Johnson Kinyua has been appointed as the New Dean of Students with effect from June 2, 2020. Previously, he served as the Director, Career Services, UoN in charge of students’ skills development, job placement, linking students with industry, academic advisory services, career fairs, counseling services, high school recruitments, students exchange, apprenticeship services, alumni networking and mentorship services for a period of 2 years.
He was formerly the Director of University Advancement, UoN in charge of partnerships and collaboration, fundraising and resources mobilization for 4 years. Before that, he was the Executive Director of the University of Nairobi Alumni Association for a period of 3 years.
The Dean of Students Communications team held an interview session with Johnson on his new role and below is what he had to say.
- As the new Dean of students, what is top on your agenda?
Putting the welfare of the students first! I have a clear cut role to ensure the students’ needs in the various functions of the Dean of Students (DOS) office are addressed. The different functions of the office include career and placement services, scholarships and bursaries for needy students, counselling and mentoring services, diversity and inclusion for students with disability, leadership development for student leaders both in UNSA and professional associations, dialogue with students and improving students' life in campus-including hostels, outdoor activities and students exchange programs among other services.
- What strategies have you put in place to address the challenges brought about by covid-19 pandemic?
The covid-19 pandemic has brought about new challenges to students such as fear, anxiety, stress, uncertainty, limited resources, social distancing, home dysfunctions, education at home, changed priorities among other challenges. I intend to engage students through webinars both for career development and mental health wellbeing and mobilize support for needy students by reaching out to partners to support with smart phones, laptops, learning bundles, scholarships and bursaries from National and County Governments.
- What makes you most qualified for this role?
I am well versed with the University of Nairobi at a very personal level. I undertook both my Undergraduate and Masters Degrees at UoN and I have worked with the University in different capacities making me well acquainted with the University systems. I have created great networks and partnerships in my previous work experience that should be able to open doors of collaborations with partners to support students activities and needy and disabled students in various ways. In addition, I respect the level of quality services the University is offering to students and I look forward to making a positive contribution to building and developing our students mentally, physically, psychologically and socially. Above all, I love working with the youth, my joy is to see lives changed and transformed for the better.
- How would you handle conflict between students and University Management?
Having to deal with conflict between students and the University Management is not unusual. Just as a typical workplace setting, sometimes students may prefer certain leaders to others or have personalities that do not mix quite well with their leaders. The first step I would take to handle any conflict between students and management is to open lines of communication followed by the building of healthy reciprocal relationships with management. I would also focus on the problem and not personalities and find a solution and not a culprit.
- When not at work, what do you do for fun?
I love travelling locally and globally, meeting new people and learning new cultures. Secondly I love teaching and mentoring students in group forums and lastly, I love reading books on politics, economies and social transformation of societies.
- Any parting shot to the staff and students?
To students: Looking for a job is a job and students must do it well by developing selling CVs, working on their personal development, networking widely and working on their social capital development. My slogan is summarized by three Ds: Discover, Develop, Demonstrate!
To staff: I look forward to great teamwork to build the skills of our students, support needy students, mentor our students and above all steer the Dean of Students Office to greater heights.
The Dean of Students team congratulates Mr. Johnson Kinyua on his new appointment and looks forward to his leadership in transforming the office and offering students the best service that they deserve.
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