It is with great festivity and pomp that the University of Nairobi marked the launch of the University of Nairobi Foundation at an exquisite dinner party hosted at the University’s famous Great Courts on the evening of the 30th of July. The dinner whose sole intention was to mark the inception of the University of Nairobi Foundation was set to commence at 1730 hours with an exhilarating performance from the University of Nairobi Band.
The University of Nairobi Foundation is a new initiative spearheaded by the university’s chancellor Vijoo Rattansi herself in an attempt to facilitate all efforts of the University that contribute to regional and national development. The main aim of the foundation being to advance the University of Nairobi’s sole mission through sourcing of the necessary funds to further advance education, learning and research. To achieve this the University of Nairobi has brought on board like-minded partners ready to launch the university into this new era of great achievement; The University of Nairobi Alumni Association, Univeristy of Nairobi Enterprises and Services (UNES), The Ford Foundation and DEVKI Steel. In the words of the Vice Chancellor, Prof.Stephen Kiama the foundation is intended to be a special purpose vehicle to catalyze the University of Nairobi for the next many years. Consequently marking the dawn of a new era.
Notable attendees included Dr.Margaret Kobia- Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Public Service and Gender, Joe Mucheru- Cabinet Secretary ICT, PLO Lumumba a representative from the University of Nairobi Alumni Association, Mr. Brian Ouma The University of Nairobi’s Chief Operations Officer, Professor Stephen Kiama, The University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor and Dr.Vijoo Rattansi,The University of Nairobi Chancellor and University of Nairobi Student Association (UNSA) leaders representatives . All major stakeholders in propelling the success of the University of Nairobi Foundation and the university itself as a whole.
In his address, speaking for the chair of the University of Nairobi Alumni Association, Mr Isaac Awuondo, PLO Lumumba openly declared his support and that of the Alumni Association for the foundation. He went on to further urge the chancellor and all stakeholders to remain steadfast in the mission despite the myriads of challenges and upsets expected along the way citing the wise words of Jenny Dan “When the wind is not on your side, adjust your sail.”
The fundraising dinner was concluded with a heartfelt speech from the chancellor Dr.Vijoo Rattansi herself. She outlined her vision for the foundation highlighting the various goals it is set out to achieve. She acknowledged that despite the unparalleled success of the University of Nairobi in its different sectors it had challenges that are all tied back to finance. She stated this as the main catalyst for the formation of the foundation. Dr.Vijoo Rattansi elegantly concluded her speech by reiterating her words from her speech at the pre-launch dinner encouraging all those present to harden not their hearts and give bountifully.
“Ask not what the university can do for you but what you can do for the university.” J.F.Kennedy
By Mary Oloo
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