Varsity engages a panel of UoN eminent persons

Abstract

The University of Nairobi is engaging a panel of distinguished eminent persons to share ideas on the transformative agenda of the institution.

In a forum held on March 25, 2015, the University management invited a delegation drawn from academia and industry to share their views on key areas that will influence the process of rebranding the University. In addition, the forum provided the University’s leadership an opportunity to share its vision, nurture partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders, receive feedback and align UoN vision with national, regional, and global expectations.

Speakers drawn from different professions made presentations on various discussion themes that will found the transformative agenda. The key areas of discussion included students and graduate skills enhancement; fundraising, resource mobilization, sustainability strategy and governance; interdisciplinary collaboration and streamlining UoN operations for improved productivity; and enhancing UoN brand image and competitiveness.

The Chancellor, Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, called on the panel to engage in the forum like members of one eminent family- the University of Nairobi and confer and reason together to proffer solutions to the various challenges that confound the University.

Dr. Idle Farah, the Chairman of Council, challenged the members to think of how the University of Nairobi can achieve the beacons of a world class institution. He called on the friends of the University to be part of the transformative journey noting that the University cannot be top in world ranking by working in solitary.

In his presentation, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mbithi noted that the forum is the beginning of a journey that will serve the purpose of enhancing the brand of the University and provide positive visibility. It will also provide an avenue to sensitise the stakeholders on strategic matters pertaining to the University.

Speaking on fundraising, resource mobilization, sustainability strategy and governance, Dr. Manu Chandaria, the Chairman, Comcraft Group, challenged universities to think beyond academia. In his remarks, Dr. Chandaria outlined the importance of having partnerships between universities and the private sector while exploring the resources available to enhance education in Kenya.

Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Technology, Dr. Fred Matiang’i, called on the University to be actively involved in preparing graduates to advance new technologies in various operations in the government. This is achievable by involving students in skills enhancement programmes.

Brand Kenya’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Mary Kimonye highlighted key areas the University management must consider in enhancing the University of Nairobi brand image and competitiveness. Mrs. Kimonye described UoN as one of the strongest name identities in Kenya and challenged the University to deepen the meaning of the University of Nairobi by among other issues, use its number one position to offer number one solutions to Kenya’s problems.

Former Chancellor, Dr. Joe Wanjui and former Vice-Chancellors, Prof. Francis Gichaga, Prof. Crispus Kiamba and Prof. George Magoha shared their strategies on how they ran the university during their tenures and highlighted some of the major achievements recorded