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The much-anticipated Culture Week at the University kicked off with a powerful blend of prayer, entertainment, and a celebration of diverse cultural heritage. The event was graced by the CEO of NRG Radio, Mr. Kevin Mulei, and his spouse Mrs. Janet Mulei, who joined students, staff, and guests in honoring the theme: “Promoting Culture for Sustainability and Responsible Citizenship in the Digital Age.”
The opening ceremony set the tone for a vibrant celebration of both national and international cultures. From the lively entertainment showcasing a variety of global traditions, including Chinese cultural performances, to a display of Kenyan heritage, attendees were treated to a rich tapestry of performances that underscored the importance of cultural diversity in a globalised world.
The first session of entertainment was followed by the presentation of the University’s cultural ambassadors. With song and dance filling the venue, the ambassadors escorted Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation, and Outreach) to the stage in a celebratory fashion. This symbolic moment highlighted the unity and importance of culture within the University community. She then proudly handed the ambassadors their licenses, formally appointing them as this year’s custodians of culture for the campus.
While delivering the Vice-Chancellor’s speech, Prof. Thoruwa indicated that KU is committed to nurturing and shaping young talent. The KU Choir has won the national championship 15 years in a row, the Culture Week turns 31 years old, still enriching our story and Mr. Sam Ojuka, a KU Law student won the silver medal at the Olympics. This goes to show the commitment towards our core values, inter alia; excellence, creativity, institutional culture of hard work, competitiveness and equal opportunity.
In his keynote address, Mr. Kevin Mulei emphasised the University’s significant role in shaping some of Kenya's most prominent artists and cultural icons. "Many of the artists we celebrate today are products of this very institution," he remarked. Mr. Mulei also spoke on the critical role that culture plays in fostering responsible citizenship, especially in the digital age. He expressed eagerness for future collaborations with the University, particularly with KU Radio, a campus platform dedicated to nurturing young talent. “By sharing and celebrating our culture, we not only preserve it but also instill the values of community and responsibility in future generations,” he noted.
Mr. Mulei also offered words of encouragement to students, stressing the importance of personal growth and preparedness. “To achieve your goals, you must be ready to grow into the person capable of reaching those heights,” he said, urging students to embrace both cultural and personal development.
Adding a thrilling climax to the day, dancers from the Bomas of Kenya captivated the crowd with an energetic performance. Their showcase of traditional Kenyan dances served as a reminder of the country’s rich cultural heritage and the powerful role of the arts in uniting communities.
The event marked a memorable celebration of culture and citizenship, setting the stage for future partnerships and cultural exchanges aimed at fostering sustainability in the digital era.
A Collaborative Future for NRG and KU
Prior to his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Kelvin Mulei, CEO of NRG Radio, expressed his lifelong dedication to supporting cultural initiatives and introduced a new digital product, PayLess, aimed at enhancing financial literacy among young people, in a courtesy call. Alongside him, Mrs. Janet Mulei, joined the discussion led by Dr. Duncan Wambugu, Chairperson of Culture Week. They reflected on 31 years of consistent cultural celebrations that provide a platform for students to showcase their talents. Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Ag. Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the importance of identifying synergies between NRG and KU, emphasising the University’s commitment to Sports and Performing Arts. She noted preparations for the first cohort of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in 2029 and the University’s support for students with disabilities and those in need of scholarships, particularly following the economic challenges of COVID-19 that still linger on. The conversation also explored the potential for collaboration in innovation, with plans for a PayLess lab at KU and opportunities for media students to engage in industry cultural exchanges with NRG and KUTV.
A delegation of faculty members from the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), led by Prof. WU Jian, Deputy Director, International Cooperation Division. This visit culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), led by Prof. James Kung’u, Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), marking a significant step toward establishing a fruitful partnership between the two institutions.
Founded in 1920, HIT is one of China’s leading research universities, located in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. HIT is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on engineering, technology, and applied sciences, alongside a broad spectrum of programmes in management, humanities, and social sciences. The University is recognised for its rigorous academic standards and notable faculty, many of whom are experts in their fields. Moreover, HIT is a pivotal player in research and development within China, contributing significantly to areas such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and computer science.
The visit from HIT follows the recent China-Africa Cooperation Forum held in September, where an agreement was made for collaboration among 50 Chinese universities and 50 African universities. This initiative highlights a collective commitment to enhancing higher education partnerships and collaborative efforts across the continent. During their time at KU, the delegation discussed potential synergies across various schools and disciplines, particularly in engineering fields such as energy, gas, petroleum, nuclear, and aerospace. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for both institutions to advance educational and research initiatives that can benefit students and faculty alike.
HIT's campus is designed to facilitate collaboration and accessibility, featuring an integrated layout that allows for easy navigation. Newer buildings are connected by linking corridors, promoting mobility and social interaction among students and faculty. Key facilities, such as libraries, student centres, and research labs, are strategically positioned to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
The campus is well-served by public transport and features pedestrian-friendly pathways and bicycle lanes, enhancing overall accessibility. Common areas, parks, and gardens create inviting communal spaces for relaxation and gatherings, fostering a strong sense of community. Similar to HIT, Kenyatta University prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, making it the most preferred choice for students with disabilities, thanks to its well-designed infrastructure. This shared commitment highlights the potential for a fruitful partnership between the two institutions, united by their dedication to creating vibrant, inclusive academic environments.
Furthermore, HIT places a strong emphasis on digital interconnectivity, supported by advanced IT infrastructure that promotes effective communication and resource access across departments and campuses. This thoughtful design fosters teamwork and the exchange of ideas, creating a vibrant academic environment.
As Kenyatta University prepares to embark on this exciting partnership with Harbin Institute of Technology, it envisions a collaborative future that enhances educational opportunities and fosters innovation in the engineering and architecture fields, along with other possible disciplines. Together, both institutions aim to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals and researchers who will contribute significantly to technological advancement and innovation on a global scale.