Over 400 students from Kisii High School who are set to sit for this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) visited Egerton University as part of an academic tour aimed at equipping them with practical skills and hands-on experiences. The students were warmly welcomed by alumni of Kisii High School who had joined Egerton University in the latest intake, as well as prominent university lecturers and professors who are also alumni of Kisii High School.
Prof. George Morara Ogendi, an Environmental Health expert and alumnus of Kisii High School, shares his journey and motivational insights with visiting KCSE students during their academic tour at Egerton University. (Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University)
Among the key speakers was Professor George Morara Ogendi, a renowned expert in Environmental Health. Prof. Ogendi shared invaluable insights with the eager students, recounting his own journey from a humble village primary school to Kisii High School in the 1980s. He emphasized the importance of hard work, focus, and maintaining a strong relationship with God in the pursuit of academic and professional excellence, both locally and internationally.
“In my days at the school, I was also a footballer. It was quite interesting,” Prof. Ogendi reminisced, connecting with the students on a personal level. He also shared his ambitions during his time at Kisii High School, expressing his strong desire to pursue prestigious courses such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, and Veterinary Medicine, among others. Despite not gaining entry into any of his top five choices, Prof. Ogendi was undeterred and instead pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management at Egerton University. He graduated in 1995 and has since carved out an illustrious career that has taken him across the globe, including receiving scholarships to study in Austria.
Dr. Peter Mecha, a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering at Egerton University and Kisii High School alumnus, encourages the visiting students to work hard and sends warm greetings to their Principal, Mr. Fred Mogaka, during the academic tour. (Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University)
“I didn’t initially plan to be a teacher, but I’ve found immense fulfillment teaching at the university,” he told the students. Prof. Ogendi’s story of perseverance and adaptability was a great source of inspiration for the young learners.
Another notable alumnus, Dr. Peter Mecha, a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering at Egerton, took the opportunity to motivate the students as well. He encouraged them to work diligently towards their goals and extended warm greetings to their current principal, Mr. Fred Mogaka, whom he described as a personal friend. “I wish you all the best in your exams, and please pass my heartfelt greetings to Principal Fred Mogaka,” Dr. Mecha said warmly, eliciting smiles from the students.
The Chair of the Department of Pathology at Egerton, Dr. Samuel Matoya Nyamweya, PhD, also addressed the students, sharing his academic journey. Dr. Nyamweya, who sat for the Kenya Primary School Examination at Bogeche Primary School in 1985, was a classmate of Prof. Ogendi at Kisii High School, where they both completed their KCSE in 1989. He went on to pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nairobi in 1996.
Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization at Egerton University, addresses Kisii High School students during their academic tour, highlighting the strong connection between the university and their alma mater and the importance of academic excellence.
Dr. Nyamweya reminisced about their school days, noting, “Prof. Ogendi was my classmate. I was the third best student in our year within Kisii region, ahead of him. But he became a full professor before me, and that’s how life is – unpredictable yet rewarding with hard work.” Dr. Nyamweya emphasized that being a top student doesn’t automatically guarantee success in life. “You have to work hard, stay prayerful, and be mindful of your actions. Both Prof. Ogendi and I are deeply rooted in our faith. He is an elder in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and I am a preacher. Back in the day, my classmates nicknamed me ‘Pastor’.”
Dr. Samuel Matoya Nyamweya, Chair of the Department of Pathology at Egerton University and alumnus of Kisii High School, shares his academic journey and life lessons with the visiting students during their tour of the university.
The tour was organized by Egerton University's Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization, under the leadership of Prof. Nzula Kitaka. As part of the University’s ongoing high school outreach program, these visits allow students to experience the university environment firsthand, explore laboratories, trial fields, greenhouses, and interact with various departments.
“The Vice Chancellor of Egerton University is an alumnus of Kisii High School. He would have loved to be here today to speak with you, having completed his A-levels at Kisii School. He often speaks highly of the institution and its long history of producing top-tier leaders in the corporate world, private and public sectors, politics, and academia,” Prof. Kitaka told the students, acknowledging the deep ties between Egerton University and Kisii High School.
Present at the event from the Directorate of Marketing were Ms. Susan Mbanda-Obura, the coordinator of school visits; Mr. John Kamau, Administrator; Mr. Kurian Musa, Communications Officer; Ms. Faith Chemutai, Communications Intern; and Benedict Mwangi, Business Management Intern.
This visit provided the Kisii High School students with a glimpse into university life, igniting their enthusiasm and motivation as they prepare for their KCSE examinations. With such strong role models and mentors, the students were undoubtedly inspired to work hard, aim high, and make their mark in the world.
By Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
Egerton University
