The Egerton University Alumni Association (EUAA) held a grand Alumni dinner at the United Kenya Club on Friday 9th June 2023. The dinner, which was totally sold out, brought together different generations of alumni who attended both physically and virtually. Among the key highlights of the event was an address by two alumni who studied at Egerton College between 1965 and 1969. Mr. Sadru Nazarali, who addressed the gathering virtually from Toronto, Canada, joined Egerton in 1965 while Ms. Naseem Machooka was in the first cohort of female students admitted in 1969 and pursued a diploma in Agriculture and Home Economics. Ms. Machooka later worked at Egerton College/University as a demonstrator (currently known as a lab technician).
.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement and nostalgia as the attendees drawn from all over the world reunited to celebrate their alma mater's rich history and the achievements of its graduates. Mr. Robert Omamo (Bob), who is the son of the first African Principal of Egerton College, the late Dr. William Omamo Odongo, represented the Omamo family at the dinner. In 2022, Mr. Robert Omamo published memoirs of his father in a book titled The Path to Kaliech. Some of the guests and alumni at the dinner had the opportunity to buy autographed copies of the memoirs. Bob was filled with joy speaking to the Alumni. He reminisced that he was not yet born when his father served at the University. “I had to finish this book after discussion with our family. It detailed his life at Egerton and his vast contribution. I feel the energy as though I was there through this book and your presence here,” said Bob. He later sold and signed copies to those who were in attendance.
The Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, was the chief guest. Also gracing the event were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Bernard Aduda, the Chair of EUAA, Dr. Richard Rop, members of the EUAA Executive Board, the Dean of Students, Dr. Japhet Muthamia, and the Alumni Relations Coordinator, Dr. Masaya Chakava. The evening unfolded with engaging presentations by notable figures from Egerton University. The Vice-Chancellor delivered a passionate speech, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the alumni for their continuous support and exceptional achievements. He emphasized the University's unwavering commitment to excellence in education and research, acknowledging the pivotal role played by its graduates in shaping society.
Following the Vice-Chancellor's address, Prof. Aduda, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, took the podium and echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the importance of the alumni community in fostering strong connections, mentorship, and lifelong learning. Prof. Aduda underscored the significance of alumni staying connected with their alma mater, as their experiences and success stories serve as a source of inspiration for current students and create a tight-knit community of Egertonians
However, the most captivating moment of the evening arrived when Ms. Machooka,, took the microphone. With grace and a twinkle in her eye, she expressed her profound gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her during the Alumni dinner. Naseem's heartfelt words resonated throughout the room as she conveyed her immense appreciation for the respect and honor shown to her by the entire alumni fraternity.
"I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming honor you have bestowed upon me tonight. The warmth and respect I received surpassed my wildest expectations," Naseem said, her voice filled with emotion. She reflected on her time at Egerton University, both as a student and later as a staff member, and how the true spirit of Sic Donec encapsulated the essence of those memorable years. Naseem recalled the beautiful moments shared during various college functions and urged everyone to uphold the Egerton spirit for future generations to come.
She learned how to operate a tractor and mount a plough even before she drove her first vehicle at Egerton. “Each class break was punctuated with a jerrican of milk and yoghurt. “The Egerton yogurt was the best South of Sahara and North of Limpopo,” Said Ms. Machooka.
The audience erupted in applause, touched by Naseem's heartfelt words. Her sentiments encapsulated the strong bond that Egertonians share, transcending time and distance. She expressed her good wishes to the organizing team and hoped that they would continue to revitalize and strengthen the alumni fraternity. Her words resonated with the entire gathering, who shared a collective desire to keep the Egerton spirit alive and flourishing.
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere remained lively and joyous. The master of ceremony, Mr. Kioko Kivandi, skillfully guided the programme, ensuring that every moment was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The Egerton alumni, known for their jovial nature, embraced the occasion with their infectious enthusiasm.
Among the distinguished speakers at the Alumni gathering was Mr. Simon Kabu, the Chief Executive Officer of Bonfire Adventures and a proud alumnus from the class of 1994. As he took the stage, he shared anecdotes about his entrepreneurial journey, which he honed during his time in the University hostels. "I owned a small TV set which I used to rent out to my fellow students at a fee. I would organize film events ranging from children's movies to adult content," Mr. Kabu narrated, eliciting laughter from the audience.
"Some of these movies even served as inspiration for students who ended up finding love, getting married, and starting families. The ‘Kavideo babies’ were born at the time," said Kabu as the audience laughed hysterically.
Representing the Christian Union Alumni group, Mrs. Christine Tanguli announced that her team was mobilising for resources and had plans to put up a multi-purpose centre at the University that can host 3,000 students at one go. It was interesting to note that The Christian Union Alumni had already been supporting needy students at Egerton through meal cards, mentorship, counselling and spiritual growth.
“Dear alumni, as we celebrate the various achievements we’ve made, let us remember the current generation. when I joined Egerton University, we used the Kilimo hall for our worship, and in recent times I’ve noticed that the Christian Union are having a challenge in their worship, let us also stretch our hand and help our today’s generation,” said Tanguli.
Ms. Cynthia Wanini, the current Egerton University Students Association Chairperson, left the audience in stitches as she wondered aloud how Lord Egerton, who had developed a disinterest in women after a failed relationship, would react if he woke up today and found the Egerton students had elected a female Chair for the first time ever. "He would die again!" She quipped amid laughter from the audience. She highlighted the progress made in promoting gender equality since the University's establishment. She acknowledged the importance of alumni support and emphasized the impact it has on current students, fostering a sense of pride and unity within the Egerton University community.
Mr. Ken Ayuko, running a consultancy in Agricultural Risk dubbed ‘Agrisk’ recalled, “I remember like it was yesterday, we were taken from the Nakuru railway station in the afternoon just before students had gone for their lunch, it was my best moments.”
Ayuko opined that society has changed to the extent that there is a need for Egerton to be a centre of excellence not only in Agriculture but also in other spheres. “Cancer is a menace across the world. And there are a handful of oncologists in Kenya, therefore I challenge us that if Egerton University School of Medicine becomes a centre of excellence of producing oncologists, then it would be a great milestone,” said Mr. Ayuko. He went on to state stark statistics of how much scientific research Kenya contributes in the global arena. “Africa contributes 3 %, South Africa takes 2%, Nigeria takes 0.5% and the rest of Africa shares the remaining percentages,” Ayuko quoted a recent report.
The event reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong connections between alumni and the institution, fostering a sense of unity, and inspiring current and future generations of Egertonians. As the night drew to a close, the attendees not only celebrated the achievements of the alumni but also highlighted the University's continuous growth and the evolving dynamics of its student body.
The alumni based in Nairobi used the dinner to elect leaders of the EUAA Nairobi Chapter. Dr. Fred Okoth Otieno was elected Chairperson of the Chapter. Seven newly paid up life members of the EUAA were also issued with their membership certificates and badges during the dinner. As the dinner came to an end, the attendees departed with hearts filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and renewed connections. The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the alumni but also reignited the deep bonds formed during their time at Egerton University. The spirit of Sic Donec would continue to guide and inspire Egertonians as they ventured into the future, leaving an indelible mark on society.
Story: By Kurian Musa
Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
