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April 2018 2nd Issue

DKUT Nairobi Campus

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April 2018 2nd Issue

DKUT Nairobi Campus

Graduation day27/4/2018

9:00 am

CONTENT

Forward from director ........................................................................................... 3

Word from Campus admin officer ....................................................................... 4

Graduation statistics .............................................................................................. 5

Librarian ................................................................................................................... 6

PhD students testimonials ...................................................................................... 8

Masters students Testimonials .............................................................................. 9

Undergraduate students Testimonials ................................................................ 11

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April 2018 2nd Issue

DKUT Nairobi Campus

As a campus, it gives us great pleasure once again to celebrate the 2nd issue of newsletter.

This is a testimony that the campus has come a long way in supporting the university to achieve its mandate.

We take special pride to see students from our campus graduating which is a testimony that the campus is alive and kicking. We would like to congratulate the staff in the efforts taken to prepare the graduates to see this day.

To you all graduates, congratulations and thanks in advance for choosing to take your study here at Dedan Kimathi University

of Technology. We trust you make good ambassadors out there and the skills acquired here make you shine in your work places.

Remember in the words of Sydney J. Harris “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows”, so go yee and turn mirrors into windows in your respective pursuits of life.

Forward from director

Some of the Nairobi staff campus team

Professor Mwita MarwaCampus Director

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April 2018 2nd Issue

DKUT Nairobi Campus

A word from campus admin officer

Eunice Mburu Campus Administrator

Graduating from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology can be one of the most exciting things, but life after University can be distressing and frightening for

no one knows what lies ahead. Students after graduation are faced with major decisions such as starting up a job search, deciding to begin a career, relocating, or continuing their education. When you start university it seems like you have an eternity to make up your mind about what you will do after graduation.

For some people they do start the job of their dreams right after the university. Most of them do not. You may need to try something new and see where it takes you either working in the home

country or maybe it leads you to moving to a new country and working for a non-profit organization. At times it’s very hard to find the perfect career, but whatever you do God will teach you something about yourself and will also take you one step closer to figuring out what you really want to do.

“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success”. Swami Sivananda

Congratulations to all the graduands in the forthcoming 7th graduation ceremony.

Quick Facts• The campus has a

student population of 700 students.

• The campus hosts a total of 13 programs six of which are bachelors’ programs, six masters program and one PhD program.

• Located at Pension Towers 2nd, 9th and 13th Floor.

• The campus has three intakes January, May and September.

• The campus has over 30 teaching staffs and 15 non-teaching staffs.

• Library can be accessed virtually in all floors through our fast wifi connectivity.

• The campus has two computer labs. Undergraduate lab in 13th floor and postgraduate lab in 9th floor.

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April 2018 2nd Issue

DKUT Nairobi Campus

Graduation statistics for the campus

The Campus was established in 2011 and was accredited

last year by CUE and runs eleven programs; One PhD Program, Six master’s degree Programmes and Four Bachelor’s degree

programmes. Currently the campus has a total population of Six hundred and Eighty Five students.

The campus graduated its first cohort in 2015 and the number has been increasing

in every graduation year. Last year the total number of graduands was Ninety Four (94) and this year they are Two Hundred and Nine (209) graduands. To the graduands, I wish you all the best in your endevours.

PROGRAM 2017 2018 TOTAL PhD in Business administration

1 4 5

Msc Geothermal 0 5 5Msc in Industrial Engineering

0 5 5

Msc GIS 8 0 8Bachelor of Commerce 4 4 8Bachelor of Procurement and Supplies Management

4 11 15

Bachelor of Criminology and Security Management

77 165 242

Bachelor of Business Administration

0 10 10

Msc in Corporate Investigation and Security Management

0 5 5

TOTAL 95 209 304

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DKUT Nairobi Campus

Librarian

Our library strives to provide the highest quality services and resources to the University community. The Library recognizes the importance of consulting its members, assessing the use of key resources and services, and providing decision makers with

data for planning and resource allocation. If students can access the library wherever they are, more power to them. I’m hoping we can do that wherever they are and for whatever they want—we’ll meet their needs, because the basic part, the actual information, is coming from the library. We have to continue to serve them in every way we can, and that’s why it’s so important to have every kind of access we can.” Our Library adheres to strict guidelines that, “library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people ... the library serves…. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current

and historical issues.” The University Library is committed to providing information resources that “strengthen the University’s efforts to recruit and retain a diverse student and faculty population” with a balanced collection providing a global view of human affairs. “We want to collect what people want to use, so we welcome suggestions from everyone. Finally I would like to congratulate all the graduands in the forthcoming 7th graduation ceremony. Don’t sit and wait for a job, be innovative, become an entrepreneur and build the nation.

THE LIBRARY

“ A library is a deliver room for the birth of ideas, a place where history comes to life

Norman Cousins

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P h D S t u d e n t ’ s T e s t i m o n i a l s

What has been your experience during your thesis supervision?

My thesis supervision was not a walk in the park. Nonetheless, I got to learn and appreciate so much in relation to my field of study through a one-on-one guidance from my supervisors. At the end, I was more receptive, informed and proud that I had achieved yet another milestone in my career.

Are the facilities within the campus adequate and up to standards?

Yes, Actually I started my studies at Dedan Kimathi University at a time when lectures’ were held in a room at Nairobi University near st pauls chapel, followed by the advent at the Union Towers. Presently, the University has grown and enlarged at Pension Towers, Well done!. Now DeKUT Nairobi Campus has ample space and facilities. It’s the campus of choice.

What has been your biggest challenge during the course of your study?

Time, which is of essence was not on my side. What, with family, research Study and work? These, I surmounted by God’s Grace. Academic wise, I did my Research study when there was great competition going on within the retail sector... to be specific, within the supermarkets. Visiting different outlets in several parts of the country was an experience I had not had before. More challenge came in during collection of my thesis data. Not many respondents wanted to disclose much information about their supermarket chains or outlets. They had fear just incase their strategies were copied by their competitors. I really had to beg at times to aquire the required information.

If you could, what would you have changed about your academic experience?

I wouldn’t change anything. The good times I had and all the challenges I faced have contributed to making me the person that I am today. Every good thing, every challenge I passed through created me a fresh. I thank my lecturers and supervisors and say a big thank you. Special thanks go to... Prof. Simmy Marwa, Dr. Hannah Bula, Dr. Leting, Dr. David Kiragu who was my external supervisor and my classmate... Dr. Ann Mwaura for being very patient with me even when nothing seemed to make sense. I would still go back to the same class, with the same classmates and lecturers. I would still be supervised by the same supervisors who were my mentors and friends. It was a worthwhile experience. God bless all of them.

Why did you choose your field of study?

I choose this field of study because it was within my field of operations. I have had a business oriented mind in my life and I have always imagined that the small and medium enterprises that various people undertake, are the beginning of a better livelihood and better way of life. To get people to know and see what one does in life, one must put it out there in whichever way. Marketing option was thus the way to go. I thank Prof. Waiguchu for his guidance in selecting this option. Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do marketing option but now, it’s the best decision I ever made.

What are the memorable moments you experienced in DEKUT?

Sharing light moments with other students: Dr. Ann Mwaura, Hon. Dr. Peter Ketyenya Ruto, Dr. Laititi and some of my lecturers/supervisors among others. Statistics was not a “cup of tea” for me. My colleagues, who knew how would really coach us and somehow we sailed through. We eventually found ourselves together in discussion groups and Hurray!!! We made it. Thank you classmates and many blessings.

Can you recommend a person to join DEKUT?

Yes. I have recommended about five people so far. Four are currently taking their PHD studies at DEKUT and one taking a Master’s degree. I am proud to be associated with DEKUT. Long live DEKUT.

Hon. Dr. Margaret Kibuchi Mithamo

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I am proud to have done my master’s degree at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology. The quality and excellent supervision I got, not only shaped my thesis but also helped me grow as a researcher. The university gave me an opportunity to work with international researchers from Ku Leuven Belgium. This enabled me to have a global perspective and improve the quality of my research.

I enjoyed the university infrastructure for my laboratory work and generally support given to post graduate students in terms of excellent library services, accessing papers from international journals , conducive working space and computing services. The engineering faculty gave me good guidance and refinement in topic selection.

The continuous meetings with the supervisors gave me supportive intellectual ideas on my progress level and literature research too. The research was geared towards solving developmental problem and key focus on sustainability. I was able to link the class work and the practical approach during the planned industrial visits, and the research process as compared to the ordinary approach.

The collaboration between the university and other industrial players gave me an easy time to collect data since there was less bureaucracy . The university gave me a platform to present my research work, in the annual Dekut International Conference at a subsidized fee which made it easy to publish my work and also interact with other researchers in my area of study. Since, the research was geared towards solving a real problem in industry , I became more competent researcher because the approach adopted by the university is Competency based rather than the traditional conventional approach.

The faculty meetings between the students and supervisors was geared towards supporting the students to finish within the stipulated time and give students range of skills and excellent intellectual guidance based on area of specialization.

The learning experience has helped to develop better communication, presentation and analytical skills in my area of specialization, how to manage my career progression, ability to solve real industrial problems , manage research projects, ability to learn independently and do collaborative research.

M a s t e r s S t u d e n t ’ s T e s t i m o n i a l s

D e p a r t m e n t o f E n g i n e e r i n g

Sophia Ndolo

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PAULINE NJERI WANGARI

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is Pauline Njeri wangari. I am an MSc Student at Dekut undertaking Industrial Engineering and Management. I also work at technical University of Kenya.

2. How did you find out about DeKUT Nairobi Campus

Dedan Kimathi University I had known about it for quite some time now, But I found out about Dekut Nairobi campus through an advert, where the African development bank was offering a scholarship for masters students. That’s how I got to know there Nairobi campus for Dedan Kimathi University is located and I proceeded to find out more about master courses offered in the University.

3. Why did you choose your field of study?

I choose it because I wanted a MSc in engineering and given the fact that engineering was the undergraduate degree programme i pursued. So I wanted to remain in the same field.

4. Was it in accordance to your expectations?

Yes, I think it even superseded my expectations comparing to my undergraduate studies. I got more than I expected in my masters programme because the course I took was very relevant to the field and was very practical. Like we would be given many case studies, and you get to see how you can relate what you are learning with what is happening in the industry.

5. What are the memorable moments you experienced in DeKUT?

The classes were very great, I always looked forward to my classes on Thursdays and Fridays, Because we had awesome lecturers who were conversant with whatever they were teaching. I was always eager to get more knowledge from them.

Our visit to the main campus for some practical classes were memorable ones and generally being within Dekut where internet is so fast than any other place I was learning from… I think that’s something I will always remember about Dekut.

6. Are the facilities within the campus adequate and up to standards.

Yes they are adequate and up to standard. I have been in several learning institutions and I must say that this university and to be specific the campus stands out in terms of facilities, Like I said the internet is always fast and reliable, the library has the books that i personally needed for my thesis that I would refer to when doing my work, always very silent and the campus is quite superb’.

7. What has been your biggest challenge during the course of your study?

I would say my main challenge is personal, balancing between academics, work and my family, it was getting quite hectic but all in all I managed. From Dedan Kimathi side I think everything was at my disposal.

8. If you could do so, would you have changed anything about your academic experience?

I think what I would have changed would be having more classes, one on one classes to gain more knowledge because as much as I was working, it was worth having more classes than just the two days in a week that we used to have classes.

9. How has your course contributed to your career interests?

As I conclude this course, I feel like my career life has transformed, because I got to learn things that I would relate to real world. In my thesis had a case study of a real company where by I used whatever we have learnt, the skills and came up with accomplished project and this gives me confidence that I can even approach this in my line of field, do a case study and establish a problem and with the skills I gained to solve the problem. As a lecturer, I have more materials to reach in my line of study.

10. Can you recommend a person to join DeKUT?

Absolutely yes and I have done it so many times. I have been telling my friends it’s the place to be and some are already here doing their MSc and others are considering.

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Why I chose DeKUT.

During my Undergraduate studies I developed and natured a great desire to pursue Geothermal Geochemistry at the Graduate School, after having an ephemeral encounter with the industry, courtesy of the Academic field trips. I really searched for a University that would offer me this chance vis a vis my undergraduate background (i.e, BSc. Analytical Chemistry with Computing), and I realized that only DeKUT could.

DeKUT is a University second to none (in the Sub-Saharan Africa region), when it comes to offering an MSc programme that exclusively focuses on Geothermal Energy. The course work is so comprehensive and all-round, such that it covers every aspect of Geothermal, right from exploration, production & to resource management & economics. You can be rest assured that the product thereof will definitely be competent enough in the geothermal job market.

Also, worth mentioning is that the well-established Geothermal Training & Research Institute(GETRI) offers an opportunity to interact with experienced world renowned professors and researchers in the geothermal field. This is a rare opportunity, only found at DeKUT.

More notably is the practical experience the Industry provides to help understand what is being taught in lectures, ranging from Industrial field trips to Industrial attachments where you handle real life situations vis a vis the class work.

What have I enjoyed most about the programme so far?

No doubt studying Geothermal Energy Technology is very challenging and requires a lot of hard work. But I would say I am enjoying every bit of the struggle and stress.

DeKUT has the closest links with the geothermal industry in Kenya. This programme has been designed with industry partners to ensure it is relevant and up-to-date, and we are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the latest challenges facing the geothermal industry.

Both the Academic & Non-Academic staff members are consistently very supportive, always ready to help and facilitate the progress of all the students.

To the Prospective Students I would like to assure you the when DeKUT passes through you, it makes remarkable inscriptions on you, which you will always live to remember.

Geothermal Engineering

Joseph Joel Muhanga

Programme: MSc. Geothermal Energy Technology

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6. Are the lecturers well conversant with their area of expertise?

Yeah, at least the ones who have taught me, they are. I didn’t find anyone who couldn’t understand what they were teaching.

7. Are the facilities within the campus adequate and up to standards.

Yes they are.

8. What has been your biggest challenge during the course of your study?

Raising the school fees. It was a challenge but through God’s grace I managed to go through.

1. If you were able to, what would you have changed about your academic experience?

There is nothing i could have changed that i think of.

9. Has your course contributed to your career interests?

Yes, actually I would like, with availability of funds, to do masters in accounting.

10. Would you do the same at DeKUT?

If you have the same, I would continue.

11. Can you recommend a person to join DeKUT?

I definitely would.

EPHANTUS IKUA

(BSC COMMERCE)

1. Tell me about yourself.

I am Ephantus Ikua and I am an adult male, just about to be a senior citizen, soon. I am taking Bachelor of Science in commerce.

2. How did you find out about DeKUT Nairobi Campus?

I just walked in. I was looking for a campus that I could join after the closure of Laikipia University in Nairobi

3. Why did you choose your field of study?

Because I am always interested in that field, that’s Field of Finance.

4. Was it in accordance to your expectations?

Yes It was.

5. What are the memorable moments you experienced in DeKUT?

Well well… Quite many but I will just say the lecturers are quite friendly.

B a c h e l o r s S t u d e n t ’ s T e s t i m o n i a l s

D e p a r t m e n t o f C o m m e r c e

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DKUT Nairobi Campus

NAOMI NYANDUKU

(BSC COMMERCE)

Tell me about yourself.

I am Naomi Nyanduku Nyamwea, a DeKUT BBA student class of 2015-2018.

What was your experience at DeKUT?

DeKUT is a good place to learn which allows students to choose the units that they can learn in a semester. This makes it flexible for students especially the working ones. The reception at DeKUT is warm and friendly and interaction with the lecturers is one on one.

Why did you choose your field of study?

For my career I was doing something totally different. I wanted to do something that is in relation business. Among the ones offered, I was comfortable with BBA which suits my interests. I would also like to major on it at some point.

Was it in accordance to your expectations?

Yes it was in accordance to my expectations.

What are the memorable moments you experienced in DeKUT?

Online units were somehow challenging. At times you are just blank and you have to research on something on your own and somehow you pass.

There are situations where as student you feel you did not get enough from the online unit because of having a self-study. This is the only concern I had.

Are the facilities within the campus adequate and up to standards.

Yes, Their’re conducive environment especially here at pension towers. It’s warm, a good place and no noise. I would prefer even doing master here at pension towers.

What has been your biggest challenge during the course of your study?

Being a mother, an employee and at the same time a student. I had to balance all these things. I had to sacrifice a lot to be in class and attend to other matters especially my family and work.

Are the lecturers well conversant with their area of expertise?

Conversant – Yes, I cannot complain about them they were good.

If you had a chance, would you have changed about your academic experience?

Online study, I would like students to have more guidelines on how to undertake the online clasess.

How has your course contributed to your career interests?

Most of the time am able to relate what i study in lectures and research about in my real life matters concerning business administrations.Also since i started the classes have seen much improvement in my work area.

Can you recommend a person to join DeKUT?

Definitely. Actually, I even recommended another colleague of mine who is now taking BCOM.

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CAMPUS ACTIVITIES

Nairobi Campus and Main Campus PhD students celebrating successful for completion of their lectures and presentations in the unit Perspectives Management in a Global Environment at Nairobi Campus. The University endeavors to give PhD students a flavour of issues in managing a global environment so as to make better managers in their work places.

KENGEN staff attending Training of Trainers (TOT) seminar at Nairobi Campus done on 3-5th of April, 2018

Prof. Marwa with Prof. Mariita and KENGEN staff celebrating successful completion of Training of Trainers (TOT) training conducted at Nairobi Campus on 5th of April, 2018

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Campus photos

The VC DeKUT Prof. Kioni (centre) with DVC AA Prof. Muthakia (second from left) and COD Criminology Department Dr. Kaguta (left) celebrating the signing of an MoU with inspector general of police Mr. Joseph Boinnet. This gave the university an opportunity to participate in police reforms though training and education and research. Apart from this the MoU also mandates the parties to jointly conduct research, develop appropriate training programmes, and undertake joint review of all NPS training programmes on biannual basis. Through the MoU students joining the programme through NPS are supposed to benefit from fees reduction and scholarships.

Deputy Director Dr. Lilian (third from left) with COD Criminology Department Dr. Kaguta (fourth from left) receiving the Korean trainers who trained students on fingerprint technology and other forensic techniques at the Nairobi campus. Teaching of the programmes in the department of criminology is practical based. Most practicals especially in the area of forensics are conducted by experts from our partner institutions in Korea. Students undertook practicals on Crime Scene Management, Death Scene Investigation, Fire Scene Investigation, Document examination, Luminous source in investigation, Latent printinvestigation (Finger print/Latent/Foot print), and Identification Techniques (DNA/mtDNA/Blood/Odonotology, etc.

Cyber insecurity is one of the main threats today. The university has taken a lead in the training of experts to deal with the threats. Training in this area is supported by experts from Korea. Currently the department has a visiting professor who is assisting in training of students specializing in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.

MoU with NPS

Forensics

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DKUT Nairobi Campus

Korean trainers with criminology students celebrates completion of the Cyber Crime Investigations and Cyber security training at DeKUT Nairobi Campus.

DeKUT Nairobi Campus students attending IEDs practical session at HPSS training facility. The department also has local partners such as HPSS where students undertake practicals on IEDs, Ballistics, and other peace support operations. Through the practical trainings students graduate with hands on experience and are able to apply these skills in real life situations.

A quality polo T-shirt designed by the DeKUT Nairobi Campus Welfare department for staff and students.

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P r o g r a m m e s o f f e r e d a t D E K U T N a i r o b i C a m p u s

PhD in Business AdministrationThe PhD is a programme of independent, self-directed academic research degree, supported by a team of supervisors that makes an original contribution to knowledge written up in a publishable dissertation. The PhD programme also supports the development of research and generic skills to equip you to operate successfully as a professional researcher in any setting.

MSc. in Forensics and Security ManagementThis course is ideal for those interested in cyber crimes, forensics and criminology. It is an interdisciplinary field which merges anthropology, sociology, psychiatry and law.

Msc. Geospatial Information Systems/GeomaticsThis Masters in Geospatial & Mapping Sciences focuses on understanding the theory and practice of geospatial data collection, land and hydrographic surveying, data and information quality, applications of survey information, and research and development in the field of geomatics.

Msc. Industrial Engineering and ManagementIndustrial Engineering (MSc), often called Industrial Engineering & Management, teaches students key notions about the design, planning and optimisation of production and manufacturing processes.

Msc Geothermal TechnologyOne of the pillars in attaining Kenya’s Vision 2030 is provision of adequate and reliable energy supply. Geothermal has been identified as a potential resource as it is indigenous, plenty and “green”. The geothermal industry relies on a spectrum of professionals with varying technical backgrounds and experience. The course provides relevant, up-to-date skills that will equip both graduates and working professionals in the advanced concepts of sustainable electrical power and energy generation. It offers skills for operation, control, design, regulation and management of power systems and networks of the future. You will also receive training in and understanding of energy production, delivery, consumption and efficiency.

Bachelors in Criminology and Security Management The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Security Management (BCSM) is intended to provide students with knowledge and skills in areas of security management, loss prevention technology, criminal investigation, forensic technology, cybercrimes and computer forensics.

Bachelor of CommerceCommerce is related to the field of economics that involves the activities implied by the trading of products.

Bachelor of Business AdministrationThe Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is intended to provide students with skills in business management, and leadership to meet the market skill needs and/or create self employment.

Bachelor of Purchasing and Supply ManagementSupply Chain Management focuses on efficiently managing systems of people, resources, information that deal with the movement of a product or service from supplier to customer.

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• Florence Ruguru• Hannah Gachanja• Ken Mwirigi

Editorial Team