Kenyatta University on Thursday officially opened a new state-of-the art Alumni Centre. The ultra-modern facility was officially unveiled in a colourful ceremony graced by the Mbeere South M P and Chairman, Budget & Appropriations Committee in the National Assembly Mr Mutava Musyimi.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Musyimi noted that the magnificent centre will go a long way in providing quality spaces for alumni to confer and strengthen their association at Kenyatta University.
He lauded Kenyatta University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olive Mugenda for the visionary governance and development initiatives not only leading to great transformation of Kenyatta University over the last nine years but also impacting on communities across the country.
He singled out among others things timely completion of projects as well as prudent management of resources. In his remarks, he reiterated the need for alumni members to patronise the centre.
The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olive Mugenda disclosed that the ceremony was a realisation of a dream mooted seven years ago to have a home for alumni members.
As she outlined the role of alumni associations in driving success of reputable universities, she pointed out that the Kenyan and wider African context reflects an untapped potential in participation of alumni associations in contributing to overall university growth.
She lauded various stakeholders from the university council, Management, Staff, Students, among others with whose input the Centre has come to be.
She further noted that through various initiatives by KU Alumni members, Kenyatta University has been able to make significant strides in boosting learning, research and service capacity such as acquisition of cutting edge research equipment and supplies through the Kenyatta University Foundation.
Also in attendance during the ceremony was Prof Martin Thuo, a distinguished Kenyatta University Alumni and Professor at IOWA State University.
Thuo noted that Kenyatta University leads other regional universities in providing a state-of-the-art home for her alumni. He further reiterated the need for alumni members in the diaspora to ‘come home’ not only to physically visit but also with resources and lift up their alma mater.
Notable alumni who graced the ceremony included Dr Anthony Akoto, a medical doctor and current medical superintendent at Sirisia Sub-County hospital. In his sentiments, he appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olive Mugenda for her visionary leadership.
This from his observation has seen the university realize tremendous development over the recent years. He recalled during his time at the University essential values he was mentored on by the Vice-Chancellor; especially the value of commitment, honesty, due diligence, and a call to duty
Dr Tom Mboya, an alumni member and practising medical doctor lauded Kenyatta University under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor. He noted that during her tenure, there have been excellent achievements that have put Kenyatta University on the same pedestal as other renowned world class universities that value their alumni. He lauded the Vice-Chancellor for the noble initiative.
The newly opened Alumni Centre features a computerized resource centre, modern gymnasium, sauna, restaurant, conference rooms, self-contained accommodation suites, boardrooms, executive lecture rooms, spacious lounges, alumni directorate offices, among other facilities.