50 th Graduation Ceremony

ADFINEWSA NEWSLETTER OF THE OFFICE OF DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR

(ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE), UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

www.dvcaf.uonbi.ac.ke

Former President Mwai Kibaki visits the University

Managing Editor : Peter Muturi , Graphics Designer & News Reporter: Peter Oluoch, Photographer : Suki

Pensions AGM

50th Graduation Ceremony

Former President Kibaki Visits UoN

World Aids Day Celebrations

RRI Clossing Ceremony

Searching For Balance : Raila Vs IEBC

Secretary Training Workshop

CSR Visit to the Police Station

National Assembly Speaker visits UoN

EDITORS NOTEI take this opportunity to welcome you to fifth issue of ADFINEWS, a newsletter for theOffice of Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance. The DVC (A&F) is one of thefour deputy Vice Chancellors at the University of Nairobi and is responsible for managingHuman Resources, Finance and assets of the University. To that extent, the office plays a key facilitative role for other units of the University towards the discharge of the Universitymandate.

In recent years, the office of the DVC ( A& F) has been charged with the responsibility ofmanaging and coordinating the University Strategic Plan at the corporate level and also atcolleges and unit levels. The implementation of strategic plans is highly visible through annual performance contracts, which follow the cycle of a financial year.

Other core functions include management of HR function including selection and recruit-ment, deployment of various non-teaching staff cadres and managing staff welfare and benefits. The office is also responsible for the University movable and immovable assets and managing the same through the Estates and Construction and Maintenance departments.

The core docket of Finance, which is also decentralized to colleges (Bursars Offices) also ismanaged here. This is an era of rapid technological changes which impact on our styles and nature of communication. The ICT Center was established some years back to coordinate this function.

Other core units of the office are UHS ( for staff and students medical services), procurement division, transport and garage, Legal office and University Security. The gen-eral coordination is under Registrar, Admin.

We invite comments and feedback on quality of services under these departments so that, in the spirit of the Universitys ISO QMS, we ensure continuous improvement.

Welcome.

Peter M. Muturi,padvcaf@uonbi.ac.ke

The University of Nairobi is celebrated its 50th Graduation and a new Chancellor -Dr. Vijoo Ratansi. This is a happy coincidence with the

countrys celebration of Kenya@50.

The new Chancellor, Dr. Ratansi is among the few local philanthropists who have made contributions in the education sector.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Council Chairman, Dr. Idle Farah congratulated the Class of 2013 and thanked the University

for the successful completion of the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative.

The University Vice- Chancellor Prof. Magoha congratulated the incoming Chancellor as well as the outgoing Chancellor Dr. Joseph

Barage Wanjui.

Prof. Magoha reiterated that the University of Nairobi is of gold standard and added We remain the only government entity to have

achieved Number 1 ranking on the Performance Contract.

As Kenya marks its 50th year since independence, the Vice Chancellor noted that it would not have been possible without the quality

graduates from the University of Nairobi. We have graduates in every sector, he said.

This graduation ceremony was part of the activities and celebrations as Kenya marks its 50th year since independence. Other activities

that the university has participated in, includes hosting the former President, Mwai Kibaki. Prof. Magoha thanked the former President for

introducing autonomy in the public systems.

My successor should be judged on performance, not on the basis of the colour of his or her skin. The number one disease affecting this

country is tribalism. We must rise up and curb this menace, he said. He noted that the University has been sensitized on the constitu-

tion and integrity.

The Chancellor was reminded that she was joining a successful organization. The University Pension Scheme has over Kshs. 10 Billion;

the University is constructing a 22 story building, Pharmacy School Complex and research funds is in excess of Kshs. 3.5 Billion.

Recognizing the hard work that the staff has done and ensured that we are now graduating close to 100 PhDs, the University Vice

Chancellor urged the government through the Salaries and Remuneration Commission to increase the salaries for the staff and to boost

their morale.

Dr. Vijoo Ransi, the new Chancellor, on her part challenged the leading university in the country to lead from the front and take the

learning beyond the mortar and brick walls. He challenged the University to take advantage of technology and expand education through

the use of technology. It is only through this that the fountain of knowledge will stand tall forever, she said.

50TH GRADUATION CEREMONY

FORMER PRESIDENT KIBAKI GIVES A LECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY

It was a historic moment when the University of Nairobi hosted Former President Mwai Kibaki on December 2nd as part of activities to

mark the Jubilee Year themed Kenya at 50.

There is nobody else who was in a better place to tell it all like the Former President, H. E. Mwai Kibaki who was there from the begin-

ning until now. He has seen Kenya through the formative stages to where we are today.

Welcoming the former President, University Vice Chancellor Prof. Magoha said that he owe his current position the former head of state

who decided that is was time for the position of the Vice Chancellor at the Universities to be a competitive. Prof. Magoha emerged the

winner of the competitive process and he has since led the University for 9 years. Its a coincidence that as Kenya celebrates its 50th

birthday, the University will be celebrating as well its 50th Graduation. The Vice-Chancellor was proud that half the cabinet in the current

regime are all Alumni of this great University.

There shall be no Kenya without the University of Nairobi, said the Vice-Chancellor. The University don was very grateful to the former

head of state who gave the freedom to run the university without interference. I never received a telephone call from State House,

Said Prof. Magoha.

In his welcome address, the University Vice-Chancellor gave an elaborate life history of the Former president.

In giving tribute to the former president, the University Vice-Chancellor noted that its during the reign of that the country ushered in

reforms, education and development and more so performance contracting. Performance Contracting has since become a way of life at

the University. Vice Chancellor added that currently we have over 22 Universities and 10 of those universities have their Vice Chancel-

lors being former staffs from this university and hence we are the mother of all Universities.

Giving his speech, the former head of state noted its time to take stock of the road we have travelled. Its time to ponder on the future

of our country. It is time to ponder on the 5 decades of hard work and development. Its time to aim for a bigger and better Kenya.

We must know where we have come from and where we are going, said the former head of state. His speech was coloured with historic

moments that Kenya has experienced in the last 50 years from the agitation for independence, to the attainment of independence, to the

formation of the bicameral parliament, to the abolition of the county governments, to the introduction of free primary education, to the

eventually promulgation of the new constitution among others.

Dr. Wario, the cabinet secretary for Culture pointed out that the celebrations marking the 50th birthday would be a perfect time to reflect

on how we face the future in solidarity. On his part the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Finance thanked the former president

for refreshing the fountain of knowledge. He said that the speech by the former head of state will catalyze intellectual discourse and

hence the university was most grateful to host the him.

The University of Nairobi community comprising of students, staff and the alumni marked the Worlds Aids Day at the Upper Kabete

Campus with pomp and colour. Dr. Ochiel who is the Head of University Health Services, noted that the aim of this years event is

Getting to Zero, Zero Stigma, zero infection and zero deaths, to reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence to zero. He noted that the HIV/AIDS

prevalence is at 0.5% at the University and that they have put measures in place to reduce it to zero level.

It was clear that the University Health Services staff have put measures in place that will drive the University community towards

getting to zero by offering voluntary counseling and testing, screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer, alcohol and drug abuse

rehabilitation services.

The Principal of College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Mwangombe on her part observed that HIV/AIDS has affected

households, is a threat to food production and has further affected school enrollment. She noted that this global event was first

commemorated in 1988 and it gives an opportunity to learn the facts about HIV. She reiterated that the University has put HIV/AIDS

policy in place and support systems in every college and in the entire University.

University Vice Chancellor Prof. Magoha said that December 1st is the day to remember those who have lost the battle against AIDS and

those struggling with the stigma. He observed that the HIV continues to undermine our development efforts. It has affected the most

vulnerable and the most active members of the society, he added. He said that the University has put in place HIV/AIDS sensitization,

HIV testing and counseling, ARV provision, voluntary male circumcision, condom education and distribution among others.

Mr. Mike Mutungi, The Chief Guest of the day reiterated that the gold standard status of the University of Nairobi. When they decided on

a University where they can host I Choose Life, they decided to pick on the University of Nairobi. Today, the ICL Initiative have tested

over 30,000 students and have shared HIV/AIDS message to over 250,000 students in the last 10 years that they have been in

operation.

Though HIV prevalence is dropping, the bad news is: The youthful generation is the most vulnerable. The more educated you are, the

more vulnerable you are, he noted. The married couples are at high risk. As the leading university in the country, he challenged the

University community to show leadership by getting tested, get screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer and move towards zero

prevalence. There were lots of entertainment as several local musician were in to perform, among them; Wyre, Eko Dydda, Sarakasi

Dancers among others.

THE UNIVERSITY MARKS WORLDS AIDS DAY

The ceremony to mark the end of the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative program begun with a procession from Central Catering Unit to

Taifa Hall at the University of Nairobi Main Campus, despite the weather conditions.

The function brought to a close a set of activities under the RRI initiative, which was launched on August 12th with CIC Chairman Mr.

Charles Nyachae as the chief guest. Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Results Leader, Prof. Peter Mbithi, noted that the

management choose the RRI program to deliver results, energize the university to constitutionalism adherence and, to ensure that

integrity become a way of life. Prof. Mbithi noted that we have held many activities during the sensitization program key among them

being;

management sensitization by the resource persons, integrity champions training, blood donations during the Westgate tragedy,

sports activities, medical clinics, corporate social responsibility and free legal aid among others.

Among the exciting outcomes from the RRI program was a book documenting the process journey and a video documentary. Prof. Mbithi

who also doubles up as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance noted that the RRI committee has discharged its

mandate and that they have reached their targets and surpassed.

Dr. Betty Gikonyo who is the Alumni Chair, shared with the audience gathered who consisted mainly of the staff, students and members

of the public that the RRI began as an idea by the Alumni and it has grown beyond their wildest dreams. The program has managed to

touch every part of the government from the Judiciary (Dr. Willy Mutunga) to the Executive ( Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru was

invited) to the Parliament ( Speaker Justin Muturi and Ekwe Ethuro were invited) among other sectors.

The University Vice Chancellor Prof. Magoha noted that the program has been a success. He took the opportunity to thank the govern-

ment for giving Kenyans the freedom to think and argue. He noted that it was important to sensitize the people on the constitution. This

will give them a chance to defend the constitution as others are planning on mutilating it.

He praised the University for being the best in the country over the last 4 years. He assured the chief guest, Mr. Mumo Matemu that over

the last 9 years; the University has been complaint with the constitution. He urged the staff to be diligent in their duties. If you are

given a duty to do, please finish the duty in time. It will help propel the constitution forward. Time is the only that that you cant save,

he said.

Mr. Mumo Matemu, the chief guest during the closure of the RRI program congratulated the University for having distinguished itself as

one of the most efficient institution in meeting its performance targets. He said the Kenyans gave themselves a new constitution as a

result to reform the public sector and to rekindle the confidence in the public institutions. He noted that the EACC will do its best to help

the university achieve its goals of ensuring that integrity becomes a way of life.

RRI PROGRAM CLOSING CEREMONY

SEARCHING FOR BALANCE: SYMPOSIUM ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON RAILA VS THE IEBC

Its been two days of discussions and deliberations on the Supreme Court decision on the Presidential election that was held in March 4th

2013.

This was one of the activities slated under the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative that was officially launched on 12th August 2013 in Taifa

Hall with the chief guest being Constitution Implementation Commission Chairman Mr. Charles Nyachae.

Dean School of Law, Prof Kamore Mbote who was the chief facilitator during the event noted that many individuals from this University

contributed to the birthing of the Constitution and hence as the university, we shall refuse to be accused of remaining silent on national

issues. She posed a number of questions for the academia, lawyers, linguists and those in attendance to think about among them are:

Will the academia resort to street wisdom or chat a clear path? How can we strengthen the nascent institutions? How did technology

play its role in the electioneering period? What was the role of the media? What was the role of the courts and finally, what was the role

of language? What lessons could we learn from other African countries?

She noted that the overall outcome of the symposium will be a book both in print and electronic form.

Prof. Peter Mbithi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance noted that the University had taken it upon herself to implement

the constitution and it has been successful so far. He noted that several activities had taken place among them; training of Constitutional

Champions, sensitization of the University Management, sports tournaments, medical clinics, Corporate Social Responsibility visits, tree

planting and blood donation. The speech by the RRI Results leader was read in his absentia by Prof. Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice-

Chancellor, Student Affairs.

The University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Magoha, noted that as a University, we had started implementing the constitution even before it

came to be. Positions of leadership have been competitive since the year 2004. He further challenged CIC Chairman Mr. Charles Nyachae

to defend the Constitution with his blood if need be, because as a nation, we are not prepared to be subjected to the withdrawal of that

freedom. He hoped that by the end of the symposium, Kenyans shall get out of their tribal box. He concluded his remarks by thanking

the sponsors, The Ford Foundation, Kenya School of Law and CIC.

The Ford representative, Mr. Maurice Makoloo, was delighted to hear that another book will emerge out of the symposium. He shared

with the audience some of the lessons they have learnt as a Foundation, among them; arriving at the Constitution takes a long time,

democracy must be watered and tendered and finally we must build collaboration between government and the academia. CIC Chairman

Mr. Charles Nyachae was delighted that the University was the first public institution and an institution of higher learning to define its

role in implementing the Constitution and he was hopeful that we would export the lessons to other public institutions and hopefully they

will play their rightful role in implementing the Constitution. The following topics were discussed during the two day symposium (18-19th

November, 2013). The topics being ; Administration of the 2013 Elections, the role of the executive, Parliament and political parties, the

role of the civil society, the vitality of the presidential elections, the role of the Judiciary, International perspective( Experience from

Ghana), the role of the media, the role of technology and finally the role of the language.

The topics generated lively debate with opinions flowing freely. The presenters and session discussants were picked from among

University of Nairobi Scholars with a good mix from the legal and other professions.

As one of the activities under the 100 Days Rapid Results Initiative, the University of Nairobi community was engaged in Corporate Social

Responsibility ( CSR) with one of her neighbours, the Central Police Station. Unlike other times when you go to the Police Station when

in problems, today was one of those days when you can just relax inside a Police Station. These were the words of Mr. Njuguna Benard

of Board of Post Graduate Studies, BPS, who was the Master of Ceremony.

Spearheading this great event was none other than the Principal, College of Architecture and Engineering, Prof. Bernard Njoroge.

Speaking during the event, Central Police Station, OCPD, SSP, Patrick Oduma, was very grateful that the University has shown such a

great gesture. According to him, such works can only be done by either the Government or an NGO and its humbling to see the univer-

sity take up such challenging roles like installing a permanent water supply for the police force and participating in the cleaning up

exercise and to add an icing to the cake; painting some of the buildings.

This is a surprise. People dont believe that the university and the police can meet together. I am happy you are good neighbours. After

installing water source, I am happy my officers will not suffer from lack of water, said the joyful Senior Superintendent of Police.

OCPD Oduma, challenged the CAE Principal Prof. Njoroge that together they could form community policing and even go further and

erect a building at Central Police Post to house the officers using his engineering skills.

On his part, Prof. Njoroge informed the audience who comprised mainly the police officers and members of the university community

that this was part of the activities slated under the 100 days RRI Initiative. Part of the exercise according to him involves treating our

neighbours well and the first neighbor is indeed Central Police Station. They have therefore taken it up to provide the police officers with

clean drinking water and painting of the building.

Security is an issue to all of us and this is part of the service to the people and knowing your neighbor. I challenge other universities to

do the same, he said. Also present during the event were Chief Security Officer Mr. Wahome and Dean, School of Engineering, Dean

school of Build Environment, Chairmen of the Departments and staff from the college.

UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY OFFERS CSR TO CENTRAL POLICE STATION

In a line with the University of Nairobi Corporate Strategy, the University management found it necessary to impart the much needed

skills into one of their very important cadre of staff: The secretaries. The theme for the training was: Illuminating the real manager

behind the boss.

Launching the 3 days training at the Central Catering Unit, CCU, on Tuesday 12th November 2013, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Adminis-

tration and Finance, Prof. Mbithi said that the training was timely as the university repositions itself to remain the leader of excellence.

The role of the modern secretary has changed following the office automation. The modern secretary is required to have more skills so

as to carry out their functions with ease. They are required to develop a positive attitude. As the core person, a secretary is required to

train new staff, their new bosses included, he said.

Among the various functions that the secretary is expected to perform are: coordinating office activities, managing office clients and in

this case students, handling critical duties in the organization and maintaining proper filing system, managing information and indexing

of files.

Even as the world is getting technologically savvy and virtually everything is being automated, Prof. Mbithi pointed out that secretarial

duties cannot be automated. Case in point, when hell breaks loose, as a secretary, one is expected to maintain her calmness. That

calmness cannot be automated. Among other qualities that cannot be automated are the communication skills, the corporate philosophy

among others.

To be highly effective in performing their duties, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance advised the secretaries to work

with pleasure. He said that pleasure in the job, puts perfection in the job. Always aspire to enjoy your work to the fullest, he said.

In his concluding remarks, the DVC (A&F) hoped that the training would be of benefit to the secretaries. He is looking forward to a team

of people who are more diligent to serve the university. Mr. Kinuthia Njoroge from Blanes College, one of the facilitators of the event, on

his part thanked the University for giving the college a chance to use their wealth of knowledge. He pointed out the importance of

teamwork as no single individual can achieve success as a lone ranger. Dr. Alenga, on his part told the secretaries to avoid competition.

Competition, he pointed out is not good for anybody. He compared the secretary who has accomplished her job well to an athlete, a

world record holder. Such an individual can only compete with herself. We are indeed, required to compete against our potential.

Competing against one another is setting the bar too low, he said.

SECRETARIES TRAINING: THE PILLAR BEHIND THE BOSS

WE MUST CARRY ON, SAYS ASSEMBLY SPEAKER HON. MUTURIDespite the numerous challenges that have beguiled us we must soldier on and accomplish our mandate. So assuring were the words of

the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Justin Muturi when he rose to speak to the staff, students and the entire community of the

University of Nairobi. This is an abridged version of Hon. Justin Muturi Speech

Its nostalgic to be back home. Its indeed very nostalgic to be back after 32 years, said Speaker Muturi as he began his speech.

We all know where the story of the constitutional making process began. It was started by the repeal of section 2a of the old

constitution way back in 1991. The politicians, the civil society and the clergy risked being detained. The repeal of section 2a however

didnt mean a new constitution was in place.

They began a greater agitation led by the religious society, the politicians and the civil society. Virtually all sectors began agitating for

good governance structures and freedoms for every single citizen. In 1997, the IPPG (Inter Parties Parliamentary Group) clamour

started and many sectors began having hope. The era of one party state, KANU was coming to an end.

As the National Organizing Secretary of Kanu, we formed the first Parliamentary reviews in 1999/2000 headed by Yash Pal Ghai who

collected views from Kenyans. Soon after, the party in government dissolved Parliament. Fortunately for Kenya, The National Rainbow

Coalition sent KANU into oblivion. The NARC government promised to deliver the constitution within the first 100 days and this was not

to be. They didnt deliver on this promise.

In 2003/2004 came the Wako Draft which was subjected to the 2005 referendum. The needs and the desire of Kenyans were pushed a

notch higher after the constitution was rejected by majority of Kenyans. In 2008, Kenyans paid dearly for the lack of proper constitu-

tional reforms, we however managed to survive after the Peace Accord. In all stages, Parliament played a key role in facilitating the

debates and we delivered the constitution in 2010. Chapter 8 of the Constitution establishes Parliament which is composed of the

National Assembly and the Senate. It states that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya exercised through the constitution

or through representatives who are democratically elected.

Parliament enacted pieces of the legislation to enact the constitution. The CIC kept Parliament on its toes to ensure that the constitution

is implemented in letter and spirit. As the 11th Parliament our task is to implement the constitution. A lot of devolution laws havent

been tested before. We may pass laws that appear un-implementable and hence we call upon the academia to correct us when we err.

Devolution is not a gift from anybody; its been the effort of many Kenyans agitating for constitutional reforms and hence changing it

may call for a referendum.

As Parliament, we are required to make laws and implement, not question. This is to ensure equitable growth in our country. Prof. Okoth

Okombo has always been available on Parliamentary committees when called upon and I take this opportunity to thank you most

sincerely. We constantly consult on the academia.

In performing our functions, we have been faced with plethora of challenges of bicameralism. Despite the fair share of issues brought

about by bicameralism, we are determined to deliver on our mandate. Among the challenges we face is the implementation of gender

equality. Its been a challenge both to the Judiciary, the Executive who are supposed to give us direction. We have also seen conflicts in

the Police Force, the Lands Sector among others. Despite the obstacles, we need to carry on! We cannot and we must not be slaves of

the past, lets read the constitution. It has different ways of doing things. In his concluding remarks, the Speaker of the National Assem-

bly, Hon. Justin Muturi urged the University staff, students and the Alumni to lead the way in governing themselves with knowledge.

It was with pleasure and gratitude that the Chairman of Board of Trustees welcomed the members to the Annual General Meeting that

was held on 7th December 2013 at the 8-4-4 Building.

On his opening remarks he elaborated how the Board of Trustees conducted members education in all the campuses between the month

of June and July, during which the members were updated on the affairs of the scheme and they also had the opportunity to learn more

on personal financial management and how to continuously plan for retirement.

Further to this, Prof. Mbithi briefed the members that the Board of Trustees also organized a planning for retirement seminar on 12th and

13th September, 2013 for members with seven years or less to retire. However, the turnout by members of the teaching staff was

demoralizing and the management has decided to change the strategy and that is organizing a separate training for members of the

teaching staff by early next year.

Prof. Mbithi who also doubles up as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance also pointed out that the planning for

retirement seminars are always informative and interesting with topics presented being: Attitude to change, Legal aspects of retirement

planning, Managing Lifestyle illnesses in retirement, Sensitization of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Stress Management, Planning for

financial freedom in Retirement, Psychological and physical changes in retirement.

The Chairman assured members that the Pension Scheme funds are prudently managed and invested so as to maximize returns for the

benefit of members. This year, the scheme registered an impressive growth in its fund. The fund value stood at Kshs. 9,681,366,927.11

as at June 2013.

It was music to the ears of the Pension Scheme members that the rate of return declared by the Trustees and credited to the members

accounts for the period 1st July 2012 to June 2013 was 23%. This was mainly to the prudent procedures employed by the Trustees in

investing the scheme funds coupled with coupled with strategic aggressive reduction of costs of running the scheme in addition to the

favourable investment environment.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Mbithi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the members for their co-operation and their frequent

contributions and suggestions to improve the Pension Scheme. He took it upon himself to wish the members a Merry Christmas and a

Prosperous New Year 2014.

BOG CHAIRMAN PRESIDES OVER PENSION SCHEME 2007 AGM

BOG CHAIRMAN PRESIDES OVER PENSION SCHEME 2007 AGM

BOG CHAIRMAN PRESIDES OVER PENSION SCHEME 2007 AGM

SECRETARIES TRAINING : GROUP PHOTO SEARCHING FOR BALANCE : RAILA VS IIEBC

HON. MUTURI GIVING A LECTURE TO THE UNIVERISITY STAFF AND STUDENTS

FORMER PRESIDENT MWAI KIBAKI WHEN HE VISITED THE UNIVERSITY

RRI CLOSING CEREMONY AND LAUNCHING OF A BOOKCSR : UNIVERSITY INSTALLS WATER FOR CENTRAL POLICE STATION

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