About the Programme
The move from secondary school to university can be difficult for many students. The Kenyatta University Mentoring Programme was set up in 2006 as a support system for young students making that transition. It connects them with caring, consistent mentors who help them settle into university life and make informed academic, social and career decisions early on.
A mentor is a more experienced person who builds a relationship with a mentee, offering guidance, support and encouragement over time. Mentoring has been shown to strengthen emotional and behavioural resilience, academic performance, career progress and productivity. By connecting students to mentors, Kenyatta University helps young people achieve their dreams and strengthens communities, the economy and the country at large.
The programme rolled out on 21st June 2006, initially targeting all newly admitted first-year students, when 87 staff volunteers were trained in mentorship skills. It now serves students in all years of study, and is part of the Directorate for Career Development & Mentoring Programmes.
2006Programme launched
300+Staff mentors trained each year
20,000+Students mentored
705Peer mentors trained
The programme is guided by two policies: the Staff Mentors Policy, Code of Conduct and Ethics, and the Students to Students Nurture and Mentorship Policy, Code of Conduct and Ethics, supported by the Guidelines for Staff Mentors manual.
Vision, Mission & Values
Vision
To be the best provider of mentoring support to all present and future Kenyatta University community and through this to humanity the world over.
Mission
To provide social, academic, emotional, moral and career support to Kenyatta University students to ensure success here and in the world of work.
Identity statement: Kenyatta University Mentoring Programmes comprises staff and students working together in harmony to promote the best societal values and practices for a better future.
Core Values
Care
Approachability
Confidentiality
Excellence
Teamwork
Honesty & Integrity
Respect for Diversity
Timeliness
Programme Objectives
- To assist students to successfully transition from secondary school education to the university and beyond.
- To provide a continuous source of information and guidance for students from mature and experienced mentors.
- To guide Kenyatta University students to become greater and more successful during their university life and after.
- To encourage self-discipline, social integration, personal growth and academic development through cooperative partnership between mentors and mentees.
- To inculcate life and leadership skills in line with the University core value of service to humanity.
- To enhance social and economic opportunities among students by connecting them with staff and successful mentors in industry.
Modes of Mentorship
The Mentoring Programme runs in five modes:
Staff to Student MentorshipEvery student, in any discipline and year of study, can be paired with a member of academic staff or a senior administrator.
Student to Student Nurture & MentorshipTrained senior students act as peer mentors to fellow students.
Countrywide Mentoring VisitsMentorship visits to secondary schools, middle-level colleges and out-of-school youth across Kenya.
Industry MentorsConnecting students to successful mentors in industry to widen social and economic opportunities.
Staff to Students Mentorship
Launched in June 2006, this programme assigns staff mentors to students in all disciplines and years of study. Mentors are full-time academic staff and senior university administrators. They support students in every area of life so they can make informed decisions about their studies, social life and careers.
Mentors share their own experiences and work one-to-one with mentees on academic, career, social and personal goals. A mentoring policy and code of conduct guide the process, and all staff mentors attend regular capacity-building seminars. The programme has had over 300 staff mentors looking after more than 4,000 mentees at a time.
Students to Students Nurture and Mentorship Programme
Launched by the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olive Mugenda, on 14th November 2009, this programme adds peer mentorship to the existing staff mentorship. Second- and third-year students are recruited and trained as peer mentors for other students.
The Directorate runs capacity-building seminars and team-building retreats for student mentors, who receive a certificate at the end of their studies. A separate Policy and Code of Conduct and Ethics applies to student mentors.
Countrywide Mentorship Visits to Secondary Schools
The mentoring team visits secondary schools, middle-level colleges and youth who are out of school to mentor prospective higher-education students. Talks cover careers, the importance of higher education, Kenyatta University programmes and admission criteria, and the services available to support students. This reflects the University’s philosophy of responding to society’s needs and the right of every person to knowledge. The team also holds mentorship talks at KU’s satellite campuses.
Certificate in Leadership Development & Mentorship
Growing Leaders Programme
Leadership development and mentorship equips young people with communication, decision-making, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and teaches them to value diverse views. The programme was officially launched on 5th March 2011 by Mr. Mugo Kibati, then Director General of Kenya Vision 2030. It began with 200 exemplary students from all schools; in October 2014 the Vice-Chancellor opened it to all finalist students.
Delivery combines coursework with planned formal and informal opportunities to practise leadership with peers, through a regular, coordinated training process that leads to certification.
GoalTo develop transformative leaders from among graduating Kenyatta University students, in line with the University’s vision and mission.
VisionTo be innovative in producing transformational leaders among all graduating students of Kenyatta University.
MissionTo create a critical mass of young leaders who will inspire positive change and offer new ways of addressing the social, economic and political challenges facing the nation.
Programme Objectives
- Inculcate good leadership and management skills, values and competences among outgoing Kenyatta University graduates, as envisioned in Kenya Vision 2030.
- Give graduands the chance to explore and stretch their leadership skills beyond academic work.
- Increase the employability of Kenyatta University graduates.
Staff Mentors
Staff mentors are drawn from every school and campus. Select a school to see its mentors. To be paired with a mentor, register with the Mentoring Office.
List of staff mentors as last published on the Mentoring Programme website.
Directorates & Administration9 mentors
- Dr. Philomena Ndambuki
Director, Mentoring Programme
- Prof. Elishiba Kimani
Associate Dean, Graduate School
- Dr. Dinah W. Tumuti
Director, Community Outreach
- Dr. Edwin Gimode
Director of Student Affairs
- Mr. Thairoh, Wilfred N.
Student Welfare
- Dr. Ashira C. Osundwa
Health Unit
- Ms. Mercy M. Mwaniki
Mentoring Programme
- Mr. Kiambuthi Kenneth N.
Career Development
- Mr. Maraigua John W.
KU-RCD
School of Agriculture7 mentors
- Dr. Danga Benjamin
Agriculture Reso. Magnt
- Dr. Isaac M. Osuga
Agriculture Reso Magnt
- Dr. Mukiri Wa Githendu
Agriculture Sci & Tech.
- Dr. Duncan Thungu K.
Agriculture Sci & Tech.
- Dr. Mugwe Jayne Njeri
Agriculture Reso Magnt
- Dr. Kahuthia Ruth Gathu
Agriculture Sci & Tech.
- Dr. Purity Nguhiu
Agriculture Reso Magnt
School of Applied Human Sciences18 mentors
- Dr. Muigai David
Physical and Health Education
- Ms. Isika Kaindi Juliet
Fashion Design and Marketing
- Prof. Judith Kimiywe
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
- Dr. Nyamota Winfreda
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
- Dr. Dorcas Mbithe
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
- Mr. Ogwayo Isaac
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
- Dr. Chege Peter Maina
Food, Nutrition and Dietetics
- Dr. Kuria Elizabeth Nafula
Food Nutrition and Dietetics
- Mrs. Ogada Irene Awuor
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
- Mrs. Juliana N. Kiio
Food, Nutrition & Dietetics
- Mr. Onyango Walter
Sports & Games
- Mrs. Peninnah Wahome
Sports & Games
- Dr. Jane Wanjiku Kamau
Sports & Games
- Dr. Kathuri-Ogola Lucy N.
Community Resource Magnt
- Dr. Lucy Ngige
Community Resource Magnt
- Dr. Kabaria-Muriithi Joan
Community Resource Magnt
- Dr. Ndayala Phoebe Didi
Community Resource Magnt
- Dr. Kieru Jane Njeri
Community Resource Magnt
School of Business19 mentors
- Mrs. Genga Phelgonah A.
Business Admin
- Dr. Ofafa Mary Gorretty
Business Admin
- Mrs. Nderi Caroline Wangari
Business Admin
- Dr. Gakobo Joyce Muthoni
Business Admin
- Mr. Nzulwa Robert
Business Admin
- Dr. Bula Hannah O.
Business Admin
- Mr. Eliud Obere
Business Admin
- Mrs. Rosemarie Wanyoike
Business Admin
- Mrs. Patricia Kungu
Business Admin
- Mrs. Esther Gitonga
Business Admin
- Mrs. Njoka Charity
Accounting and Finance
- Dr. Ambrose Jagongo
Accounting and Finance
- Ms. Gladys Kim Utai
Management Science
- Ms. Peris Chege
Management Science
- Dr. Lucy Kamau
Management Science
- Mr. Joshua Tumuti
Management Science
- Mr. Josphat Kyalo
Management Science
- Mr. Caleb Kirui
Management Science
- Dr. Rosemary James
Management Science
School of Economics7 mentors
- Dr. Paul Gachanja
Economic Theory
- Dr. Onono Perez A.
Applied Economics
- Mr. Njuru Stephen Gitahi
Econometrics & Statistics
- Dr. Muthoga Samuel Karagu
Economics Theory
- Ms. Aflonia Mbuthia
Econometrics & Statistics
- Mr. Jacob Wanyonyi Nato
Econometrics & Statistics
- Dr. Steve Makori
Applied Econ
School of Education49 mentors
- Dr. Mary Nasibi
Comm-Tech
- Mr. Lordvicus Olango
Comm-Tech
- Mrs. Njoka Doris Kangai
Comm Tech
- Ms. Murila Beatrice Nelima
Comm Tech
- Mr. Mulwa Harrison Munyao
Comm Tech
- Prof. Kimemia John Njenga
Comm-Tech
- Mr. Waititu M. Michael
Comm-Tech
- Dr. Khakasa Miheso-O’Connor
Comm-Tech
- Ms. Miima A. Florence
Comm-Tech
- Ms. Amunga Hellen A.
Comm-Tech
- Dr. Mugo Bernard Chomba
Comm Tech
- Prof. Gathumbi Agnes
Comm Tech
- Dr. George Onyango
Educ Mgt &Curri Dvp
- Mrs. Katam Elizabeth (Ruiru)
Educ Mgt. & Curri Dvp
- Ms. Muthima Purity Watetu
Educ Mgt. & Curri Dvp
- Dr. Gabriel Madanji
Educ Mgt. & Curri Dvp
- Dr. Jackline K.A Nyerere
Educ Mgt. & Curri Dvp
- Dr. Begi Nyakwara
Early Childhood Educ
- Dr. Rachel Kangethe
Early Childhood Educ
- Dr. Mary N. Ndani
Early Childhood Educ
- Dr. Waithaka Esther Njeri
Early Childhood Educ
- Mr. Gicheru R. Karue
Early Childhood Educ
- Dr. Cathrine Gakii M.
Early Childhood Educ.
- Dr. Mwoma Teresa B.
Early Childhood Educ
- Dr. Mugo Juliet Wamarwa
Early Childhood Educ
- Dr. Nyambura Salome
Education Foundations
- Mrs. Mbirianjau Lucy Wandiri
Education Foundations
- Dr. Kiara Francis Kirimi
Education Foundations
- Prof. Kisilu Kombo
Education Foundations
- Dr. Mandela Rubai
Education Foundations
- Mr. Peter Gathara
Education Foundations
- Dr. Chrispus K. Wawire
Educ Psychology
- Dr. Mutweleli Samuel Mutua
Educ. Psychology
- Dr. Mugambi Doyne K
Educ Psychology
- Mrs. Mary M. Mung’ala
Educ. Psychology
- Mrs. Elizabeth Mwaniki
Educ. Psychology
- Mr. Anthony Muriithi Ireri
Educ. Psychology
- Mrs. Njoroge Wambui Rose
Library and Info. Sc
- Dr. Gichuhi Zipporah W.
Library and Info Sc.
- Ms. Milkah Mathu
Library Science
- Dr. Madrine Gikuu K.
Special Education
- Dr. Francisca Wamocho
Special Education
- Dr. Margaret Murugami
Special Education
- Dr. Mary Runo
Special Education
- Dr. Nzoka Stephen M.
Special Education
- Dr. Beatrice Bunyasi
Special Education
- Dr. Nelly Otube
Special Education
- Mrs. Olewe -Nyunya
Special Education
- Dr. Chomba J. Muriithi
Special Education
School of Engineering3 mentors
- Mr. Muiruri Peter Kamondo
Electrical Engineering
- Dr. Kilonzo Fidelis
Civil/Water & Env. Eng
- Dr. Daniel Okang’a Oyoo
Civil Engineering
School of Environmental Sciences10 mentors
- Mrs. Rimbui Zipporah K.
Environmental Educ
- Dr. Manguriu Daniel G.
Environmental Educ
- Ms. Lydia W. Gaitirira
Environmental Dept.
- Ms. Caroline Getao M.
Environmental Mgt.
- Prof. Onywere Simon M.
Environ. Planning & Mgt.
- Mr. Mburu Benson Kamau
Environmental Education
- Dr. Mary Baaru
Environ studies & Comm Dev
- Dr. Joseph K. Muriithi
Environ studies & Comm Dev
- Mrs. Wemali E. Chitechi
Environmental Education
- Dr. Nelson T. Muthiani
Environmental Education
School of Hospitality and Tourism6 mentors
- Dr. Ondigi Alice
Dean Hosp. and Tourism
- Dr. Ndivo R. Mutinda
Tourism Mgt
- Mrs. Munyiri Esther
Hospitality
- Dr. Mutisya Mary
Tourism Mgt
- Mr. Kariuki Albert
Tourism Mgt
- Mr. Shem Maingi
Tourism Mgt
School of Humanities and Social Sciences44 mentors
- Dr. Wangia Joyce
English and Linguistics
- Mr. Gecaga Charles Maina
English and Linguistics
- Mrs. Gimode Jessicah Khadi
English and Linguistics
- Prof. Cathrine Ndungo
Gender and Dvp. St.
- Dr. Casper. Masiga
Gender and Dvp St.
- Mr. Paul Kizito
Gender and Dvp St.
- Dr. Mildred Lodiaga
Gender and Dvp St.
- Mr. Mwangi Willy
Gender and Dvp St.
- Prof. Joy Obando
Geography Department
- Dr. Shadrack K. Murimi
Geography Department
- Dr. Kennedy Obiero
Geography Department
- Dr. Philomena Muiruri
Geography Department
- Dr. Washington Ndiri
History Department
- Dr. David Okelo Otieno
History Department
- Dr. Susan Waiyego Mwangi
History Department
- Dr. Felistus Kinyanjui
History Department
- Mr. Isaiah Oduor Otieno
History Department
- Mr. Peter Mugambi
Kiswahili Department
- Dr. Ngugi Pamela M.
Kiswahili Department
- Mrs. Mudhune Evalines
Kiswahili Department
- Dr. Osore Miriam
Kiswahili Department
- Dr. Maitaria Joseph Nyehita
Kiswahili Department
- Prof. Jane Wangari Mwai
Literature Department
- Dr. Mbithi Esther Katheu
Literature Department
- Dr. Olembo Waveney
Literature Department
- Dr. Makokha Justus Kizito S.
Literature Department
- Dr. Margaret G. Gecaga
P.R.S. Department
- Dr. Zacharia Samita
P.R.S. Department
- Dr. Makhoha Kibaba
P.R.S. Department
- Dr. Josephine Gitome
P.R.S. Department
- Prof. Mwaura Philomena N.
P.R.S. Department
- Dr. Ruth Muthei
P.R.S. Department
- Dr. Humphrey Mwangi Waweru
P.R.S Department
- Dr. John Bwire
P.R.S Department
- Dr. Rev. Peter M. Nyongesa
P.R.S Department
- Dr. Karega Muchiri
Psychology Department
- Dr. Beatrice Kathungu
Psychology Department
- Dr. Wasanga Christine
Psychology Department
- Mr. Oteyo John Samson
Psychology Department
- Mrs. Mary Kamina
Psychology Department
- Ms. Nthangi Agnes
Psychology Department
- Dr. Olaly Wilfrida
Psychology Department
- Dr. Lucy Wangui Maina
Sociology Department
- Dr. Tuitoek Kipruto
Sociology Department
School of Medicine10 mentors
- Mrs. Priscilla Kabue
Nursing Sciences
- Mrs. Ambani Elizabeth
Nursing Sciences
- Dr. James Ochieng
Human anatomy
- Dr. Adung’o Ikol
Human anatomy
- Dr. Muturi Margaret
Medical Lab. Science
- Mrs. Njoroge Wachuka
Medical Lab Sc.
- Dr. Mathenge Scholastica
Medical Lab Sc
- Dr. Ongecha Francisca
Medicine Therap., Derm &Psy
- Mr. Ndombi Eric
Pathology
- Mrs. Grace Gachuiri
Nursing Sciences
School of Public Health2 mentors
- Dr. Margaret Keraka
Public Health
- Mr. Kithuka Peter
Health Mgt & Informatics
School of Pure and Applied Sciences26 mentors
- Prof. Odongo Leo Odiwuor
Actuarial Sciences
- Mr. Muriuki Simon Peter
Biochemistry Dept
- Dr. Runo Stephen Maina
Biochemistry Dept
- Mrs. Mary Nduta Mwangi
Biochemistry Dept.
- Ms. Marion Warigia Burugu
Biochemistry Dept.
- Prof. Jane Murungi
Chemistry Dept.
- Prof. Sauda Swaleh
Chemistry Dept.
- Dr. Nawiri Mildred
Chemistry Dept.
- Dr. Wafula A. Wanyonyi
Chemistry Dept
- Dr. Ruth Wanjau
Chemistry Dept.
- Dr. Macharia Kibe
Chemistry Dept.
- Dr. Margaret Ng’ang’a M.
Chemistry Dept
- Dr. Noah Naumih
Chemistry Dept
- Dr. Isaac Mwangi
Chemistry Dept
- Dr. Lucy Kiruri
Chemistry Dept
- Dr. Eric Masika
Chemistry Dept
- Mr. Samuel Musa
Physics Dept.
- Ms. Mary Opondo
Mathematics Dept.
- Dr. Malonza David Mumo
Mathematics Dept
- Dr. Lydia N. Njuguna
Mathematics Dept
- Prof. Mbugua Paul Kamau
Plant Sciences
- Prof. Douglas Ndiritu
Plant Sciences.
- Mr. Fredrick Ngugi K.
Plant Sciences
- Dr. Grace Gatheri
Plant Sciences
- Dr. Joyce. Mwaniki
Plant Sciences
- Dr. Kamau Lucy
Zoological Sciences
School of Visual and Performing Arts14 mentors
- Mr. Antony Ngondo
Fine Art Department
- Ms. Ann Mwiti
Fine Art Department
- Mr. Muoki Mathew
Fine Art Department
- Dr. Wango Kamau
Fine Art Department
- Mrs. Jane Muthoni Githinji
Fine Art Department
- Dr. Amateshe Maurice
Music and Dance
- Dr. Andang’o Elizabeth
Music and Dance
- Dr. Owino Mbeche Cleniece
Music and Dance
- Dr. Priscilla Gitonga
Music and Dance
- Dr. Wambugu Duncan
Music and Dance
- Mr. Elijah Odongo
Music and Dance
- Dr. Isaiah Oyugi
Music and Dance
- Dr. Emmanuel Shikuku
Theatre Arts & Film Tech
- Dr. Zippora Agatha Okoth
Theatre Arts & Film Tech
Kitui Campus19 mentors
- Mrs. Mutiso Mary N.
Kitui Campus (Geography)
- Ms. Eunice Njeri
Kitui Campus (Psychology)
- Dr. Peter Philip Wambua
Kitui Campus (Business)
- Dr. Odhoji Benjamin M.O
Kitui Campus (Literature)
- Mr. Mark Obonyo
Kitui Campus (Educ F)
- Dr. Kennedy Ocharo
Kitui Campus (Economics)
- Mr. Mugendi Charles N.
Kitui Campus (Economics)
- Mr. Ngure Kenneth K.
Kitui Campus (English)
- Mr. Kamau Stephen Njihia
Kitui Campus (Kiswahili)
- Mr. Kariuki Lawrence Njau
Kitui Campus(Maths)
- Mr. Banda Nicholas Kariuki
Kitui (Literature)
- Dr. Peter Ndangili
Kitui (Chemistry)
- Mr. Titus Kaui
Kitui (Kiswahili)
- Mr. Fidelius Magero Bunyasi
Kitui (Mathematics)
- Ms. Rosa Cheboi
Kitui (Educ. Curr Dvp)
- Mr. Hannington Okendo Mala
Kitui (Econ)
- Ms. Rhoda Manyanza
Kitui
- Dr. Julius Mwenda William
Kitui (Chemistry)
- Dr. Joseph Musyoka Nzau
Kitui Campus (P.R.S)
Mombasa Campus19 mentors
- Mr. Kiarie Francis Kanyi
Director, Mombasa
- Dr. Nzioka Alice Mueni
Mombasa (Hosp& T)
- Mr. Kathuri Ndwiga James
Mombasa (Geography)
- Mr. Samson Kaplelach
Mombasa Campus
- Dr. Daniel Mange
Mombasa Campus
- Mrs. Beth Mutugu
Mombasa (Kiswahili)
- Mr. George Mbugua Kariuki
Mombasa (Economics)
- Mr. Maina James Rugami
Mombasa (Business Adm
- Mr. Moses Rutto Kangongo
Mombasa (SPAS)
- Mr. Orago Stephen
Mombasa
- Ms. Nandama Sussy
Mombasa
- Ms. Musili Phelista
Mombasa
- Ms. Mwaniki Lynn
Mombasa
- Mr. Ng’ang’a Peter
Mombasa
- Mr. John Muhia Mugo
Mombasa
- Mr. Yuvenalis Mwairumba
Mombasa
- Dr. Gerry Ayieko
Mombasa
- Dr. Julius Gathogo
Mombasa
- Ms. Winnie Wachira
Mombasa
Parklands Campus (School of Law)6 mentors
- Mr. Mwinzi Nzuki
Private Law
- Dr. Musumba Linda
Public Law
- Ms. Caroline Wanjiku Kago
Private Law
- Mrs. Wambui Njogu
Private Law
- Yvonne Idun
Public Law
- Leah Kiguatha
Public Law
