At KeMU, we are not just opening doors to classrooms, but also to a world of opportunities that will shape their character, ignite their potential, and convert them into caring leaders of the future. Our vision is to produce the next generation of professionals and transformational leaders; empowering these young minds holistically so that they leave not only with degrees, but also with purpose and passion.

As they navigate this new and unfamiliar chapter of their lives, we want each student to feel supported. At KeMU, they will find more than simply education; they will find community, mentorship, and the opportunity to pursue their interests. Here’s to a path full of learning, discovery, and fulfilment. Welcome to KeMU, the future is here!

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No journey was too long, no hour too late. Mr. Gitonga鈥檚 dedication to duty knew no bounds, when duty called, it was an hour to serve, often pushing through challenging circumstances to fulfill his responsibilities. If his driving hours were scientifically quantified, they would rival a journey to the moon and back! 鈥攁 testament to his unwavering dedication.

Colleagues fondly refer to him as 鈥淜athee,鈥� a sobriquet that speaks to his humble yet impactful nature. Reflecting on his mentorship, one colleague remarked, 鈥淜athee helped me adapt to this profession in my early days. I owe my experience to the guidance he offered during my junior years.鈥�

The KeMU community gathered at the Nairobi Campus Chapel to celebrate his legacy, with the event graced by the Vice Chancellor Revd. Prof. John Kobia Ataya. A cake-cutting ceremony was held in honor of his outstanding service, marking nearly two decades of unwavering dedication.

鈥淚 will remember the many transformative missions with the Christian Fellowship where I witnessed our students change lives, I will miss the excitement of sports tournaments where I saw our students shine, and the relentless marketing outreach activities that took the name of our university to the farthest corners of our country,鈥� Mr. Gitonga shared during a telephone conversation.

As he now proceeds to his well-deserved terminal leave, we thank Mr. Gitonga for the profound impact he has made on the KeMU family. His service, mentorship, and passion will forever be valued and remembered.

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The forum commenced with an opening devotion led by Chaplain Rev. Dr. Justus Karani, who reiterated KeMU鈥檚 commitment as a Christian institution to transforming students holistically, both academically and spiritually.

In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Kobia Ataya welcomed the neighbors and landlords as essential partners in the university鈥檚 mission. He invited them to forge close working relationships with KeMU as friends of the university, emphasizing the importance of students鈥� discipline and good behavior in the community. He encouraged landlords to ensure they provide accommodation that meet acceptable living standards to students by ensuring routine maintenance of the houses, creating a conducive living environment for students. The Vice Chancellor also urged neighbors and landlords to collaborate with security stakeholders to address any security threats within the neighborhoods surrounding the university. He thanked everyone for their continued support to the university and called for continued collaboration.

Key Topics of Discussion

The engagement revolved around several critical areas, all geared towards improving the quality of life for students in the surrounding communities:

1. Safety and Health

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students was a central theme. The need for landlords and neighbors to provide secure living conditions and maintain the health standards required for off-campus student residences.

In his presentation, the DVC, APF, Dr. Eliab Some, further emphasized the need for landlords to prioritize health and safety in their properties, ensuring the living conditions promote both the well-being and occupational safety of students.

2. Student Mentorship

Landlords were encouraged to take on a more involved role as mentors to students, acting as parental figures to the students living in their properties.

Rev. Dr. Mary Kinoti, DVC ASA, echoed these sentiments, thanking landlords for creating homes away from for the students. She encouraged them to mentor the students as they would their own children, fostering personal growth and responsibility.

3. Promoting the Nyumba Kumi Initiative

Through collaboration, landlords and neighbors are encouraged to join forces in fighting insecurity, drug-peddling issues, and other vices, ensuring a peaceful and supportive environment for students.

The Registrar, Administration, Planning, and Development (APD), Dr. Stephen Mutunga urged landlords and neighbors to leverage the Nyumba Kumi initiative for improved security. He emphasized collaboration in sharing information to address issues like insecurity and other concerns affecting the safety of students.

4. Providing a conducive academic home environment

Ensuring that off-campus residences meet acceptable standards was another key discussion point. Landlords were urged to celebrate their role as part of the larger KeMU community by providing well-maintained, comfortable, and safe homes that meet the needs of students.

Furthering the discussions, the Registrar, Academic and Student Affairs (AA), Dr. Lucy Ikiara shared feedback from parents, emphasizing the need for landlords to meet the diverse housing needs of students, including fully furnished apartments. She highlighted the importance of creating a welcoming environment that satisfies both students and their families.

5. Good Parenting (Student Behavior and Mental Health)

I鈥檓 the spirit of good neighborliness, the forum called for closer cooperation between landlords and the students welfare department. Emphasizing the need to monitor students mental health issues, Rev. Dr. Ken Gitiye, the university Counselor, added the importance of working closely with the university鈥檚 Student Welfare Department to ensure students鈥� mental health is monitored. He urged landlords to alert the university if any students show signs of distress or behavior outside the norm.

6. Creating Student Job Opportunities

The discussions also touched on creating job opportunities for students during their free time to help keep them engaged and productive. This initiative was seen as a way of celebrating the community鈥檚 commitment to student growth and well-being, offering practical solutions to prevent idleness.

During the interactive question-and-answer session, students, landlords, and neighbors engaged in productive conversations about how to create more opportunities for students while promoting a harmonious neighborhood for all.

The student leaders urged the neighbors to regard them as their own children. This open dialogue underscored the shared commitment to student success and community well-being.

As Mr. Terah Mugambi, Chairman of the Landlords Forum, noted, the collective effort to maintain a strong partnership between the university, students, landlords, and neighbors is vital to ensuring a safe and supportive environment. He called on everyone to uphold the university鈥檚 values and continue being good ambassadors of KeMU to the wider community.

The forum concluded with a vote of thanks and closing remarks from the Director of Corporate Communication, Marketing and Alumni Coordination, Dr. Rosemary Kirambia, who expressed gratitude to all participants for their time, patience, and dedication to student welfare. She encouraged everyone to become ambassadors for the university, spreading positive messages about KeMU within the broader community.

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