“We intend to make the life of our students fun and fulfilling and one way we have achieved this is through our students' clubs and associations which have gone a long way in engaging students especially during their free time besides giving them opportunities to develop talent,” said Prof. Golicha.
He further pointed out that student engagement in clubs and associations is key because it offers students an opportunity to take initiatives and assume leadership roles at early stages thereby empowering themselves with lifelong skills.
DVC ASA, Prof. Hussein Golicha addresses staff and students.
The Dean of students, Dr. Bernadette Abwao, appreciated the University’s Division of Academic and Student Affairs led by Prof. Hussein Golicha for the support, guidance and approvals that have seen students’ activities succeed. She noted that the University has forty-six (46) registered clubs, eighteen (18) academic and (28) twenty-eight (non-academic).
“As a University, we have 46 registered students’ clubs in two major categories; the academic clubs that are linked to the various schools and departments and the non-academic clubs that are more related to the non-academic social life of students,” said Dr. Abwao.
She encouraged students, especially the first years who recently joined the University to join the various clubs and associations in order to explore their talents and network instead of engaging in non-productive activities that would jeopardize their well-being. “Our students’ clubs and associations not only address the professional and personal welfare interests of students but they also provide opportunities for engaging in community service that in the long run facilitates their personal development,” she stated.
MMUST Scout club demonstrating scouting drills during the event.
Additionally, Dr. Abwao commended the club members for the effort they put into Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) out of the University.
The event attracted presentations from notable personalities in the University. Mr. Raydon Mutoka from the Office of Dean of Students made a presentation on ‘Policy, Procedures, Rules and Regulations Governing Clubs and Associations in MMUST’, the Chairman Wardens Dr. Dennis Omaiyo presented on the ‘Role of Club Patrons in the Governing of Students’ Clubs and Associations in MMUST’ and Dr. Issa Kweyu presented on ‘Clubs and Associations as a tool for Achieving Holistic Excellence among students in Institutions of Higher Learning’.
The facilitators encouraged students to make the most of opportunities accorded to them and endeavour to benefit more from the clubs and associations both academically and socially. They emphasized that the clubs and associations at institutional level are meant to encourage student interaction and development outside the class as a way of building character and solving problems.
Other notable personalities present were the Deputy Dean of Students Dr. Noel Malanda, University’s Legal Assistant Ms. Linda Omenya, Administrative Assistant office of Dean of Students Mr. Joseph Mugo, Students' Counsellor Ms. Jane Muriuki and Masinde Muliro University Student Organization (MMUSO) officials led by Mr. Fabian Lenyasunya, Mr. Naaman Opiyo.
Story by Caren Mutoro
Photos by Jairus Korir
