SPEECH BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR PROF. WILSON KIPNGENO TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, 4 TH SEPTEMBER, 2015.

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1 SPEECH BY THE VICE CHANCELLOR PROF. WILSON KIPNGENO TO FIRST YEAR STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, 4 TH SEPTEMBER, INTRODUCTIONS. Deputy Vice Chancellors Present Deans of Schools Dean of Students Deputy Registrars Heads of Departments (Academic and Administrative) Members of Staff Student Leaders All First Years Ladies and Gentlemen First, let me take this opportunity to welcome the 2015/ 2016 First Year Students to University of Kabianga and congratulate you for successfully completing your secondary education and also for being selected to pursue various degree programmes at University of Kabianga. I also salute and congratulate your parents for the support and care they accorded you to reach this level in your academic pursuit. On behalf of the University Council, Senate, Management, Staff and the other continuing students I warmly welcome you to University of Kabianga and declare that YOU ARE NOW A MEMBER OF UNIVERSITY OF KABIANGA FAMILY. 1

2 (Let me start by giving you a Brief Historical Background of UoK) 2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF UOK University of Kabianga is one of the Public Universities in Kenya. It was chartered by the then President, His Excellency, Mwai Kibaki on 1 st March, 2013 in line with the Government objective of increasing access to Higher Education for all Kenyans. The history of this University as a training institution dates back to the 1950 s when it began as a Teachers Training College during the Colonial Government then later on it was converted to a Farmers Training Institute to train farmers in the Vast Rift Valley region and Nyanza region. In the year 2007, Moi University Council though the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology and with the approval of Ministry of Agriculture acquired this facility as one of its Campuses and the pioneering class first year students was admitted in November, The pioneering class was about 100 students spread across the 5 schools. (Mention that they graduated in 2010 and are now building the nation in their various professions.) On 29 th May, 2009, the University was officially gazetted as a Constituent College of Moi University. This meant that we became administratively independent from Moi University. We started receiving exchequer grants from the Government and managing our own finances. 2

3 We also had our first Council inaugurated in October, 2009 under the Chairmanship of Eng. Jan Mutai. In spite of the humble beginnings the University has made tremendous efforts and have achieved the following; Launch of Service Charter and Strategic Plan in 2010 ISO 2008: 2015 Certification in 2012 Infrastructural Development- 840 Capacity Hostel, Lecture Theatres Phase 1,2,3, (4, & 5 to commence soon), Sewerage Treatment Plant, Pineapple Extraction Plant And recently we got ISO 2008:2015 Re- Certified 3. VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES OF THE UNIVERSITY Mission: Innovation and Excellence Vision: To be a leading University in Scientific Innovation for the betterment of humanity Mission: To create, preserve and transfer knowledge and technology through quality education, research and extension. Core Values: Promoting Academic Freedom, Fostering Team Work and Collaboration, valuing excellence and quality. 4. SCHOOLS The University on its onset offered degree programmes in the following Schools; 1) School of Education and Social Sciences 2) School of Business and Economics 3) School of Agriculture and Biotechnology 4) School of Natural Resources and Environmental Management 5) School of Science and Technology 3

4 However, with the agenda of growth in academic programmes two (2) more school have been established, namely; 1. School of Arts and Social Sciences 2. School of Information Sciences and Knowledge Management Our ambition is to diversify in our academic programmes and introduce courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering. 5. CAMPUSES The University initially had one campus, Main Campus, where we are now but in line with its expansion programme the University has opened the following Satellite Campuses; 1) Kericho Town Campus Situated at Telkom and Sinendet Buidings offering Bachelors and Postgraduate Courses in School of Business, Education, Agriculture 2) Kapkatet Campus- Situated along Sotik Highway, Offering Medical Courses like Clinical Medicine, Nursing, Environmental Health 3) Sotik Campus- offering Diploma and Bachelors Programmes in Education, Agriculture, Business and Economics 6. PROGRAMMES At the onset the programmes being offered were mainly Bachelors programmes in the pioneering five schools but currently new programmes have been introduced both in Undergraduate and Masters Level. For Example: 1) Bsc. Acturial Sciences 2) BSc. Information Sciences 3) Bsc. Clinical Medicine and Surgery 4) Executive MBA 4

5 5) MBA 6) Msc And soon we will launch PhD Programmes. All these information are available in our bulletins. 7. UNIVERSITY SORROUNDING As you can see the University is surrounded in the green lushes of Kericho Highland, the weather and atmosphere is clean and conducive for learning away from the pollution and noise of the Cities. This area has been nicknamed as the Bathroom of God ie it s blessed with a lot of rain and so keep yourselves warm all the time. The University also boasts of a cordial relationship with its neighbours i.e. the Kabianga and Chepnyogaa Community, let s maintain this relationship. 8. CODE OF CONDUCT WHILE IN THE UNIVERSITY As students you are expected to maintain the Highest Standards of Discipline Kindly get acquainted with the rules and regulations which I believe were sent to you together with your admission letter. Failure to abide by these will lead to suspensions, expulsions which will kill your academic dreams and worse still can land you in jail. 5

6 9. PARENTS EXPECTATIONS During registration I saw a large number of you turn up with your parents, I must say this is a sign of great love since most of you are over 18. Therefore your parents expect you to graduate in the stipulated time and find jobs, build the nation, be independent and start your own life. Please make you parents proud of you. 10. BAD SOCIAL VICES We live in a free and secular world where if one does not take care of himself/ herself he/ she can engage bad vices e.g. Alcoholism, Drug Abuse. These vices are not far from you, they are available here at Kabianga and Chepnyogaa Market Centres. The University has handled similar case and the affected ended up being suspended, expelled, arrested and in the long run ruining their academic dreams. 11. HIV/ AIDS This is a scourge that is affecting everyone and all I can say is for you to be careful and treat everyone as a suspect even the VC. If you must engage in sex then make use of the ABC life, (Abstain, Be Faithful to one Partner, Use a Condom.) Make use of the University ICL Club and the VCT Centre at the Clinic. 12. RADICALISATION In the recent past we have seen University Students being radicalized into sects/ cults and used as terrorists. 6

7 I urge you to join an open and legitimate religious group and avoid this idea of fundamentalism that makes you commit terrorist acts thus endangering your lives and those of other innocent people. 13. COHESION/ INTEGRATION We have heard instances where University Students group themselves into tribal associations. This has been manifested during election time where students from a certain region of the Country vote for their own and tend to feel superior than the others. I urge you to treat each other as brothers and sisters and desist from this form of prejudice/ radicalization. You saw recently when Kenya became No.1 in Beijing Athletics World Championships we all celebrated as Kenyans and not as a particular tribe. 14. GRIEVANCE HANDLING I urge you to relay your grievances in a polite and sober manner. Relay your grievances to your concerned student leaders who will take it up with the Dean of Students and the University Management. Desist from unnecessary unrests/ strikes that will affect your stay in campus. 15. MATTERS/ ISSUES BEYOND THE UNIVERSITY In some instances we have received complains on issues beyond our mandate eg poor state of the road, speedy construction of Lecture Halls, Hostels and many other issues. 7

8 I wish to state that this are issues beyond us and fall entirely with the Government, our role is just to pressure the Government to improve the current situation since they are an independent body and have their own plans too. 16. COMMITMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY The University is committed to making your stay at the University a success. Despite the numerous financial and infrastructural challenges we will continue delivering as per our Performance Contract. Feel free to interact with your service providers eg. Deans of Schools, Dean of Students, Hostel Wardens, Janitors, Games Tutors and even myself (the VC) on any issue that affect your stay in Campus. 17. CONCLUSION Allow me once again to welcome you to the University of Kabianga Family and wish you all the best in your stay here at University of Kabianga. THANK YOU AND GOB BLESS YOU ALL 8