- Prof. Mwita recognizes the need for a clear roadmap for the university’s future.
- Construction of a perimeter wall and an ultra-modern library is already underway, funded by the government.
- The University endeavours to be ranked amongst world class universities based on academic excellence and research that impact on societal needs.
Kaimosi Friends University, one of Kenya’s newest universities, is undergoing an exciting transformation under the leadership of its newly appointed Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita.
Prof. Mwita assumed office on February 19, 2024, and has already ushered in a new era characterized by a more energized workforce and focusing on strategic development.
Upon arrival, Prof. Mwita recognized the need for a clear roadmap for the university’s future.
He is prioritizing the creation of a five-year strategic plan that emphasizes creativity, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.
This plan will serve as a blueprint for the university’s growth and ensure resources are allocated effectively.
“We are looking at a plan that encompasses creativity and innovation. The programs will be anchored on value for money,” Prof Mwita remarked following the launch of the plan.
Investing in Infrastructure and Research
Prof. Mwita is committed to developing modern infrastructure to support the university’s academic mission.
Construction of a perimeter wall and an ultra-modern library is already underway, funded by the government.
Recognizing the community’s historical and cultural focus on health, Prof. Mwita is strategically positioning Kaimosi Friends University as a leader in health sciences education.
Meanwhile, the university is actively developing its School of Health Sciences, with a focus on establishing a dynamic research centre.
The curriculum for Clinical Medicine is already underway, paving the way for the introduction of Medicine and Surgery programs.
“Having a dynamic research is our core objective. Our curriculum on Clinical Medicine is on course as well as introducing Medicine and Surgery programs. The strategic plan will invest more in health sciences; getting more lecturers, and equipping the School of Health Sciences,” he said during an interview with Scholar Media Africa.
Sustainable Growth and Community Engagement
Situated on a vast 203-acre piece of land, the university is exploring opportunities to utilize it for educational and research purposes.
Plans are ongoing to revitalize the dairy farming program, aiming to increase production and create a sustainable income stream.
The university’s agricultural department will also focus on research to implement modern farming practices.
“We are currently getting 70 liters of milk per day. We want to increase production and create income income generating enterprise. The department too needs to go deep into research to have modern farming practices,” the VC clarified.
Expansion and Improved Access
Prof. Mwita envisions a significant increase in the student population. The university has 4,750 students and is targeting an additional 2,500 students in the September 2024 intake.
To accommodate this growth, a proposal will be submitted to the State Department of Housing and Urban Development to construct new hostel blocks.
Additionally, the university management is committed to facelifting the institution and increasing accessibility by leveraging appropriate technology.
Empowering Faculty and Staff
The university management has implemented initiatives to boost staff morale, including creating pathways for upward mobility, ensuring timely gratuity payments, and initiating negotiations for Local Bargaining Agreement.
“We have 70 teaching out of 218 members of staff. The workforce is moving as a team with all our stakeholders; community, church leaders, political leadership, Government, and the sponsor.”
Shared Vision for Success
With 29 years of academic experience and having risen through the ladder to the current role as the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mwita is confident and ready to take Kaimosi Friends University to new heights.
His vision aligns with that of the Student Union Chairperson, Imbaya Maasi, who emphasizes the need for high quality education and a substantive Vice Chancellor to inspire the student body.
Lucy Mbugua, Student Union Vice Chairperson challenges the university management to check on the housing and improve its health facilities, and have an equipped health center for the university community.
The University endeavours to be ranked amongst world class universities based on academic excellence and research that impact on societal needs.
With a focus on strategic planning, infrastructure development, investment in health sciences, and a commitment to faculty and student success, the university is poised for a bright future.
County Government’s Goodwill
Vihiga County Government has assured the university management of its unwavering support and commitment to see KAFU advance to greater heights.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo said the establishment of Center of Excellence for Climate Action and Research (CECARE) at KAFU is a key project that his government was keen on actualising at the university.
He said this when he officially welcomed Prof. Mwita to Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) when the university team paid him a courtesy call in his office on March 11, 2024.
“We also delibarated on the progress towards operationalization of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) we solemnized in August 2023, towards the establishment of Center of Excellence for Climate Action and Research (CECARE) at KAFU, the milestones attained and the upcoming conference on Climate Change.
CECARE will be a knowledge hub for training, research and capacity building on Climate Change at different levels,” said Dr. Ottichilo.
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KAFU PROFILE
Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) is a public-spirited center of excellence that was established in 2015 to make distinctive contributions to society in teaching, research innovation and holistic development.
The University was gazetted in May 2015 as a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and was awarded University Charter on August 2, 2022, making it the first and only University in Vihiga County.
Prior to being a University College, the institution premises hosted the Kaimosi Teachers Training College, which was moved to a new location within the Kaimosi Complex.
SERENE LOCATION
The University sits on 203 acres of land in the lush-green and history-rich Kaimosi Complex, just 500 metres off the Chavakali-Kapsabet Road, between Shamakhokho and Cheptul townships. It is equidistant from Kisumu, Kakamega and Kapsabet towns – about 35 kilometres.
Its location in a tropical rain forest provides a serene environment for teaching, learning and research.
It is the zenith of more than 10 institutions in the complex – including Jumuia Hospital-Kaimosi, Friends (Technical) College Kaimosi, Kaimosi Girls, and Boys High Schools, Kaimosi Theological College, Kaimosi Vocational Training Institute, a Special school, and a host of primary schools
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMES AND FACULTY
Kaimosi Friends University offers certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in over 43 market-driven programmes at the schools of Science, Business and Economics, Computing and Information Technology, Education and Social Sciences, and the School of Health Sciences.
FLEXIBLE STUDY
In addition to the regular and evening classes conducted at the University’s Main Campus, a robust Open Distance and e-Learning module supports distance learning.
SPIRITED GROWTH
KAFU is anchored on the pillars of Academic Excellence and Student Engagement; Technological Enhancement and Infrastructure; Research, Innovation, Outreach and Linkages; and Sustainability.
Besides embracing innovation and ICT in all its programs and operations to position itself as a teaching, learning, and research and extension institution, emphasis is laid on entrepreneurial development and skills for the students to orient graduates towards job creation.
KAFU STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
- To develop and implement demand-driven academic programmes.
- To increase the size and quality of teaching staff in strategically important academic areas.
- To create and sustain a culture that supports teaching and learning excellence in all academic units.
- To strengthen and support capacity for independent critical thinking, innovations and research activities.
- To conduct research and disseminate outcomes for the benefit of the general community.
MORE PHOTOS
Which country is this university located? The name of the country is not mentioned in the story.
Kenya.
Vihiga county