Egerton University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Kibwage, has urged alumni to take bold steps to strengthen the University’s endowment fund. He said this would provide a sustainable and long-term model of giving back to their alma mater.Prof. Kibwage spoke during the Egerton University Alumni Dinner held last evening at a leading hotel in Nakuru. The event brought together distinguished alumni from different graduating years and professional backgrounds.
The Vice Chancellor said a strong endowment fund would enhance the University’s ability to support scholarships, research, and innovation. He noted that many globally renowned universities rely on endowment funds as stable financial pillars.Such funds, he explained, enable universities to support needy students and finance cutting-edge research. They also reduce overreliance on external funding.Prof. Kibwage challenged Egerton alumni to re-imagine how they give back. He called for structured and long-term financial commitments.“I strongly believe that we can increase life membership contributions from the current Ksh. 7,500 to Ksh. 100,000,” he said. “This would allow us to build a meaningful endowment fund that secures the future of Egerton University.”
He welcomed the high turnout at the Annual Alumni Dinner. He described it as a sign of growing cohesion and renewed enthusiasm within the Alumni Association.The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the presence of Chief Executive Officers and senior professionals. He thanked them for setting aside time to reconnect with fellow alumni and engage on the University’s progress.
Several alumni were recognised for their outstanding contributions to society and excellence in their professions. Among those feted was the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Ms. Esther Ngari.Ms. Ngari, an Egerton University alumna, serves as the Managing Director and Council Secretary of KEBS. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Dairy Science and Food Technology.She reminisced about her time at Egerton University. She credited the institution for instilling discipline, hard work, and resilience.
“We were mentored well here. We were taught hard work,” she said. “The resilience I have today was honed at Egerton.”She thanked her lecturers, professors, and fellow comrades. She noted that some of her former mentors were present at the dinner.Ms. Ngari said alumni relations play a key role in professional life. She observed that shared training and socialisation often translate into strong work ethics in the workplace.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), Dr. Purity Ngina, urged alumni to support the government’s gender equity agenda. She highlighted the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities, Indigenous and Marginalised Communities (2025–2035).The Alumni Dinner also recognised Medical Doctor Magare Gikenyi. He was honoured for his outstanding academic and professional achievements.
Dr. Gikenyi recently graduated with exemplary grades in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) programme at Egerton University. His achievement reflects his commitment to lifelong learning and service.The Secretary General of the Egerton University Alumni Association, Dr. Wamukuru Kuria, praised him. He cited Dr. Gikenyi’s contribution to humanity and human rights.“Dr. Gikenyi has done well in uplifting humanity and advancing rights,” said Dr. Kuria. “He is an alumnus we are proud to be associated with.”
The recognition was met with applause. Many described his journey as inspiring to students and fellow alumni.The full Alumni Board attended the dinner. It was led by Chairman Dr. Richard Rop and included Prof. Nzula Kitaka, Director of Marketing and Resource Mobilisation,the Secretariat of the Alumni Board. Senior University management were also present. They included Prof. Richard Mulwa, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning, and Prof. Bernard Aduda, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Also in attendance were Prof. George Ogendi, Acting Principal of Nakuru City Campus College, and Mr. Leonard Chesang’, Acting Human Capital Registrar.Representatives of UASU and KUSU attended the event. The Egerton University Students Association (EUSA), led by Chairman John Mutuma, was also present.The Alumni Dinner brought together graduates from different cohorts and careers. It celebrated shared heritage, achievement, and service.The event reaffirmed the strategic role of the Alumni Association. The proposed endowment fund emerged as a key priority for long-term financial sustainability.
The evening ended with song and dance. Participants expressed optimism about the future.They said a strong alumni-driven endowment fund would transform student support and research. It would also strengthen Egerton University’s standing locally and globally.
