The atmosphere at Kilimo Hall, Main Campus, Egerton University, was filled with excitement as the first-year students’ cohort of 2024-2025 gathered to hear the much-anticipated maiden speech of Vice Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage.
The event marked the culmination of a weeklong orientation exercise designed to immerse the new students into the academic and social culture of the Egerton University community.
Addressing the new students, Prof. Kibwage began by congratulating them on their achievements: “It is my privilege and honor to address you today. First, I want to congratulate you for surviving secondary school and passing your exams. Secondly, for choosing and getting admitted to study your degree programs here at Egerton University,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor was flanked by a distinguished procession that included members of the University faculties, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Research and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda; Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Finance, and Planning, Prof. Richard Mulwa; Deans of various faculties; and Egerton University Students Association (EUSA) leaders, including President Mr. Phillip Nyayo, Director of Academics Teddy Omondi Odhiambo, and Secretary General John Mutuma.
He went on to share a brief history of Egerton University, emphasizing its long-standing tradition as Kenya's oldest training institution, which began as a farm school in 1939. Originally established to train individuals in managing large farms during the colonial era, the institution has evolved significantly. “Egerton University became a constituent college in 1986, was chartered in 1987, and further rechartered in 2013 under the University Act,” Prof. Kibwage explained, highlighting the university’s progression over the decades.
Emphasizing the importance of the main campus, the Vice Chancellor noted, “All first years will be expected to be domiciled at the main campus,” as part of the University policy. He also mentioned the existence of the Nakuru City Campus and outlined the wide range of academic offerings, including 56 undergraduate programs, 19 diploma programs, 67 master’s programs, and 50 PhD programs, across 10 faculties, the School of Distance Learning, and the Institute of Gender and Women Studies.
Prof. Kibwage encouraged the students to aim high in their academic pursuits, expressing hope that their time at Egerton would be the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and self-actualization. “I hope you will graduate with your undergraduate degrees and return to pursue your master’s and PhDs as you set the limits for your self-actualization going forward,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor stressed the importance of prioritizing academic work, time management, and timely completion of assignments. He referred to Dr. Richard Rop, Chairman of the Egerton University Alumni Association, who was present to welcome the new students, stating, “Chairman, when these students graduate, you will be the first port of call.” He also humorously recounted incidents where students misunderstood their examination timetables, leading to avoidable mistakes, to emphasize the importance of attention to detail.
“You must always attend your classes. Misreading the timetable or not attending classes is not a valid reason for missing an examination,” he warned. He shared anecdotes of a student who mistakenly went to a fourth-year exam room and another who overslept and missed his exam due to over-studying. These stories served as real-life examples to caution students against common mistakes.
The Vice Chancellor also addressed the importance of using the student portal effectively and warned against examination malpractices, which could lead to discontinuation. “We endeavor that when you graduate from here, your grades are a true reflection of the quality of education you receive here,” Prof. Kibwage explained.
He further counseled students on the proper use of social media, urging them to use it positively to enhance the university’s reputation as well as their own. “Don’t post photos that you may regret in the future when they are being used against you. Photos of nudity are not good,” he advised, reminding them to be aware of cyberbullying, cybersecurity, and data protection laws.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Bernard Aduda echoed these sentiments, advising the newly admitted students to avoid any actions that could lead to disciplinary action and instead focus on their academic goals. Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Richard Mulwa welcomed the first years with words of encouragement, urging them to view the challenges of university life as opportunities for personal growth. “At your age, you will see and you will be seen depending on which gender you are. Ensure you are seen in a positive way as young adults. And in 2028, let’s celebrate your success,” he said. He emphasized the importance of balancing academic and extracurricular activities and highlighted the support services available to students, such as counseling, chaplaincy, and security.
“Don’t do things that your parents, mother, or father would disapprove of,” he cautioned, reminding students to uphold values and ethics.
Joshua Ogendo, the Principal of the City Campus, also spoke, reflecting on his own experience as a student at Egerton 39 years ago. “I was seated where you are sitting now, 39 years ago. We entered the university at one point. There are challenges, emotional shocks, and excitements. As you start the journey, by week four, this happiness may dissipate, but we shall walk together to help you navigate university life,” he said, offering a message of solidarity and support.
The orientation week, organized by the Dean of Students' office under the leadership of Dr. Japhet Muthamia, ended on a high note, with students feeling excited and ready to embark on their university journey. Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilization, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I am happy we have the first years on board and we shall support them. It is good to have the young ones whom we want to learn the Egerton way of life, personal branding, and represent the university image as they stay with us.”
As the orientation week concluded, the new students left Kilimo Hall with a sense of purpose and anticipation for the opportunities that lie ahead at Egerton University.
Communications and Marketing Department
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Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Egerton University
