- Kaimosi Friends University has been setting up schools and programs focused on its niche, Health Sciences.
- This is to address the current health concerns and increase the number of students pursuing health-related courses.
- The University seeks to impact the neighbouring community by mainstreaming their participation in decision making process and disseminating transformative research findings.
Institutions of higher learning have been challenged to embrace innovation, and cutting-edge research in order to respond to the current socio-economic challenges.
Embracing innovation
The new call comes in the wake of renewed call for responsive training, that is capable of addressing the immediate needs and expectations of the different sectors of development.
Speaking at Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) on April 19, 2024, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research, said the institution has no choice but to welcome innovation as a way of encouraging solution-based learning.
“The government is committed to quality training, and we envisage students who have practical skills to engage in self-employment. As a university, you must offer that environment for meaningful practical training,” said Dr. Inyangala.
Government support for practical training
She hinted that modern students need to be exposed to practical activities since a lot of changes continue to take place in the environment.
The PS added that the university has a chance of standing out in matters technology, not only in Kenya but on the global stage, if it listened to the current societal needs.
“It is time Kaimosi Friends University encouraged students to make the most of the resources and opportunities offered by the new university in order to shape their future,” Dr. Inyangala added.
She encouraged the KAFU staff to support the new acting Vice Chancellor in fulfilling the university’s mandate, emphasizing the need for collaboration in research, and enhancement of technology.
The PS reiterated the government’s commitment in supporting Kaimosi Friends University, challenging institution’s stakeholders to reciprocate by creating a good environment for both training and learning.
KAFU’s niche in Health Sciences
Since it was awarded a charter in August 2022, the University has been setting up schools, including programs which are focused on its niche, Health Sciences. The programs are tailored toward addressing the current health concerns, which have made it impossible for many students to pursue health related courses.
KAFU seeks to impact the neighbouring community by mainstreaming their participation in decision making process and disseminating transformative research findings.
Community partnership
Dr. Charles Gimose, Member of Parliament for Hamisi Constituency, called on the institution to embrace peaceful coexistence with the community, terming it the only way to achieving its goals. The member of parliament reminded those present that KAFU is the only fully fledged university in Vihiga County, hence the pride of the region.
He added that the presence of the university has made it possible for the locals to access training and learning opportunities at a considerably reduced cost.
“Peaceful coexistence with the surrounding community is the visa to academic excellence of institutions of higher learning. I ask the management of the university to encourage cooperation, and explore ways of understanding their training needs. There are ready and reliable stakeholders in this journey of transformation and development,” Dr. Gimose said.
The PS visit came only two months after the appointment of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Nyamuhanga Mwita.
Leadership and vision
Welcoming Dr. Inyangala to the institution, the Acting Vice Chancellor outlined the university’s development roadmap, stressing the importance of a smooth transition and rallying the workforce around a unified vision for KAFU.
He said efforts to put KAFU on the global map have begun in earnest and he thanked the government for prioritizing the institution in efforts to encourage the development of youths through learning and training.
“It can never be about me, but us. To drive the university forward, we have a shared responsibility which everyone has to perform. My approach towards this calling is acknowledging everyone’s potential in every sector,” Prof. Mwita said.
The VC highlighted the strategies he has put in place to ensure the university makes progress in the actualization of its lifelong purpose. He expressed his commitment in investing in staff development and adopting a participatory management approach.
Prof. Mwita explained that participatory management approach helps build self confidence in a team, and enables staff own the ultimate progress.
He reiterated that students have become dynamic and exposed to the current emerging issues, making staff development and a flexible management approach not only necessary but also timely.
Continued support in research and innovation
The acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Student Affairs and Research, Prof. Julius Kipkemboi used the opportunity to request the government to continue supporting research and innovation ideas in higher institutions of learning.
“Conducting research and promoting innovation in our institutions are very expensive and demanding. We have limited resources to support the programs,” Prof. Kipkemboi admits.
Prof. Kipkemboi says most students possess the potential to derive innovation, and all the government should do is to support their creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience.
On his part, Ephraim Konzolo, the General Secretary of Friends Church Kenya, passionately reminded the institution of its pivotal role in shaping whole students who not only fear God but also champion humanity.
Shaping holistic students
He said Friends Church leadership supports the new management and prayed for a continued cordial relationship among the church, community, and the university.
He emphasized that students who lack reverence for God often find themselves entangled in activities that degrade His creation, thus hindering the fulfillment of their educational purpose.
Rev. Konzolo emphasized the urgent need for graduates who deeply appreciate the beauty of God’s creation and are committed to supporting and defending it.
“Our world is besieged by various social ills, and our youth are particularly vulnerable. This is precisely the arena where we must confront these ills head-on, and we can only achieve this by instilling virtues,” he declared.
He lamented the trend of parents neglecting their children, preoccupied with work and social circles.
“Today, many parents have abandoned their children to fate, prioritizing career and friendships over their upbringing,” he remarked, underlining the crucial role of educational institutions in filling this gap.
His message is a call to action for educators, parents, and society at large to prioritize the holistic development of students, ensuring they emerge as responsible, compassionate individuals capable of addressing the challenges of the modern world.
Appreciation and support appeal
And in a gracious gesture, Dr. Francis Bwire, a Council member of the university who represented the Council Chair, thanked the guests for their courtesy call. At the same time, he passionately appealed for increased support to expand access to higher education in the region.
“As we appreciate the kindness of our visitors, let us also remember the pressing need to strengthen our support for higher education in our region. Every student deserves the chance to pursue their dreams and contribute to the development of our community,” Dr. Bwire emphasized.
Dr. Bwire’s call is a rallying cry for stakeholders to come together and invest in the future by expanding access to quality education, highlighting the critical role education plays in empowering individuals and driving progress.
As KAFU charts its course towards academic excellence, the unwavering support and encouragement from stakeholders, including government officials and community leaders, are pivotal.
With a shared vision and collaborative efforts, the university is on a mission to establish itself as a shining example of learning and research, not just in Kenya, but across the globe, shaping the future of education.
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In its pursuit of academic greatness, KAFU recognizes the importance of rallying support from all corners. Government officials and community leaders stand as pillars, providing the necessary backing for the university’s ambitious endeavors.
Through this, KAFU aims to carve out a distinguished place in the educational landscape, fostering innovation and excellence. Its journey is not just about achieving academic milestones, but about leading the way in shaping the educational narrative for generations to come.
