Varsity Focus (October, 2008)

Abstract

We welcome all our readers to this edition of the ‘Varsity Focus.’ which commemorates the 39th Graduation Ceremony. The highlight of this graduation is the conferment of honorary degrees to His Excellency, the President, Hon. Mwai Kibaki, The Right Honorable Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, and His Excellency Dr. Kofi Annan, for their role in ending the post election violence that plagued the country early this year.

The ceremony also marks the award of the first Doctor of Science to Prof. John Kokwaro who successfully defended his postdoctoral thesis in May, 2008. This is on top of the over 4,500 awards and degrees to be conferred in this congregation at doctoral, masters, postgraduate diploma, undergraduate and ordinary diploma levels.

This edition also features various collaborative initiatives that the University has been involved in the past one year. These have been effected through joint research and other collaborative ventures by various academic units.

To ensure quality service delivery to its clients, the journey we embarked on two years ago, to put a quality management system in place finally bore fruit in August 2008 when the University was awarded the ISO 9000:2001 Certificate. The official presentation was made during a colorful ceremony witnessed by senior officials from the government and the University led by the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Sally Kosgei.

Students on their part have continued to involve other stakeholders in their activities. The Main Campus Christian Union (MCCU) for instance organized a successful peace walk which was flagged off by the Vice-President and Minister for Home Affairs, Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka. Students of the School of Computing and Informatics entered into a partnership with the Kenya School of the Blind (KSB) to develop computer software for the blind and to offer training in the area of assistive technology to the blind. AIESEC on its part organized an East Africa Leadership Development Seminar (EALDS) that attracted local and international participation.

Also highlighted are the activities of the Alumni Association which has continued to grow in strength since its launch three years ago. Currently, it boasts of over 16,000 members and has embarked on various projects within the University, notably installation of concrete benches and setting aside a prize for the overall best performing student in each college.

These are among the activities highlighted in this edition of the ‘Varsity Focus’ and we would appreciate your feedback on our services and products. We take this opportunity to congratulate the class of 2008 for their hard work and request you to remain part of the University of Nairobi family through continuous learning and enrolment in our active Alumni Association.

- Charles E. Sikulu -