Varsity Focus (June, 2013)

Abstract

I WELCOME YOU TO THIS EDITION OF THE VARSITY FOCUS – THE FIRST EDITION OF 2013 THAT REFLECTS ON OUR ACTIVITIES IN THE RECENT PAST.

This year goes in the history of the Institution as a defining one, in the Infrastructural development of the University of Nairobi. The ground at Main Campus was broken on May 17, 2013, to pave way for the construction of an ultra modern, eco-friendly University of Nairobi towers that will house increased academic and administrative service. The towers will be located between the Education building and the Gandhi Memorial Building and will take 120 weeks to complete construction.

Still on infrastructure the Alumni Association has began its fundraising activities to build its office block along Arboretum Drive to house its activities and increase its visibility and activities of supporting and marketing the University of Nairobi brand. Already KPMG has led the way by making a donation of Kshs.1 million. We request other well-wishers to come on board and help us realize this goal.

The University also admitted over 7,000 first years in May. This being the first time the University is admitting Module 1 freshers in May as a step forward in accelerating admission of government sponsored undergraduate students who normally take 20 months before joining the University. The 2012 K.S.C.E group will now join in January 2014 and 2013 K.S.C.E group is now set to join the University in September 2014. The acceleration will effectively eliminate the one year waiting period and regularize intakes.

It is also worth noting that the legal status of the University has been changed following the enactment of the Universities Act 2012. UoN like other public and private Universities will now operate under the Universities Act 2012 and the University of Nairobi Charter.

The previous University of Nairobi Act 1985 was repealed. The new Act occasioned the appointment of a new lean Council headed by Dr. Idle Farah and set in motion the process of appointing the Chancellor which is ongoing.

Internationally, the University continues to increase its collaborations with Universities from the US, China and Africa seeking ties to enhance research, student and staff exchanges among other academic activities. Our alumni have also continued to scale the heights of success as exemplified by two young ladies: Linda Nkatha and Njoki Wamai Linda who are pursuing their doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge. Ms Nkatha is an architect and the valedictorian in the class of 2010.

Of important mention is the appointment of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Jacob Thuranira Kaimenyi as the Secretary of Education in the recently constituted cabinet. Congratulations to Prof. Kaimenyi for his appointment to the cabinet – the cabinet comprises more than half University of Nairobi Alumni, which is a firm statement on the quality of our products.

These stories are among the activities featured in the current edition of the Varsity Focus. Enjoy reading and feel free to give us feedback.

- Charles E. Sikulu -