KIMATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY NYERI MWEIGA ROAD P.O. BOX 657 10100 NYERI. INFORMATION BOOKLET KIMATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY NYERI MWEIGA ROAD P.O. BOX 657 10100 NYERI. TEL: 061-2034616 FAX: 061-2032060 Culture of Success 2006 EDITION
KIMATHI INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (www.kimathiinstitute.ac.ke) Foreword Communities in Kenya have for many years supplemented government efforts of setting up and managing institutions of learning. Many primary schools, secondary schools as well as technical training institutes were set up by the communities they serve. I am proud to say that Kimathi Institute of Technology is one such community effort which I have been associated with since its inception. The Institute continues to produce self-reliant graduates in the technical field for the whole country. This proposal to upgrade the Institute to a University status is therefore a most welcome effort as it seeks to push community effort to new heights in a bid to answer to the great demand for University education in the country. With free primary education now being offered in Kenya and government availing more bursaries for secondary education, it is clear that the already high demand for University education will rise considerably. This demand will not be met through the existing public and private universities, which are already full to capacity. Initiatives such as this shown by the Nyeri District community will go along way in enabling Kenyans and others within the East African region obtain affordable University education. Furthermore, the proposed curriculum of technical degree programmes is highly desirable as it will also help in meeting the country s objective of getting industrialised in the next two decades. This objective would otherwise not be met without sufficient technical graduates. I therefore urge friends of Kenya and of Kimathi Institute of Technology to join hands with the community to make sure that this proposal becomes a reality. It is only with the support of these kinds of initiatives that Africa will rise to claim its rightful position in the world and undertake its due responsibility of contributing to the betterment of mankind and the whole world. H.E. Mwai Kibaki CGH MP Chairman Board of Trustees, Kimathi Institute of Technology 1
1. BACKGROUND Kimathi Institute of Technology (KIT) was founded by the Nyeri District community in the early 1970s to undertake human capacity development for the community so as to support economic and social development. It still remains the only community tertiary institution in the area and is located right in the middle of the district, 7 km from Nyeri town. It has over the years trained persons in artisan courses and has recently upgraded some of its programmes to diploma level in line with the changing community needs. It has been excelling nationally at Diploma level in Business Studies and Information Technology. In the last three years, the Institute has embarked on a programme to upgrade to University status so as to offer degree courses and enhance its extension activities. The institute has a big farm, comprising of 350 acres of natural forest, 350 acres of mature coffee and 300 acres of open space for expansion. It also has a very clear development programme that includes gender parity, which is being implemented with a lot of success. It is well supported by the community and has attracted leading personalities from the community in business, politics and academia to participate in its development activities. Through KIT, the community hopes to continue producing highly trained manpower in the technical and business areas, contribute in agricultural and infrastructural development as well as in job creation. 2. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Initial development of the institute was through fundraising from the community spearheaded by trustees, whose Chairman has been H.E. Mwai Kibaki since the founding of the Institute. The complete list of the founding trustees include: H.E. Mwai Kibaki - Chairman Duncan Ndegwa - Vice-Chairman Godfrey Muriuki - Secretary James Waibochi - Treasurer Peter Nderi - (Deceased) The community ownership has always been ensured by having as trustees all Members of Parliament from six constituencies in Nyeri District, the Nyeri District local authority leaders, church leaders and other prominent local leaders from the district. 2
3. MANAGEMENT OF THE INSTITUTE Up to now, the Institute has been managed through a Board of Governors with the day to day running being carried out by a Principal, appointed by the Ministry of Science and Technology in consultation with the Board of Governors. However, the need to upgrade to University status has necessitated creation of a new structure that fulfils requirements by the Commission for Higher Education for offering degree programmes. The structure comprises of a Council that will be the executive body to run the Institute and an Advisory Forum that will be enable participation of the community and development partners. The activities of KIT are managed through four subsidiaries, each with its own working committee. 3.1 KIT Council The council members are as follows: 1. James Waibochi Chairman 2. Wanja Thairu 3. Gichuru Kireru Mathenge 4. Godfrey Muriuki 5. David Wachira Treasurer 6. Paul N Kioni 7. Mucemi Gakuru 8. Muriuki Ndegwa 9. David Macharia 10. K. Njogu 11. Francis Gichaga 12. James Kamunge 13. Jane Kiringai 14. Esther Kahangi 15. District Commissioner, Nyeri 16. A. B. Kariuki 17. Nancy Mukunya 3.2 Executive Committee There is an executive committee that manages day to day affairs of the institute, whose members are: 1. James Waibochi Chairman 2. Wanja Thairu 3. Gichuru Kireru Mathenge 4. Godfrey Muriuki 5. David Wachira 6. Paul N Kioni 7. Mucemi Gakuru 8. Muriuki Ndegwa 9. David Macharia 10. K. Njogu 3
3.3 Kimathi University This subsidiary will run the proposed University as described in the development plan. The University will be run through the Kimathi University (KIM-U) Development Committee. Currently, a degree programmes centre has been established and is being managed through this committee, whose members are: 1. P. N. Kioni Chairman 2. D. N. Wachira 3. M. Gathenya 4. M. Waweru 5. P. G. Ngunjiri 6. J. Kamunge 7. M. Gakuru 3.4 Nyeri Plantations This subsidiary comprises of the coffee farm and any other agricultural activities. Nyeri Plantations is being run through the Kimathi Agricultural Production (KIM- AP) Committee. 1. R. M. Ndegwa Chairman 2. Jane Munene 3. John Kimondo 4. A. B. Kariuki 5. A. Mutugi 6. District Agricultural Officer 3.5 Kimathi Research, Production and Extension Services This subsidiary will run research, production and extension services. KIM-REP is run through the Kimathi Research, Production and Extension (KIM-REP) Committee. Several activities are planned for this unit that include; a textile production unit, construction unit, honey processing and eco-lodges. 1. M. Gakuru Chairman 2. K. Njogu 3. Esther Kahangi 4. C.K. Kariuki 5. P. G. Ndiritu 6. District Commissioner, Nyeri 3.6 Kimathi College - EXISTING PROGRAMMES AT KIT The existing programmes will be run through the subsidiary Kimathi College and they comprise of Diploma, Certificate artisan and Craft programmes. Kimathi college will be managed by the Kimathi College (KIM-C) Committee, whose committee members are as follows: 1. D. Macharia Chairman 2. C. M. Ndengera 3. Jennifer Njaramba 4. Christopher Gakuo 5. Jane Kiringai 4
Current position at the Institute. Currently Institute has approximately 500 male and female students in five academic departments: Information Technology Accountancy Engineering Business studies Clothing technology It offers courses examined by the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC), Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board (KASNEB) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). These courses are: DIPLOMA COURSES Information Technology Examined by JKUAT Information Technology Examined by KNEC Business Administration Examined by KNEC Marketing Examined by KNEC Clothing Technology Examined by KNEC Building Construction Examined by KNEC Electrical Engineering (Power) Examined by KNEC CERTIFICATE COURSES Information Technology Examined by JKUAT ACCOUNTING COURSES Kenya Accounts Technician Clerk Examined by KASNEB Certified Public Accountant (CPA) I & II Examined by KASNEB CRAFT COURSES Masonry Carpentry and Joinery Plumbing Garment Making Electrical Installation 5
3.7 Day to Day management of Kimathi Institute of Technology The activities of the Institute are managed by highly qualified professionals who include the following senior staff: 1. Mr. J M Mbugua Principal 2. Mrs. R Kagondu Deputy Principal 3. Rev A Mutuiri Director, Degree programmes Centre 4. Mr. Gathirwa Manager, Nyeri Plantation 5. Mr. Theuri Dean of Students 6. Mr. Itunga Registrar 7. Mr. Kabugi HOD Electrical Engineering 8. Mr. Kamau HOD Information Technology 9. Mr Charagu HOD Building Construction 10. Ms Njeri Kuria HOD Clothing and Textile 11. Mr. Nyaga HOD Accounts department 12. Mr Kinyua HOD Business Management Department 13. Mr. Wang ondu HOD Mathematics and science Dept 14. Mr. M Mahugu HOD Entrepreneurship Department 15. Mr. Kariuki HOD Motor Vehicle Mechanics Dept 16. Mr. Nduhiu Library and Communication 4. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME Institute has embarked on a programme to upgrade to University status so as to offer degree courses as well as enhance its extension activities. As a result KIT will set up and manage Kimathi University which will comprise of 20 departments that will host a total of 38 degree programmes in Engineering; Computer Science and Information Technology; Food, Bio-Sciences and Agricultural areas; Business Studies; Industrial Design and Built Environment; Humanities and Social Sciences; Mathematics, Physical Sciences; and Medical disciplines. The curriculum will include research, both for knowledge development and income generation. The upgrading programme is the estimated to cost a total of Kshs 7.2 billions distributed as follows: Phase I Kshs 4.114 billions, phase II- Kshs 2.483 billions; and phase III- Kshs 0.505 billion. The upgrading is expected to be realised firstly through collaboration with suitable institutions to enable capacity building, joint fundraising and marketing of the programmes. Secondly community and government support will also be sought. So far the following has been undertaken towards this end: 6
4.1 COLLABORATION College of the Rockies (COTR) and Parklands College (PRC), CANADA COTR and PRC have entered into collaboration with KIT and their community partners to strengthen their ability to (1) develop and deliver a sustainable tourism program, in order to increase employability of students in the growing local tourism industry; (2) provide training and support to increase sustainability and profitability of existing cottage industries; and (3) integrate basic health education, prevention and awareness themes into KIT programs and Nyeri community project activities. A proposal has jointly been submitted for funding by CIDA and Association of Canadian Community Colleges. Further, COTR will send some interns to KIT for preliminary work on the collaboration. Through this linkage it is expected that KIT will bring on board other International organizations to facilitate the upgrading of the Institute and development of the Community. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Kimathi Institute of Technology has entered into collaboration with JKUAT to enable offering of the following programmes: (i) (ii) Bachelor of Science Degree in Information Technology. Bachelor of Commerce in Business Studies. Through this arrangement the Institute will upgrade its teaching facilities and put in place a capacity, both physical and personnel, to run degree programmes. The Institute plans to extend the arrangements to a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Bachelor of Construction Management. 4.2 COMMUNITY MOBILISATION The Nyeri District Community through its elected members of parliament has actively supported the initiative to upgrade KIT to a University status. Through them the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Committees in the district convened at KIT in October 2005 to appraise themselves on the status of the Institute. This has culminated in the CDF committees giving a high priority to KIT as a project for CDF fund allocation. To this end each constituency will allocate 7.5% of its allocation to KIT beginning the financial year 2006/2007. With the establishment of the Advisory forum, KIT development will be accelerated as the community takes centre stage in resource mobilization. 7
5. THE ADVISORY FORUM Introduction As a community project, Kimathi Institute of Technology (KIT) must contribute directly to the development of the region by offering other services beyond the academic programmes at the institute. Such programmes include leadership in business, provision of information in health, agriculture and finance. Furthermore as one of the key joint projects in the district, KIT can serve as a centre for community mobilisation on very many other projects. What all this means is that there must therefore be a direct linkage between the community and KIT. The advisory forum is meant to enable the direct participation of the community in development of KIT as well as helping the institute reach to the community. Composition The advisory forum comprises members of the community who have served as KIT board members for a long time and are now retiring from executive roles. It also has all the elected Constituency Development Fund (CDF) officials from all the constituencies in the district i.e. the chairman, secretary and treasurer. Others are leaders from the district in various disciplines, i.e. business, finance, academia and other professions, also appointed from every constituency in the district. Finally, the forum has friends of KIT, who are persons not necessarily from the community but with strategic interest in the development of the institute or the community. Roles and Responsibilities It is clear that the key role of the advisory forum in to ensure direct linkage with the community, thus enabling direct participation of the community in the affairs of the institute. This linkage for example should create flow of information from the community into KIT and the vise-versa, which would create awareness on the activities at KIT and also let KIT receive feedback from the community. The forum will also be the most appropriate vehicle for resource-mobilisation to generate funds needed to develop the institute and by extension the community. Furthermore, as there are many community members in the Diaspora and other friends to be found internationally, the forum should reach to these persons as they may be willing to play a role in the development of the institute. In essence the forum extends the role of KIT in community development and can therefore play role in mobilising the community to undertake other projects in the district that KIT may have interest in. 8
Operation Once launched, the forum will be expected to organise itself in the most appropriate way necessary to discharge the stated roles and responsibilities. It will largely work on consultative basis but will meet once a year and will also have an executive committee that will meet regularly. The decisions from the forum will be communicated to the KIT council for consideration and implementation through a KIT council member nominated to sit in the forum and its executive committee. Members of the Advisory forum in 2006 1. J W Ichang'i, Chairman Nyeri 2. P N Goko Nairobi 3. D M Mureithi Nairobi 4. J W Githuku Nairobi 5. D T Wanjuki Nairobi 6. A Wamunyu Nyeri 7. Chief Munyingi Nyeri 8. Prof. Muruku Waiguchu USA 9. Mr. Muito Kabuya Nairobi 10. Eng. Isaiah Mutonyi Nairobi 11. Mr. Isaac Githuthu Nairobi 12. Mr. Mathenge Wanderi Nairobi 13. Col.(Rtd.) Jan Kamenju Nairobi 14. Dr. W Kabutu Nairobi 15. Mr. Fred Ngunjiri Nairobi 16. Eng. Chiuri Nairobi 17. Mr. Mwai Mathenge Nairobi 18. Mr. J M Githui Nairobi 19. Mr. Ndung u Gathinji Nairobi 20. Mr. David Kireri Nairobi 21. Mr. E. Gatimu Nairobi 22. Mr. Wandimi Muchemi Nairobi 23. Mr. H. Mathu Nairobi 24. Mr. Wachira Kariuki Nairobi 25. Mr. J K Ng acha Nairobi 26. Mr. Mahungu Wachira Nairobi 27. Alleine Mukuru Nairobi 28. James Gatome Nairobi 29. Chairman, CDF Committee Nyeri Town 30. Treasurer, CDF Committee Nyeri Town 31. Secretary, CDF Committee Nyeri Town 32. Chairman, CDF Committee Tetu 33. Treasurer, CDF Committee Tetu 34. Secretary, CDF Committee Tetu 35. Chairman, CDF Committee Mathira 36. Treasurer, CDF Committee Mathira 37. Secretary, CDF Committee Mathira 38. Chairman, CDF Committee Othaya 9
39. Treasurer, CDF Committee Othaya 40. Secretary, CDF Committee Othaya 41. Chairman, CDF Committee Mukurweini 42. Treasurer, CDF Committee Mukurweini 43. Secretary, CDF Committee Mukurweini 44. Chairman, CDF Committee Kieni 45. Treasurer, CDF Committee Kieni 46. Secretary, CDF Committee Kieni 6. CONCLUSION For the foreseeable future, Kimathi Institute of Technology will continue to play a leading role in the development of the Nyeri District, a fact that has fully been recognised by the community. With the upgrading to University Status, it role will be further enhanced and felt throughout the country and beyond. It is therefore one of the most significant projects in the area for undertaking development that would lead to poverty reduction and wealth generation for the community, thereby contributing to meeting the Millennium goals. The success of the upgrading programme will not only depend on the community efforts, but also participation of collaborating institutions as well as support from friends of KIT. It is with this in mind that the Institute is urging the community and all its friends to join hands to make sure that the development programme is fully implemented. 10
KIT BOARD OF TRUSTEES KIT Advisory Forum PATRON KIT Council Executive Committee Estates Manager Kimathi University Development Committee Kimathi Institute Committee Kimathi Research, Production & Extension Committee Kimathi Agricultural Production Committee DVC DVC VC Principal Director Director Senate HOD HOD B/Unit Manager R&D B/Unit Manager Coffee Manager Livestock Manager HOD HOD Kimathi Institute Kimathi Research, Production & Extension Nyeri Plantations Kimathi University 11
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