narrative: The survey was com- experiences or traditions. vided by the conference re- pleted by 17 institutions that span 3. Institutions need to track port. the range of development of alumni their alumni through a