Egerton University held a two-day orientation to warmly welcome recently recruited staff members into its diverse and growing community. 

Egerton University is set to benefit from an enhanced relationship with the Chinese Embassy and Nanjing Agricultural University following the recent visit by Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, Vice Chancellor of Egerton University, to the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi. The visit took place during a celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the embassy's founding, attended by various foreign dignitaries and high-ranking Kenyan government officials.

Egerton University has taken a significant step in enhancing its impact on agricultural policy by setting up the inaugural board for the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and Development. The board held its first meeting at the university's Nairobi office today, led by Professor Bernard Aduda, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Extension. The newly constituted board discussed its terms of reference and outlined a framework to collaborate with the University management and the Council to drive the Institute forward.

A delegation from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), led by Andre Ntamada, visited Egerton University to review ongoing projects funded by the USDA. The team was welcomed by university officials, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Research and Extension, Prof. Bernard Aduda. The visit highlighted the USDA’s commitment to advancing agricultural research and development in Africa, particularly through innovative fields such as biotechnology and gene editing.

Over 400 students from Kisii High School who are set to sit for this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) visited Egerton University as part of an academic tour aimed at equipping them with practical skills and hands-on experiences.

The Egerton University Faculty of Law Legal Aid Project (FOLLAP) is set to host the fourth national legal aid conference on access to justice from October 22^nd to 25^th at the Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge, with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Scholars, legal practitioners, and environmental advocates gathered at the 4th Faculty of Law Conference, held at Simba Lodge in Naivasha, Kenya, in partnership with UNEP-Africa, to address climate justice.

Egerton University’s Agro-Science Park actively participated in the recently concluded 41st International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) World Conference, hosted by Konza Technopolis Authority at Nairobi’s Edge Convention Center.

gerton University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kibwage, led a pivotal stakeholder conference organized by the University’s Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy, focusing on the urgent challenges in Kenya’s agricultural sector.

In a major effort to shape the future of Kenya’s agriculture, Egerton University’s Tegemeo Institute hosted a conference in partnership with Michigan State University and Purdue University. With the theme, “Shaping Sustainable Futures: 

On Saturday, October 10, 2024, a team of 32 members from the Egerton University Alumni-Soccer was warmly welcomed by Mr. Philip Mwanzia (Ag. Coordinator Sports and Games), the University's sports officer. This vibrant alumni soccer association comprises 98 graduates from the class of 1990 to the recently graduated class of 2019, hailing from different regions across the country.

Egerton University and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have led an impactful initiative to boost food security and community resilience in Turkana County, Kenya.The four-year Groundnut Project, launched in 2020 with FAO support, aimed to provide local farmers, including refugee communities, with aflatoxin-free groundnut seeds. 

Distinguished Guests,

 I welcome you to this conference hosted by Egerton University’s Tegemeo Institute in partnership with Michigan State University and Purdue University.

Nairobi — In a significant step towards enhancing the role of agricultural education and research in Kenya, Prof. Bernard Aduda, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, officially closed a two-day conference hosted by Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy.

Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage led the University Management in a meeting at the Dryland Research Training and Ecotourism Centre (DRTEC) in Chemeron, Egerton University on October 24, offering words of encouragement to the center’s first cohort of students, just weeks before they head into final exams and embark on industrial attachments.

BY ERIC SINDABI

During the University Library Department’s 16th Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2024, members of staff were sensitised on the department's revised Citizen Service Delivery Charter. This exercise was a key agenda item, aimed at familiarising staff with the revised charter and emphasising its importance following a successful revision.

The need to revise the department’s Citizen Service Delivery Charter was commissioned by University Librarian Mrs.Janegrace Kinyanjui during the department’s 15th Annual General Meeting on February 9, 2024. The revision was coordinated by the office of the Assistant Librarian in charge of Library Technical Services. The exercise,according to the University Librarian was deemed significant due to the tremendous changes and developments in the University Library's services over the past decade.

The revised University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter includes updates in key areas of library service development, such as the acquisition and dissemination of electronic reading and research materials, the digitisation of research outputs from academic departments, the survey and appraisal of university records, access to university archival records, and the procedures for scanning, printing, and reprographic services. 

The theme of the University Library Citizen Service Delivery Charter is: “Expediting Access to Information for Learning, Research, and Other Academic Activities by Constantly Updating Resources, Improving Personal Skills in Library and Information Services, and Participating in National, Regional, and International Information Networks.”

Citizen Service Delivery Charters are published agreements between the public and respective organisations that outline expectations and standards for service and product delivery. These charters were inspired and popularised by ISO 9001, a global body promoting Quality Management Systems. Key components of a Citizen Service Delivery Charter include detailed descriptions of  services, requirements for service delivery, specifications of any fees associated with the service, and the time frame for delivery.

Egerton University is abuzz with creativity and talent as it hosts the Kenya Universities Performing Arts Association (KUPAA) National Drama and Performing Arts Festival, an event that brings together students from universities across Kenya to showcase their passion and skill in the performing arts

  BY ANDREW NJUGUNA & ERIC SINDABI

The James Foster Collection, located at the JD Rockefeller Library within Egerton University, is a significant archive representing 170 years of Kenya's cultural heritage. This collection comprises 3,000 books that delve into the geographical, historical, and socio-economic aspects of Kenya’s past. Originating from Foster’s private library, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding the rich legacy of knowledge and cultural representation that has developed over centuries, akin to the ancient libraries of Greece, Rome, Middle - East and African archives.

James Foster, born on August 22, 1929, in York, England, had an illustrious educational background, having attended notable institutions like Knox Grammar School and Marlborough College. His professional journey began in the British Army Academy and included roles in the Kenya Police Service and various senior positions in private companies such as East African Power and Lighting Company. Beyond his professional commitments, Foster was deeply involved in community service through organisations like the St. John Ambulance Brigade.

Readers are mesmarised by some of the 3000 volumes of James Foster Kenya's heritage themed book collection during a recent University Cultural Week event./Eric Sindabi.

Foster's true legacy, however, lies in his dedication to preserving Kenya’s heritage. By donating his extensive library to Egerton University, he aimed to support the institution’s mission of knowledge generation and preservation. This collection enhances the university's role in facilitating education and research across various disciplines, including history, geography, sociology, ecotourism, economics, and political science. Analysts note that the collection provides crucial access to rare historical volumes, addressing gaps in previous studies and positioning Egerton University as a center of academic excellence.

Initially hesitant to part with his collection, Foster was encouraged by former Chancellor Professor Shem Wandiga and a team of academic staff drawn from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences led by Professor Emilia Ilieva. Through numerous discussions and visits to the university, the celebrated collector was reassured that his collection would be safeguarded and utilised effectively. Ultimately, Foster formally donated his library in a vibrant ceremony on February 2, 2016, having chosen Egerton University over interest from other institutions like the University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University.

In addition to the James Foster Collection, Egerton University Library houses several other notable private collections including; the Professor Henry Olela Collection, the Dr. Taaitta Toweett Collection, and the Daisaku Ikeda Collection all based at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Library. Together, these collections reinforce the university’s commitment to academic excellence and cultural preservation for future generations.

.......................................................................................The writers are members of the University Library Marketing Committee........................................................................