BY ANDREW NJUGUNA & ERIC SINDABI

The James Foster Collection, located at the JD Rockefeller Library within Egerton University, is a significant archive representing 170 years of Kenya's cultural heritage. This collection comprises 3,000 books that delve into the geographical, historical, and socio-economic aspects of Kenya’s past. Originating from Foster’s private library, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich legacy of knowledge and cultural representation that has developed over centuries, akin to the ancient libraries of Greece, Rome, Middle - East and African archives.

James Foster, born on August 22, 1929, in York, England, had an illustrious educational background, having attended notable institutions like Knox Grammar School and Marlborough College. His professional journey began in the British Army Academy and included roles in the Kenya Police Service and various senior positions in private companies such as East African Power and Lighting Company. Beyond his professional commitments, Foster was deeply involved in community service through organisations like the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Readers are mesmarised by some of the 3000 volumes of James Foster Kenya's heritage themed book collection during a recent University Cultural Week event./Eric Sindabi.

Foster's true legacy, however, lies in his dedication to preserving Kenya’s heritage. By donating his extensive library to Egerton University, he aimed to support the institution’s mission of knowledge generation and preservation. This collection enhances the university's role in facilitating education and research across various disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, ecotourism, economics, and political science. Analysts note that the collection provides crucial access to rare historical volumes, addressing gaps in previous studies and positioning Egerton University as a center of academic excellence.

Initially hesitant to part with his collection, Foster was encouraged by former Chancellor Professor Shem Wandiga and a team of academic staff drawn from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences led by Professor Emilia Ilieva. Through numerous discussions and visits to the university, the celebrated collector was reassured that his collection would be safeguarded and utilised effectively. Ultimately, Foster formally donated his library in a vibrant ceremony on February 2, 2016, having chosen Egerton University over interest from other institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

In addition to the James Foster Collection, Egerton University Library houses several other notable private collections including; the Professor Henry Olela Collection, the Dr. Taaitta Toweett Collection, and the Daisaku Ikeda Collection all based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Library. Together, these collections reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation for future generations.

.......................................................................................The writers are members of the University Library Marketing Committee........................................................................

Egerton University welcomed a team from the Mastercard Foundation, on 15 November 2024, led by Program Head Pauline Gangla, for a high-impact visit centered on advancing the empowerment of young people, agricultural innovation, and leadership in Africa.

The 48^th Congregation  for the Conferment of Degrees and Award of Diplomas - Friday 29th November 2024

Chancellor, Egerton University, Dr Narendra Raval (Guru),

I extend a warm welcome to each of you to this significant occasion, the 48^th Graduation Ceremony of Egerton University.

Good morning,

It is a privilege to be here today as we celebrate this important milestone.

Good morning,

It is both a privilege and an honour to join you today as we celebrate a truly momentous occasion—the 49^th Graduation Ceremony of Egerton University.

In a collaborative effort to enhance oncology care, the Chestine Trust Foundation (NHS-UK), Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), and Egerton University's Faculty of Health Sciences recently conducted a two-day oncology training in Nakuru County.

Dear Staff, Students, Alumni, Community and Partners, Thank you for your support in making 2024 a success

The University has made two leadership appointments to enhance academic and administrative functions in key areas.

DECLARATION OF VACANCIES

Egerton University was founded in 1939 as Egerton Farm School and was upgraded to an Agricultural College in 1950.  In 1986, the Agricultural College became a constituent College of the University of Nairobi.  It was elevated to a University in 1987 through an Act of Parliament.

Since its inception, the University has registered significant expansion in student numbers, academic programmes and physical facilities.  Currently, the University has a student population of over 16,000 and a staff number of 1,291 and consists of two (2) campuses. Njoro Main Campus and  Nakuru City Campus College.

The University invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals with excellent credentials to fill the following posts.

On Friday, January 17, 2025, Egerton University's Faculty of Education and Community Development Studies, under the leadership of Dean Dr. Flora Fedha, convened a transformative engagement with key stakeholders.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, has appointed Prof. Charles M’Erimba as the new Director of the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies, effective 27^th January 2025.

Dr. Tabitha. Amollo, a lecturer in the Department of Physics at Egerton University together with Prof. Qi Hua Fan, of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), as project leads, are among the 2024 Partnerships for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) award winners.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, has announced the appointment of Prof. George Ogendi as the Acting Principal of Nakuru City Campus College, effective 6^th January 2025.

On Monday, 3^rd February 2025, Egerton University had the privilege of hosting Prof. Nada Fadul, Associate Dean at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, USA.

On January 24, 2025, Egerton University took a monumental step towards becoming a regional leader in biotechnology and genetic engineering research. The Project Contract Implementation Team (PCIT) officially handed over the project construction site to the identified contractor, marking the beginning of the establishment of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Regional Research Centre (ICGEB RRC). This development involves the repurposing of part of the stalled Agronomy Complex...

Experts from the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) have equipped students at Egerton University with crucial skills in food safety and aflatoxin management.

Egerton University Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 30th June 2022. Egerton University is a body Corporate Established through an Act of Parliament: The Kenya UniversitiesEgerton University is a body Corporate Established through an Act of Parliament: The Kenya UniversitiesAct 2012 and domiciled in Kenya.

The Faculty of Science at Egerton University, under the leadership of Dean Prof. Steve Omondi, held a vibrant sports day aimed at sensitizing its members on the importance of physical fitness.