Maseno University has admitted the largest number of first year students ever under the Joint

Admissions Board (JAB). The admission process for the 3,800 students went on smoothly in all campuses.

The university is the first public university to open its doors to the students admitted under JAB in the academic year 2013/14 when the first year students reported on September 2, 2013.

Despite the fact that the government policy is that admission to public university is not pegged on bed capacity, Maseno University is the only public institution that secured guaranteed hostel accommodation for all its first year students.

In his address to the first year students during the inauguration at the University’s

Graduation Square on September 6, the Vice-Chancellor of Maseno University, Professor Dominic Makawiti said Maseno University is the only public university that has guaranteed all its first year students hostel accommodation within the university. ‘This is the only public University offering self-catering accommodation facilities on campus’, he added.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced that the university has normalized its academic calendar so that the academic staff and students can have recess. “This is the only public university which has normalized its programmes such that there is a recess of three months at the end of each academic year during which both academic staff and students can enjoy a long holiday,” he

Maseno University leads in first year admissions

A Monthly Publication from the Office of the Vice-Chancellor

September 2013 Volume 1, No. 1

Varsity NewsContents• Maseno University leads in first year

admissions .....................................................1• Maseno University tops in Varsities ranking

................ ..................................................... 2• Maths Camp boosts students’

performance .............................................3• Nation Media Group CEO visits

Maseno University ...................................4• University Choir shines in music

festival .....................................................4• Maseno University shines in Kisumu ASK

Show ....................................................... 5• Internet connectivity platform launched by

Google in Maseno University ...................5• Israeli Ambassador roots for exchange

programmes with Maseno University .......6• Varsities partner to promote social

sciences ...................................................7• University Don pioneers language

documentation in Kenya ..........................7• Staff Promotions ......................................8 • Students Accomodation Investor’s

Conference Held In Kisumu .....................8

Maseno University tops in Varsities Ranking • Internet connectivity platform launched by Google in Maseno University

By Jaspher Otieno and John Okumu

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dominic Makawiti (inset) addresses first year students at the Graduation Square in Siriba Campus

Editorial TeamEditor

Mr Jaspher Otieno

EditoriAL BoArdDr Benson OjwangDr Boniface OindoDr Charles NyambugaDr David OngaroraDr Mildred AyiereMr Philip Adoyo

dESigN & LAyout Mr Richard Kopar

PhotogrAPhyMr John Okumu

PuBLiShEd By:Directorate of Public Relations & MarketingMaseno UniversityPrivate BagMaseno 40105Email: directorpr@maseno.ac.keWebsite: www.maseno.ac.ke

continued on page 2 ►

Varsity NewsISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED

Varsity News ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED2

Maseno University tops in Varsities ranking

► from page 1

By Emilly Owiti

said. The re-introduction of the Semester system will see students begin their classes in September, break in December for Christmas and resume in January till April then take a long vacation from May to August.

The university is currently going through rapid expansion evident in the introduction of the Schools of Medicine and Agriculture and is in the process of introducing the Schools of Nursing and Law.

To steer the university towards achieving Vision 2030, Professor Makawiti said that Maseno University is the only Public University in the country that has integrated

Information Technology (IT) in all its academic programmes. This, he emphasized, has enabled the University graduates acquire IT skills hence have added advantage over graduates from other Universities in the job market.“The university has integrated 30% ICT component in all its courses which gives the graduates a competitive edge in the market,” he added. The eLearning programmes run by the eCampus have also brought education to people’s offices and homes, thus enabling those who do not have adequate time for face-to-face learning pursue their academic interests.

The first year students were urged to maintain forthright commitment in order to succeed in their endeavours.

“Your ability will take you to the top, but it takes character to stay there,” Professor

Makawiti reiterated.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Professor Madara Ogot, advised the students to work hard in their academic pursuits to ensure they graduate within the stipulated four-year period.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration and Finance, Professor Julius Nyabundi cautioned the students to be careful and not fall to pranks by fraudsters who con them of their cash. He advised them to pay fees in the bank accounts designated by the University in their admission letters and the press advertisements.

Other university officers present were Deans and Directors of Schools, Heads of Departments, lecturers and administrative staff. ■

Maseno University leads in first year admissions

Maseno University has been ranked Second Best University in Kenya after extensive research

by Webometrics, the largest international academic ranking of Higher Education Institutions.

The latest ranking places Maseno at position 21 in Africa and 2053 in the world. This is a tremendous improvement from the last ranking which placed Maseno at third position in Kenya and 31 in Africa.

The ranking involves an independent, objective, free and open process conducted by the Cybermetrics Lab (Spanish National Research Council, CSIC) to provide information about the performance of Universities from all over the world based on their web presence and impact.

Web presence and visibility are used as indicators of global performance of a university. These indicators take into account the teaching commitment, the research results, the perceived international prestige, the links with the community,

including industrial and economic sectors, of the university.

The ranking gives universities added advantage in international recognition and linkages, scholarships awards, and also augments their marketing efforts by attracting more students. Maseno University has made remarkable efforts in modern research, teaching and publishing of academic research works which have been captured in the website.

The website has provided a platform for online accessibility of information to the University’s faculty and students.

The university web site is core to its administrative and research processes. A lot of progress has been evident in Open, Distance and eLearning through the eCampus, which supports both face-to-face and distance learning.

The eCampus, a fully functional entity complete with a user administrative portal, eLibrary, helpdesk and publicity

forums, offers varied courses in business administration, social sciences, public health, project planning and mathematics, and has enrolled more than 500 students since inception in August 2011. The university has tasked qualified personnel from each school, faculty and department to take responsibility for quality assurance in programmes offered through eLearning.

Developments in IT infrastructure coupled by the universality of IT courses in the varsity are considered to have put the varsity in the limelight. Other integrated issues are in the state of art technology training facilities in the institution’s Department of Communication and Media Technology that has elevated the hands on approach to modern day training.

The Webometrics Ranking, according to the website, correlates well with other scientific grading benchmarks beyond web presence, making it reliable in determining impact among students and the global research community. ■

“Your ability will take you to the top, but it takes character to stay there” - Professor Dominic Makawiti

First year students queue for services during the registration exercise

Varsity NewsISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED 3

Maseno University hosted a Maths Camp intended to demystify the negative perception that clouds

the subject.

The one-week camp that took place from August 19-23, 2013 is the third to be held in Kenya following an effort put by Maseno University to help in improving the usually poor grades resulting from lack of interest in the subject by majority of students.

The camp included introduction of different learning methods, styles and techniques other than the normal teaching usually conducted indoors. Other learning skills included games, plays and skits. The students also had a privilege of doing calculation tasks in computers using different soft wares.

The facilitators of the camp included Dr Rejoice from South Africa who supports teachers to teach mathematics, Dr Tom Denton from America who is on a Fullbright Scholarship on mathematics, Ms Emily Hobbes, a school teacher from the UK, Mr Zachary Embasu from Muhoho High School in Kakamega and also a postgraduate mathematics student in Maseno University.

Due to positive results exhibited by Kenya, other countries like Ethiopia and Ghana have also joined the sequence. Visitors from across the world also came together to share their experiences and skills in mathematics. There were also students from French School in London who came to share their knowledge in mathematics.

The founder and lead organizer of the Maths Camp, Dr David Stern of Maseno University’s School of Mathematics, Applied Statistics and Actuarial Science says that the main aim of the camp is to help change students’ negative attitude towards mathematics in school. He says most students do not like mathematics because they view it as boring and difficult. On the contrary Dr Stern argues that students only need to change their attitude and perception towards mathematics and view it as fun and enjoyable discipline.

According to Dr Stern, the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) results show that Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates from Western region do not perform well in mathematics compared to other subjects. This, he argues,

is not because of lack of ability among the candidates but because of negative attitude that some people have developed towards the subject.

The annual camp has brought remarkable benefits to participants of the past camps. One such beneficiary is Mr Evans Odhiambo who confessed that he used to perform poorly in mathematics and hated it with passion. He said he felt like a prisoner of mathematics and viewed the subject teacher as someone sent to torture and nail him. “I lost hope in mathematics and resorted to other subjects that I viewed as saviours,” he said. Evans, scored B plain in Mathematics in the County mock exams, A plain in Mathematics in KCSE examination and B plain mean grade and has been admitted to the Technical University of Kenya to pursue Applied Statistics

Another beneficiary, Mr David Bosire said his attitude and interest towards the subject improved tremendously after he attended the 2012 camp also held in Maseno University. He scored C- in Mathematics in the County mock exams and A- in KCSE. He is admitted to Laikipia University to pursue a degree in Agri- Economics.

The students who attended the camp had varied but captivating experiences. Their experiences and lessons proved the success of the camp. Mr Chitwa Babisai from

Esalwa School said that discipline is key to success and that mathematics can as well be a simple subject. “I learnt that mathematics is only difficult if I am also difficult and it is easy when I think, walk and like doing things mathematically,” he said.

Miss Beverlynne from Keveye High School appealed to the Ministry of Education to provide computers to schools for mathematics lessons. “How I wish the Ministry of Education could allow and create chances for computers in daily mathematics lessons. Having puzzle solving activities in mathematics is challenging but is a big step towards understanding the subject. Likewise, the puzzles open our critical thinking, making it easier to understand,” she said.

Mr Victor from Mbita High School agreed with Dr Stern’s opinion that mathematics is all about fun and games. “It has just come to my realization that mathematics is not all about calculating all those hard sums but one can also use cards and computers to learn more mathematics. I have also started to believe that mathematics is fun,” he said.

More information on Maths Camp can be found at www.masenomathscamp.net. ■

Maths Camp boosts students’ performance

Students receiving instructions on how to perform mathematical operations in the Mathematics Lab

By John Okumu

Varsity News ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED4

Nation Media Group CEO visits Maseno University

By John Okumu

By Kenneth Irungu

The Nation Media Group (NMG) has pledged to partner with Maseno University in improving the

infrastructure for the radio and television studios in the Communication and Media Technology Department. This was disclosed by the Chief Executive Officer of Nation Media Group, Mr Linus Gitahi, during a recent visit to Maseno University.

Mr Gitahi said that NMG will donate equipment to be used in the studios in order to enhance training in broadcast journalism. This, he added, will help improve the skills of journalism students in radio and television production. He promised that NMG will partner with Maseno University in a number of areas to help nurture talents in media since the alumni of Maseno University working with Nation Media have proved that they can deliver. “It has come to our notice that Maseno University media students have always clinched more job opportunities at Nation Media Group and it is our hope that this will continue,” added Mr Gitahi.

Maseno University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Makawiti thanked the NMG CEO for visiting the institution, adding that media students from the Maseno University are well equipped for the corporate world.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to work hard in their studies and embrace professionalism as this would enhance their ability to compete with students from other Universities across the country. He challenged them to be great thinkers and never give “I don’t know” as an answer but always be open in their thoughts even when they do not know the exact answer.

The Vice-Chancellor challenged Nation Media to be innovative in provision of its services especially in print supplements and pullouts. The media organization was advised to initiate an editorial project to publish research projects by university scholars.

Mr Linus Gitahi urged the media students to help sustain the brand image that Maseno has built over the years. “It is difficult to

build a brand but very easy to destroy it,” he said. He further urged the students to perfect their skills and hold the name of Maseno University high by being good ambassadors once they graduate just as their predecessors who are now employees of Nation Media Group.

The CEO revealed that Nation Media Group has partnered with Kenyatta University in a project dubbed ‘Next Big Thing’ where Nation helps nurture ideas from students all over the country. He called upon Maseno University to join others in participating in the project too.

“The Nation Media Group is helping all those students with great ideas but have no capital to move ahead with their projects to realize their dreams.” said Mr Gitahi.

During the visit, Mr Gitahi was accompanied by the Editorial Director, Mr Joseph Odindo, Sunday Nation Editor, Mr Erick Obino, General Manager Business Development and Innovation, Ms Olga Arara Kimani, Head of TV Programmes, Mr

Githinji Njogu and Commercial Manager Mr James Sogoti.

Mr Joseph Odindo, advised the students to have a clear idea of their destination in journalism. He urged them to always keep track of dynamism in the profession adding that advancement in technology brings varied dynamics in journalism.“Opportunities are expanding very fast and each one needs to work hard to get the best in the journalism profession,” he added.

Ms Olga Kimani said that NMG does not tolerate male chauvinism and urged ladies to work hard if they want to ascend to the top positions in any organization they might aspire to work for. She added that there are many equal opportunities for both ladies and men.

Dr Charles Nyambuga, the Chairman of Maseno University’s Communication and Media Technology Department, appreciated the good relationship and the collaboration between NMG and the university. ■

“It is difficult to build a brand but very easy to destroy it” - Linus Gitahi

University choir shines in music festival

Maseno University Choir outshone other universities by winning in all the categories

in which they participated during the Kenya National Music Festival held in Nakuru recently. Artistes from the university showcased their talents and skills in music by belting high octane choreography and entertaining tunes that thrilled the audience and convinced the judges that they were the best.

The Head of Department of Music & Theatre Studies, Dr Rose Ongati, congratulated the team for the outstanding performance that enabled them qualify for the State House Gala. She revealed that their success has been because of team work, determination, hard work, and commitment. She added that the department has a team of qualified staff that has always offered the best training to the choir.

Other Universities that participated included the University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Egerton University, University of East Africa, Baraton and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. In recognizition of the exemplary performance in this year’s festival, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Jacob Kaimenyi presented Maseno University with the Best Performance Team Award Trophy.

From left: Mr Joseph Njoroge, Ms Judith Musau, Dr Rose Ongati (Head of Music and Theatre Studies Department), Mr Ashton Mwalengu and Mr Francis Msangi with trophies won during the Kenya National Music Festival

Varsity NewsISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED 5

During this year’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show held in Kisumu, Maseno University

showcased a number of new agricultural technologies geared towards improving yields. Among the exhibits was a research by Professor John Collince Onyango of Botany department who has researched on a new rice variety, indigenous Nerica rice (Oriza sativa) which is rain-fed and drought resistant unlike the common type grown under irrigation. The species can withstand harsh climatic conditions with little or no rainfall at all.

Other schools that displayed items were the Schools of Medicine, Education and Arts and Social Sciences.

The exhibits evidently showed that the institution’s standards were unrivaled, save for Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology which clinched this year’s top position.

Maseno’s presentation indicated that it was adequately prepared and had improved tremendously compared to the previous years. With the Maseno University Band that boasts of several awards providing entertainment, the stand remained alive for the better part of the show. This drew several guests who thronged the University’s stand out of curiosity.

Apart from Maseno, several other

institutions participated at the ASK show which was officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Livestock Fisheries and Agriculture, Mr Felix Kosgey.

While inspecting various stands, Mr Kosgey advised various researchers to widen their scope as far as development of new inventions goes. He said, “New areas of study will help to curb societal dysfunctions like unemployment, diseases

and poverty”.

The Cabinet Secretary expressed optimism that Kenya would soon be a major producer of both food and cash crops which will reduce importation of products, hence improving the economy.

“When we reach that stage, it will be possible to redirect money spent in importations to other sectors,” the Cabinet Secretary noted. ■

Google has entered into partnership with Maseno University to provide internet accessibility to staff and

students. Through Google Application (Apps) for Education, the largest internet company in the world has launched an email platform to the staff and students of Maseno University in order to enhance communication.

The Vice-Chancellor, Maseno University, Professor Dominic Makawiti while addressing first year

students at Kisumu City Campus College recently said that through collaboration between Maseno University and Google

Kenya there is internet connectivity in the whole university. The

platform will enhance students’ interaction among themselves and with their lecturers on-line as well as create chat rooms and academic discussion groups.

So far a total of 11,496 users, both staff and students have

email accounts on the platform.

The Director ICT Maseno University, Mr George Omuono says the Apps platform enables lecturers, students, researchers and supervisors to share information. On this application, lecturers will be able to post their assignments to students who will also share their answers with the lecturers. For example, the Google calendar will help lecturers schedule their lessons efficiently.

Mr Omuono says the application has revolutionized communication in Maseno University by improving efficiency in interaction and sharing of knowledge. ■

Maseno University shines at Kisumu ASK show

Internet connectivity platform launched by Google in Maseno University

Dr George Ogonji Agumba of the School of Medicine (right) presents an exhibit to the ASK judges in the university stand at the Kisumu ASK Show

By Maurine Akinyi and John Okumu

By Emilly Owiti

Varsity News ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED6

The Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gil Haskel, has advised Maseno University to initiate

bilateral exchange programmes with Israeli Universities in order to enhance research, education, capacity building and academic scholarships. He said this during a visit to Maseno University on July 26, 2013.

The Envoy said the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi is willing to facilitate the process of the exchange program and help Maseno University link with learning institutions in Israel. The exchange program should be aimed at building ground for strong linkages that will see faculty and graduate students from Maseno University benefit from scholarships that are available in Israeli universities. The linkage will also develop programmes for academic exchanges between Maseno University and Israeli universities and enhance cultural and academic relations between Kenya and Israel.

During the visit that took place in Maseno University, Ambassador Haskel emphasised the need to enhance the cordial relations between Kenya and Israel that has existed for the last 50 years. He noted that Kenya is one of the first countries where Israel established an Embassy immediately after

gaining its independence in 1947 from the British.

The Ambassador observed that Kenya has adequate natural resources that can help her have adequate food security for her people. Citing Kisumu County as an example, he wondered why the County still imports food products despite being at the shore of Lake Victoria. He said that food deficiency in the County can be reduced by involving the local populace in farming activities like poultry and fisheries. The Ambassador further said that Israeli businessmen are willing to invest in those areas that are within the county.

Professor Dominic Makawiti said that Maseno University has established Fisheries department to exploit research in fisheries. Research in fisheries will boost production of fish in Lake Victoria which will be exported to foreign markets and in turn financially empower the local people. It will also increase production of high quality fish that yields high nutrient, hence improving the health of the local people.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that Maseno University is the leading university in the western region of Kenya and is ready to partner with Israeli learning institutions in

exchange programs that will enhance the relations between Kenya and Israel. He expressed satisfaction with the existing cordial relations between the governments of both countries and stressed that this can be further cemented through exchange programs between the universities from both countries.

The cordial relations between Kenya and Israel can be attested by the cooperation between the two countries in agricultural programs spread across the country, the amenity ward in Kisumu District Hospital built by the Israeli government and the capacity building of 35 teachers at Joel Omino School in Kisumu supported by the Israeli government. The capacity building project is implemented through the Ministry of Education under Early Childhood Education for Sustainable Development.

In a meeting with the staff and students during the visit, the Ambassador announced that Israel is willing to cooperate with Kenya in developing alternative energy like solar power. He said that in Israel, every household must have a solar water heater according to the law.

The Deputy V i c e -C h a n c e l l o r in charge of Administration and Finance, P r o f e s s o r J u l i u s Nyabundi said that there are plans to have students of a g r i c u l t u r e from Maseno University go to Israel for one year industrial a t t a c h m e n t before they graduate. This will give them the opportunity

to acquire superior agricultural skills that will enhance their capacity to improve agricultural production in Kenya. ■

Israeli Ambassador roots for exchange programmes with Maseno University

Israeli Ambassador to Kenya H.E. Gil Haskel during a meeting with Maseno University staff and students at the University Board room

By Jaspher Otieno

“In Israel, every household must have a solar water heater according to the law.” - H.E. Gil Haskel

Varsity NewsISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED 7

Maseno University has entered into partnership with Finland’s Centria University in a bid to

promote the study of social sciences in both institutions.

Maseno University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dominic Makawiti, recommended the partnership and believed it will be a solution to many challenges facing Kenya. ‘We believe this agreement will in the long run help solve societal challenges like crime and extensive drug abuse mostly caused by luck of employment’, he said.

The two institutions agreed to extend the bilateral agreement through exchange programmes, exhibitions and cultural shows between the institutions of diverse cultural backgrounds.

While speaking at the Vice-Chancellor’s office during a courtesy call recently, Centria University’s Coordinator of International Affairs Dr Ilmo Antila revealed that there has been a tremendous

increase in the number of students taking social sciences in their institution. He attributed the high number of social science students to increased societal malfunction like unemployment in Finland.

‘Though most students normally opt for science courses, the Government of Finland has invested a lot in the study of social sciences in the hope that the graduates will provide solutions to the problem-marred society’, he said.

Centria University’s lecturer and Student Counselor Ms Merja Seppal reiterated the need for more efforts to be put into teaching social and applied sciences because it will change the general perception of the society. She added that out of ignorance, some societies have held onto unscrupulous beliefs that have worked against them; hence the collaboration will help alleviate such behaviors. ■

From Left: Dr Felix Kioli, Chairman Sociology Department; Professor Dominic Makawiti, Vice-Chancellor; Merja Seppala, Student Counselor Centria University; Ilmo Antila, Coordinator of International Affairs Centria University; Professor Rosebella Onyango, Director School of Public Health; Professor Sussy Gumo, Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences; Professor Wilson Odero, Dean School of Medicine; and Mr Jaspher Otieno, Director Public Relations

Varsities partner to promote social sciencesBy John Okumu

University Don pioneers language documentation in KenyaBy Jaspher Otieno

A Senior Lecturer of Linguistics in Maseno Univeristy, Dr Benson Ojwang has pioneered a language

documentation project in Kenya that applies the latest techniques and computer software.

The project documents Terik, an endangered Kalenjin language under the auspices of the London-based Endangered Languages Documentation Programme. This approach to language preservation entails the systematic technology-assisted strategy of collecting, recording and archiving language data for comparative study, analysis and vocabulary compilation.

It is envisaged that professionally documented and annotated data can aid future recoverability in case all the language speakers eventually die out. The exercise is particularly urgent for the numerous critically endangered languages of Africa.

Dr Ojwang recently attended training at Buea University in Cameroon organized by the Endangered Languages Documentation Programme based at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Through this training, Dr Ojwang can help the hosting of the project in Maseno on behalf of the East African region.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dominic Makawiti commended Dr Ojwang on this feat and commented that this will definitely boost the capacity of Maseno University in the national and international community of linguists. ■

Dr Benson Ojwang displays the H4N Handy Recorder and high capacity portable hard disks used for data recording and archiving

Varsity News ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED8

After a thorough evaluation process, the following staff were promoted:

Academic staff promoted from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer:1. Dr Oscar Kambona

- Department of ECOHIM2. Dr Felix Kioli

- Department of Sociology & Anthropology

3. Dr Susan Kilonzo - Department of Religion

4. Dr Loreen Maseno - Department of Religion

5. Dr David Oima - School of Business & Economics

6. Dr Patrick B. Ojera - School of Business & Economics

7. Dr Gideon Momanyi - School of Business & Economics

8. Dr Elijah M. Siringi - School of Business & Economics

9. Dr Moses N. Oginda - School of Business & Economics

10. Dr Pamela Oloo - Department of Linguistics

11. Dr David Ongarora - Department of Linguistics

12. Dr Benson Ojwang - Department of Linguistics

13. Dr Charles O. Nyambuga - Department of Communication & Media Technology

14. Dr Maureen Olel - Department of Education Management & Foundations

15. Dr Enose Simatwa - Department of Education Management & Foundations

16. Dr Wycliff H. Odiwuor - Department of Educational Psychology

17. Dr Erick Kabuka - Department of Educational Psychology

18. Dr Karen N. Nyangara - Department of Education Communication & Curriculum

Studies19. Dr John Ayieko

- Department of Special Needs Education

20. Dr David Stern - Department of Pure & Applied Mathematics

21. Dr David M. Musyimi - Department of Botany

22. Dr Doreen Othero - School of Public Health and Community Development

23. Dr Pauline Andang’o - School of Public Health and Community Development

Non-teaching Staff:1. Mr Richard Chepkui promoted

from Technologist to Chief Technologist - Department of Chemistry

2. Mr Calvin Bwire promoted from Technologist to Network Administrator - Department of ICT

Staff Promotions in January 2013

Obituary

SOMU elections announced

The Governing Council of the Student Organization of Maseno University (SOMU) has been dissolved. The

Council was dissolved on September 9, 2013 and election dates announced.

In a circular to students and staff, the Dean of Students Mr Edward Olela, announced that the elections for the academic year 2013/14 office will take place on October 3 2013. The Dean called on those interested in vying for different positions to collect nomination papers from the Dean’s office from September 17, 2013 and return them on September 23, 2013 by 12.00pm.

Mr Olela further said that the names of the candidates cleared to vie will be posted on notice boards. The campaign period is scheduled from September 25 to October 1 at 6pm. The polling and announcement of results for Hall Congress Persons will be on October 2, 2013 while that of the Executive and Directors of Student Governing Council will be on October 3, 2013. The election at the Kisumu City Campus College is scheduled for September 26, 2013.

Maseno University recently lost the following members of staff:

Phanuel Arwa Saroni - Tutorial Fellow, Botany Department - Worked in Maseno University from March 11, 2013- Passed away on August 27, 2013

Zipporah Mogire- Secretary, Kisumu City Campus College- Worked in Maseno University from March 31, 1992- Passed away on September 16, 2013

Jacob Dunde- Senior Library Assistant, College Campus Library- Worked in Maseno University from September 1, 1990- Passed away on September 16, 2013

May their souls Rest in Peace.

For comments and contributions please write to:the director, Public relations & MarketingMaseno universityPrivate Bag, Maseno 40105Email: directorpr@maseno.ac.keWebsite: www.maseno.ac.ke

By Sarah JanetBy John Okumu

Maseno University organized an open students’ accommodation investors’ conference on

February 22, 2013, at Kisumu Hotel. The move was aimed at countering accommodation challenges posed by the rapid increase in student population. The Conference was also intended to provide the latest knowledge and advice on options and possibilities for providing student accommodation for the University through neighbouring communities. The conference targeted potential investors from but not limited to property investors, agents, developers, consultants, bankers, local authorities, estate managers and service providers.

The move is motivated by the understanding that the University is located in an

environment which has a deficit of suitable housing needs for students. The current student population stands at over 11,000 across the four campuses (Main Campus, Kisumu City Campus College, Homa-Bay Town Campus and eCampus) with a projected annual growth of 20%. The rapid growth of student population is attributed to the market-driven programs offered by the University that attract students nationally and internationally.

The Conference was instrumental in providing prospective investors with clear guidelines for the development of student accommodation. It was also essential in giving planning officers a tool through which to assess development opportunities.■

Students’ accommodation investors’ conference held in Kisumu