Q: How does the University define community service?
A: KU defines community service as actions designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income residents. Fields that typically meet this definition are: health care; mentoring; literacy training; welfare; social services; neighborhood improvement; public safety; crime prevention and control; recreation; rural development; conservation; reforestation; and community improvement.

Q: Why would I want to be a part of the Community Service program?
A: As a service program, it is mutually beneficial to staff, students and the community. Students receive valuable experience and service to humanity exemplifies how Christ served and is a blessing.

Q: What is Outreach and Extension?
A: Outreach and extension is defined as meaningful continuation and mutually beneficial collaborations with partners in all the areas of expertise involving research that:
•    Makes what we discover useful beyond the academic community.
•    Teaching that enables learning beyond the campus walls.
•    Service that directly benefits the public by addressing societal issues.

Q: How do I know if I am doing outreach work?
A: If you are involving your teaching, learning and research to engage with the nonacademic community in mutually beneficial activities, you are in a big way participating in outreach work.
Q: How does the individual faculty/staff member benefit from community outreach?
•    Enriched teaching/learning
•    Increased student motivation
•    Meaningful interactions with the community
•    Seeing that your research, teaching, or service have an impact in the real world
•    A better understanding of the direct consequences of their teaching and research for society
•    Goodwill generated by many outreach and extension projects
•    Financial support for research or teaching
Q: How do students benefit from outreach and engagement?
Student benefits include:
•    The opportunity to link theory to practice and apply learning in community contexts
•    Access to research, new knowledge, internships, and various kinds of off-campus learning opportunities
•    An enhanced sense of civic responsibility
•    Personal, interpersonal, and leadership development
•    An appreciation for diversity
•    Deeper understanding of subject fields and problem-solving ability
•    Practical opportunities to prepare for the world and careers they will enter
Q: How are we encouraging outreach and extension at Kenyatta University?
•    Supporting University wide outreach activities in all campuses
•    Developing leadership and structure right from the individual to the entire University
•    Making current activities more visible and current outreach and extension initiatives research driven
•    Encouraging, nurturing, and recognizing effective university-community partnerships through communication, education, funding, and awards
•    Acknowledging participation in Outreach activities through letters of appreciation and certificates of participation.
Q: How are students recruited?
A: Once you have entered into a formal agreement with the Directorate, Department, School or club by filling in the Student’s Community Service Application form and having it approved, you should be able to be recruited.

Q: Are certificates awarded?
A: Yes depending on the Programme or Training.

Q: Who can I contact with questions about the Community Service Program?
A: Please contact the Director, Community Outreach and Extension Programmes.