December 2011
VarsityFocusm a g a z i n e o f t h e niversity o f a i r o b i A U N
Research Activities Launches Prizes Linkages Donations Ou r Vision A world-class university committed to scholarly excellence.
Ou r Mi s s i o n To provide quality university education and training and to embody the aspirations of the Kenyan people and the global community through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge.
Ou r Co r e Va l u e s • freedom of thought and expression; • innovativeness and creativity; • good corporate governance; • team spirit and teamwork; • professionalism; • quality customer service; • responsible corporate citizenship and strong social responsibility; • respect for and conservation of the environment. VarsityFocus ICONIC | FUTURISTIC | WORLD CLASS | 08
Pu b l i s h e d By Office of the Vice-Chancellor Public Relations Department University of Nairobi P.O. Box 30197 - 00100 Nairobi Tel: 020 - 020-318262 Ext 28263 Telefax: 020 2246369 UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI TOWERS FIRM ID 2011
Bold | Innovative | Functional | Sustainable October BIFS Email: [email protected] www.uonbi.ac.ke
Co p y r i g h t University of Nairobi, 2011 All rights reserved Ed i t o r Inside Charles E. Sikulu 4. Bill &Melinda Gates 25. University Prizes Su b -Ed i t o r Foundation The University of Nairobi successfully Njeri Muhoro held its prize giving ceremony in A delegation from the Bill and Melinda which 246 outstanding students were Contributors Gates Foundation (GCE), recently held awarded prizes. Prof. Erastus Kang’ethe a meeting with local scientists at the Prof. Benson Estambale University of Nairobi. Dr. Jayne Mutiga 34. Launch of Prof. Gichagas Edgar Ondati 6. Freshers Register autobiography Dr. Sam Owuor The University of Nairobi admitted over The UoN Press launched Prof. Francis John Dr. James Kiarie 6,000 first years during the 2011/2012 Gichaga’s autobiography on Monday 21 Bonface Musembi academic year November, 2011 in a colourful occasion Dr. George Nyabuga formalized by the Minister for Roads, Mr. Michelle Osok Franklin Bett. Isaac O. Okello Ph o t o g r a p h y 13.UON shines at Trade 38. Proposed University of David M. Syuki Fair Nairobi Towers Charles Muriuki The University of Nairobi is set to put The University of Nairobi was declared up a 15-storey building at the Main the best institute of higher learning Cr e a t i v e De s i g n Campus to accommodate increasing during the recently concluded Nairobi PinkFoot Consult academic activities and administrative International Trade Fair. +254-020-2317477 services. [email protected] ...and much more Editorial ou are Welcome to the last edition of the 2011 Varsity Focus which also coincides with many end year activities. YWith our scale of operations, we had a fairly busy last part of the year which began with the 1st graduation held last September comprising four colleges in which 4600 students graduated with different awards. The University also admitted over 6,000 first years during the same period to join various courses in different modules pushing the admission throughout the year to more than 12,000 students in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The current student population now stands at over 58,000. The University was also engaged in other academic activities among them, hosting various dignitaries and workshops involving key stakeholders from the private sector and the international community. The Indian High Commission for instance donated books worth Kshs 300,000 to the University Library as part of activities to observe India’s Independence Day which was held in October. On the other hand, over 72 donors congregated at the Main Campus last month to honour top performing students in the last two academic years – five more donors came on board while three others increased the value of their prizes – an indicator of the faith they have in our products. Of important mention in this edition is the book by Prof. Francis Gichaga’s, a former Vice-Chancellor of UoN and currently Chancellor Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and a Professor of Civil Engineering in the School of Engineering. The book titled “Surviving the Academic Arena: My Complex Journey to the Apex”, is about the life and times of the author during his life and most critically while at the helm of leadership at the University of Nairobi at the time when the country was transitioning into a multiparty democracy. Student activities have also been vibrant during this period. A few months ago, AIESEC, organized an international gathering of different chapters at KICC. The fete brought together representatives from leading universities worldwide to share their experiences, mentorship and map the way forward in their intellectual lives. Not to be left behind is the vintage Women Organization of Student Welfare (WOSWA) which has been involved in mentorship activities that climaxed in a high profile event at the Main campus that involved leading professionals from both the private and public sectors. The umbrella student union SONU was also busy with its schedule of networking activities with key players in the country, to help it improve its corporate image and find opportunities for students. During this period, the performance of the University in outreach activities has been exemplary. This year, the University of Nairobi emerged the best institution in higher learning and research related activities at the Nairobi International Trade Fair beating many renowned research and higher learning institutions. In sports, Mean Machine, the University rugby team, won a Gold medal in the National cup and silver in the universities category, which affirmed the team’s resurgence with a series of high profile performances that it was once known for. Varsity Focus, congratulates the team for this good achievement. The University has increased linkages with leading universities and organizations. Private companies have offered scholarships while others have donated books and given indications for engaging in collaborative research. Our human interest angle is focused on first years as we bring you up todate with the life of the yesteryear first year. Enjoy reading.
Charles E. Sikulu
2 December2011 VarsityFocus Vice Chancellor Nurturing team work the Chancellor of the University have guided the management and been available to work as part of a team that is committed to excellence in internalising our brand. The performance of the University, judging from some of the trophies and accolades that we continued to recieve, point out the hard work by members of staff. Our performance is replicated in the international rankings where we remain the top local university and among some of the leading learning institutes in the region. Our stakeholders continue to Prof. George A.O. Magoha, Vice-Chancellor support our research activities and linkages grew such that mentoring As 2011 comes to a close, it is important that from some of the best scholars in we look back at what has been a busy year, with the world has become the norm. important activities and events that display a Still on research, at the close of the year, I am pleased to note commitment to our critical core values of team our plan to train academic and spirit and team work. technical staff in writing winning grant proposals, is on course. Training and sensitisation of grant 011 has been a great year August 2011. The University first accountants and administrators has for testing the synergy embarked on the journey to ISO also commenced and we believe 2and energy within the in 2007, and has continued, with that in the next year, we will University, indeed this energy a team of dedicated ISO auditors, raise the visibility of our research was demonstrated throughout to conduct internal surveillance capacity, potential and portfolio. the year, as we inaugurated a new and report on performance. So far I wish to commend a larger part of council, and in the appointment of there have been seven internal the student body for continuing two new Deputy Vice Chancellor’s surveillance audits and evaluation to uphold discipline, conducting for research and extension and and the work achieved has been themselves with dignity and student affairs. There was a sense commendable. our staff for the diligent and of a new awakening and a resolve The University also launched its professional discharge of their to strengthen governance and Reviewed Strategic Plan in 2011. responsibilities, despite the research structures within the This Reviewed Strategic Plan is challenges. This is the spirit that is University. a testimony that the University critical in making our institution an The University received its is committed to effective service attractive destination for intellectual recertification on ISO 9000:2008 in delivery. Indeed, the Council and discourse.
VarsityFocus December2011 3 Opportunities Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation opportunities A delegation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation through the Grand Challenges Explorations (GCE), recently held a meeting with local scientists at the University of Nairobi, as part of a sensitization programme on available opportunities within the Foundation. Rachel Malinen makes her presentation he mission was to also bridge the information gap of Research, Production and University’s desire to host GCE Tthat exists, where many Extension (RPE), Prof Lucy Irungu regional coordinating office, in scientists are unaware of what the recognized and appreciated that order to encourage and facilitate Foundation offers. the Grand Challenges Explorations young African Scientists in the The team, which included Kenest (GCE), and the Bill and Melinda East and Central Africa region to Honcock, Joseph Jones, Rachel Gates Foundation, previously, participate in funded research Malinen, and Fedros Okumu, funded a number of projects in programs. According to Irungu, has been running projects with the University which have served the significance of having a the University of Nairobi which as the catalyst to development Regional Network coordinating include the KAVI project. They of the concept and finally the office at the University of Nairobi have also supported the College launch of the meeting. Prof right at its inception, is that it of Agriculture and Veterinary Irungu, commended the GCE for would help GCE build on the Sciences (CAVS) through AGRA expressing an interest in setting up existing network infrastructure and IOWA State University. Part a network to attract young African that the University of Nairobi of their mandate is to assist Kenya scientists to participate in a funded has built over the years oin to address its national threats research project on reducing collaboration with partner including food security, energy poverty and disease in the future. institutions in the region. She noted that GCE has set aside and water utilization, specifically in According to Prof. Irungu, tangible over 10 million dollars towards the drier parts of the country. progress has been made across these activities in Africa. Addressing the gathering, the various aspects of research at Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge Prof. Irungu expressed the the University. This progress
4 December2011 VarsityFocus Public lecture demonstrates the strength of from a wide range of disciplines technologies to improve global the technology and innovation and regions. The initiative, funds health. To date, the Foundation that we practice; a, technology innovative ideas that could lead to has committed over $500 million that enabled us to attract new vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, to support hundreds of projects on approximately Kshs.3 billion of and other technologies targeting topics such as making childhood investment in research grants over diseases that claim millions of lives vaccines easier to use in poor the past financial year 2010/2011 every year. countries, and creating new ways including development and to control insects that spread GCE is an extension of the Bill patenting of unique discoveries disease. & Melinda Gates Foundation’s and knowledge based products. commitment to the Grand GCE supports hundreds of early- Challenges in Global Health, stage research projects – including which was launched in 2003 to many ideas that have never accelerate the discovery of new before been tested -- and scientists Challenges of urbanization in subsaharan Africa - Lecture by UN Habitat Director
n Tuesday 8 November 2011 Dr. Joan Clos, economic growth and employment opportunities. Dr. United Nations Under-Secretary General and Clos suggested that sustainable urbanisation should OExecutive Director, UN-HABITAT delivered a be embedded on better planning and design that public lecture at the University of Nairobi. The lecture embraces optimal density, diversity, mobility, equity, on “Challenges of urbanisation in sub-Saharan Africa efficiency, scale of expected growth and the concept and the role of universities” was an initiative of the of a vibrant urban economy. Besides their mandates, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, missions and visions, African universities should be University of Nairobi and UN-HABITAT. encouraged and facilitated to play a major role in achieving sustainable urbanisation in sub-Saharan The function was attended by among others, Africa. This calls for structured collaboration between University of Nairobi staff and students, including universities and other stakeholders, including UN- invited guests from UN-HABITAT, Kenyatta University, HABITAT. City Council of Nairobi, Mazingira Institute and Institute of French Research in Africa (IFRA). The lecture drew stimulating debate from the discussants and audience. The discussants were Prof. The lecture highlighted and discussed three major Peter Ngau, Prof. David Mungai (University of Nairobi) issues. These are: global trends of population growth and Mr. John Barre (Director, Policy Implementation, and urbanisation; the challenges of urbanisation Nairobi City Council). in sub-Saharan Africa; and the role of universities in sustainable urban planning and management. Dr. Clos punctuated his lecture and discussions with a wide range of experiences from his distinguished As much as cities in sub-Saharan Africa experience career in public service and diplomacy. He has a number of challenges as a result of high rates of been a city councilor, Mayor of Barcelona, a urbanisation, Dr. Clos was particularly concerned with government Minister and an ambassador, among the high proportion of the urban population living other appointments and positions. Furthermore, he in slums, increasing inequalities and urban poverty, has won several local, national and international as well as the rising youthful population vis-a-viz low recognitions and awards.
VarsityFocus December2011 5 Admission Over 6,000 first years admitted The University of Nairobi admitted over 6,000 first years during the 2011/2012 academic year to join the institution’s undergraduate programmes.
he University of Nairobi admitted over 6,000 first years during the 2011/2012 First year students undergoing the admission process last T September. academic year ; these join the institutions’ 69 undergraduate programmes under the Module and preparing them intellectually smooth following the finalization 1 and Module II programmes. to face the expectations of the of negotiations for a collective The fresher’s were oriented world. While welcoming the bargaining agreement, between into University life during the fresher’s to university life, he the University Council and non weeklong orientation, which cautioned them that the freedom teaching staff unions which had culminated in the address by the they would enjoy on campus is threatened to disrupt the exercise Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George subject to rules and regulations. on Monday. The University of Magoha. Prof. Magoha advised students Nairobi has 58,000 students not to engage in risky behavior registered in undergraduate The Vice-Chancellor promised with its exposure to social and postgraduate programmes. the freshers that the University problems such as HIV/AIDS, and About 45,000 are undergraduates will ensure that campus life drug and alcohol abuse. while13,000 are postgraduates. becomes a fulfilling experience by inculcating positive virtues The registration of first years was
6 December2011 VarsityFocus Admission Induction into student life memoirs of an alumnus
pleasure spots, as we speak, no longer exist, they have been closed down but they certainly served the student well. ‘we cut our teeth in learning how to drink and to keep it down, we were not allowed to throw up on people especially ladies, a man had to keep it down and walk straight” David , intervenes, remember what we used to wear, huh, hehe, snigger, a few other men seated at the table, “our standard uniform on campus was a pair of 22 inch bell bottomed trousers in polyester blend, six inch platform shoes, a slim fit shirt of polyester First year students reporting for registration at the Main Campus. and a J5 hat. Around our narrow waists we wore a big buckled future life. Ahmed, now in his late belt. Dressed in that ensemble, The freshman of the fifties remembers his student days we had not a care in the world, almost as if it was yesterday, “hey 1970’s, and the 80’s disturbed by neither heat, nor mami he says to me, as we sit in cold, we partied all over town. the senor common room, drinks was inducted into The table was in agreement that on hand, nyama, and plenty of the new generation, does not student life in very male company, I remember my know what style is, they are only introduction to campus life, it was interesting ways. sure about showing what should one roll of pleasure and some be left unseen-underwear.- they he freshman, usually under pain. I remember being taken comment about sagging pants. the age of 20 years, had round to pleasure spots such as Tspent time in high school, in Afro Unity, Karumaindo, Hallians, Remember the bands and the the rural areas; it was thus exciting Starlight and Sombrero .The beer music says Patrick. Those were the for him to be in Nairobi and to those days was cheap, reasonably days of Garden Square, the live experience lights, a varied diet, so and we could get drunk on band, listening to Super Mazembe, and comfortable accommodation. less than 400 shillings ;we had a Mangelepa, Bomaliwanza, and Academics or rather, green card-an id that allowed us occasionally we listened to Milly intellectualism aside, the campus to access many venues at half Jackson, Tabu Ley live, when life was an introduction into a the price. It was wonderful being they visited town. Those shows a student” I am aware that these were held at the KICC. It was
VarsityFocus December2011 7 Admission glorious. Today, getting live band entertainment in a decent spot with clean toilets is impossible. These days, they complained, those are venues for spiked drinks and youngsters who cannot afford a drink sipping from your glass when you seem distracted. Accompanied by her family Mwalimu Kithaka, joins us at members, this juncture. Tell me about your this first year days and life on campus, I ask. student (left) Aah he says, those were the will forever heydays of watching movies. The cherish this flicks, as we called them, were moment. projected in cinemas that sadly have shut down or are used know condoms were not that a short skirt almost to the top of for other purposes. There was available , so of course we were her thigh, legs open slightly apart, Cameo, Shan, Liberty, Metropole, liable to get VD. It was painful promoting the product no doubt. Embassy, Nairobi, and Casino. nursing those sores, but we were Therefore as you sipped your beer, The film shows were continous fortunate that our great friend at that image would beckon you, a featuring movies such as : Enter the time was Dr Githahu Mwangi niggling at the back of your mind. the dragon, Bruce Lee we miss (RIP), he was the CMO at the Of course we had drama, art you, One armed boxer, Five from University and he understood of the theatre , the Education Shoalin, and the wonder film, treatment for STD’s like the back of Theater 2, or ED2, was the home The language of love. What is a his hand. He was ever ready with of the Free Travelling Theatre. continuous show I ask, well, the capsules to cure us. One thing Luminaries of the years included shows run from 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, and was that once he treated you, you Jagi Gakunju, Tirus Gathwe, John 8-10. Once you entered one show, did not dare go back because the Sibi Okumu, Waigwa Wachira, you were free to leave or continue next time, he would not hesitate Olouch Obura, Chiarunji Chesaina, as you wished. The kung fu and to inject your privates with a big Janet Young, Francis Imbuga, Ann karate movies, on reflection were needle, this was a cold, long steel, Wanjugu. These people , allowed hilarious: the grunts, kicks, shouts, needle, he would call us son as he us to express ourselves. arms flailing all over, its laughable handed over the condoms for you now but we enjoyed them to use-this was in secrecy, they The induction to campus life was immensely. were always in a brown bag. certainly hot, a baptism of heat from a swollen head from fights, It can’t have been all pleasure, Imani is no more, it was shut a bruised pocket if you were I am sure, tell me about the down by a Nairobi PC in the cleaned out by pickpockets, sore pain. There is a pause, in the early 1980’s when it received loins if you collected , and heat in conversation, a poignant moment full notoriety “this is Sodom and the stomach from mixing alcoholic and a collective sigh. Well, says Gomorrah, he is reported to have beverages.” Is it a wonder that Eddie, we “collected” alot. And said as he ordered it shut down. men actually graduated? No they that is not a lie. There were some And it remained shut. Kakamega chorus, we did read, we passed places such as Imani, Kakamega hotel used to promote itself exams and we, all those here hotel and another which I shall interestingly, as you climbed up graduated. not tell you, where we went. the stairs to the bar, there would These were brothels, and you be a lady seated on the staircase,
8 December2011 VarsityFocus Collaboration IBM’s skills development project An IBM team led by Dr Mark Dean, IBM Fellow and Chief Technology Officer for IBM Middle East and Africa, recently paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor.
uring the meeting, several areas of ICT including: and collaborative initiatives with Dr. Dean revealed that computer science, service science local businesses. This data-centre DIBM is exploring the and computer engineering. will also be a living lab for students establishment of an IBM Skills The SDRI will leverage IBM’s to have hands-on experience in Development and Research existing education, training and the management and operations Institute (SDRI) in Johannesburg. research programmes, along with of a real data centre computing The objectives of the SDRI is to resources and programmes from environment. grow and elevate the level of partner institutions, to support Ultimately, the SDRI will support ICT skills in Africa by establishing the rapid deployment of its target 20-25 researchers working in relationships and Centers of agenda. areas of interest to the regional Excellence in select African businesses, government and regions. IBM will also establish a cloud computing based data-centre industry partners. Example of such According to Dean, IBM will to support classes, training research areas of interest include: collaborate with universities, programmes, research projects mobile banking services (security, industry and local governments, fraud detection, delivery, mobile with a focus on region relevant services platform), natural resource research and data centre management, cloud computing technologies to support growth services, and computational initiatives and innovation in each sciences. (computational biology, region. Under the progromme, genomics, bio-informatics). it is envisaged that a series of The IBM official was accompanied purposeful analysis exercises, by IBM Director, University seminars, courses, workshops Relations, Sean Mclean, and was and research projects will be received by Prof. Bernard Aduda, created with the aim of supporting Principle, College of Biological sustained skills development in and Physical Sciences and other University officials.
Dr Mark Dean, IBM Fellow and Chief Technology Officer New Course M.A courses in translation and Interpretation International organizations will lose close to 40 per cent of their language staff through retirement
he University of Nairobi to offer world-class training in emulate. has signed an MOU with translation and interpretation Those present during the the University of Geneva, and develop into a centre of T handing over included Prof Switzerland in a collaborative effort excellence. The University of Nairobi, Lucy Irungu, the Deputy Vice- to train translators and interpreters. in partnership with the United Chancellor(RPE), Prof J Kaimenyi, The collaboration also involves staff Nations officially launched the first the Deputy Vice- Chancellor and students exchange programme MA programme in translation and (AA), Mr. Rudy Van Dijck, as well as e-learning through the interpretation in this region in 2010. Chief of Conference Services world-class University of Geneva’s The MA programme at the University Division, United Nations Office Virtual Institute. of Nairobi, which includes English, Nairobi (UNON), Dr. Jayne Kiswahili, Arabic, French, German, The official handing-over of the Mutiga, Coordinator, Centre for Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese MOU was held on October 6, 2011 Translation and Interpretation languages, is being perceived as during a ceremony presided over by and other top officials of a model which other universities the Vice chancellor, represented by University of Nairobi and UNON. on the continent are seeking to Prof. Isaac Mbeche, the Deputy Vice chancellor, student affairs and Prof. Barbara Moser, Director, Institute for Translation and Interpreting, University of Geneva. The programme was conceived out of recognition that within the next four years, international organizations will lose close to 40 per cent of their language staff through retirement and that Africa will be the hardest hit, due to the lack of trained language professionals on the continent. In brief remarks, Prof. Mbeche noted that the collaboration with the University of Geneva and other stakeholders will ensure that the University of Nairobi continues Prof. Barbar Moser with a delegation from the University of Geneva’s Virtual Institute and UoN.
10 December2011 VarsityFocus Research
Program to improve health training
or applied research; and, Support In August 2010, the University of Nairobi the UON research administration (UON) College of Health Sciences won and oversight. The College of Health Sciences also a 5-year, $12.5 million-dollar grant from received a linked grant on Neonatal, Child and Maternal Health. The UoN the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as collaborates with colleagues at the UW and will establish a Collaborative part of the Medical Education Partnership Center of Excellence in Maternal, Initiative (MEPI) targeting medical education Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) at the UoN which will build research institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. capacity and provide outstanding training in implementation science and applied research, health metrics and evaluation, and program he program, at the College of Maryland-Baltimore (UMB) in the leadership relevant to achieving of Health Sciences is called United States. Kenya’s health development goals. the Partnership for Innovative T Over the past year, the PRIME-K Medical Education for Kenya In terms of improving the quality of program has focused on four main (PRIME-K) and its mission is to medical education, activities in this objectives that aim to: Improve improve health outcomes in Kenya area have focused on developing a the quality of medical education; through training and research. “skills lab” to be based at the School Extend the reach of medical training; The program is implemented in of Nursing Sciences that will allow Increase retention of UON faculty by partnership with the University of students to have hands-on clinical providing opportunities for clinical Washington (UW) and the University experiences using expert patients
VarsityFocus December2011 11 Research and simulation models. In addition, has placed 30 fourth-year students and UMB to promote continued the program has implemented at the decentralized sites for an professional development. trainings on innovative teaching and 8-week pilot in pediatrics, obstetrics The PRIME-K program also training methods to promote the and gynecology, internal medicine, provides a platform to strengthen use of effective medical education surgery and public health. the research administration and practices at the College. To date, The PRIME-K program offers several oversight capacity for the University over 140 faculty members from the opportunities for University of of Nairobi. The program has five Schools in the College have Nairobi postgraduates and faculty to supported the UoN-KNH Ethics been trained. pursue clinical or applied research. A Review Committee and the UoN PRIME-K has developed and one-year mentored Implementation Grants Finance Office. In August implemented a decentralized Science Fellowship, mentored career 2011, the program facilitated community based program that development projects and mentored strategic planning workshops to optimizes training in primary seed research projects will provide develop a five-year strategic plan care and preventative medicine opportunities for faculty and staff for the UoN-KNH Ethics Review around HIV/AIDS. In the first year members to enhance research Committee and for the Grants of the program, the PRIME-K and outputs and improve academic Finance Office. the Ministry of Health identified staff qualification. In addition, the The team behind the project 4 district hospitals, Mbagathi PRIME-K program offers training in includes : Dr. James Kiarie, Prof. District Hospital, Naviasha District research methods, proposal and Isaac Kibwage, Dr. Kepha Bosire, Hospital, Coast Provincial General grant writing, implementation Prof. Ruth Nduati, Prof. Walter Hospital and Garissa Provincial science, and responsible conduct Mwanda. Dr. James Machoki and General Hospital, to serve as sites of research. Mentorship of students Ms. Anastasia Nderitu. for medical students, interns and and Fellows from the College of postgraduates over the life of Health Sciences will be done by PRIME-K. Currently, the program senior faculty from UON, UW Main Campus Christian Union
he Main Campus Christian Union (MCCU), a non-denominational group of undergraduate students of the Main Campus, University of Nairobi held a fundraiser on 2nd October, 2011 in Taifa Hall to raise Tfunds to purchase instruments and fund other activities of the Union. The event which raised 650,000 Kshs, was graced by the Vice-president of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Kalonzo Musyoka who was also the chief guest. Other guests were the Alumni of the Christian Union and members of the Union. The MCCU is a non-profit making and non-political organization and was registered on 10th June 1975 under Section 10 of The Societies Act of the Constitution of Kenya; it is affiliated to the Fellowship of Christian Unions – FOCUS Kenya. It is run by students under the leadership of a 14 member Executive Committee and 19 Committees. It has 106 leaders nominated yearly by union members through an Electoral College ratified at the AGM. It has a membership of over 700 registered students pursuing various degree and diploma courses.
12 December2011 VarsityFocus Public outreach UoN shines at International Trade Fair The University of Nairobi was declared the best institute of higher learning during the recently concluded Nairobi International Trade Fair.
he University beat other universities and other research Tinstitutions to emerge the top, and also the University won the second position in the research and development category. The University had entered four categories including interpretation of show theme, and information and documentation services. The theme of the Trade Fair – Driving agribusiness in attaining food sufficiency and Vision 2030 – was ideal for UoN’s departments to showcase products, processes and approaches in knowledge creation, transfer and dissemination. The winner’s trophy was presented to the University by the President, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, during the opening ceremony held on Friday, H.E. President Mwai Kibaki, hands over the trophy of the best 30th September. The University also institution of higher learning to the Show Committee Chairman, Dr. bagged an assortment of prizes Fred Otieno. for its entries in the farm and dairy section, as well as the livestock Kenya Poultry Development Cup, and other stakeholders. Given the section. The Field Station and the the Ken-chick Cup, the S.K Njuguna number of visitors, our efforts to Vet. Farm bagged 89 prizes for their Perpetual Challenge Cup and the market the University and to drive entries of chops, cheese, rabbits, Hay Perpetual Challenge Cup. vision 2030 paid off handsomely. pigs, poultry, eggs and cattle as follows: Ist prize 43 entries, 2nd The University was able to enhance Varsity Focus congratulates the prize 30 entries, and 3rd prize 16 its visibility on the education market, Show Committee for its preparation entries. The University also walked transact business and establish and dedication leading to this away with 12 trophies including the and strengthen links with parents excellent performance.
VarsityFocus December2011 13 Book expo Book Fair Know he University of Nairobi Academic Arena by Prof. Francis Press recently participated John Gichaga”. the Asian in the 14th Edition of the T This year’s Book Fair emphasized Nairobi International Book Fair locally published books and (NIBF) between September 18 magazines, drawing attention who walks to October 2nd 2011 at the of publishers elsewhere in Africa Sarit Centre. and overseas – to develop public The Book Fair, which was interest in books. Speaking to round the organized by the Kenya Varsity Focus, Senior Press Editor, Association of Publishers Ms. Pauline Mahugu, noted had the theme “Read for that the NIBF had once again Great Empowerment”. According to provided a platform for dynamic UoN Press Managing Editor, marketing and promotion of Mr. Kimaita Kirimania, books books by the Press, as a way of Court published by the UoN Press communicating effectively. serve as a reflection of the Through participating, the Press society from which the writers enhanced its image as well as are drawn. It is the duty of the that of the UoN. During the The sun is setting Press to ensure that society is 2011 NIBF, for instance, Prof. able to communicate effectively one fine Wednesday Gichaga, doubled up as the on the issues that confront it, Chief Guest during the opening evening in the month of and to do so through books. ceremony. This enhanced October. As the night The Managing Editor noted our reputation for distinction, that through exhibiting, the relevance and quality. sets in, the hustle and Press was able to showcase its The editorial staff of the Press bustle at the main products, attend workshops also dealt with numerous and seminars on topical issues, budding writers who wanted campus has also settled have activities for budding advice on how to publish their writers and even present one down. work. of its new titles “Surviving the s I am walking along the path outside the book store, I meet Athe same old Asian gentleman that I have seen every evening for over 10 years. I have always wanted to talk to him, to ask him a few questions, especially about why, at a specific time Monday- Friday, he briskly walks around the Great Court. If he was of African extraction, I would have concluded long ago that he is bewitching all of us, that this is the reason why my car stalls, or why my black cat with green eyes has been behaving strangely. Prof. Francis Gichaga receives a present from the UoN Press
14 December2011 VarsityFocus Donations The Indian High Commission donates books
he Indian High Commission recently donated 302 book titles Tto the University of Nairobi. The books worth Kshs 340,827 are part of activities aimed at strengthening ties that exist between the University and its counterparts in India. The donation was made by the Indian Ambassador H.E. Sibabrata Tribathi during an event to mark India’s Independence Day. The Ambassador lauded the relations existing between the two states, noting that bilateral relationships seem to have been strengthened by national institutions that have been collaborating on certain fronts. The Indian High Commissioner H.E. Sibabrata Tribathi According to the Ambassador, India is Prof. Lucy Irungu, Deputy Vice- keen in reviving relations between the and postgraduate students. Chancellor, Research, Production University and Indian community that The Vice-Chancellor welcomed the and Extension, said that there is began 55 years ago culminating in the Ambassador to the University and need to build capacity in scientific construction of the landmark Gandhi thanked the government of India facilities among local institution Memorial Library Building, the unique for its generosity to the University through collaboration. This was signature building that marks the of Nairobi. Prof. Magoha pledged corroborated by the Ambassador identity of the University. The Indian the continued strengthening of who said that that through Indian government institutions through the ties between UoN and Indian Technical Cooperation, UoN could Gandi Smarack Nidthi Trust, have also institutions with mutual interests benefit in strengthening capacity in endowed scholarships that are given in order to boost scholarship in the engineering, humanities and social to gifted and deserving undergraduate two nations. sciences and related disciplines.
Continued from page 14 my brother he says introducing me to another younger Anyway, I gather the courage today to say hello, hello version of himself. He also underwent a bypass surgery he responds, encouraged, I walk next to him, introduce a few years ago. myself as an alumnus and make the usual comments about the weather. As we briskly walk around the Great My name he tells me is Shah and for the last 10 years I Court, I ask him why he has been walking around, I tell have been walking round this lawn he says, in reference him that I have seen him there before, and I let him know to the Great Court. I like it here, it is secure and nobody that I am not a peeping tom. disturbs me. Over the week end and in the holidays, my family including grand children play on this lawn, we Well, he says, I have been away for the last six months; have good times he tells me. We are part of this place, I was in India undergoing a bypass heart surgery. This is and in turn it is now a part of us he tells me.
VarsityFocus December2011 15 Donations
His brother interrupts to tell me that after their operations, they were both told to Rattansi Trust donates exercise. We started slowly at first, now we are faster and we do about five laps Ksh 12 million to quite briskly, we come at this time in the evening, we so enjoy eaves dropping on universities the couples seated near the waterfall( the fountain). And The Rattansi Education Trust has donated even those on those stone Ksh.12.6 million to support needy students seats (Maternity Square). This walk is tiresome, I am in institutions of higher learning. beginning to think, but no, the Indian and his brother, in their black ngomas, shirts and attended by representatives rolled up are not relenting. of various institutions of higher So I have to devise another learning. stratagem, to walk in a dream. While handing over the cheque In my dream, I wonder about to the institutions, Mrs. Rattansi this Court, serene and green said that the donation was meant as it is, how many students or to assist needy students to meet staff appreciate it, how many their college fees. The University enjoy it, do we own it or do of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor, Prof. we take it for granted? Mr George Magoha paid tribute to Shah and his family do not the Rattansi Educational Trust for take it for granted, they are supporting poor students to access citizens of the land, and they higher education. He challenged value the lawn as the property other affluent members of society of the people of Nairobi, only to emulate Rattansi’s example and handed to the University as assist in supporting education in the trustee. country. God forbid were the The University of Nairobi received management to decide to Kshs 2.5 million, while Kshs. 10.1 install walls and gates to keep million was shared amongst the out Mr. Indian and others like other institutions which included him, but that cannot work, for public, private universities and other Mr Indian and others remind he Rattansi Education Trust has institutions of higher learning. us that the University, by donated Ksh.12.6 million to support The Trust has supported higher golly, belongs, like the name needy students in institutions of education in the country since 1998. suggests, to the people of T higher learning. The donation was made by The Trust has previously donated a Nairobi, and by god they have Dr. Vijoo Rattansi in a function held at the generator, computer and books to the right to enjoy it. University of Nairobi in early October, 2011, the University of Nairobi.
16 December2011 VarsityFocus Profile Valedictorian – Ms. Mapili Millicent Mapili “I have learnt from my experience not to judge people, I regret that I have not raised people the way Millicent Mapili during a practical session in the Chemistry Laboratory. God would have wanted to go to Alliance School, which I Bachelor of Arts. knew was the top school”. me to”. The words of This is intriguing until she explains, At Alliance, Mapili took advantage straight faced that she has always Mapili Millicent Mapili, of the strong values of discipline, wanted to major in the business class valedictorian at 3.30 hard work, team spirit and emerged aspect of chemistry and to get a tops with straight As. Alliance, she new orientation in her thinking. on a Wednesday afternoon answers, made us believe that we Industrial chemistry is the chemistry remind me of the Westlife can do anything through Christ of industry, students learn about who strengthens us” Yes, Mapili is a process and machines in the lyric ‘You raise me up”. committed Christian. Millicent Mapili industry or the manufacturing joined the University of Nairobi in industry. Through lab work, “one he young person, sitting 2007, at what she believes was analyses quality and thus quality across from me I decide, must the ripe age, at 20 years she was assurance in products is what we Tbe really strong drawing my ready to plunge into academic life. do”, she says. attention to learn more about her. UoN was my first choice, it is true I Yes, Millicent Mapili is thinking of wanted to do medicine albeit with And true to form, Mapili begins to starting her own industry – making some pressure, but the University recount her story for me. “I was nail polish, perfumes, skin care took me in to pursue what was born in Migori about 24 years ago, including moisturizing products. actually my last choice, Industrial the second born child in a family of “We import a lot of all these Chemistry”. It is ironic today that five children. Mapili commenced her products, beauty is a million dollar on reflection, if Millicent was to be primary school in Homa Bay district industry and I believe that we can given a choice, she would still opt to before proceeding to Alliance Girls make our own products. If I get the High School. “I had always wanted do industrial chemistry or even the Continued on page 22
VarsityFocus December2011 17 1. Winners of the architectural design competition, Waweru Associates, pose with guests and UoN officials during the announcement of the winning design for the proposed University towers
2. Students during the University Library Open Day held last month 1 3. Delegates with Principal, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Prof. Enos Njeru,after the workshop on drought.
4. Minister for Higher Education,Science and Technology, Prof. Margaret Kamar with Ph.D graduands and top managers during the 45th graduation ceremony.
5. Prof. Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Student Affairs, with the Minister for Planning and Vision 2030, Hon Wycliffe Oparanya during the official opening of the ORSEA conference organized by the School of Business.
6. WOSWA officials with Nairobi Businessman, Chris Kirubi and other professionals cut the mentorship 2 cake.
3
18 December2011 VarsityFocus 1. Winners of the architectural design competition, Waweru Associates, pose with guests and UoN officials during the announcement of the winning design for the proposed University towers
2. Students during the University Library Open Day held last month
3. Delegates with Principal, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, Prof. Enos Njeru,after the workshop on drought.
4. Minister for Higher Education,Science and Technology, Prof. Margaret Kamar with Ph.D graduands and top managers during the 45th graduation ceremony. 5. Prof. Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, 5 Student Affairs, with the Minister for Planning and Vision 2030, Hon Wycliffe Oparanya during the official opening of the ORSEA conference organized by the School of Business.
6. WOSWA officials with Nairobi Businessman, Chris Kirubi and other professionals cut the mentorship cake.
6 4 VarsityFocus December2011 19 Profile capital and with the knowledge I a great deal, he used to encourage have, albeit I need short-courses for me not to settle for less”. “You can perfumes and polishes and business be good at it if you put your all management, then I can build my to it”, he used to tell her. So she own empire”. What would you call took his death really hard, “ I felt let it, I ask? Well, Two mills is not bad, down, it is only this year that I let it it’s an abbreviation and translation go”, says Millicent. of my names, Mapili Millicent and Looking back at her life, Millicent Mapili. believes that there are so many Millicent, who is in a relationship, things that she would have done loves the UoN. “It has such a differently including remaining in nurturing environment so that as the Christian path. “I have backslid you come out, you are not shocked during my walk. If I have learnt by the world, here at University, anything, it is that I should not you must make choices that affect judge others. I have regretted not your life and you must be careful to raising enough people the way organize your life. In the process of God would have wanted me to”. making choices, you mature, you The call in her is now that of being strengthen, you appreciate your a mentor to girls in high school strength”. and at the University to know that even after messing, one can get up Millicent Mapili draws her inspiration and move. The first class honors from God. She has spiritual and that I have achieved, has made me intellectual mentors who include sit back, to ask, did I do it for the Prof. Jacob Midiwo. As part of papers or for the knowledge. If her motivation, she reads books, it’s the papers, then it is a waste of and at some time enjoyed dancing yourself, you have it wrong, if it is salsa, swimming, singing and for knowledge, then this is the mark above all things cheerleading at of maturity. inter class football games. Millicent, who serves at her Church, is also Millicent giving a valedictory During my campus years, I did not attending leadership classes. She speech during the 45th Ceremony appreciate that what I had come believes that after being blessed to do at UoN was for knowledge with intelligence, she has had no But she has had weak and low and not money, now I know better. time to develop book worm habits moments, Millicent remembers, I know that you must stand for of barely sleeping, reading 24/7 almost as if it was yesterday, the believing in yourself. Put God first, in the library, hoarding books and death of her father when she put your best foot forward and missing meals. Part of intelligence is was in high school. He suffered you will succeed. I know that you to plan so that you read, sleep, eat from diabetes and high blood must have passion and talent. It is well in normal doses, she says.. pressure and we believed that good to envision what you want to be in life and work toward that; Millicent Mapili shares on some of after treatment, he would recover. appreciate that whatever you are her greatest achievements. Best This was not to be and instead, doing is a step forward to your student in Migori district at Primay he collapsed one day and died. vision. School ….topped in subjects at Millicent was close to him as he had Alliance, topped in University and been her closest mentor. “I believe was a major walker at University. that my father shaped my character
20 December2011 VarsityFocus Launch WOSWA’s Alpha mentorship program By Michelle Osok, Chairperson, WOSWA
Njoki Karuoya, Associate Editor Standard Group and patron WOSWA and WOSWA Chairperson, Michelle Osok during the launch of the mentorship programme.
On the 22nd of October 2011, the University of Nairobi came alive as the Women Students Welfare Association (WOSWA), officially launched their mentorship programme, “The Alpha Diva Fever” themed “The Purple Transformation” at the Great Court, at the Main Campus.
lpha Diva Fever, is a project her role as a woman in accordance Businessman; Njoki Karuoya, spearheaded by the WOSWA with culture. This is our ideology of Associate Editor Standard Group; Ain association with our a total woman in her full element, a Dr. Susan Mboya- Kidero, Founder sponsors, The Standard Group, woman who brings out the ‘purple and President ,Zawadi Africa Trust; Unilever Kenya, Evans Kidero Centre ‘in her as she is royal, powerful, Peter Nduati, CEO, Resolution and, the University of Nairobi. ambitious, wise, wealthy, dignified, Health E.A Ltd. Among the mentors passionate and independent among were Ruth Konchellah from Care The name Alpha Diva Fever many other traits. Organization, Tichi Nyasani, CEO represents the emerging woman of Brand Magnates, Patricia Mbatia, who is strong, confident and The chief guests at the function EXP, Terry Mungai, Franchise Director hardworking but still maintains her included: Chris Kirubi, Chairman, Ashleys Kenya Ltd, Kathleen Kihanya, feminity and knows how to play Haco Tiger Brands and Prominent Director 24hrs Africa Ltd, Felicity
VarsityFocus December2011 21 Launch
Biriri , CEO Toppointt (K) present ourselves in a positive Ltd and the entire Standard light. Our physical image in terms Group Team. Former of our dressing and etiquette American Ambassador creates a strong perception of us to Kenya, Mr. Michael to others therefore we should Rannerberger was among always present ourselves well. He the special guests of top touched on the fact that a lot of women and men in the ladies feel the need to part with country who attended. their dignity and give in to sexual favours in order to secure jobs Susan Mboya-Kidero in her and other services. CK called on speech to students was truly us to rely on our intellect rather inspirational and advised than our bodies. the young ladies never to give up. Mboya who spoke The highlight of the afternoon fondly of her father the late was the singing and dancing Tom Mboya, reminded us that followed the announcement to create a legacy and make of Chris Kirubi as the official a difference; to live up to WOSWA patron, and Njoki our dreams and help others Karuoya as matron due to their realize their dream. Peter strong relationship with WOSWA, Nduati reminded us about and the support that they have the power of failure. Failure given including getting their is but an opportunity to start companies to rally behind the over more intelligently. We vision and mission of WOSWA. all can make it in this life but The event demystified many we must work hard for that myths among them that women is the only recipe to success. are their worst enemies. it was He shared his personal encouraging to see so many experience with us on the women willing to mentor failures that shaped him. It Edith Kimani, shares her thoughts during the students, indeed, WOSWA once is his resilience and ability mentorship launch. Below, WOSWA members in a again emerged as a pace setter celebratory mood. to learn and pick himself up and provided the perfect link that transformed him. Nduati between the professional women clearly spelt out the proverb and female students. that there is always light at the end of the tunnel in that WOSWA hopes to continue to challenges always precede provide a forum for professional success. ladies and gentlemen to support the mentorship programme, Chris Kirubi closed the and to listen to the needs of the event on a high note by female student fraternity and challenging us to remain take a step further to meet their true to our cause and needs. WOSWA has the passion, remembering the dream and it is only through passion that brought us to campus. that we can bring about change. CK, as he is often referred Let us all learn to step up in order to, advised us to always to stand out.
22 December2011 VarsityFocus CSR AIESEC chapters congregate in Kenya By Edgar Ondati, Chairman, AIESEC
AIESEC delegates take time off to participate in enviromental conservation activities.
resent in over 110 countries stakeholders, who seek a global and territories and with over Having such events youth voice, and a platform for P60,000 members, AIESEC only aims to show people to make a positive impact.. is the world's largest student-run AIESEC in Kenya recently made organisation. Focused on providing the power of a global history by hosting the Annual a platform for youth leadership youth voice in the International Congress, which is development, AIESEC offers young the biggest and most important people the opportunity to be global world. Being a student- conference in the network, bringing citizens, to change the world, and to run organization and together people from over 111 get experience and skills that matter territories, in a landmark event, that today . having such an impact was opened by His Excellency, the AIESEC, in the University of Nairobi, is a testament of the Vice President Hon. Stephen Kalonzo has been in existence since 1970, Musyoka. The opening ceremony and we have been engaging young potential that young included a Global Village, which people through our leadership people have, and how opened its doors to Kenyans to and exchange programs, among experience the cultures of all these other activities. We aim to be far they can go, given countries. The Congress, which took the first choice partner for all our the right platform... place from the 20th to the 29th of VarsityFocus December2011 23 CSR
Delegates join in song and dance during one of the activities of the conference.
August, with over 500 delegates, companies, and organizations in 15 students on exchange programs culminated in a study tour to the world, seek in their employees. to different countries of the world, Mombasa, and the Masai Mara Our portfolio of partners, which including India, Mauritius, Uganda, Game Reserve. includes Pricewaterhousecoopers, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Egypt, Belgium Unilever, Ericsson, Nike and UBS, and Germany. We have also Having such events only aims to who facilitate some of our exchange facilitated exchange programs for show the power of a global youth programmes, appreciate the value 55 students from other countries voice in the world. Being a student- that AIESEC provides to them, and of the world, to come and have run organization and having such to the students who experience it. an exchange experience in Kenya, an impact is a testament of the in the same period. We are potential that young people have, Locally, we also run events in looking forward to provide such and how far they can go, given the campus including forums and opportunities to even more students right platform.. seminars, such as the Youth from our University in the coming Leadership Forum, and the Financial To increase youth impact in the future, to explore and develop their Literacy Forum, alongside our world, society needs leaders who are leadership potential, and to be exchange program. We also have entrepreneurial, culturally sensitive, positive change agents in the world. conferences for our members socially responsible and take an focused on leadership. AIESEC AIESEC in the University of Nairobi active part in their own learning. To in the University of Nairobi runs is based at the main campus, and gain a holistic experience, AIESEC community development projects our office is located at the ground offers you the opportunity to take in various slums in the country floor of Gandhi wing, room A15. It on a leadership role before or such as Mukuru, Mathare and can also be found online through after your internship. Learn how Kibera, with different aims, such as the facebook page AIESEC university to lead a team, manage large sensitization on health, HIV/AIDS, of Nairobi, our website, www. projects and run a local or national training on entrepreneurship, and aiesecuon.org , and the AIESEC organization along with people environmental management. global website www.aiesec.org all over the world! These have proven to be the most valuable AIESEC in the University of Nairobi Mr. Ondati is the Chairman, AIESEC, skills that the most competitive has in the last four months sent over UoN
24 December2011 VarsityFocus Prizes
the Asian Commercial Community for increasing their prizes and challenged more organizations Best students feted to sponsor more prizes and at the same time urged students to The University of Nairobi successfully remain competitive in order to be held its prize giving ceremony in which recognized. The Vice-Chancellor also assured 246 outstanding students were awarded. future prize winners that the University has managed to clear the he students, who completed students and as away of giving back backlog of the last two academic their studies in the 2007/2008 to an institution that has played a years and from next year, prize Tand 2008/2009 academic leading role in training manpower giving ceremonies would be held years, were feted by 72 different for virtually all sectors of the immediately after graduation. donors among them individuals, economy. The two best students for the foundations, companies and other The University management two academic years were, Linda organizations who gathered at Taifa welcomed new donors who have Nkatha from School of the Built Hall to present their prizes. come on board among them, Basco Environment, Department of The function was presided over by Paints, Twiga Chemicals, National Architecture and Building Science the Chairman of Council Mr. John Oil Corporation, Mohammed/ and Otieno Brunah Akinyi from Simba, who congratulated recipients Muigai Advocates, and Engineer School of Physical Sciences, for their outstanding performance Carey Orege. He also thanked the Department of Chemistry. Prize and thanked donors for recognizing Gandhi Smarak Nidhi Trust and giving day is held annually. academic excellence. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha assured stakeholders that successful holding of the prize giving day was proof that the University was fully functional and thanked staff for heeding management’s call to resume duty after three days of industrial action. He promised stakeholders that management is trying to resolve the current impasse by sections of staff and was optimistic that a solution would be found soon in order to resume normal service. Prof. Magoha also challenged more organizations and individuals to come up and donate prizes for excellence, saying that this would A former student shows off her certificate as Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (AA) and Prof. Peter Mbithi Deputy Vice-Chancellor (A & F) be a motivational factor to other look on.
VarsityFocus December2011 25 Student life Youth under siege By Isaac Okelo Along with the men of ancient, the geographers of old, I must admit that the higher we go, the cooler it becomes.
uch is the case that is Solomon of old, or even our modern and find cease fire to this varsity experienced by the modern day, day Forbes heavy weights. Peer world war three equivalent; our Scampus, young and zealous influence is as ugly as the name much developed moral fabric shall Christ follower. “And because iniquity suggests, ready to devour any be maintained; our identity we must shall abound, the love of many campus amateur with identity crisis. keep; our duty to restore our Masters shall wax cold” Mathew 24:12. This This peer machinery shakes every image is core in our priorities. statement is made manifest in this corner of our beautiful campus, As we start this journey to exploring campus society, where to some it is cutting across the fresh women the depths and width of the a man eat man society whereas to within and without Stella Awinja, challenges faced by youthful campus others it is a man eat greens society. the 10th semester engineer, even a jewels, much will be acquired from Campus and its whatabouts threaten learned friend in Parklands is not safe the insightful, refreshing and ageless to put under siege even the most from it either. counsel and advice. devoted of our Christian brethren. Wait, that’s just the bad part besides As we acquire numerical heights, the The Kamkunji is punctuating a the downs of the consuming campus environment within waxes colder comma for now, be vigilant and as trend, lie hopes and wisdom that and colder. Dating and sexuality crucial as life itself be sober. always help us keep our heads up. In mysteries threaten to dislocate the fact, as we grapple with our stability Mr. Okelo is a 2nd year student. epicenter of our morality; misplaced financing in this unpredictable economic time ensures bankruptcy of our much needed joy. Needless to say, the effects of drug and substance abuse continue to distract the otherwise smoke-free path of the campus believer. None would deny that we need more counsel than ever concerning our social, economic and most valuably spiritual needs. Culture shock, ideological differences make us stagger and stutter from one opinion to another, never focusing on the fact that we truly are expensively bought jewels, more expensive than the wealth of Main Campus Christian Union members after a Sunday service.
26 December2011 VarsityFocus Research In the recent past, there have been stories carried in the media on aflatoxin in maize and the possible connections to cancer. Maize value chain aflatoxin mitigation By Prof. Erastus Kang’ethe
ndeed, it is clear that Aflatoxin due to consumption of aflatoxin of food safety and food security contamination of maize contaminated groundnut feeds. are correlated in more than one Iconsumed and or marketed in Other outbreaks affecting animals dimension. Kenya is a recurrent problem. In and humans have occurred ever Aflatoxins are secondary 1961, about 16,000 turkeys died since, with the 2004 and 2005 metabolites elaborated by outbreak having the highest Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus morbidity (406 affected) and during growth under favorable mortality (157 dead) among human conditions (including moisture population. and temperature). Aflatoxins are In 2010, 2.3 million bags of maize, known carcinogens, causing grown in the Eastern and Coast adenocarcinomas of the liver, regions of Kenya, were declared which is excerbated by concurrent by the Ministry of Public Health Hepatitis B infection. They are and Sanitation as being unfit for also known to be antinutritional, human consumption due to high mutagegenic, teratogenic and levels of aflatoxin contamination. immnunosuppressants. The major Maize is the staple food of many toxins are grouped as Aflatoxin B1, Kenyans (98kg/capita/year), such B2, G1 and G2. Aflatoxin M1 is a that in this context, when maize breakdown product of Aflatoxin B1 is contaminated with aflatoxins and is excreted in the urine and milk and declared unfit for human of exposed humans and animals, consumption, this is not only a Aflatoxin B1 is the most toxic. food safety issue, but it raises In Kenya, until now, control of food security concerns for the aflatoxin contamination of maize country. Previous outbreaks have has relied mainly on testing maize at also revealed that high levels of marketing outlets and withdrawing contamination were commonly the contaminated lots. In 2010, for found in highly food insecure instance, the Government tried to areas. Therefore, the two issues Aflatoxin infested maize mop out the contaminated maize
VarsityFocus December2011 27 Research
for all in the maize value chain. Solutions to mitigate the impact or prevent the contamination exist; but they need to be evaluated with a wholistic approach, for instance, some may have a “perverse” effect on the long run, like a policy to buy contaminated maize could have a dissuasive effect to producers to apply GAPs specifically aiming at reducing contamination; or some very technical solutions Participants during a recent aflatoxin by purchasing the maize from at one stage, could have workshop, among them are farmers at reduced prizes, a move consequences on other segments that was not very successful and representatives of FAO, researchers and local millers. of the chain. Therefore, they came at a high cost. As mycotoxins need to be tested for their are ubiquitous contaminants, the acceptance by stakeholders. internationally recommended In Kenya, until now, In addition, as the aflatoxin approach is based on preventing control of aflatoxin contamination of maize has the contamination, rather than contamination of maize been largely echoed in the public letting it happen and then try to arena and has a clear political remove the contaminated maize has relied mainly dimension, there are a number from the market. on testing maize at of important projects and It is now commonly agreed that this marketing outlets inititatives supported by donors requires a all-encompassing chain and technical and financial approach, combining contamination and withdrawing the partners currently undergoing in reduction strategies at each step contaminated lots Kenya, complemented by Kenyan of the chain, and implemented research. coherently by the different involved, due to their support to the The issue here is an adequate stakeholders. In fact, in Kenya, the production, marketing, control and sharing of information and new specific maize value chain is complex monitoring functions. data generated and passed and involves many actors. The key on to a wider community of actors include the seed developing In a sector with many players like the maize value chain, a fragmented stakeholders that would derive and marketing companies, concrete benefits from this research institutions, farmers, approach to the control of aflatoxin is not effective, as gains made in information, either at individual traders (assemblers, wholesalers, or common level. retailers, and dis–assemblers, posho certain sectors could be lost if other millers and large-scale millers) and segments do not participate in Therefore, technical solutions consumers. applying the mitigation measures at each segment of the value appropriate to their segments. chain needs to be debated and At certain times of maize shortages, A coordinated approach of the agreed upon by stakeholders to maize importing companies also the value chain based on shared get buy-in, and in some cases, become key players in the value awareness of the issues and tested to provide science based chain. From the public sector equipped with mitigation measures evidence of their effectiveness in side, the minsitries of agriculture, appropriate to each segment of the controlling aflatoxin. health, trade and others are also chain, would reap greater benefits
28 December2011 VarsityFocus CSR Correction UoN aids Sinai n the last issue of the Varsity Focus, we fire victims Ierronously carried the wrong photograph of the IMF Regional Representative to Kenya, Dr. Ragnar Gudmundsson. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to Dr. Gudmundsson and we publish the correct photograph of him below.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. George Magoha and KNH Director, Mr. Richard Leslyampe lead staff of UoN in presenting donations to Sinai Fire victims.
n September, 2011, the Board and was received by the University of Nairobi made KNH Director, Mr. Richard Leresian Ia cash donation of Kshs. 1 Lesiyampe. Million towards the medical On September 22nd , 2011, Prof. expenses of the Sinai fire victims Magoha again led the management at the Kenyatta National Hospital in handing over food and clothing (KNH). The donation was donated by students and staff, to presented by the Vice-Chancellor the fire victims and the displaced, Prof. George Magoha, who who were camping at the Tom IMF Regional Representative was accompanied by members Mboya Social Hall in BuruBuru. to Kenya, Dr. Ragnar of the University Management Gudmundsson.
VarsityFocus December2011 29 New course Education in emergencies round 40 million children in the world are currently out Aof school. The out- of school children live in countries affected by conflict while millions more are affected by natural hazards. In order to ensure that children who are experiencing crises do not continue to miss out on vital schooling, the University of Nairobi (UoN), with technical support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC), is now offering students interested in pursuing graduate An outdoor school at the Dadaab Somali refugee camp in Kenya. Photo courtesy study, the opportunity to specialize of Brian Thomas in Education in Emergencies. of student and teacher certifications acquired during displacement; tailoring educational and vocational programs According to the programme The to the needs of out-of-school children and youth; assisting coordinator, Dr. Loise Gichuhi, ministries of education to rebuild and strengthen their in- the programme which was rolled University service teacher training system after a conflict; and drafting out in October, 2010, has already emergency preparedness plans for the education sector in enrolled 3 groups-regular, evening of Nairobi anticipation of natural hazards such as floods and droughts, and school based; the programme as well as political and economic instability. is a unique collaboration to develop also plans human resource capacity among Upon completion of the M.Ed, and depending on previous enrolled students and education to offer work experience, students may: work with aid agencies or practitioners working in East Africa, additional other international organizations on their education teams; in order to prepare them to provide join the ministry of education and build capacity to deliver quality education programming in study inclusive and quality education in emergency situations; or, emergency and post-crisis settings in infuse their work in schools as teachers or administrators with developing countries. options in an enhanced understanding of education in emergencies. Through coursework, internships the future, The University of Nairobi also plans to offer additional study and research projects, students options in the future, including diploma, certificate and short examine the range of educational including study courses. As the University and IRC continue to refine activities and the related challenges diploma, the curriculum and carry out capacity building activities that take place in the field of for the faculty, several areas of collaboration for local and education in emergencies. A certificate international partners are emerging. These areas include: sample of these activities include: contributing materials to the EiE Resource Centre including establishing safe learning spaces and short posters, articles, reports, maps and multimedia resources; and for children in the midst of conflict; study scholarships for students. collaborating with international Meanwhile, the Centre is seeking to expand the scholarship organizations and education courses. base to needy students who are interested in this innovative authorities to ensure recognition program but lack the financial capability.
30 December2011 VarsityFocus Workshop Stakeholders host a governance workshop A workshop on Gender, Human Rights, Governance and Sustainable Livelihoods was held on Wednesday 19th October 2011 at the University of Nairobi’s Council Chamber.
and among institutions that given to the University of collaborate with the Chair Nairobi. Each university was and the University of Nairobi. charged with the duty of domesticating and defining The Chair’s main activities are the Chair and to translate guided by the University’s knowledge in these three Strategic Plan and weave into areas in order to achieve the mission of the University sustainable development. in order to achieve the Millennium Development Kaimenyi acknowledged Goals and ultimately help that achieving the goal of Kenya achieve vision 2030. sustainable development requires concerted efforts Prof Bahemuka mentioned by everyone at every level; that in its endeavour to he lauded the public-private contribute to sustainable sector collaboration that is development, the Chair vigorously pursued by the works closely with a number Chair. Noting that although Prof. Judy Bahemuka welcomes Deputy Vice- of key allies, singling out Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi the new constitution has the collaboration between to the workshop. afforded Kenyans immense the Chair and K-Rep opportunities, the bulk of he workshop, which was jointly organized by Development Agencies. Kenyans especially those the University of Nairobi’s UNESCO/UNITWIN Bahemuka also paid tribute in the rural areas, lack the Chair, United States International University to the Ford Foundation for T necessary understanding (USIU) and K-REP Development Agency (KDA) and its funding especially in the of the provisions enshrined attended by over 40 participants, was officially areas of education, human in the new constitution, opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, (Academic rights and governance. he urged the universities Affairs) Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi. In his opening speech, Prof. to be at the forefront in In brief welcoming remarks, Prof. Judith Mbula Kaimenyi noted that in 1997, translating and simplifying Bahemuka, the UNESCO/UNITWIN Chair noted the Kenya Government was the constitution so that the that the objectives of the chair include bridging granted three UNESCO citizens can understand the gap between basic education and higher Chairs namely: The Chair on and claim their right to education through innovative cultural exchanges Bioethics given to Egerton sustainable development among students and communities, to transform University, the Chair on as enshrined in the “Bill of universities from ‘ivory tower’ mentality to towers Mathematics given to Moi Rights”. of hope and strength to communities by providing University and the Chair The workshop participants opportunities for staff and students to give back to on Women, Education, were drawn from universities, society, the knowledge they acquire at university, Community Health and banks, NGOs, and other and for knowledge and technology transfer between Sustainable Development organizations.
VarsityFocus December2011 31 Workshop Enchanted with Germany
German Ambassador Helwitt Margit- Boate
have just come from the home I arrived in Germany on 25 August partnerships. So besides learning of Mercedes Benz, BMW and as part of a group of trainers and new skills, this training was meant IVW. Well, not really! A few weeks journalists from different countries – to explore opportunities for ago but still feel that I can say ich more specific from Benin, Cambodia, collaboration with the IIJ as part bin ein Berliner (I share that with Ghana, Indonesia, Uganda, of the School of Journalism and US presidents JF Kennedy and South Africa, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Mass Communication’s strategy to Barrack Obama who proclaimed so! and Zimbabwe. The Training of develop synergetic and symbiotic Literally, I am a Berliner!). Of course Trainers course was sponsored by relationships with organisations with I can say other words as part of the German technical assistance similar objectives irrespective of their my demonstration of my knack of agency, GIZ (formerly GTZ) and physical or geographical locations in learning new languages (to really fit conducted by the International the world. into a society one has to learn the Institute for Journalists (IIJ). The Back to the trip, I landed at the language, and perhaps appreciate IIJ conducts numerous training in small Tegel Airport in Berlin (despite and be sensitive to customs and Germany and other parts of the this being the Germany Federal norms). world where they have developed Republic’s capital, the airport is
32 December2011 VarsityFocus Workshop quite small although this will change Sunday morning. What a cracking Even though the training centre, once the expansion of the other atmosphere! the building that offices the German foreign ministry, was forty minutes airport, Schoenefeld is complete, Berlin is such a historic city from away, the journey was effortless. and renamed Berlin Brandenburg whence Communism started its Buses run every six minutes. Trains International Airport). Having cleared demise. Historic as the embodiment every five. And keeping time they the immigration in Amsterdam as the of Cold War, the Berlin Wall dividing do. So it was jumping from the bus, first port of entry into the European the city in the former East Germany, into the U or underground and then Union (we should do the same in or its official name, the Democratic S (subway) trains. Wish Kenya can the East Africa Community!), I was Republic of Germany (what an develop such a transport system. not subjected to immigration checks irony!).Today, the Berlin Wall (except There would be little gridlocks, and again. So the entry into Berlin was small sections of the actual wall most attendant nightmares experienced smooth. Besides, once at the airport, of which is covered in colourful and on our roads daily. Some would say we (I and two participants from rather beautiful graffiti) is embedded we are heading there. Perhaps in Zimbabwe) were met (the arrival in the pavements and streets of the another hundred years at the pace had been timed to coincide with city with double cobblestone lines) we are going. Maybe not in our the other participants) by IIJ officials as part of the reminder of the dark lifetime but, hey, who said Berlin who immediately hailed the many history.These landmarks, including was built in a day! There is even a Mercedes Benz (yes, many and the the Germany Federal Parliament, the special lane for riders some of whom latest models!) taxis which took Reichstag are attractions in Berlin get miffed if you don’t get out of the us to our home for the 39 days in which lure millions of tourists to way. Something we can think about. Germany. the city each year. Not far off is the Benefits: exercise (and attendant We stayed a the Buckower Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg gains!), environmental conservation, Damm apartments where GIZ State, southwest of Berlin. The well and cost-cutting etc. accommodates many of its visitors. manicured gardens of the Sanssouci The place is forty minutes away from (literal translation: without care; The “Training of Trainers” course the GIZ offices next to Potsdamer free and easy. What a name for a ran every day of the week from Platz, a beautiful mall a few minutes palace? But then even the great 9am to 5pm. The course was part away from Checkpoint Charlie, French Enlightenment writer and of ensuring that journalism teachers the crossing point between East philosopherVoltaire (real name are equipped with new pedagogical and West Berlin and the symbol of François-Marie Arouet) spent time skills critical to modern journalism separation during the Cold War era here as a guest of Friedrich II) the teaching and enhancing the learning where the Russian and American Palace was the residence of King process. Such skills are undoubtedly tanks faced each other during the Frederick William IV of Prussia. The vitally important as student, industry Berlin crisis of 1961. It’s also a few Sanssouci and its beautiful gardens and lecturer needs change. I am minutes from the Brandenburg became a UNESCO World Heritage ready to transfer the skills learnt Gate, the Berlin landmark where Site in 1990. The town and the as sharing is critical to knowledge Kenyan marathoner Patrick Mutua palace attract millions of visitors. transfer and development. In these crossed on his way to breaking A little city with a big place in the hard economic times, and as part the world record and winning the world tourism map! Of course I had of my capitalistic thinking and BMW Berlin Marathon this year. A the opportunity to see the horrors development of entrepreneurial skills, monumental feat in front of the of Nazi and indeed racial bigotry I may charge a small fee for vital German monument. And I was with visits to the Sachsenhausen skills. Anybody interested? part of that history as I cheered concentration camp where the eerie Dr. Ge o r g e Ny a b u g a is a l e c t u r e r a t loudly as the Kenyan crossed the feeling still envelops many. t h e Sc h o o l o f Jo u r n a l i s m a nd Ma s s Co m m u n i c a t i o n line on that warm September 25 Back to Berlin and the training.
VarsityFocus December2011 33 Launch Launch of Prof. Gichaga’s autobiography University, at a very delicate time on the country’s political front. During the launch, Prof. Gichaga said that he wrote the book to give his life history and more so to show how he climbed the academic ladder and the very trying experiences he went through. While officially launching the book, Hon. Bett congratulated Prof. Gichaga for putting his experiences as a Vice-chancellor in writing saying that, this would serve as a useful reference for universities. On his part, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. George Magoha, praised his Hon, Franklin Bett launching Prof. Francis Gichaga’s book. predecessor, for creating module II programmes at UoN ,which he UoN Press launched steered the institution to introduce have become the most reliable Prof. Francis John Gichaga’s module II programmes, a strategy revenue stream for the University, autobiography on Monday that has become very popular with as government capitation dwindles, T while at the same time extending 21 November, 2011 in a colourful other universities, as a way of raising occasion formalized by the Minister extra income and extending higher higher education to more Kenyans. for Roads, Mr. Franklin Bett, at the education to more Kenyans. Prof. Judith Bahemuka, who was Vice Chancellor’s Parlour The book The income generated through the mistress of ceremonies, was titled “Surviving the Academic Module II Programmes assisted nostalgic about Prof Gichaga’s Arena: My Complex Journey to the the University of Nairobi greatly in patience and resilience during a Apex” is about the life and times improving the teaching environment very difficult time in the history of of the author during his life and through completion of stalled the management of the University most critically, while at the helm projects, acquisition of new assets of Nairobi. Others who made of leadership at the University of among them vehicles, and improved contributions to the book as Nairobi, at the time when the renumeration to staff. acknowledged by the author is Prof. country was transitioning into a Godfrey Muriuki, a respected history multiparty democracy. The book describes in detail the scholar student and staff protests that The book describes the agony, the the author had to endure while Present at the ceremony were author went through when he was introducing module II programmes past alumni, teaching staff, vice faced with limited funding to run and discusses some of the intrigues chancellors from private and public the University and ultimately how he he went through as he steered the universities, top UoN managers, family and friends of the author. 34 December2011 VarsityFocus Tribute Tribute to Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai By Pr o f . Ge o r g e A.O. Ma g o h a , Vi c e -Ch a n c e l l o r , u o n Prof. Wangari was the first indigenous female associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy.
he late Wangari Muta Maathai or simpy Prof as she was known in Tacademia had a long and beneficial association with the University of Nairobi. Indeed, this association stretches back to 1966, when Wangari Muta first joined the University of Nairobi, after receiving training at Loyola University, and was deployed as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy. In 1971, Wangari Maathai was awarded a PhD degree, by the first Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. In 1976, Wangari Maathai was appointed the Chairman of the Department, and a year later, promoted to the rank of Associate Professor. The appointment to Chairman and the promotion to Associate Professor were land mark achievements because not only was Wangari, the first female professor in the University, but also because no indigenous Kenyan had been appointed chairman and also associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy. Prof. Wangari Maathai continued to associate with the University even after she left, and it is with former members of staff, that Wangari founded the Green Belt Movement and in a way continued to associate with the University of Nairobi. We always knew and considered Wangari Muta Maathai as a go getter and as an indomitable force in the world environment movement. The late Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai.
VarsityFocus December2011 35 Tribute
This is the main reason why in 2005, the University of Nairobi perceived it as of the environment. Wangari Muta important and pleasing to confer the degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Maathai was the first indigenous Causa) to Wangari Muta Maathai, in recognition of her distinguished and woman so honored by the University. selfless service to the nation, and for her outstanding work in conservation Breaking with tradition, the University celebrated Wangari Maathai, through planting a commemorative tree on the Great Court. In August 2009, Prof Wangari Maathai was the key note speaker at a forum hosted by the University to discuss agriculture and the environment. At the forum, which brought in scholars and top universities administrators from 25 universities in the region, her opening remarks on the role of scholars to cultivate environmental education to youth with values and ethos of safeguarding our environment, only made the University determined and fittingly so, to establish an institution that could champion the environment. So it is no wonder that at the end of 2009, the University appointed Prof Wangari Maathai to be the distinguished Chair of the newly established Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies (WMI), at the University of Nairobi. The WMI was the initiative of Prof. Wangari, and its main objective was to build a Green Campus. Prof Maathai was in the middle of raising funds for collaborative research, training, experiential learning and community empowerment, a task that she cheerfully undertook, even when, we believe she was not feeling so well. The University Community is going to miss this true lobbyist and crusader for the environment. But her legend will live long in the WMI, which is the true US President, Barack Obama,then a Senator, with Wangari Maathai at bequest that Prof. Wangari Maathai Uhuru Park in 2006. has left to the University of Nairobi.
36 December2011 VarsityFocus New course UNITID hosts two short courses The University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases(UNITID) was recently hosted two international short course training Participants, trainers and judges programmes. and UNITID. Partial sponsorship was This first training workshop was provided by DBL-CHRD. Participants held between the 14th and 25th were charged a minimal fee of hese are the Multivariate November 2011 at UNITID. A total US$ 500 each to cover tea, lunch, Statistics Course using of 19 participants mostly from the stationery, six months stata license Stata 11 software; and the College of Health Sciences, (UON), T and two books on statistics. Corse interdisciplinary research training KEMRI, Institute of Primate Research, trainers included Dr. Henry Madsen, also known as MicroResearch Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University training. Association of the Physically of Copenhagen and Mr. Thaddeus Disabled persons Kenya (APDK) and The Multivariate Statistics Course Egondi a biostatistician from the the nongovernmental organization held between 22nd August to Africa Population for Health Research Christoffel Blinden Mission 2nd September, 2011, was the 6th (APHR) Nairobi. (CBM) attended. Group project International course to be held at The Micro Research training proposals were presented and the UNITID. This two-week course is workshop is an interdisciplinary best judged and ranked, will be open to researchers and staff from research concept modelled after the supported for further development academic and research institutions microfinance concept where small through funding of Canadian $ in and outside Kenya. This year, the grants, training and mentorship in 2,000. Organizers and facilitators course attracted 17 participants from clinical research is given to young for this training were Profs. Noni the following sub-Saharan African enthusiastic researchers from MacDonald and Robert Bortolussi countries: Kenya (7), Ethiopia (3), the various disciplines of health, both from Dalhousie University in Zambia (2) Uganda (2), the Gambia biological, social and veterinary Halifax, Canada, Prof. Ruth Nduati, (1), Ghana (1) and Tanzania (1). sciences. The training is meant Prof. Anastasia Guantai, Dr. Grace The Course was jointly organized to encourage interdisciplinary Omoni, Dr. Martin Kollmann and by DBL-Centre for Health Research collaboration and exchange of ideas, Prof. Benson Estambale from the and Development (DBL-CHRD), strategies and knowledge, on local University of Nairobi. University of Copenhagen, Denmark community needs.
VarsityFocus December2011 37 Infrastructure Proposed 1 billion University Towers ICONIC | FUTURISTIC | WORLD CLASS | 08 of environmentally friendly-solutions. The proposed building will be situated in the open space between the Gandhi Building and the Education Building, just adjacent to the Norfolk Fairmont Hotel and Kenya National Theatre. According to the Vice-Chancellor, the University of Nairobi, is seeking to construct an ecologically sustainable building design to house the top university administrators and several teaching facilities. The building will be world class particularly in its aesthetics and its environmental design considerations. It is expected to meet stringent carbon foot print criteria achieving close to 100% carbon neutrality. The new building will meet the indicated spatial requirements and demonstrate leadership in the development of a holistic green environment and must attain the highest green rating standards globally. The building will also demonstrate a new approach to workplace design and create a model for others to learn from and follow. Its indoor spaces will demonstrate world-class acoustic treatment. The building will enhance the quality of outdoor space and the balance between indoor and outdoor spaces. The University of Nairobi Tower is expected to be an inspiring and attractive showcase of “green” buildings and once UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI TOWERS FIRM ID 2011 realized, the final facility should attain signature status in Bold | Innovative | Functional | Sustainable October BIFS In a bid to increase its physical all aspects of cutting-edge architecture. The facility will be a place where users shall be proud to undertake world- facilities to cope with the rising class scholarly work, receive global leaders, scholars, the demand for higher education, private sector, as well as other prominent guests. The University of Nairobi is set to The building will be 15 floors and is expected to cost about one billion. The project will house the following put up a 15-storey building at the facilities: the Vice Chancellor’s Suite, All the Deputy Vice- Main Campus to accommodate Chancellor’s Suites, Senate Boardroom, Council Meeting Room, two lecture theatres of 500 persons, four lecture increasing academic activities and theatres of 300 persons, several lecture rooms to cater administrative services. for a minimum of 60 persons, a floor for the Graduate he University aims to develop a visionary state-of- School and a floor for the Graduate School of Business. the-art tower block leading the way in ecologically The winning design by Waweru and Associates was sustainable design in its Main Campus. It is envisaged T unveiled after a competition, the firm also won Kshs that the Tower will not only provide the much-needed 750,000.00 in the process, presided over by an teaching space but also assert and affirm the position international jury, comprising of various experts.The of the University of Nairobi as the leader in architectural Permanent Secretary, Fisheries Development, Prof. thought, innovation and champion towards the provision Micheni Ntiba was the Chief guest.
38 December2011 VarsityFocus Sports Mean Machine flying high The University of Nairobi Rugby team, Mean Machine is once again in the limelight, courtesy of its good performances in recent tournaments.
s the team pledged at the categories. They also played the semi motivate players and safeguard beginning of the season, its finals in the main cup once in the them from defecting to rival Apitch performance has been just concluded Prinsloo 7s in Nakuru. teams. a great improvement from previous According the team captain Mr. seasons. Speaking after receiving the Cedric Odera, the team’s success is a trophy from the captain in his The team put up a spirited fight in culmination of discipline, dedication office, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. the just concluded Impala Floodlight and a desire to bring back the lost George Magoha, congratulated Tournament, winning a Gold in the glory of the team. Odera thanked the team for a series of good National main cup and silver in the the administration for purchasing results and for ensuring good universities category. three sets of uniform for the team visibility for the University. In the earlier concluded seven (7s) which confirmed the University’s As a former rugby player, he tournaments, the team reached support to the team. contended that it is not easy the finals, four times and won once He however appealed for more for a side to post consistent in the Bowl and twice in the Plate support from the administration to performance without good training facilities and promised that the University will revamp facilities and also improve the team’s allowances. He spoke in the company of Deputy Vice-chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi and the Acting Director, Sports and Games, Mr. Mbaabu Mureithi. Due to its impressive performance, the team was invited to the 19th Edition of the Annual Makerere 10S Rugby tournament which was on going at the time of going to the press. Varsity Focus congratulates Mean Machine for the exemplary performance.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. George Magoha recieves the trophy from the Director, Sports, Mr. Mbaabu Mureithi (c)and Mean Machine, Captain, Mr. Cedric Odera (third left).
VarsityFocus December2011 39 Sports Keep Fit - Our New Credo Whether we are gross or spiritual; whether we are optimists or pessimists; whether we have ideals or are crazy, one-sided philosophers or ardent debaters; whether we are level headed and have a sound judgment or are irresponsible, will depend largely upon the way we feed, look after ourselves and love ourselves. n a way, there is a challenge to using brain rather than brawn almost dance. This group has invested keep fit and in today’s world, it like chess. Ice stock players learn to in a sound system and discs and Ihas become a way of life. Millions exercise in moderation, eat small but organized to learn ball room and are being invested in gym, muscle balanced portion of meals. competition dance. build-up programmes, yoga, pilates So c c e r In ballroom, a section of the crew etc. has been learning salsa, meringue, If you were to take a walk through And members of staff at UoN have chacha, zoumba, bachata, while the Chancellor’s Court one Sunday refused to be outdone. A number, in competition, a small section of between 3.00-6.00p.m., you will not enough but still a number have the group has engaged in rumba, come across a group of lecturers in begun to take a keen interest in chakacha, ndombolo or zairwa as we their mid forties engaged in a game their own brand of keep fit. Varsity call it. The group features amongst of soccer. Focus takes you on a fitness journey its adherents, professors, senior around the UoN. It would be easy to assume that the lecturers of -its coming- engineering. academic is bookish and a bit of a c e t o c k p o r t s h e s l o w w a l k I S S wimp, especially during class time T Every Sunday afternoon, for the past when he wears a suit and tie. But Barbells in hand , the track suited six years, a group of staff meet on woe unto you, that lithe , muscled figure, can be passed over as just the basket ball court, use the asphalt man in a pair of shorts, soccer boots another student. As you come floor to play Ice Stock. Ice Stock and shirt on the pitch, you are closer, you realize that the walker is a as the name suggests, is a game mistaken, is not a student but rather woman, and that you have seen her played on an ice rink, but given your philosophy, history or political before, as your mind starts thinking, the paucity and expense of such science lecturer. The soccer group you realize that she is one of the top grounds, our staff are trained on the has been gathering here for the past administrators, walking here every asphalt or tarmac. In Ice Stock, you eight years, engaged in tournaments day as usual. throw the stock, which is a heavy with students, male and female The slow walk is another way that three kg weight stone ball into your and they have recorded several some staff have elected to stay fit, a opponent’s goal. wins. The soccer group also goes group of five normally walk around around as Senior Common Room The team is exploring moving the the football field at least 2-3 times a FC, but unlike some groups that game sometimes to the Panari centre week. Although this group is middle surreptitiously file students among ice rink, when funds so permit, but aged, they dedicatedly walk in a their number; the SCR FC remains for now, are using the basket ball pattern – slow, slow fast, slow and that, members of staff. pitch fully to hone their whole body then a quick exercise. , ice stock is also good for the thighs h e a s e m e n t r e w T B C It may look easy, but it is not. They and the bottom. You have heard the whispers about a do break into a sweat which they Ice Stock is actually a mental game; group, that for the last six years has allow is part of ridding the body of you focus on your opponent’s side engaged in physical fitness through toxins.
40 December2011 VarsityFocus Quality Policy Statement
The University of Nairobi is committed to quality as the guiding principle in its decision making and leadership in the provision of university education and related services to its customers. To realise this, the University management shall regularly monitor and review its performance for continual improvement and suitability by implementing an effective quality management system based on ISO 9001 standard. www.uonbi.ac.ke