Egerton University, in line with its mission of "Transforming Lives through Quality Education," has significantly impacted the lives of its students through various initiatives. One such remarkable initiative is the Rotary Club of Vienna (RCV) Fellowship Programme, led by Prof. Nzula Kitaka. This Programme has been instrumental in building capacity and fostering academic excellence among young water professionals in Eastern Africa, providing them with opportunities to further their education and develop practical skills crucial for their careers.
RCV Fellowship Programme: Building Capacity and Careers
The RCV Fellowship Programme is dedicated to enhancing the skills and knowledge of young water professionals. Initially started as an exchange programme for Eastern African students to study short courses at the University of Life Sciences and Natural Resources (BOKU) in Vienna, Austria, the programme has since evolved to support more students locally. By redirecting funds to sponsor students at Egerton University, the fellowship now benefits a larger number of bright and needy students, building capacity within Kenya and Eastern Africa.
Since 2012, the Rotary Club of Vienna has supported 22 students through this fellowship: four students have completed a semester in Applied Limnology at BOKU, while 18 have pursued undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Egerton University. The fellowship's specific objectives are to enhance the practical skills of young water professionals, enable them to conduct relevant research and management activities and contribute to evidence-based policy development and resource mobilization in Eastern Africa.
The impact of this fellowship is evident in the academic and professional achievements of its beneficiaries. For instance, Joyce Jelangat is now a PhD student at Moi University, and Dr Joel Onyango works at ACTS. These individuals are contributing significantly to environmental management and policy in the region. The Programme also supports undergraduate students in various fields, ensuring they receive a quality education and are well-prepared for their future careers.
Mr Florian Demmer, the RCV Fellowship counsellor, has played a pivotal role in the programme’s success. His visit to Egerton University in December 2023, accompanied by his wife Florence Demmer and Dr Biabu Adam, included a dinner with current and former fellowship recipients, as well as meetings with university management. This visit underscored the ongoing commitment of the Rotary Club of Vienna to supporting education and capacity building in Kenya.
Future Opportunities for RCV Fellowship Programme
The RCV Fellowship Programme has immense potential to further enhance environmental management and policy development in Eastern Africa. By continuing to support bright and needy students, the programme can build a robust network of highly skilled water professionals who can tackle the region's environmental challenges effectively.
The fellowship can also explore opportunities to expand its scope to include more interdisciplinary studies, integrating fields like climate change, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. This approach would not only broaden the impact of the fellowship but also equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of environmental issues and sustainable development.
Moreover, strengthening partnerships with local and international organizations could provide additional funding and resources, enabling the programme to support more students and facilitate advanced research projects. By fostering collaborations with governmental and non-governmental entities, the fellowship can contribute to the development and implementation of more effective and evidence-based environmental policies in Eastern Africa.
Conclusion: RCV Fellowship Programme
The RCV Fellowship Programme highlights the transformative power of targeted educational support. By enhancing the practical skills and knowledge of young water professionals, the fellowship is building a cadre of experts who can address Eastern Africa's environmental challenges effectively. The Programme's future opportunities lie in expanding its scope, fostering interdisciplinary studies, and strengthening partnerships to support more students and advanced research. These efforts will ensure that Eastern Africa benefits from improved environmental management and sustainable development, contributing to the well-being of the region's communities.
