Kenyatta University Senate Affairs members have commenced a Bonding and Team-Building Retreat at the KU North Coast Beach Hotel in Mombasa under the theme, “Strengthening Senate’s Strategic Leadership Role.”
The retreat brings members together to strengthen teamwork, deepen collaboration and reaffirm their shared responsibility in advancing the University’s academic mission and institutional goals. Through interactive engagements, participants are reflecting on effective leadership, institutional performance and the importance of working collectively towards excellence.
During Day 1, Prof. Bernard Kivunge, Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), delivered the welcoming remarks, led the introduction session and underscored the importance of building stronger working relationships among Senate Affairs members. He subsequently invited the Vice-Chancellor to address the participants.
In his address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu, PhD, challenged members to look beyond the positions they hold and embrace leadership that creates meaningful institutional impact. Using the analogy of scalar and vector quantities, he emphasized that effective leadership requires direction, vision and purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the Senate has a central role in shaping the University’s future, particularly through strategic planning, performance management and institutional decision-making. He called on members to work together in setting clear targets and milestones that will strengthen the Senate’s strategic leadership role and contribute to Kenyatta University’s continued excellence, innovation and sustainable growth.
The retreat also featured a motivational session by Prof. Henry Embeywa, who spoke on “Transformative Leadership for Senators in the Current Times.” He challenged participants to embrace adaptability, innovation and visionary leadership, emphasizing the need for leaders to inspire change, foster collaboration and respond effectively to the evolving demands of higher education.
The retreat provides a platform for Senate Affairs members to reflect, reconnect and align their leadership efforts towards a common goal building a stronger, more collaborative and forward-looking Kenyatta University.