Once a year, the bustling town of Njoro in Kenya came alive with the vibrant energy of high school students from across the country who attended the Egerton University 2nd Edition of Career Day and Expo.
It was the highly anticipated Egerton University Career Day and Expo, a grand event held at the Graduation Square and Kilimo Hall. This day was a golden opportunity for young minds to explore their potential and envision a path towards a bright future. Schools from over 10 counties including Nakuru, Homabay (Asumbi Girls), Baringo, Laikipia, Kericho, Uasin Gishu, Nairobi, Meru, Siaya, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kakamega, Kisii, Bomet, Narok among other attended the event.
“This is one of the many activities we are doing to engage students to make career choices. We have school visits programme at Egerton and now we have the Egerton University Career Fair 2023 to showcase our academic programmes and Faculty,” said the Director Marketing and Resource Mobilization Prof Paul Kimurto, Friday Morning.
As the sun began to rise, buses filled with eager students arrived at the venue. The air buzzed with excitement as they entered the expansive grounds. Egerton University through the Deans and Directors from all faculties including Faculties of Agriculture (FOA), Sciences (FOS), Environment and Natural Resources (FERD) Engineering (FOE), Health Sciences (FHS), Commerce (FOC), Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Institute of Gender studies and also Graduate School (BPGS) were present at Egerton Tents for exhibitions and showcasing different programs and products. Directorate of Marketing and Resource mobilization team led by Susan Mbanda, Moses Ouma, Musa Kuria, Agnes Mwangi, Sarah Njambi, Mary Kendagor and Dr Vitu Mwangi led the teams to organize the event.
Other key institutions had set up booths to exhibit their offerings, each vying for the attention of the ambitious young minds. Among them were the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), offering financial aid for higher education, and the Careers University Pathways Agency (CUPA), providing guidance on choosing the right career path and KUPPS.
The Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) and the Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies (RVIBS) had impressive displays, showcasing their range of courses and state-of-the-art facilities. The students were captivated by the possibilities that lay before them.
Amidst the flurry of activity, the Deputy Registrar of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maurice Udoto, took to the stage on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs Prof Bernard Aduda and Vice Chancellor Prof Isaac Kibwage to welcome the guests and KCSE 2022 candidates and current high school students to the event. With his commanding presence and warm smile, he captured the attention of the eager audience.
Dr. Udoto, a renowned academician and career advisor, was known for his passion for education and his dedication to helping students make informed decisions about their future. He also delivered key message from the Registrar Academics Prof Mwanarusi Said about Egerton University programs starting from Diploma, Degree and postgraduate programs.
In his presentation, Dr. Udoto highlighted the wide array of courses offered by Egerton University. He emphasized the importance of choosing courses that were not only aligned with one's interests but also responsive to industry needs. He spoke about the changing job market and the growing demand for professionals in various fields.
"Students," Dr. Udoto began, his voice resonating with conviction, "Egerton University strives to provide you with an education that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the real world. We have designed our courses to be relevant and dynamic, in sync with the ever-evolving needs of industries."
He went on to showcase the university's diverse faculties, including Faculties of Agriculture (FOA), Sciences (FOS), Environment and Natural Resources (FERD) Engineering (FOE), Health Sciences (FHS), Commerce (FOC), Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Institute of Gender studies and also Graduate School (BPGS), He highlighted the opportunities for research, internships, and industry partnerships that Egerton University offered.
"Remember," Dr. Udoto emphasized, "your choice of course will shape your future. Explore your passions, but also consider the job market and the skills that are in demand. At Egerton, we aim to bridge the gap between academia and industry, preparing you for successful careers."
His words resonated deeply with the students. They began to realize the significance of making informed choices and the impact it could have on their lives.
Inspired by Dr. Udoto's guidance, they eagerly approached the various booths, seeking more information about specific courses and career paths.
Throughout the day, students engaged in fruitful conversations with representatives from different institutions. They gathered brochures, asked questions, and absorbed as much knowledge as possible. The event was a melting pot of dreams, aspirations, and possibilities.
“We had the opportunity to showcase our programmes at Egerton University Career Fair and Expo 2023, this is a unique opportunity the University has offered us even as we seek more students to join both Institutions,” said Kirui Barnabas, a lecturer at Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies.
As the sun began to set on the eventful day, the students departed with newfound clarity and determination. They left with a vision of their future and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Egerton University Career Day had not only opened their eyes to the vast possibilities awaiting them but also empowered them to make wise decisions about their education and career paths.
In the years to come, many of those bright faces would grace the halls of Egerton University, pursuing courses that aligned with their passions and the needs of the industry. The day made memorable by the riveting presentations and groundbreaking revelations on the future of work.,
“The presentations in Kilimo hall has made it easy for my students to understand University programmes. It is easier for the students to choose from the knowledge they have gathered,” said Kirwa Daniel, a teacher at Jomo Kenyatta High School, Bahati Constituency, Nakuru County.
The students also utilized the time to visit various university Teaching departments and research stations including Tatoon Park Farm, Engineering, Botanical garden,
The speeches ignited a flame of hope and inspiration in the hearts of young dreamers, propelling them towards.
