It was a remarkable step towards fostering collaboration between academia and corporate social responsibility, Egerton University recently welcomed esteemed guests from the Safaricom Foundation for a benchmarking visit.
Led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, the university was honored to host the delegation, which was eager to explore the institution's Income Generating Units (IGUs) and identify potential areas for partnership. The inaugural visit by the foundation was coordinated under the meticulous planning of Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization at Egerton University. It was both enlightening and productive.
Prof. Kibwage extended heartfelt thanks to the Safaricom Foundation team, acknowledging their decision to benchmark with Egerton University as a significant opportunity for mutual learning and growth. “The visit of the Safaricom Foundation to our campus has been a profound experience for all of us," said Prof. Kibwage.
“We are proud to showcase the innovative IGUs that have become integral to our university's financial sustainability and practical training model. We hope this visit sparks ideas for future collaboration that will benefit both institutions,” he opined.
The Safaricom Foundation sponsors students from high school through to university and was conducting the benchmarking visit to explore sustainable approaches to resource mobilization.
The Foundation highlighted that there are students at Egerton University who receive full sponsorships from them, which greatly impressed the Vice Chancellor. He expressed a desire to meet these students and engage with them more personally.
The delegation was treated to an in-depth exploration of Egerton's leading IGUs, under the guidance of the Director of IGUs, Prof. George Owuor. Some of the highlights of the visit included a tour of the renowned Agro-Science Park, led by Prof. Paul Kimurto, which focuses on cutting-edge agricultural research and development. The group also visited the university's Dairy Unit, where premium-quality yogurt is produced—a testament to Egerton’s commitment to blending academia with real-world enterprise.
The Safaricom Foundation delegation also explored the University's unique Mortuary used for both learning and income generating at the Faculty of Health Sciences, The University Press where all the printing happens; the books, examination papers, booklets, and research posters among others were visited. The team went through the Accommodation facilities that are used to offer accommodation to visiting groups.
It was an eye-opener when the team toured the ARC Hotel. The Egerton University Investment Company owns the hotel which plays a key role in enhancing Egerton’s capacity to generate income while offering essential services to the local community. The ARC Hotel, under the leadership of Director Prof. Robert Morwani Gesimba, stood out as a prime example of hospitality excellence intertwined with academic learning.
Prof. Kibwage emphasized that the visit not only highlighted the university's strengths but also provided a platform for the two organizations to explore innovative collaborations that could extend beyond the university's walls. "We are excited about the possibilities this visit has opened up. Safaricom Foundation’s dedication to social impact aligns closely with our goals of creating sustainable development through education, research, and community engagement."
As the delegation concluded their visit, both sides expressed optimism for future engagements, focusing on areas of shared interest, such as research, technological innovation, and community-focused initiatives. The synergy between Safaricom Foundation and Egerton University promises to pave the way for impactful projects that could transform both the academic and corporate sectors.
Prof. Kibwage and the entire Egerton community expressed their deep appreciation for the visit and the insights shared during the tour. “It was an honour to host you, and we look forward to continued collaboration that will benefit our students, our institutions, and the broader Kenyan society.”
It was an opportunity for both institutions to advance their efforts in building strong partnerships with industry leaders, fostering innovation, and equipping students with the skills needed for future success.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer,
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Egerton University
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