For 76 staff who joined Egerton University over the past year, orientation was not just a routine induction session. It was a constitutional call to duty.Addressing the new employees at the Main Campus, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning, Prof George Muthaa, set the tone early.
“Staff Orientation is an important session that is not optional,” he stated firmly, describing the gathering as a defining moment for those beginning their professional journey at the public institution.Prof Muthaa welcomed the academic and administrative staff and immediately anchored his message on the Constitution of Kenya. He urged them to deliberately interact with Article 10, which outlines the national values and principles of governance, and Article 232, which defines the values and principles of public service.
He explained that Article 10 binds all public officers to uphold patriotism, national unity, rule of law, integrity, transparency, accountability and sustainable development. These, he said, are not abstract ideals but operational standards that must guide daily decisions.“In a public university, the rule of law means every decision must be policy-based. Integrity means avoiding conflict of interest. Accountability means every file you sign can stand an audit,” he explained.
Turning to Article 232, Prof Muthaa said it speaks directly to civil servants. It demands high standards of professional ethics, efficient and economic use of resources, responsiveness, impartiality, merit-based appointments and transparency in service delivery.
“This is the benchmark for all of us as public servants,” he noted.The Deputy Vice Chancellor reminded staff that time management is a critical resource.
It cuts across rank and responsibility. “Human labour ceases only when you perish. You cannot save on human labour,” he said, emphasizing that time lost cannot be recovered.
He called for a deliberate culture of conservation. Prudent use of paper. Responsible management of utilities. Efficient deployment of financial resources. According to him, sustainability begins with small daily actions.Prof Muthaa also took the staff through the University’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and Mandate. He underscored that every department, whether academic or administrative, contributes to a shared institutional purpose.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, he challenged the employees to take personal responsibility for institutional transformation. “Let’s be the change we want to be,” he said, urging them to build a University they would proudly associate with.
He further emphasized professional standards and the need to promote internationalisation in all University functions. Interaction with global partners and international students, he observed, is central to attaining world-class status.
“Let’s interact with our international collaborations and students,” he encouraged.On excellence, Prof Muthaa offered a reflective perspective. Excellence means striving for the highest standards. Yet perfection remains unattainable. Even biblical teaching reminds humanity of its limitations. Therefore, he said, there must always be room for improvement.
The DVC also highlighted teamwork and collegiality. He urged the 76 staff members to share ideas and actively participate in University activities that foster unity and mutual understanding.
He cited the recently concluded Run for the Mau Cross Country as an example of initiatives that promote bonding while advancing environmental conservation.
Environmental stewardship emerged as a strong theme in his remarks.“Every time I get into this compound, the green grass and trees re-energise me,” he said. He urged staff to safeguard the institution’s environment and legacy. 
“Let’s not destroy what those who came ahead of us spent time working on.”
Prof Muthaa invited the new employees to study the University Strategic Plan 2023–2027, structured around four thematic areas. He particularly highlighted the promotion of ICT and the digital economy as a core pillar. Adoption of the Enterprise Resource Planning system, he said, is critical for efficiency and accountability.
He also reminded staff about performance contracts. These contracts require measurable and achievable targets aligned to departmental objectives and the University’s overall performance framework, which is monitored quarterly.“Whatever we do contributes to our Vision,” he reiterated.
In closing, he referenced the words of Desmond Tutu, encouraging reflection on the impact of small actions in building great institutions.He welcomed the 76 staff members to Egerton University and called on them to work as a team, dream boldly and pursue excellence in service to the nation.
By Musa Kurian
