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VARSITY UPDATE
New taste in town
The country program Officer, Dr. Oyieke commented on how she was pleased with the outcome and response to the project promising more support from her organization. She was particularly fond of the mayfly crackers confessing that it was impossible to hide her immense craving for them. Dr. Oyieke however pointed out the need for the media to publish and broadcast such like seminars, which would be able to crate awareness to the public concerning the newfound delicacies.
A NEWSLETTER FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE ISSUE 6 JAN - APRIL 2007
Cont from page 2 Some acknowledged that the new taste had given them an appetite for the rest of the delicacies available, which were accompanied by a variety of mouth watering sauces. Present at the seminar was, Dr Hilda Oyieke; country program Officer Kenya National Museums, Dr. Jeff Odera; Regional Program Director for the Research Program for Sustainable use of dryland biodiversity. Hosting the seminar was Dr. Monica Ayieko of ECOHIM, who gave an in-depth focus on the whole project. She talked about the trials and severe technical challenges they faced while researching and producing the various products from the insects. Those attending the seminar had the privilege of tasting mayfly burgers, nicknamed May-burgers.They also sampled muffins and sausages served with a variety of mouth watering sauces.
Cont from pg 3
UNIVERSITY GRADUATES TWO GROUPS
It was pomp and glamour as hundreds of graduands together with their parents, guardians and relatives gathered at Maseno University’s graduation square, in Siriba Campus to attend the sixth graduation ceremony. This was the first time the University was graduating a combination of two cohorts of students, a fact which the University Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Onyango attributed to the improved infrastructure of the University. Some of the infrastruc-tural developments include the on-going construction of lecture halls and staff offices and improved Health services for both staff and students. The University Chancellor Dr. William Wamalwa congratulated the University Council, Senate and management for staying on course in ensuring that the University’s core mission was accomplished. University for the expansion of physical facilities especially the Kisumu City Campus and compute-rization of virtually all academic programmes. She called on the graduands to prepare themselves to undertake new responsibilities. University Council Chairman Prof. Nimrod Bwibo urged the graduands to be the mirrors of Maseno Unive-rsity in the job market. More than 1700 students graduated compared to 887 in the previous year. Others who attended the ceremony included, the Vice Chancellor University of Nairobi Prof. George Magoha, Vice Chancellor Egerton University, Prof. James Tuitoek, Chancellor Moi University, Prof. Bethwel Ogot and Vice Chancellor Moi University Prof. Richard K.Mibey.
Sample of the delicacies available during the seminar.
Bumper Harvest
Feast and plenty for all, as Maseno University was blessed to have a major bumper harvest, the first of its kind. With over 3000 bags of maize being harvested from the original veterinary farm, the University is set to be a major supplier of maize within the region. Speaking about the harvest the co-ordinator of Income generating activities who was supervising the shelling of the maize, said that about 900 bags had already been sold to the University and the local community. Only 145 acres of the 276 acres of land has been set aside for maize this past season. The rest is earmarked for horticulture, beef cattle as well as research. The maize is sold at1200/= per bag. This is an unbeatable price in the market, and a new year’s gift to all University staff and the local community who are encouraged to come and buy the product. The University Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Onyango appreciated the outcome, noting that such a harvest would be a boost to food security in the entire region.
Chancellor Dr. Wamalwa and Vice Chancellor Prof Onyango Conferring a doctorate degree, during the 6th graduation Ceremony
Maseno Dons commissioned.........
Mrs Sila who represented the Minister for Educa-tion, read the Minister’s speech, which emphasized the government’s commitment to educating the youth of the country. This is exemplified by 33% of the total national budget going towards funding the Education sector. She also commended the
VC’s International Itinerary
Harvested maize undergoing shelling at the farm
New Appointments
The University has appointed three new Deputy Vice Chancellors (DVCs) The three appointments emanated from a notice in the newspaper advertising the positions of DVC, Academic Affairs; DVC, Planning and Extension Services; and DVC, Administration and Finance. Prof. Dominic Makawiti a Professor of Biochemistry, University Of Nairobi and former Dean Faculty of Medicine UON was appointed the DVC Academic Affairs. Prof. Stephen Guya Agong, Associate Professor of Horticulture, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, former DVC, Administration, Planning and Deve-lopment JKUAT was appointed DVC Planning and Extension Services. Prof. Mary Khakoni Walingo an Associate Professor of Nutrition, Maseno University, who was the Ag. DVC Administration and Finance Maseno University was confirmed DVC Administration and Finance.
Prof. B. Owuor investigating a specimen at one of the labs at BCTC
MILLENNIUM! THE NEW ACADEMIC HUB
The on-going construction of lecture halls and staff offices at the millennium square is bound to transform the provision of quality teaching in Maseno University. The administ-ration begun construction of the tuition buildings early last year . During his welcome address to the first year students last year, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Onyango announced the completion of some of the lecture halls which were already in use. The Vice Chancellor urged students to take learning seriously as the University was more than willing to ensure adequate and proper learning facilities were in place and available to all of them. This he said was part of the University’s strategic plan 2005-2010 to propel the institution towards becoming a world class University in providing the best
Matters at hand: lecture halls under construction
A glimpse of the completed lecture halls
teaching and health care services to its staff and students. The Vice Chancellor took time to stress to the students the importance of studying Information Technology (IT) which has been integrated into all programmes at the University.
Other projects the University has completed include; The New Sunrise Hostels and New Makerere Hostels. Others underway include the New Maseno University Hospital which is an expansion of the MasenoUniversity Health Center.
The year 2006 was very busy but progressive in the diary of University Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Onyango as he represented the University in two major international conferences and an international workshop. These international visits have contributed in strengthening the University’s ties with other international institutions as well as strengthening its academic and administrative structures. Among the conferences he attended was the Executive Heads Of Common Wealth Universities in Australia held between 9th and 14th of April 2006. The VC also attended the World University Presidents Summit, In Thailand between 18th and 22 of July 2006. And in one of the best achievements of the year was the award Prof. F. Onyango received from Boston Institute For Developing Economies, Boston Massachusetts in the United States Of America where he attended a workshop aimed at emphasizing the importance of performance Contracts with the theme being
Vice Chancellor, Prof. F .Onyango, holding the trophy he was awarded at the Boston workshop
“ An approach to improving Public Enterprise Performance." Through its participation, the University has been able to build and sustain its administrative and financial base, an achievement that has been exemplified through effective control measures put in place to minimize waste and eliminate misuse of financial resources.
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VARSITY UPDATE
Editorial
VARSITY UPDATE
Indigoveg Seminar
Maseno University was privileged to host the fourth “indigoveg” meeting on ‘seed management of African indigenous vegetables (Ivs) and Nutrition. The workshop was organized by Maseno University in partnership with Kawanda Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Uganda. The venue was at the Milimani Resort in Kisumu City, and funded by the European Union (EU). One of the main objectives of the meeting was to organize proper networking, to promote sustainable production and marketing of indigenous vegetables through urban and peri- urban Agriculture in Sub Saharan Africa. The event brought together participants from eleven countries, both within and out of Africa. In his address Prof. Philip Aduma, DVC A A, who was representing the Vice Chancellor mentioned the significance of the (Ivs) adding that the plants could play an important role in sustainable production of vegetables. He said the vegetables were very nutritious and this makes them superior to the exotic ones. ‘ It is no wonder that the project involves five European organizations and seven African Organi zations, which he termed as remarkable.
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The French Collaboration
Maseno University is to benefit from a French government sponsorship that is offering scholarships to Kenyan students interested in undertaking their PhD studies in France. This has been made possible through a French Embassy delegate visit to the University’s Vice Chancellor’s office. Representing the Vice Chancellor was Prof. Philip Aduma DVC, A A, together with Prof. Mary Walingo DVC, A & F. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties through creating links between institutions in both countries. A number of issues were discussed as both parties looked into meaning ful ways of strengthening their partnership. Prof Aduma highlighted some of the major projects the university had initiated, which included areas such as food nutrition (IndigoVeg), research on herbal medicine as well as the HIV/Aids control initiative. He observed that in order to benefit more people, there was need to appeal for more funding. The embassy encouraged the University to come up with more community-based concepts with ideas that could win their support financially. Speaking during the meeting, the official in charge of co-operations at the embassy revealed that they had funded a good number of projects in the Western region. At the meeting with the Deans, Directors of faculties and Schools, the Embassy stressed that the French Government desired to sponsor serious and committed students ready to undertake their PhD studies, adding that the French language would not be a requirement. The PhD. scholarship covers three months in a year which totals up to three years.
At Last, New Buses On Campus
The two buses and a lorry were purchased in a bid to ease the rising transport inadequacy within the University. In attendance was Prof. Aduma DVC AA, Prof. Luvai DVC PES, Prof .Walingo, acting DVC A&F, the Director student’s welfare, and various heads of department among lecturers and students.
Two Maseno University scholars Prof. B. Owuor and Dr. L. Othuon have been honoured as Colonels of the Common Wealth of Kentucky by Governor Ernie Fletcher. The honours were in recognition of the vision of Maseno University and Ever wondered how the taste of termite themselves as individuals, in embracing “Embrace dialogue”, was the muffins or mayfly loaf could be like? global cultural diversity ideals in higher Varsity Update Editorial team message from the DVC A A Prof. As strange as it sounds this was on offer education. The two scholars have been on Philip Aduma to the newly elected leaders at a seminar dubbed “Program creation a Faculty Exchange visit to Bluegrass Ms Muchilwa of the Students Organization Of Maseno awareness held at Maseno University Board Community and Technical College (BCTC) Mr. S. Owuor University. Prof. Aduma cautioned the room. This was all made a reality by the between12th August to 24th December 2006 Mr. F. Otieno officials against adopting inappropriate Research Prototype Product Release courtesy of an MOU signed between Maseno Mr. G. Omondi Dr. Othuon interacting with students during one of his classes. behaviour such as incitement, corruption awareness sponsored by Research Program University and BCTC. In implementing the and drunkard traits. Pointing the need to on Sustainable use of dry land Biodiversity collaboration agreement of 2003, between the They also assisted to organize the drive for serve as a good example to those who (RPSUD) . The purpose of the program was two institutions the BCTC faculty visited donation of books by BCTC faculty and elected them, the DVC urged them to to emphasize the need to research on human Maseno University in the summer of 2005 and staff to Maseno University. It is hoped that work together with the University admini food consumption so as to come up with Kisumu City Campus undertook teaching and civic engagement such exchange visits will help to rein in stration which was always at the fore front valued food products amongst communities Maseno University activities with neighbouring communities. The misconceptions that are the basis for unwar- of promoting dialogue. The students were within the lake region. Insects are common New Telephone lines visit by the two dons in the Fall semester 2006 -ranted rising global and regional tensions commended for the maturity and respon foodstuffs consumed by indigenous commuHotel Switch Board:2020508/ was a reciprocation of that visit. In the four that we are witnessing currently in the world. sible behaviour they exemplified during -nities. Termites and mayflies were the 2024155/ 2022833/ 2027780/ months spanning August to December 2006, Meanwhile, some 14 undergraduate students the elections. Prof. Aduma who represen ingredients of food products such as 2021504 Prof. Owuor &, Dr. Othuon had a busy schedule from the department of Ecotourism Hotel and ted the Vice Chancellor was speaking at sausages, meat-loaf, muffins and crackers MITC : of teaching and researching. They were also Memorable Quotes Institution Management have left the country a workshop held in Busia town, dubbed served to the guests at the seminar. guest speakers at the international dialogue series If you are going through hell on a one year exchange visit to American Leadership with a difference. The work 202570 organized by BCTC. They had the privilege of keep going: Winston Churchill Hospitality Academy at the Hilton Head Island, shop is usually organized by Maseno Continued on page 4. being hosted at a number of social & cultural South Carolina USA. University fraternity in ushering the new events arranged by the BCTC Community and elected leaders to office. friends. niversity newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletterMaseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno Univers iversity newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno University newsletter Maseno Universi
As we usher in the New Year, the tenets of vision and mission of Maseno University should be top priority in our daily affairs. Looking back at the year 2006, reflecting on how far we have come the achievements and strides we have accomplished can always be used as a stepping stone in the effort of our mission. It is through this that we can succeed in being an institution of excellence. Owing to the recent expansion of infrastructure and academic facilities, the institution is proud to note its achievement of graduating two cohorts of students, /2001, /2002 respectively. The Varsity Update would like to laud this progress and congratulate the entire Maseno University academic staff on their relentless efforts in preparing these young academicians for the life ahead of them. Most of all we thank the University Vice Chancellor Prof Frederick Onyango and his management team for steering Maseno University in being first among equals in the realms of academic excellence. It is in line of this that, we as a community should learn from the challenges we faced the previous year and embrace the new year with optimism and diligence in all that we purpose to do.
Participant following proceedings At the Indino Veg siminar.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Onyango addressing students during the commissioning of the buses.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Frederick Onyango presided over the commissioning of two new buses. Emphasizing on the development and progress the University had made in the past 5 years, the VC cautioned students to be responsible while using the buses. He urged them to concentrate on academic tours rather than social events. Full of excitement the students through their outgoing SOMU chairman, welcomed the initiative by the University to improve the transport system. He also thanked the Vice Chancellor for all the development projects he had initiated in the University.
View of one of the new buses commissioned by the Vice Chancellor
Emphasizing the need for stakeholders' to contribute more to the project, Prof. Aduma cited the progress Maseno university had made in teaching and promoting African Indigenous Vegetables. Dr. Margarete Parquini from the European Union who was representing the Indigoveg Project coordination, Dr. Einer Young said that the EU was funding the Indigoveg project, adding that they had held three other meetings on Ivs in Benin, Senegal and Uganda and the fifth one would be in South Africa.
Job Creators! Yes
In what can be termed as a classic case of breeding and counseling, Maseno University has embarked on a deliberate policy of engaging some of its graduates in the various departments within the University. A case in point is the engagement of a number of ECOHIM graduates at the Kisumu City Campus Hotel. The engagement of these graduates falls within the University’s Strategic plan of developing Human Resource that can help the institution meet its goals as spelt out in the performance contract signed between Maseno University and the government through the Ministry of Education. In the long run, Maseno University expects to play a significant role in supplementing the government’s effort in creating job opportunities to many youths channeled through the various training institutions and tapping this potential to the wider National development goals as captured in the University’s mission statement.
Maseno Dons Commisioned
New taste in town
Dialogue... The way Forward
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