Chuka University NewsletterIssue 1, Jan 2013

4 1A Chuka University Publication

Chuka University Newsletter Issue 1, Jan 2013

Chuka University Newsletter is published through the Division of Academic Affairs. CONTACT: cuc.newsletter @yahoo.com EDITORS: Rose Kimani/ D. K. Isutsa LAYOUT, DESIGN & MANAGING EDITOR: G. N. King’ara REPORTERS: Chuka University Newsletter Team.

Chuka University Awarded Charter

Chuka University maiden campus opens in Igembe

H. E. President Mwai Kibaki unveils the com-memorative plaque marking the grant of Chuka University Char-ter . On his left, Eng. Wilfred Murungi, the Chairman of Council, Prof. Margaret Kamar, the Minister for Higher Education, Science and Technology, and Prof. Erastus Njoka, Ag. VC, witness the occassion.

“At Chuka University, the

eagle shall perch and the

The Chairman of Chuka University Council, Eng. Wilfred Murungi receives the Mace,one of the instruments of authority from H.E. President Mwai Kibaki. On the left isProf. Ezra K. Maritim, Chairman, Commission for University Education (CUE)

The University Pavilion reverberated with the sound of Chuka Drummers on 8th January , 2013, as the institution braced itself for the

award of a University Charter, that would make it the ninth public university in Kenya. The day markedthe fulfillment of Jerusha Kanyua’s prophecy made 62years ago, that Ndagani would grow into a big moun-tain where birds would perch, and fly away happily.Indeed at Chuka University, the eagle shall perch and the kite shall perch - to paraphrase an Ibo proverb. The making of the mountain started in Sep-tember 2004, when Egerton University opened the Eastern Campus College at Ndagani. The CampusCollege was upgraded to a University College of Eger-ton University in 2007 through Legal Notice No. 161. Eight years later, the University College wit-nessed tremendous growth in infrastructure, staffand student numbers, making it ready for elevation into a full-fledged university. (CONT’D ON PAGE 2)

By John Nkanatha

The newly established Igembe Campus has started laying strate-gies geared towards increasing its

student population. The institution’s newDirector, Dr John Kobia, says that at the moment, there are 66 students undertak-ing undergraduate and graduate stud-ies in education. He said business related programs are in the pipeline and would be rolled out soon. “We are aggressively marketing the cam-pus and we expect to have over 150 stu-

dents by end of the year,” Dr Kobia said. Before being posted to Igembe Campus as the founding director, Dr Kobia was Dean Faculty of Arts at Chuka University. Igembe Campus which is barely one year old, is the culmination of a kind gesture by the local community which do-nated 45 acres of land to Chuka University. The land was formerly occupied by NtuenePrimary and Secondary Schools, a coffeefactory and cattle dip. Dr Kobia said, de-spite the initial challenges due to lack of

infrastructure, he is optimistic that Chuka University would fast track the growth of Igembe Campus. The establishment of thecollege, he noted, would open up educa-tion opportunities to all Kenyans particu-larly to the pastoralist communities in the North Eastern Province – Isiolo and Garbatula. Dr Kobia said Chuka Univer-sity had already deployed a clerk, and an administration assistant to Igembe to help him manage the institution.

By ENOCK MATUNDURA

Time Line: The making of Chuka University By John Nkanatha

1956 -The Chuka community builds a Craft Centre to train their children.1969 -The Craft Centre is upgraded to a Youth Polytechnic.2003 -The community approaches Egerton University who agree to establishment of a university campus.2003 -The community donates the Youth Polytechnic and the Sports Stadium to the University.2003 -The Presbyterian Church donates more land, including the institutions forming the Ndagani Education Complex, comprising PCEA Ndagani Primary School, PCEA Ndagani Secondary School and the PCEA Ndagani Nursery/Rehabilitation Centre. The land is 50 acres.2003 -The community donates a further 500 acres at Kairini, Meru South District to make the total land area 550 acres.21st Aug., 2004 -The community invites H.E President Mwai Kibaki to Ndagani and inform him of their willingness to start a university in the area. 27th Sep., 2004 -Egerton University Council approves the establishment of a Campus of Egerton University at Chuka. 23rd Aug., 2007 -Eastern Campus College is elevated to Chuka University College. 10th Oct., 2007 -H.E. President Mwai Kibaki visits and inaugurates the University College.8th Jan., 2013 -H.E. President Mwai Kibaki awards charter to Chuka University College, making it the 9th public University in Kenya.

CHUKA UNIVERSITY STAFF PROMOTIONS & RECRUITMENTS By Lewis Kathuni

Fifty seven Chuka University staff were recently successfully

reviewed and promoted to various positions. Among those promoted during the 2011 - 2012 financialyear are 25 Teaching staff and 32Non-teaching staff members. On top of the promo-tions, 138 new staff were employed,bringing the total number of staffto stand at over 400 strong men and women committed to quality service delivery. The promotionsand recruitments are a big step in the realization of the University staff development and growth poli-cy, which is in line with the Univer-sity’s Vision of becoming a premier institution of higher learning both locally and internationally.

Pioneer Senate Inaugurated

Members of the first Chuka University Senate pose for a group photo atthe University Pavilion

Photo by Kimani Gatiba

Photo by Martin Kinyua

Photo by Lucy Mureu

kite shall perch” -Ibo Proverb-

2 3A Chuka University PublicationA Chuka University Publication

Chuka University Newsletter Issue 1, Jan 2013Chuka University Newsletter Issue 1, Jan 2013

Library receives book donation

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) programme kicks off

Kenya set out at independence to fight ignorance, poverty anddisease. It is in line with these

fundamental pledges that institutions of higher learning such as Chuka Uni-versity are founded to provide capacity to tackle these life threats. Chuka University is mandated to provide and advance university edu-cation and training, leading to relevant qualifications, and to make proposalsfor new courses and subjects of study, thereby contributing to demand-driven manpower development. Diseases con-tinue to threaten the health of Kenyans. Chuka University Senate has noted

that nursing capacity, both in numbers and competencies, continues to remain inadequate, while population and de-mand for quality care are perpetually on an upward surge. Currently the bulk of nurses’ training is at diploma level. This is unlike in the more developedcountries with advanced healthcare systems where the lowest level of train-ing is at bachelor’s degree. To accelerate progress towards attainment of Vision 2030 aspirations, health-related Millenium Develop-ment Goals, and provisions of the Kenya Constitution 2010, the need for highly trained nurses cannot be over-emphasized. The BScN graduates willbe expected to provide quality services to patients and management of health institutions through application of ap-propriate nursing care knowledge.

PhilosophyTraining in Nursing for enhancement of human health and prevention of ill-nesses.

VisionThe Vision of the Bachelor of Science inNursing (BScN) programme is to be a pacesetter in the preparation of compe-tent nurses with holistic knowledge, at-titude and skills in nursing for the 21st century and beyond.

Future plansThe University is in the process ofstarting an upgrading programme from diploma to degree level in nursing to ensure it addresses the high demand of nurses.

Compiled By Faith Karimi

Over 300 volumes of books donated to Chu-ka University by Book Aid International (BAI) of Britain arrived at the University

in December 2012. The librarian in charge, MrMwebia Karimba, said that the batch comprising of books in disciplines such as Nursing, Psychol-ogy, History, Philosophy, Agriculture, Media and Communication have already been processed and placed on shelves ready for use. Chuka University was among four public universities that benefitedfrom the donation last year. The other universities are Nairobi, Eger-ton and Kimathi. The donation was sourced by MrMartin Kinyua Kinoti, a libararian who wrote to Book Aid International requesting the organiza-tion to consider donating books to Chuka Univer-sity. Mr Karimba commended Mr Kinoti for the effort he made to enrich the University’s library.“The batch of books will go a long way in meetingthe demand of our students and staff whose popu-lation is now growing very fast now that we are a full fledged university,” said Mr Karimba.

BY ENOCK MATUNDURA

Mr Martin Kinyua of Library Department organises the books received from Book Aid International

The charter award ceremony wasmarked with pomp and pageantry. An aura of academic ritual pervaded the Campus as Prof. Adiel Micheni Maga-na, the Mace bearer, led the academic procession as it snaked its way from the Vice-Chancellor’s Court to the Pa-vilion. At the rear of the procession was His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki and a coterie of academics resplendent in their academic gowns. Among the dignitaries in the Presidential entourage was the Minis-ter for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Margaret Kamar; the Permanent Secretary in the same Ministry, Prof. Chrispus Kiamba; the present Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of Public Service, Mr. Francis Kimemia, his predecessor, Mr. Francis Muthaura; the Ag. Vice-Chancellor, Chuka University, Prof. Erastus Njoka; the Chairman of Chuka University Council, Eng. Wilfred Murungi; the Chancellor of Egerton University, Amb. Bethuel Abdu Kiplagat and the Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. James Kiprop Tuitoek. Others who attended the cer-emony are Chuka University Coun-cil members; Prof. Ezra K. Maritim, Chairman Commission for University

Education (CUE); Prof. David Some, Secretary, CUE; Prof. Shaukat Ali Ab-dulrazak, Secretary to the National Council for Science and Technology; Prof. Alfred Mwongera Mutema, Vice-Chancellor, Kenya Methodist Univer-sity; and principals of other colleges among others. The ceremony was alsowitnessed by politicians from the re-gion including cabinet ministers Hon. Kiraitu Murungi, Minister for Energy; Hon. Joseph Nyagah, Minister for Co-operative Development and Market-ing; and area MP and Asst. Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Kareke Mbiuki. Njuri Ncheke elders led by the Chairman, Mr. Paul M’Ethinkia, the lo-cal community, staff and students, andother stakeholders were also present. The guests were treated to a luncheonat the end of the ceremony. Besides the Charter, President Kibaki handed over other instruments of authority includ-ing the Mace, the Chuka University Seal and the Logo. The instrumentswere handed over to the Chairman of the Council, who in turn handed them over to the Ag. Vice-Chancellor. Earlier on 7th January, Presi-dent Kibaki appointed Prof. Peter Ka-biru Kinyanjui, to be Chancellor of Chuka University for a period of five

years (See separate story). As a full-fledged university, Chuka Universitywill now develop programmes, teach, examine and graduate its own stu-dents, and do all that appertains to the new status.

Chuka University awarded charter

Varsity gets ChancellorBy John Nkanatha

Professor Peter Kabiru Kinyanjui was on 8th January, 2013 installed as the first

Chancellor of Chuka University. He was in-stalled by His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki during the award of Charter to Chuka University. In his acceptance speech, the Chan-cellor urged the neighbouring community, the University Management and students to embrace peaceful coexistence in order to reap maximum benefits from the University. Previously Professor Kinyanjui was an Esau Distinguished Visiting Professor at Menno Simmons College, an affiliate of Win-nipeg University, Canada and MUCIA Dis-tinguished Visiting Professor, Michigan State University, USA. He was a researcher at the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nai-robi, where he also served as a Director be-tween 1980 and 1990. He recently coordinat-ed studies on Theme 3 of the 2008 Biennale ofthe Association for Development Education in Africa (ADEA) on the Development of Knowledge Workers in Africa.

Snap shots of Chuka University’s drive toward excellenceDECEMBER 2012 GRADUATIONIt was all pomp and colour at the Egerton University graduation held in December 2012. At the time still a constituent col-lege of Egerton University, Chuka Univer-sity College produced 135 graduates: 21 Masters degrees, 7 post-graduate diplo-mas, 54 bachelors degrees and 53 diplo-mas. Among the diploma students, seven attained distinctions. The graduation held on 21st De-cember 2012 was an especially poignant occasion for Chuka University staff andstudents. It marked the last time Chuka University College students would gradu-ate under the auspices of Egerton Univer-sity. Following the accreditation of Chuka University College into a fully fledged uni-versity on 8th January 2013, students will now be conferred degrees by Chuka Uni-versity.

NEW STAFF RECRUITEDThe Chuka University population has sig-nificantly expanded following major re-cruitment of new staff. Interviews wereheld in the last quarter of 2012, and new staff reported at the close of 2012 and thebeginning of 2013 to all faculties. The 48new teaching staff and 92 new non-teach-ing staff will help to meet the staffing de-mands of the growing institution. It is

expected that even more staff will be re-cruited in future as Chuka University ex-pands. We welcome all the new staff andwish them well as they integrate into the Chuka University community.

INTERNAL RESEARCH FUND-ING SCHEME SHORTLISTINGRevision of shortlisted proposals for the award of funds under the Internal Re-search Funding (IRF) scheme is ongoing. The IRF scheme is in its second year of ex-istence, following successful disbursement of the first tranche of funds to selected re-search projects in 2011/2012. The success-ful 2012/2013 proposals will receive fund-ing by the end of the first quarter of 2013. Staff are urged to form multi-disciplinaryteams for the purpose of developing high quality proposals which will enable them to effectively compete for future awards.

UPCOMING RESEARCH CONFERENCEPlans are underway to organize the firstresearch-based conference at Chuka Uni-versity in 2013. Staff and their affiliatesare encouraged to start preparing papers for presentation at the conference, and to be on the lookout for the Call for Papers and other announcements regarding the conference.

FACILITIES EXPANSIONCome May 2013, it is expected that all enrolled students will be comfortably ac-commodated in Chuka University. This isunlike previous semesters where certain groups of students have had to go on ex-tended holidays due to space constraints at the institution. The business complexand the media studios, in their final stagesof construction, are projected to be ready for use by May 2013. This will greatly easethe pressure on space and facilities and en-able Chuka University have all its students in session concurrently henceforth.

OVER 80 DEGREES OFFERED AT CHUKA UNIVERSITYChuka University is now accredited to of-fer 82 degrees, ranging from Bachelors degrees and Masters degrees to PhD de-grees. Currently, the 24 PhD degrees are offered by research and thesis. Plans areunderway to offer future PhD programmesby coursework, examination, research and thesis. This more rigorous programme isexpected to create superior professionals with an edge in the job market.

The above snap shots were compiledby Rose Kimani, Assistant Lecturer, Communication and Media from Prof. D. K. Isutsa, Ag. DVC, AA.

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Photo by Julius Kaburia