Mr. Zablon Obengo receives the signed handover report from Prof. Thomas Sakwa.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s outgoing Registrar (Academic Affairs), Prof. Thomas Sakwa, has been overwhelmingly applauded for his excellent leadership attributes, as he handed over office to the former Deputy Registrar-AA, Mr. Zablon Obengo. The handing over ceremony, which took place on 19th December, 2023 at the Office of the Registrar AA, was presided over by the Director of Quality Assurance-Prof. Danstone Lilechi Barasa, who confirmed the handover report prepared by Prof. Sakwa.
Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Barasa noted that the event was historical, saying that the position of the Registrar AA is not an easy job. “Thank you for giving us an opportunity to work with you. You are a humble but firm person who has mentored many people across the University and I am one of them,” stated Prof. Barasa.
Prof. Sakwa gives his remarks during the handing over ceremony.
Commenting on the overwhelming support from all staff during his tenure, Prof. Sakwa appreciated the University Management and the entire MMUST fraternity, especially his team. “My handover report highlights the completed assignments and the challenges faced in this office. It also includes the statistics of all activities as well as the achievements, and the work in progress,” stated the outgoing Registrar AA, adding that he will be able to clarify and respond to any emerging issues even after his departure from MMUST.
In his remarks, Mr. Obengo, who has taken over in acting capacity, said that he looks forward to continuing with Prof. Sakwa’s work. “I am grateful to have had an opportunity to work with Prof. Sakwa. I accept this role with humility and assure you that I will continue where you left off, even though your shoes are too big to fill,” said Mr. Obengo. The Ag. Registrar AA pointed out that Prof. Sakwa possesses great leadership qualities, including the fact that he is a good team player and mentor. He added, “Prof. Sakwa is the kind of a leader who takes bullets for those working under him. You will always have a place in MMUST, seeing that you are still supervising many postgraduate students.”
The incoming Ag. Registrar AA, Mr. Obengo shares a light moment with Prof. Sakwa and Prof. Barasa.
Prof. Thomas Sakwa was the second substantive Registrar (Academic Affairs) in MMUST. Since he joined the University, he has served in several leadership positions such as the founding Chairperson-Physics Department, Dean School of Natural Sciences (SONAS), Ag. Registrar AA and substantive Registrar AA. He has been instrumental in the establishment of several science-oriented schools, including the School of Natural Sciences (SONAS), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS), School of Public Health, Biomedical Sciences and Technology (SPHBS&T) and the School of Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences and Technology (SAVET). He initiated and started the MMUST Professors’ forum, a platform that has organized numerous professorial events and provided strategic direction to the University procedures and processes.
What Staff Had to Say About Prof. Sakwa During the Handing Over Ceremony…
Prof. Sakwa and Mr. Obengo after the signing of the handover report.
“Prof. Sakwa, you have worked closely with the Directorate of Corporate Communications and Marketing, especially in advertising of academic programmes and organizing graduation ceremonies. Despite your stature as a professor, you were so humble that you were willing to listen to our input regarding University documentation and publicity. You truly mentored us. I congratulate you on your new appointment”-Dr. Lydia Anyonje.
“I have enjoyed working with Prof. Sakwa, a person who believed in our work and did not have to micromanage us. You are a servant leader and we are sure that you will do well in your next station. May you go and succeed”- Rev. Jairus Owunza.
“Congratulations Prof. Sakwa for the new appointment. We celebrate you and we are so proud of your achievement”- Ms. Pamela Inzai.
“Prof. Sakwa has given us a conducive and motivating work environment which we will all miss. We wish you well on your next chapter”- Ms. Rita Shitemi.
Mr. Obengo gives his first remarks after taking over as Ag. Registrar AA.
“I have never seen a manager such as Prof. Thomas Sakwa. You are a very organized human being, down to earth and meant for bigger things”-Mr. Benedict Lusambili.
“I have worked under Prof. Sakwa for two years. I owe my scholarship to him. I wish you well”-Mr. Charles Wachira.
“I have worked with Prof. Sakwa on a number of projects and he is kind as well as easy going. I wish you all the best in your new position”-Ms. Wangari Wambugu.
“We really appreciate Prof. Sakwa for his mentorship and ensuring that people do the right thing” Ms. Mildred Chimwene.
“I have worked with Prof. Sakwa since 2019. May God grant you favour and blessings wherever you are going”-Ms. Janet Kundu.
“We pray that you continue with the good work wherever you go”- Ms. Caroline Buluma.
“Prof. Sakwa has been like a father to me. We release you with God’s blessings”-Ms. Brenda.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
