CONTENTS FEATURED Innovation to keep more girls in school INSPIRATION Poisoned to die; survived to thrive ECOBANA • Spiritual antidote 01 • Word Power 02 • Leadership Nuggets 03 • Campus Briefs 06 • SPU at a Glance 11 • Lecturers Profile 14 • Wall of Fame 17 • Departmental Briefs 22 • Talanta Vibes 24 • Inspiration Hour 28 • SPU Events Corner 32 • SPU Innovation Hub 36 • SPU Support Staff 40 • Sportika 43 • SPU Clubs Desk 47 • Diversity & Inclusion 49 • SPU Stakeholders 51 • Word on the streets 55 • Notice Board 58
The emphasis on intellect, the soul and the character of our students is unrivaled. The intention is to develop a wholesome person who will be able to transform and match the competitive job market.
MANAGING EDITORS NOTE
When an institution or business grows, the greatest challenge lies in maintaining the quality and responsiveness to increased customer needs. The university has not only maintained quality education; it has also continued to attract more students lo cally and regionally.
I hope you love this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it.
I am glad to state that there is no single trace of stagnation.
Mr. Michael Mungai Deputy Corporate Affairs Manager
One of our main guiding pillars at St. Paul’s University is the focus on academic excellence and Christian spiritual formation.
The university has experienced growth in all dimensions. Students were involved in all manner of ac tivities that sharpened and prepared them to become great servants of God and Humanity. Staff on the oth er hand had extensive growth in ar eas of research through well-orga nized internal and external research forums and workshops.
No growth takes place in isolation. It takes sacrifices made by individuals attached to different offices that wake up each single day to perform assigned tasks and respon sibilities with utmost dedication and com mitment.
I am intrigued by the choice of the theme for the second edition of SPU Connect e-magazine. The theme, “Unpacking Phases of Growth” is a testament of God’s faithfulness witnessed in the uni versity.
In the past few months, we have seen all manner of indicators signifying that we are indeed making progress towards the right direction. The goal and vision for the uni versity to become a university of academ ic excellence based on Christian principles producing graduates in various fields for global service is on course. Growth is es sential for humans as well as organizations.
I am sure we all look forward to the com plement, “Good and faithful servant”. I im plore all of us to set aside time and read through the magazine article by article from cover to cover because I am certain you will not regret that decision. Have a blast in your reading experience!
To all of us who keep on contributing to this growth, be encouraged that the role you play little by little adds up to the equation that we refer to as, “Growth”. Let us keep on doing what we do diligently because one day, God will call us to account for the time and contribution we made while serving at this great university.
I believe the phases of growth we see at St. Paul’s University across all faculties, de partments and campuses speaks to the fu ture we want for the university.
Joel Sikirio Kwemei Asst. Public Relations Officer.
EDITORS NOTE
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS - JOY MERCY GICHURI
The SPU Connect magazine is a publication of the Corporate Affairs Department of St. Paul’s University. No Part of this publication should be published, copied, retrieved in digital, photocopy or scanned without prior permission from the university’s authority. Any ex traction or excerpt intended to be used should be obtained from the Managing Editor to thereof allow content to be used with a written consent. The editor reserves the right to include or exclude articles depending on their relevance to editorial objectives. The editorial and individual consent allow content to be used with a written consent. The editorial content and individual opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of St. Paul’s University. Neither St. Paul’s University nor the pub lisher accepts responsibility for the content.
Mary Ng’anga
Freshia Wairimu
Antonette Chepchumba
Sharon-Hope Abiyah
DISCLAIMER TEAMTHE
Derick Mwangi
Joy Mercy Gichuhi
Quote for the Semester RESHAPING
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new”.
The word “Shape” means to create, form, and destine. The word dates back to Old English (Sca pan) and a past participle (Scieppan).
Written by: Sharon – Hope. A.
The word “Reshaping” means to shape or form something differently. The word combines “Re” and “Shape”, which both originates from Latin. The prefix “re” means forming elements backto-back, anew, again, once more.
Word for the Semester
SPIRITUAL ANTIDOTE
- Socrates
“
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 1
Keynotes: - re-shape, “shape anew, give a new shape to, again + shape”.
As much as we are expected to grow as humans, it is important to note that growth is by the grace of God. As individuals grow, what we ought to do is to measure it as the gift of Christ and His
POWER
This verse sheds light on the perspective of growth in humans as linked to Jesus. The miracles exemplified by Jesus Christ bring out the human nature in Him, as we see Him growing in stature, in actions and words of wisdom. Ephesians 4:7, “But each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it”. This helps individuals understand the stage or phases of growth from childhood to adulthood. Each phase of growth has a specified task or performance for humans. For instance, babies are expected to crawl before walking and adults to marry before procreation. These phases undergo a certain element of grace.
The gospel of Luke talks about the birth and the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In Luke 2:52; “And Je sus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”.
Written by: Sharon – Hope. A.
Chaplain, Nairobi campus
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 2
In addition to all aspects of growth, Jesus unveils to humans the growth of knowledge as a gift. Ephesians 4:13 “Until we all arrive at unity in the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, be coming mature and attaining to the full measure of the fullness of Christ”. As we increase in the knowledge of God, we also increase our knowl edge and performance in real life.
The third phase of growth is growth in service. Ephesians 4:11-12; tells us about the gift Jesus Christ gave to us, while some will be apostles, doctors, pastors, etc yet all will work for His min istry. This simply means that people grow as they serve. For instance, one’s area of service does not limit him or her from serving God Almighty and growing in service to Him.
grace upon us and not as a purely physical and natural thing in every human being. Every person has been given a certain measure of grace by God Almighty which comes to us as special protection that awakens us about His presence. So, under standing and recognizing that one is in an era of growth enabled by Jesus Christ makes us aware that God walks with us in every single step of our lives. The grace of growth takes us through our phases of growth as humans.
On that note, we are all growing at one point in time. As humans, we grow physically, in knowl edge, and service. God is going to help us as we grow in service with Him.
The aspect of growth has always been a great fac tor in our lives. We aim to grow in many dimen sions (biologically, financially, spiritually, knowl edge-wise, and morally). It is our aspiration that we do not remain stagnant but aim toward grow ing to greater heights. Growth can be defined as the development of an individual from a simpler form to a more complex form. Somewhat, it can be an increase in size in a population of an organiza tion or country as a whole. As Christians, we have three (3) phases of growth.
Mantra: “The grace of God will take us through different phases of life as we grow”.
Rev. DIANE K.MUGAMBI,WORD
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The partnerships have availed training opportunities to the members of staff and students.
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together”
A good example is NSE that oc casionally trains our students to adopt innovative approaches in learning and investment.
- James Cash Penny.
Adoption of new technologies and utilization of the internet space has proved magical. This is what dictates the functioning of the new world of academia. I am impressed by the University’s alignment and conformity to wards becoming a game changer in this new digital era. The huge investment in ICT and innovation confirms the level of commit ment the University has placed towards becoming the leading institution in the region.
Theket.
The Covid-19 era has changed mindsets and shifted thinking patterns for institutions. The ex perience has necessitated the need to be alert and prepared to adjust and fit into the rapidly changing environment. St. Paul’s University is not an exception to these new global patterns of transition and growth.
As we unpack phases of growth witnessed in the University and more so in the Faculty of Busi ness, Computer Science and Communication Studies (FOB CCs); I boldly confirm we have traces of evidence of the growth. One of the areas we have
Written by: Sharon – Hope. A.
Dr. JOHN MUHOHO
LEADERSHIP NUGGETS
Dean, Faculty of Business, Computer Science and Communication Studies.
The recently renewed partner ship with KASNEB has posi tioned the University as a center
weighed in is research and part nerships. In the past few months, we have initiated strategic part nerships with foreign embassies, universities and the efforts are bearing Locally,fruit.thesame
has also been happening. We have signed Memorandums of Understand ing (MoU) with World Vision Kenya (WVK), Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE), The Nation al Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) among other key part ners to collaborate in areas of research, innovation and consul Wetancy.have put our feet on the ped al to ensure that as a university, we scale up our thinking and harness our collective energy to wards exponential growth.
We are charged for growth as a university and whatever we do, we ensure the value proposition matches the interest of the facul ty, students and staff. I am sure what we refer to as “Phases” constitutes the building block to the great University we have today and what we aspire to be come in future.
of excellence in training Certi fied Public Accountants (CPA) professionals for the local and global market. The professional courses we offer have contribut ed to the growth of professionals across diverse fields in the mar
faculty has also on-board ed media houses such as Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Nation Media Group, and Stan dard Media Group to offer prac tical training on the trends that inform the media space and what it takes for our students to break even and find a niche for them selves in the highly competitive field.
satisfied students would move from one university to another, a case in mind being the founding of Cambridge university by dissatisfied students from Oxford university, or the growth of Oxford univer sity by influx of dissatisfied students from Univer sity of Paris. This fluid nature of student mobility suggests that education is more students based than institutional based. In the current scenar io, students’ choice of universities to study is also somehow influenced by their perception on what the university is likely to offer to them in terms of education and quality of their degree papers.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 4
LEADERSHIP NUGGETS
Thelevel.universality
The question we never ask ourselves is what kind of education? Today, we have universities spread all over the country competing for students? What is frustrating is that most of these universities pro duce half baked graduates. Sadly, most fresh grad uates lack the right skills and knowledge desper ately required by employers. This has forced most organizations to spend a fortune to train fresh uni versity graduates who join the workforce at the en try
of university education is best demonstrated by the fluid nature of students in the early days of university establishment where dis
My reflection on the theme, “Unpacking phases of growth” is both intuitive and practical. I believe strengthening university education through handson training is crucial in building requisite skills and talent among students. Interestingly, in the minds of many people, education is perceived as a sure bet to a better life. Indeed as the adage goes, edu cation is the key to success.
University education varies locally and global ly. In most of the American universities, a student would take between four and five years, whereas in Europe it takes between three and four years for an undergraduate student fresh from secondary school to complete university education.
Written by: Sharon – Hope. A.
Industrial Placement Officer MR. SIMON KANG’ETHE MWANGI,
The Kenyan situation is however strange to look at. Whereas government sponsored students take between four to six years to graduate with under
LEADERSHIP NUGGETS
Thisfession.allows
By doing so the learner will have acquired both theoretical and practical aspects of their profes sion, readying them for global challenges and allowing them the opportunity to discover and suggest best ways to improve the working envi ronment. This implies that professional growth must go through the right phases in order to ful ly prepare students for the job market.
the student to select units or sub jects that best define their career and profes sional path. After the second year the student is then attached in a relevant profession under the supervision of an expert, who allows the trainee some light and less risky engagements at work. After the third year of study, the learner is now fully exposed to the industry of attach ment, where they are subjected to all the work ing conditions, to determine their suitability and preparedness to work.
Written by: Sharon – Hope. A.
graduate degrees, self-sponsored students take roughly two and half years to graduate. In the end the self-sponsored student graduates faster than the average American, European and Ken yan sponsored student.
This phase of growth has been witnessed at St. Paul’s University through the establishment of the Industrial Placement Office to execute the mandate bestowed on such offices by institu tions across the globe.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 5
It is therefore expected that every student will take intervals between theoretical and practi cal learning while at university level. What is termed as long break after every year, is not ac tually supposed to be a break from learning, but a time that a student is supposed to engage in practical interpretation of the theories learned in
It is expected that by the time the student goes back for their second year of study, they would have identified the program they wish to study, and start looking at things in light of their pro
It is disastrous that in the current situation, most students wait until the last semester in their fourth year of study to seek attachment positions hoping to secure jobs. Unfortunately, most employers have become adamant to em ploy fresh graduates due to their lack of practi cal skills. This reality therefore necessitated the establishment of the office of Career Services/ Industrial Placement Officer to coordinate prac tical learning to prepare students for the global market before they leave their universities.
I have witnessed students grow in their career and most get job opportunities fresh from the university. I attribute the success to the support given to the office by the university manage ment that is in sync with industry based reality in the region.
The office has been able to link students to prac tical learning opportunities in the private and public sector and the effect has been enormous.
Theclass.structure
of learning should be such that after the first academic year, students are intro duced to the industry related to their profession al area. At this time a student will just observe work from different areas in order for them to make a decisive conclusion on what professional choice to pursue.
MR. GACHURUGEORGE NakuruCo-ordinatorCampus
St. Paul’s University Nakuru campus will feature on the top of the bucket list.
In a nutshell, I am saying we have grown in small bits. To re main competitive in the higher education market space, we have invested heavily in equipping our library, studio and ICT labs with state-of-the-art facilities and continually recruited highly qualified staff whose academ ic portfolio matches the desired output.
One thing that attracted Lorna to St. Paul’s University is the fact that it is Christ-centric. Lorna believes academic excellence pegged on values is advantageous. Unlike most secular universities, her focus was to be part of a university that will guarantee her quality educa tion and build her spiritually.
Our commitment to achieve our objectives and realize this vision has seen us grow exponential ly in phases. As we unpack the phases of growth we have expe rienced, we would like to state that it has taken teamwork. No one can accomplish any task in
Lorna is a first-year student in Nakuru campus pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 6
Written by: Mary N.
She learnt about St. Paul’s University through the official website www.spu.ac.ke and without any doubt, she was convinced it is the right university for her to join and pursue her studies.
Nakuru Campus
Our students have been able to feature and compete in nation al platforms such as the Kenya National Drama & Film Festi vals where our students did us proud by winning the best short film category in the year 2018 & 2019 respectively.
In fact, the university met and exceeded her expectations.
This year marks eleven years since St. Paul’s University, Na kuru campus was established. Looking back, I can confirm that we have put the campus in the regional and national map. As a campus, our core operations have been guided by the Univer sities overall vision and mission.
She likes the fact that the program she is pursuing has produced the best talent in the country. She is inspired to put the flag of the uni versity on the global map when she completes her studies. In her own opinion, Lorna is thankful that she got exactly what she looked for when she joined the university.
CAMPUS BRIEFS
LORNA Nakuru campus
Overisolation.theyears, we have seen our Communication program grow in leaps and bounds and today, if you ask anyone the best to train as a Communicator,
How about getting on with the ‘lepers mindset’ – “Why sit here and die?”
Written by: Mary N.
Challenges can cause fear, shock, renege, and inertia. Prof. Carol Dweck whose re search produced the growth mindset that has been glob ally applied across all disci plines proposes the follow ing to grow to higher levels of achievement:
b) Persistence Pays: In the face of challenges do not freeze or turn back, keep on
c)persisting.
The success of Others: Celebrate and learn from others’ success.
NAIROBI Campus
In the last edition, we men tioned that to grow we must say goodbye to a fixed mind set that constrains us to what we know, the familiar that curtails our progress, and instead we are invited to embrace a growth mindset that empowers us to view ourselves and those around us as capable of learning and growing. In doing so we become better and seize the opportunities around us. In the journey of growth, challenges come as part of the phases of growth.
CAMPUS BRIEFS
The Growth Mindset
Cherish Effort: Effort is the path to mastery, and it takes focused effort to develop.
The story of the four lepers in the Old Testament is intrigu ing. The city is under siege and the enemy has ensured that no one can come in and no one can go out. The Lep ers are naturally out because they were not allowed in the city lest they infect other Thepeople.lepers depended on the goodwill of those coming in and going out to survive and now they were stuck be tween a rock and hard place. One question from them caused a mindset shift that transformed their city’s des tiny - “Why sit here and die?”
REV. TRUPHIE KWAKA-SUMBA
Phases of Growing:
d) Learn from Criticism: Positive and negative criti cism provides a great learn ing opportunity. Look for the
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 7
e)nuggets.
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever.”Mahatma Gandhi NairobiPrincipalCampus
a) Embrace Challenges: Challenges provide an op portunity to learn and ex plore possibilities.
STEVE MUSA NAIROBI CAMPUS
NAIROBI Campus BRIEFS
MACHAKOS Campus
“Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle” - Anonymous
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 8
Steve is a Journalism student at St. Paul’s University, Nai robi campus. He joined the university in 2018 and con fesses that he has enjoyed his academic journey so far. He defines the university as a place that has helped him grow mentally, spiritually and academically.
He acknowledges that he has grown in all areas. He says that he can trace phases of growth in his academic jour ney. According to him, the lecturers are competent and always in touch with current trends that shape learning in higher learning institutions.
CAMPUS
DR. NASON VUNDI Campus MachakosCoordinatorCampus
Written by: Mary N.
“I am greatly indebted to the Chaplaincy for the spiritual transformation in my life”, he says. Steve is a beneficiary of the Wednesday chapel services that has ensured he is rooted in the word of God.
His goal is to soar and become the best version of him self.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 9 Written by: Mary N.
IAN MWANGI, MACHAKOS CAMPUS
MACHAKOS Campus
Ian is a Computer Science stu dent at St. Paul’s University, Machakos campus.
“Computer Science is not a simple course, and so I have to be focused in my studies”, Ian com mends.
During May semester alone, we have visited over fifteen high schools to minister and share about the university and partnered with church leaders to make sure the university brand continues to find its rightful place in the society. Hopefully during this year’s graduation, we hope to have two members of staff graduate with PhD’s.
The campus staff have continued to publish wide ly with renowned journals; the kind of growth that warms my heart. Most importantly, our spiritual formation mandate has remained intact and core to our existence. We have witnessed growth in peo ple’s spiritual lives like never before.
Our unity and collective agenda to grow the cam pus has been cross-cutting among students and staff; and has cemented our working relationship. Therefore, as we unpack the phases of growth, we promise to continue maximizing the opportunity we have to excel as a campus.
You may ask, what growth are you talking about? Machakos campus managed to organize a success ful International Research Conference, a one of its kind. In small measures, we have also seen our stu dent numbers bulge and our visibility grow in the county beyond our imagination.
Ian joined Machakos campus in 2019 elated and excited to pursue his dream career. His choice for Machakos campus was pegged on the level of convenience it offered to him. He joined the university focused and determined to realize his dream of becoming a distinguished Computer Scientist in the region.
He says that passion is what drives him to work hard and make sure he excels in everything he does. He also attributes his success to the cali ber of lecturers who have proved supportive to him and his peers. The university has created an enabling environment for students to grow academically, mentally and spiritually.
In his words, he says he has grown as an indi vidual to a level he never imagined before. The growth saw him secure a leadership position in SPUSA. He describes Machakos campus as a serene, peaceful and convenient environment to study.
The year 2022 was marred with all manner of pit falls. However, I can point out tangible phases of growth witnessed in Machakos campus. Just as Haggai said in 3:17 &18 “Though the fig tree does not bud and no fruit is on the vines, though the ol ive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the sheep are cut off from the fold and no cattle are in the stalls, 18 yet I will exult in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”. I boldy confirm that the Lord has been faithful to us and we are witnesses of his faithfulness.
CAMPUS BRIEFS
Written by :Sharon-Hope A.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 11
The enterprise also runs a farm that supplies vegetables to the Abigail restaurant, and the surplus sold to the staff and the local markets. In this regard, SPUEU’s building blocks for a sustainable business model are on maximizing existing market gaps within and outside the univer
The St. Paul’s University Enterprise Unit (SPUEU) is the business arm for the University. The enterprise unit has business unit’s that cut across guest house accommodation, catering and training and conferencing services. While taking cognizance of the fragile hospitality industry that is now bouncing back to normalcy after it was hit by Covid-19 pandem ic, the enterprise has considered both the internal and external operat ing context in its endeavor to build a sustainable business model in the new normal.
SPU AT A GLANCE
Insity.its
Selling is not a pushy, winner-takes-all, macho act. It is an empathy-led, process-driven, and knowledge-intensive discipline. Because, in the end, people buy from people."
- Subroto Bagchi 01. SPUEU
quest to become the most sought after service provider across the four business units, the enterprise has employed new marketing strate gies that will capitalize on the digital space. Additionally, the enterprise is keen on building high customer service experiences for its wide range of clients.
Written by :Sharon-Hope A.
The salon is a popular joint for ladies. No one can deny this fact. Ladies love keeping it trendy and neat at all times and the salon provides that opportunity to them at all times affordably.
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The high female population who study at St. Paul’s University is a good market for the salon. The students have a tendency to flock to the salon late in the day after classes or over the
Salon
“Cleanliness & good sanitation in schools is a matter of high importance”.
SPU AT A GLANCE
The well equipped gym was fully operational this semes ter and to date, it’s a bee-hive of activity for fitness fanat ics during evening hours. SPUEU, a directorate mandated to manage the gym has ensured the gym meets the standards desirable for training. T
Theweekend.endgame
The Gym
is that the salon makes sure female students are presentable and confident about their appearance. The salon also charges fairly affordable rates that any student can afford.
“Some people want it to hap pen, some wish it would hap pen, others make it happen.”
- Michael Jordan
At SPU, we not only flex academic muscles, we do the same to our bodies. The gym situated at the student amphitheater is a popular spot for staff and students who desire to keep their body on check and in shape.
he gym continues to attract clientele within and outside the University who sign up as members; thanks to the fair prices charged for training.
- Narendra Modi
02. 03.
The assistive mandate the center offers to students and staff has seen the quality of papers published grow im mensely making it possible for enthusiastic scholars to publish.
The commitment to build and nurture the next gener ation of high caliber scholars across all fields is at the heart of St. Paul’s University. The University has put a lot of emphasis on research across all levels. The goal is to ensure students and staff speak and breathe re Thesearch.quality
This facility is operating together with the studio to en sure that what has been recorded is edited and pub lished to the community through our radio station –LIGHT FM 99.9. Everyone has a thrilling story to tell and SPU Publishing center makes it possible. Our pub lishing studio ensures that all the projects filmed or re corded at all campuses are edited and sent to the Lim uru campus for them to be published to the audience.
SPU Research Centre
SPU Publishing Centre
We are surrounded by untold stories. At St. Paul’s University, we ensure those stories reach the people through the right channel. The institution does not only have a studio that records radio talk shows and live streaming; it equally has a publishing studio.
Written by :Sharon-Hope A. SPU AT A GLANCE
05.04.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 13
of research an institution churns out is a key differentiator on the quality of education offered. The research center plays a major role in advancing research. The center handles research papers, articles, academic papers etc.
Lecturer, Faculty of Social Science, Department of Community Development, Machakos Campus
Besides teaching, Gladys doubles up as a priest in the Anglican Church of Kenya. Service to God and Humanity is a true reflection in her.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 14
She always inspires students to become better versions of themselves and utilize their period of study at the university to grow intellectually, mor ally, spiritually, and socially.
Written
Gladys Hapilllo is pursuing a PhD in Development Studies at St. Paul’s University. She is currently reading a book by Francis Mulwa titled, “Demys tifying participatory development.” Gladys looks forward to publishing a series of academic papers to impart knowledge to the future generation.
LECTURERS PROFILE
“St. Paul’s University is home to me. I have not only studied and worked here, my husband is also an alumni of St. Paul’s University”, she al Herludes.focus is to impart knowledge, skills, and moral values to her students as she prepares them to conquer the world.
Her student-centric
Mrs. Gladys Hapillo mantra in life is simple; they either “Publish or Perish.”
As she looks forward towards retirement in the near future, she feels called to serve in full-time ministry as she continues teaching ODEL pro grams.
Gladys Hapillo is an Alumni of St. Paul’s Univer sity. She pursued her Bachelor’s in Divinity in the year 2000. After her Bachelors, she proceeded to Kwa Zulu-Natal University in South Africa, to pursue another Bachelor’s in Theology, special izing in African Christianity. Afterwards she en rolled for Masters in Community Development at St. Paul’s University. Gladys worked in various departments while in Limuru campus before she was transferred to Machakos.
by: Derick M.
LECTURERS PROFILE
Lecturer and Program Coordinator, Department of Business Studies, Machakos Campus.
Written by: Derick M.
Mr. Sang studied at Chebisas Boys High School and proceeded to Kenyatta University in the year 2001 where he pursued a Bachelor’s in Com merce (Bcom), Accounting option. After that, he enrolled for his MBA specializing in Finance at The University of Nairobi.
He is currently awaiting graduation for his PhD program at The University of Nairobi.
Sang has had a good experience lecturing at St. Paul’s University. He enjoys interacting with stu dents beyond the classroom environment. Accord ing to him, the informal set up of interaction is per fect space for students to open up on issues of life.
He is a lecturer in the department of Business Studies specializing in Finance and Accounting. He also doubles as the Program Coordinator at St. Paul’s University, Machakos Campus.
He has always used the opportunity to guide and mentor students academically and professionally. He is proud to be a lecturer at St. Paul’s University because of the holistic approach in learning.
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Mr. Sang loves reading journals and academic ma terials. They help keep him well informed on various innovations in the industry. He is passionate about research and looks forward towards harnessing re search in coming up with great solutions.
He advices students to yearn for more in life and excel in everything they do.
In 2014, he became a full lecturer at St. Paul’s University where he had taught as an adjunct previously.
He started his career at a Property Consulting company as an accountant and later transitioned to NIC Bank where he worked for a few years. Af terwards, he secured a job in a security company.
CPA William Kiprono Sang
He is keen on seeing young people grow in career and be industry voices on issues that matter. He is always happy when he watches or reads on St. Paul’s University alumni who passed through his hands doing amazing things in the profession.
Besides lecturing, Mr. Kanja is an artist. He draws murals and cartoons. He’s also an actor and story-teller. He plans to write children’s sto ry books when he retires. Mr. Kanja also plays musical instruments and trains people in certain occasions to play the instruments. Further, he is a preacher and does high school ministry under the Kenya Secondary Christian Fellowship body (KSCF) umbrella.
LECTURERS PROFILE
He is a Media and Communication Studies Lectur er at St. Paul’s University. He pursued bachelor’s in communications, majoring in Public Relations. He later graduated with master’s in development com Hismunication.careerjourney
started at Ahiti Animal Health and Industry Training Institute situated in Kabete where he taught for 34 years. He also doubled up as a Librarian in the same institution. Before joining St. Paul’s University, he taught as a part time lecturer at Daystar University. He joined St. Paul’s University in 2010 and from 2011; he was the Communication’s departments head at Nairobi Mr.Campus.Kanja
has seen the department grow in all di mensions. In his own words, he attributes the growth to the hardworking members of faculty who sacrificed everything to make sure the department grows. He is not shy to state that the department’s popularity in the marketplace has opened enormous opportunities to students who have graduated over the years. Most of the students are well placed in the industry.
Written by: Derick M.
Lecturer,things.Department of Communication Studies, Nairobi campus. Mr. John Kanja
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His Mantra is, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He under stands that nothing is too hard in the eyes of our maker. Jesus is source and giver of all
“The Writer”Optimistic
WALL
Written by: Freshia W.
Lucky Oluoch,
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 17
Forget about the fast lane. If you really want to fly, harness your power to your passion. Honor your calling. Everybody has one. Trust your heart, and success will come to you.”
- Oprah Winfrey OF FAME
Popularly known among his peers as “Kijana ya SPU”, Lucky Oluoch is a prolific writer, social media influenc er and Communications guru. A third-year Communi cations student at St. Paul’s University, Limuru cam pus, Lucky has set himself apart as a go-getter in his areas of calling. He acknowledges the fact that prac tice makes perfect, and for him to conquer the larger media space and make a name for himself, he has to prove a point. Lucky is categorical that a dream will always remain to be a dream if it is not acted on.
His first article was published in March, 2022 and from then henceforth; Lucky has taken over the publications with an article after another.
The reason why his hands and pen are inseparable is because of his thirst to perfect his craft.
According to him, the love for writing started while in high school. He loved reading all forms of literature that bumped into his hands. He also sees writing as a form of therapy. It eases his emotions and relaxes his
Lucky draws inspiration from two significant mantras that have shaped his success path.
and ideas into cutely crafted articles. Some of his writings have found its way into great publications such as The Star Kenya, The Standard and Nation Newspaper. “Success is not an overnight affair”, he com mends. His advice to fellow students is to work hard and practice. It is possible to write and submit articles and get negative feedback. However, that should not demor alize anyone from following and pursuing their dream.
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Written by: Freshia W.
“I am a timeless classic” and “If I do not do it, no one will do it for me”. He concludes.
Lucky is motivated differently in his pursuit to become the most celebrated writer; “I have always wanted to get paid for writing and talking”, he alludes. You may wonder how this is possible but to Lucky, he does not mince his words. The fat cheque is what he looks for ward to. When asked where he derives the passion to continue writing even when the cheque is nowhere in the picture, he says it is the love for writing. “I will always write, and write and write”, says Lucky.
Thatmind.is
WALL OF FAME
why today, Lucky has developed the art of pas sion into a skill. He is able to articulate his thoughts
Madelina NkiremaPOSITIVEIMPACTOR+AWARDWINNER
WALL OF FAME
Her journey in journalism started in 2016 after she completed high school. Madelina was able to secure an attachment at Sifa FM which is located in Voi, Taita Taveta County even without prior training in the field. She says the opportunity was a game changer. It made her build her skills and pursued journalism with passion.
Written by: Freshia W.
Her attachment at Sifa FM lasted for one year and a half. Later on, she joined Radio Tumaini, a radio station housed under the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa where she worked for nearly a year and a half before finally joining Radio Amani in Nakuru. This is her fourth year working at Radio Amani and so far, she has proved her journey in journalism was divine. To date, she has awards and accolades under her name for curating powerful stories that attracted local and international recognition. Her first award was the Great Gospel Music Award in Rift Valley as Best Presenter of the year.
The second award was Diji Radio Award where she was recognized for doing an impactful story about Covid-19 and how it can be controlled.
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I doubt if there is anyone who would like to live an empty life here on earth. We all desire to live impactful lives and be recipients of the commendation, ‘Good and faithful servant’ by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Finding one’s purpose is a fulfilling endeavor, but living it is exhilarating. In this second edition of SPU Connect magazine, we feature a young, vibrant and hardworking lady by the name Madelina Nkirema. Madelina is a final-year student at St. Paul’s University, Nakuru campus studying Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. She is a radio presenter at Radio Amani based in Nakuru, as well as the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Disability beyond Understanding, a community based organization whose operations are confined within Nakuru and its environment.
Madelina Nkirema was born in Mombasa County. She attended Desliz primary school then later on she went to St. Joseph Herman Marx primary school where she completed her primary education. She then proceeded to Eastmore Girls secondary school in Nakuru where she sat for her K.C.S.E in 2013.
For instance, Madelina was surprised when they visited Nakuru Special School which has people living with both physical and mental disability. They found children with mental dis ability knitting mats using threads and making artificial flowers using mattresses, compact discs, threads and bottle tops. The children would also knit handbags using African beads. Madelina was surprised by the gift and talent she saw in those young children and was in spired to keep doing what she does.
In 2020, Madelina won an international Award called the George Art-Kins Award that deals with stories based on farming whereby she emerged as the best farmer presenter. Lastly, Madelina won Onemi awards based in Naku ru County as the best media personality of the year in 2021. She opines that more awards are on the way. She is determined to continue putting her best feet forward and triumph as a
Madelina observes that one of the challenges that these children face is getting the market to sell their products. And when their learning period is over in the special schools, you will find them having a challenge adapting in the
Written by: Freshia W.
is also the CEO and founder of Dis ability beyond Understanding. This is a com munity based organization that addresses is sues affecting people living with disabilities. The organization exists to end stigma stigma surrounding disability in the society today. “There are so many myths in the society about disability like being disabled is an outcome of witchcraft”, she says and as organization, they have taken it upon themselves to demystify such myths and make the public understand disability is not inability.
society while trying to blend with people. This is because the society has not yet embraced them and they still have the absurd mentali ty in their minds that disabled people cannot amount to anything. Most people see people living with disability as a burden.
As an organization, they are trying to end that entire stigma by visiting the children, giving them hope, teaching them their rights not just as children but also adults who belong to their organization. As an Organization, they learnt that people with disability lack information about their rights which makes them face tri als and tribulations, simply because they are not informed. You will find that someone went through something and later on, they come to realize that they were not supposed to be treated that way because they had a right to access a certain place or do something. Ac cording to Madelina, it is sad that some of them do not even know that the Government disburses allowance money for their upkeep. Others take advantage of them simply be cause they lack information. They take it upon themselves to try and educate them.
So far, they have visited a couple of special schools where they have interacted with the students and Madelina states that despite their disability and having to face challenges, they have talents and gifts that they are utiliz ing perfectly.
They also walk with them through mental health issues since most of them are facing mental health challenges; not knowing who to speak to and how to cope up with the chal lenges that they face in everyday life.
Madelinajournalist.
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WALL OF FAME
Madelina started a program called “SIO MWISHO WA MAISHA”, simply because they broadcast in Swahili language. This is a motivation program that she begun so as to give people a platform to speak about issues affect ing them and it reached a point whereby she felt there was more to that program. The challenge she posed to her is what more can she do to be of help? That is when she began the organiza tion as a follow up to her program to make sure people do not just air out their problems but an action is taken or something is done about it.
WALL OF FAME
Written by: Freshia W.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 21
So, what inspired Madelina to switch her career path from air ticketing to journalism? Her moth er happens to be a Master of Ceremony as well as an event decorator. Madelina says that her talent as a radio presenter probably originated from her mother. She was not aware about her talent until she got to high school and started presenting news during the school assembly and her schoolmates would commend her for her reading and presentation skills. It is through the encouragement of her friends that Madelina decided to give journalism a shot and to date she does not regret stepping out of her comfort zone and doing it.
inspired her to begin her organization? It all began the day she was given a task at Ra dio Amani to be creative and come up with a programme for her show. Madelina took up the challenge and this is what she came up with; on Mondays she tackles business issues, on Tuesday she does health and nutrition and on Wednesdays she does a show to address farm ing.
Whatble.”
After high school, she studied Air Ticketing at Mombasa Tourism and Business Studies col lege. Her passion for journalism pushed her to doing Mass Communication at Mombasa Avia tion College and now she is advancing her ca reer at St. Paul’s University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication studies.
On Thursdays it’s all about motivation and on Friday she tackles all things related towards building and supporting talent.
The inspiration behind her organization came from motivational Thursday. The question posed was; “What is it that the society needs us to talk about? If you hear people’s cries, most of them are complaining that our Country has forgotten about us. So I felt as if they are fac ing a lot of issues and challenges which need to be addressed but they lack the platform where they can air out their issues and get helped. ” she
In the media space, she looks up to Mashirima Kapombe, a news anchor at Citizen TV. Made lina says that Mashirima is her role model for Kiswahili News. Surprisingly, when she is out on an event and people seem to forget her name, they often liken her to Mashirima. For English News, Yvonne Okwara is her role model. “There is just a way that Yvonne does it better than anyone else,” said Madelina. Her inspiration in other spaces is the Lady Chief Justice Martha Koome. She continues to say, “There is a way that CJ Martha Koome and other women in dif ferent professions show that we can make it as women, if they made it then anything is possi
Thatsaid.iswhen
of housekeeping department in Machakos is on an other level. He acknowledges that her leadership is what inspires the department to wake up every day to perform their duties diligently. Other than serving in the praise and worship team, David is also actively involved in missions and out reach where they visit high schools, prisons, and chil dren’s home within the vicinity to share about the gospel of Jesus Christ and extend a hand of love and affection. David says that his role in the department is spiritual to a greater extend. In his opinion, Jesus Christ does not dwell in hearts that are wicked, but in clean ones and refers to the popular saying that “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”. He is optimistic on what the future holds for him and looks forward to growing to higher levels.
The communication department of St. Paul’s University plays a strategic role in preparing communication students for the market. The department has been keen to organize relevant topical webinars and inviting relevant industry practitioners as guest speakers to engage and add their voices to the issues affecting the growth of the profession. Through such webinars, students are able to learn and understand communication trends that are directly linked to the growth of their profession. St. Paul’s University, Nairobi campus has managed to produce some of the best journalists who have dominated the me
HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
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DEPARTMENTAL BRIEFS
MACHAKOS Campus
NAIROBI Campus
David is actively involved in the praise and worship team under the chaplaincy when his housekeeping duties are done. He says the leadership and guidance he receives from Madam Catherine Mwendo, the head
Written by: Freshia W.
The housekeeping department is a beehive of activity. In Mr. David Mutua’s words, “Our work here is to make sure all students and staffs are comfortable”. The department makes sure the classrooms and classes are clean. It is always good to see the campus clean and attractive. That is why we must always be at work early to clean and orga nize everything. A clean environment is at tractive even to the visitors.
Dr. Faustin Chongombe Djongana, Head of Communication Department
dia. Big names such as Lofty Matambo of NTV, Ferdi nand Omondi of BBC, Ashley Mazuri of KTN and others are clear proof that the university is committed towards training a highly competent workforce for the media. Most of these media personalities have been at the forefront to train upcoming journalists through sharing their professional journey and industry experiences.
The boot camp availed to students a clear grasp of key communication skills to thrive in the industry. The de partment further provides students with a chance to
programs. However, it is prudent to point out that distance learning is not for everyone nor is it the eas ier route to a degree. It requires a high level of per sonal discipline, hard work and commitment since the student practically does the studies by themselves. We therefore congratulate students who choose this mode of study and most especially those who choose to study with us.
Nairobi campus communication department works closely with other campuses in collabora tion with the Beyond Classroom Club to organize career talks. The aim of these talks is to empower students, help students explore different career options and set career pathway goals.
DEPARTMENTAL BRIEFS
Since inception, SPU’s DL center has grown rapidly not only in number of students but also in its geo graphical reach. We currently provide education to: Students in Kenya, Students from the wider East Af rican Community in countries such as Southern Su dan, Uganda and Tanzania, Kenyans working in other countries such as Liberia and Afghanistan
Written by: Freshia W.
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The programs under the DL mode are structured into trimesters and take on average 2 & 1/2 years to com plete. Each year has 3 semesters and students are al lowed to take a maximum of 7 units only. The learn ers also get to interact with their instructors via face to face meetings twice within the Semester as well as via telephone conversations, email and Skype.
St. Paul’s University rolled out its Distance Learning Academic Programs in September 2012 in a bid to provide a flexible, accessible and cost effective mode of learning as an alternative to the traditional class room based programs. This mode of study is suitable for those who find it difficult to attend brick and mor tar classes either due to busy work schedules or work in far flung or marginalized places. It gives one the opportunity to study away from the classroom and does not interrupt their day to day activities.
DL programs attract students from a wide cross sec tion of career backgrounds ranging from those in for mal employment or running their own businesses to those in public leadership. Whether the learner is just starting out in their career, a senior executive, or a
In 2020, the Nairobi campus communication depart ment in conjunction with other campuses came up with a writing boot camp that was supervised by lecturers from Nairobi and Limuru campus.
DISTANCE LEARNING (ODEL)
take part in competitions and through such com petitions, students were able to demonstrate high level creativity and have grown in all dimensions.
politician they mostly have very abilityhenceschedulesbusythesuitofDL
When.
You’ve probably heard of some tips that singers use to deliver their “A” game, for Naomi she con sumes warm water before her delivery and always substitute sugar for honey.
Travelling, storytelling and dancing is what she enjoys doing during her free time.
ship team, she notes that practice makes perfect. She says her ability to balance her voice and hit high notes is because of her consistency in sharp ening her craft.
“Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet -hearts.”BillyJoel
TALANTA
asked why she serves in the praise and wor
Naomi Okungu
VIBES
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Written by: Mary N. Business Management Student Nairobi Campus
Naomi’s musical discovery journey started way back in primary school. Little did her teachers know that by always calling her out to lead songs during school parades, they were fanning the fire inside her to pursue music? In church, she was the lead singer during Sunday school.
Naomi is constantly working on her craft. Her goal is to sharpen her singing skills. She dreams of be coming a force to reckon in the music scene. She is also fond of attending gigs where other musicians perform to learn and grow her stage performance techniques. Naomi looks up to musicians like Kam bua in the Kenyan gospel circle for the articulation and their intentionality in the music they put out
“I only think about the pitch. I want to do great. I want to be one of the best. I want to win titles. I want to achieve things.”
Collins Samson Ouma
I don’t know what you call the polythene ball you used to play with when you were young but for Collins it's Ajuala. It prepared him for the journey ahead. His teachers could not ignore the skills he exhibited; they had to assimilate him in the school’s junior football team and later senior team.
Written by: Mary N.
His teacher was not about to let him slip off the team, he reached out and as serted that he needed him back on the pitch. He was nicknamed ‘Oliech’ and his jersey has been number eleven or seven as a striker.
– Paul Pogba
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Business Management Student Nairobi Campus
HE ASPIRES TO PLAY FOR GOR MAHIA, FAMOUSLY KNOWN AS “KOGELO”. GOR MAHIA PLAYER BRIAN OCHIENG IS ONE PERSON THAT INSPIRES HIM TO KEEP WORKING ON HIS CRAFT.
TALANTA VIBES
His talent brought great opportunities his way such as scholarships. His star con tinued to shine brighter when he joined Agulu high school. Nevertheless, this was not his normal primary school team members; he was faced with gigantic men who played in the school team which caused him to retreat.
One day as she was scrolling through Instagram and bumped into a post by Aftermath modeling agency. She decided to check them out hoping to get an opportunity to model for them. She was fascinated to say the least. After seeing their program; she was determined to test the waters, hav ing to pay fifteen thousand as enrolment fee. Lucy says if the post was a scam, she would have gone down the history books as the “scammed girl of the year” for she was totally sold out to the idea.
She wishes to work with Zara and Nivea. She has set her eyes on big brands. She highlights some of her challenges as having to train in six inch shoes which to outsiders seem eye catchy and modest but the experience always leaves her ankles and knees falling apart. She says that she has lost some jobs because some clients are specific with the body size, facial look that they need for their brand, which in some occasions doesn't meet the clients expectations.
Written by: Mary N.
Mass Communication Student Nakuru Campus
TALANTA VIBES
Lucy Wanjiku
“The secret to modeling is not being perfect”
Her parents were resistant to her modeling idea. For God’s sake she had just joined campus, young and naïve. But her convincing skill worked out, she managed to win her parents by her side and that’s how she was able to enroll at the modelling agency on a five year contract.
“Modeling is for petite people, you really don’t fit in,” some of her friends tried to talk her out. As they say never advise someone in love with a craft of choice, Lucy had her mind made up.
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– Karl Lagerfeld
Follow her on social media @wanjiku-lucy19
TALANTA VIBES
He says you will always find him watching BBC documentaries and learn basic editing tips from there. He also subscribes to youtube tutorials from renowned video editors across the globe and learns from their skills and techniques.
His addiction to the camera and the drive in him to become the best in his craft opened opportunities beyond the confines of the University walls. He started getting bookings to shoot external events at a good fee. Felix attributes his men tors to who he is and where has reached today.
- Damien Chazelle
Written by: Mary N.
Check out some of the work he has uploaded on YouTube@ Omari Studios and while at it don’t shy away from tapping the subscribe button.
He would then edit the clips and post on youtube channels. Little did he know he was building a special gift within him?
Felix Omari Communication Student Nakuru Campus
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In his own words, he says a video that would take him an entire week to edit, he can now do it in a single day; a fact that characterizes his growth. His long term plan is to set up a production studio where he can record music and shoot videos.
What is his secret? Sacrificing time to learn from the best in the industry and the willingness to make mistakes in the process of growth.
“I love being in the editing room and playing with tempo and with the rhythm of shots.”
Felix joined St. Paul’s University to study Public Relations, but along the way, he found himself passionate about shooting and editing video clips. Mr. Steve, the studio manager for Nakuru campus studio noticed his skill and created an envi ronment where Felix would sharpen his skills. Felix would go outside the Univer sity, with a camera in his hands, he would shoot clips of events taking place in the campus such as chapel service.
INSPIRATION HOUR
I always count it a blessing to see that I am alive today. I would have died a long time ago. Geofrey who hails from Nyamira County, Manga Sub-County, Magom bo location, Gekano sub-location recalls. My mother gave birth to me when she was still a baby. In literal sense, a baby conceived another baby. At fourteen (14) years old, the mother held Geofrey, a bundle of joy, in her hands for only a few months before life changed course from the lane of hope to one full of misery, disappointment and despair.
From the outset, no one would imagine the kind of life Geoffrey has been through. The smile on his face coupled with a natural calm demeanor would easily depict a nicely pieced up personality. His peers thought he always had it all together. But the intricacies of life are best known to Geofrey Nyakundi Morara, a fourthyear, second semester student pursuing Bachelor of Arts in Communication, dou bling in Mass Communication and Public Relations at Nakuru campus. His other side of the coin is full of drama and intriguing life experience.
Things started going south when my mother decided to get married as a second wife. Her decision to remarry is what led to all the misery in my life. I was never accepted by the other family. I remember going without food for a couple of days and no one cared. My mother, a class five drop-out, had no clue on what to do. She was young and naïve. What she wanted then was a man by her side. But her decision exposed me to hate, ridicule and mistreatment by the wife and children of the foster family.
Written by: Derick M.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 28
I always count it a blessing to see that I am alive today. I would have died a long time ago.
Written by: Derick M.
While I was in form two, I started having issues. The reality about the struggles in life became more real to me. What made things worse was the fact that I did not know my real father. While other students would talk about their families, I had nothing to talk about. I felt like life had con spired against me, to push me to the wall and choke me to death. I wondered why God would allow me to be born into such a family. My per formance in class started to deteriorate. It went from bad to worse. I lost faith and confidence in God and myself.
the results, I set out on a journey to look for my mother and find out if she is in a position to support my secondary education but low and behold! It wasn’t going to be as rosy as I thought. When I arrived at her place where she had been married, I found out that the purported husband had just been released from prison after serving a two month jail term for his association to a gang of bandits that had been terrorizing res idents in the village. So I found the entire family in a limbo.
I decided to go back to my grandparents for as sistance and by God's grace, my grandfather en rolled me to form one at Geke Secondary School. It was a mixed school but I didn’t mind. After all, I had no choice. What I wanted was to study. I worked hard to impress my grandfather and I viv idly remember during the first term, I managed to score a B minus, quite impressive results I must say. I knew my path towards success in life had taken shape. My grandfather, who was earning a meager salary of Ksh. 8000 had other three peo ple he was supporting through high school, an other one in an academy and one more in college yet sacrificed all he had to see me through school.
While my peers attended school comfortably, I struggled through school. I used to be chased away almost on a daily basis due to lack of school fees; no one came to my rescue. It reached a point I could not take it any longer, I ran away and re located to my grandparents home. While at their home, I joined Riaranga primary school where I sat for KCPE and scored 245 marks. That is all I could attain considering the challenges I had gone
When I joined form three, I decided to visit my mother again to find out how she was doing. But the visit did not end well. My step mother was on a mission to ruin my life. I had no clue at all what would befall me. One day while she served us food, she had singled out my plate and put some poison in the food. I ate the food and from there, the next place I found myself was in hospital. The situation was so dire that I had to undergo sur gery. I thank God I managed to survive. After the experience, I knew my life was at stake and had to retreat to my grandparents place. There was no way I would continue staying in a home whose mission was to end my life.
INSPIRATION HOUR
My grandfather continued to support me through high school until I completed form four in the year 2014 and scored a D plus. After high school, I joined St. Anne’s College. The college had part nered with St. Paul’s University then. It is the owner of the college who secured a slot for me there after he heard about my story while I was in high school. He once visited the high school I attended and on that day, I was going through a lot. I was crying all day. She wondered what was wrong and inquired from the school’s administra tion. When she heard about my story, she offered to grant me a full scholarship to pursue computer studies at the college.
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Afterthrough.receiving
How was your schooling experience?
I registered in January 2019 and started at the diploma level. I excelled and joined the Bache lors program but unfortunately, my grandparents had financial challenges and could not support my undergraduate program anymore. This is the season that introduced me to another nightmare. I had thought that God was fully on my side and my dream towards becoming a renowned jour nalist was manifesting gradually. But who is God? When I had given up, I received a call from my grandfather and this time round, he had good
I have come to realize that in life, we have angels masquerading in various forms, and Mr. Joseph Abunga and Esther Mokeira, my grandfather and mother have been those angels. I am also grate ful to St. Paul’s University for supporting me spir itually and emotionally all through my studies. Our Chaplain Moses Yongo has been more than a brother to me. His words of encouragement have sparked the fire in me to keep my eyes focused on the ultimate goal imprinted in my heart. The fellowship at Mwembe SDA church has also had a great impact in my life.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 30
news for me. He had gathered a few resources and he was ready to support me financially. He even sacrificed and bought a laptop for me. His kind gesture and commitment to see me succeed in life challenged me to work harder. I am where I am today because of my grandfather.
Written Derick M.
In 2018, I joined a company called Livelihoods that sells jikokoa, water filters and gas and worked there for seven months. In July, 2018, my uncle who lives in Nakuru secured a job for me. I traveled to Nakuru and while there, my grand father called me and said that he wanted me to join Nyabururu Teachers Training College only to change his mind later and enroll me to St. Paul’s University, Nakuru campus.
In December 2015, I was transferred to another constituent college in Maarani to teach the same course, computer studies. After two months at Maarani, I was made the college administrator. I later resigned after I heard the collaboration be tween the college and St. Paul’s University was coming to an end. I secured another job at Relax Inn Hotel based in Keroka but lost the job after six months. Later, I joined Kuizen Kindergarten in Narok in 2017 but quit due to poor pay and after a fierce disagreement with the director on a num ber of issues.
INSPIRATION HOUR
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I desire to be working with a renowned media company. I would also like to support youth who are into drugs. I am sure no one was born to be a drug addict. My goal is to mentor and let them understand that life has so many opportunities to explore.
If you would like to have a look at what I do, you can find me on social media platforms. Search for Jeff the presenter on facebook. I always post on trending issues happening in society.
While in college, I heard our tutors talking about St. Paul’s University. I was interested to know more about the University. I could not wait any longer. I registered for a course offered by St. Paul’s University in the college. And when luck traced me, the owner of the college entrusted me to work as the head of marketing for the college as I pursued my studies. I also started teaching computer studies.
My mantra in life is simple; keep on keeping on. When life brings lemon your way, turn it into a lemonade.
by:
2nd July, 2022:
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EVENTS CORNER
20th July, 2022:
27th June – 1st July, 2022:
19th – 22nd July, 2022:
Written by: Derick M.
St. Paul’s University signs a partnership MoU with The National Council of Churches of Kenya at Jumuia Conference and Resort, Limuru.
The Red Cross Club of St. Paul’s University visits Neema Children's Home
Prof. Peter Ngure, DVC-AA attended a CUE “University Statute Development” workshop held at Ole Ken Hotel, Nakuru.
27th July, 2022:
Have a glimpse of what happened this semester.
The Corporate Affairs Department holds the Annual Career Fair online and face to face at the student amphitheater, Limuru campus.
The Office of the Chaplaincy officially commissions 2022 graduands at the Main Hall.
The University held a Nursing Career Talk at the student amphitheater, Limuru campus.
23rd June, 2022:
29th June, 2022:
SPUSA hosts inter-departmental debate between Communication and Nursing students at the student amphitheatre, Limuru campus.
24th June, 2022:
29th June, 2022:
Prof. Peter Ngure, DVC-AA awards certificates of completion to delegates who attended Pro posal Writing Workshop organized by the Board of Postgraduate Studies in collaboration with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences.
Prof. Diphus Chemorion plays host to a team from KEMRI for the University’s infrastructural bench-marking tour.
Dr. Zablon Bundi, DVC F&A attends the final day of the Manuscript Training organized by the Board of Postgraduate Studies in collaboration with Kamuzu University of Health Sciences at Limuru campus.
St. Paul’s University signs a physical MoU with Handong Global University (South Asia) at Limuru main campus.
EVENTS CORNER
17th June, 2022:
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24th June, 2022:
Written by: Derick M.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 34
10th June, 2022:
Eco-Bana, a student-led social innovation enterprise celebrates World Environment Day by planting trees.
St. Paul’s University signs an MoU with Kempten University based in Germany.
18th May, 2022:
20th – 27th May, 2022:
30th May, 2022:
Ven Scholar participates during KAICIID In ternational Fellows Program & European Cohort Evaluation and Sustainability Train ing Workshop at Lisbon, Portugal.
EVENTS CORNER
17th June, 2022:
5th June, 2022:
The Office of the Dean of Students undertakes induction service for the new SPUSA lead ership. In attendance is Rev. Canon Prof. James Kombo, VC St. Paul’s University.
Written by: Derick M.
The HR department holds a one day Mental Health Awareness talk at the Nairobi campus. In attendance were CIC Group Plc, Bliss Medical Centre, Taji Dental Clinic and Chiromo Mental Health Hospital.
Prof. Michelle Frankish from the University of Tampa, USA giving a tutorial on Blend ed Learning Course Design for Nursing Education during the 3rd Building Capacity for Nursing and Midwifery Leadership in Africa happening at the student amphitheatre, Limuru campus.
30th April, 2022:
7th April, 2022:
27th April, 2022:
16th May, 2022:
The Public Relations and Marketing Club of St. Paul’s University officially launched at the student amphitheater, Limuru campus. Madam Sylvia Mwichuli, CEO PRSK and Ms. Rosehilda Kamanga, Communications & Marketing Manager grace the launch as Chief Guests.
Written by: Derick M.
12th April, 2022:
DVC-AA Prof. Peter Ngure, Dr. John Muhoho, Dean, FOSS, and Rev. Dr. Joseph Mutei, DoS paid a courtesy call to Caroline Vicini, The Swedish Ambassador and Permanent Repre sentative to UNEP and UN Habitat at their of fices in Gigiri.
EVENTS CORNER
Drama clubs Chairperson Mr. Vincent Bwire represents the University at the Central and Eastern Drama and Film Workshop held at Kenyatta University, Kitui campus.
New students joining the University taken through registration and orientation.
DVC-AA Prof. Peter Ngure in the company of Dr. John Muhoho, Dean, FOSS, Ms. Grace Kinyanjui, Director, ODEL, Dr. Wanjugu and Mr. Michael Mungai, Head of the Corporate Affairs Department paid a courtesy call to Torsak Janpian, Minister-Counselor at the Royal Thai Embassy - Kenya to discuss areas of collaboration and partnership.
St. Paul’s University signs an MoU with World Vision Kenya at their Karen campus offices.
4th May, 2022:
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SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 36
INNOVATION HUB
“Life opens up opportunities to you, and you either take them or stay afraid of taking them”
The assorted accessory online shop sells all manner of stuff; and students have become one of their key markets. The drive to start the business was based on the demand for acces sories among students. Most students would risk going and shopping downtown yet get ting sub-standard products. The two decided to bridge the gap and avail the accessories easily, affordably and conveniently. Although the two have not yet settled on the best brand name to use for their online shop, they are considering calling it, D2 Accessories”.
The most difficult thing for entrepreneurs is to conceptualize and implement a business idea. This is not news to Daphnie and Dorcas; they had their fair share of struggles before settling on which business to run together.
The two strongly believe financial indepen dence has a correlation to happy living; with God in the picture, everything will be per fect. Their advice to fellow young people is that they should be ready to get dirty, work and earn a decent living. The fear of stepping out to try is a major hindrance to great ideas. Unfortunately, the majority of the young peo ple prefer staying in their comfort zone and depending on parents and relatives on basic things that they would otherwise be able to provide for themselves. But their parting shot is real and ridiculous in equal measure, “The hustle isn’t easy but it is worth it”, they say. Business is hard to crack, but patience and consistency always pays.
NAIROBI Campus
Rightly speaking; there is no instance where an opportunity will avail itself in a manner that is easy to grasp. When high risk is not in the picture, then it means there is minimal oppor tunity to pursue.
It was not a walk in the park to convince students to consider purchasing their list of
The story of Daphnie and Dorcas Students, Nairobi Campus
The story of Daphnie and Dorcas is not differ ent. Both students at St. Paul’s University, Nai robi campus, they run an online store that has grown over the months. Their partnership in the business has been a plus to the way they run the business considering they both bring into the business unique skill-sets and ideas.
Inaccessories.thebeginning, they were ignored, laughed at and ridiculed. But their zeal and determination to succeed was always fresh in their minds. To beef up their strategy, the duo settled on face to face mar keting of their products; strategy that yielded fruits later. They consider their success was based on the quality of products they sold and pocket friendly prices they tagged on the ac cessories. Daphnie and Dorcas opine that the present day modern woman should be as sertive, confident and able to take care of her bills,; and business is the way to go to realize the stated objectives.
Written by Freshia W.
- Jim Carrey
GUEST WRITER BRIAN (COMMUNICATIONNDUNG'U OFFICER ECO-BANA)
Eco-bana comprises five passionate innova tors who double up as students at St. Paul’s University. Lennox Omondi is the Chief Exec utive Officer (C.E.O.) He is the senior most of ficer. He manages the day to day operations of the business.
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The story of ECOBANA A Social Enterprise
From the shores of the Indian Ocean to the peaks of Mt. Kenya, the valleys of the Great Rift, to the rainforest of the West and the vast arid plains of Northern Kenya, the grasslands of the South, meet Eco-Bana.
LIMURU Campus
COLUMN WRITER FRESHIA WAIRIMU
WRITTEN BY:
is the Chief Social Me dia Strategist. He handles the social media accounts at Eco-Bana and ensures constant flow of information in the accounts.
Keylie Muthoni Ogola is the Chief Operations Officer (C.O.O) and Brian Ndung’u serves as the Chief Communication and Marketing Of ficer (C.M.O). He communicates officially on behalf of Eco-Bana and coordinates all mar keting activities at Eco-Bana. Dullah Shiltone
is the Chief Financial Officer (C.F.O). He takes care of finances and keeps the books of re cords at EmmanuelEco-Bana.Omondi
Eco-Bana addresses different sustainable devel opment goals (SDGs.) They address SDG num ber three, which is good health and well being by manufacturing hygienic sanitary pads. They also address SDG number eight, which is decent work and economic growth by giving the innovation a monetary value.
How is addressingEco-BanaSDG?
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 38 INNOVATION HUB
What is Eco-Bana?
Eco-Bana is a social enterprise that manufactures biodegradable, hygienic and affordable sanitary pads from banana fibre. It aims at ending period poverty, creating better job opportunities, solving sustainable development goals, making revenue and offering a safer household environment. The idea was inspired by the high rate of girls who are dropping out from schools because of lack of san itary pads.
They address SDG number thirteen, which is cli mate action by manufacturing sanitary pads that are biodegradable. After use, the pads can rot hence making the pads eco-friendly.
Written by Freshia W.
On May 14th, 2022, Eco-Bana scooped the first position in the Hultprize Regional summit hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa. The innovation se cured a slot to compete in the Global Accelerator hosted in Massachusetts, Boston, USA. The team also got a chance to attend the Hultprize On-Cam pus Awards hosted in Strathmore University.
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The Head of Corporate Affairs department Mr. Michael Mungai who is also our Patron has been very sup portive. The role he has played is what has made us reach where we are today. Through his intervention, we were able to register Eco-Bana as a limited company. He also worked round the clock to ensure we secure passports and visa appointments with the American embassy.
On May 19th, 2022, Eco-Bana emerged in the best overall won in the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre competition that was hosted in Strathmore Univer sity. They walked away with Ksh. 900,000, certifi
No matter how difficult or easy the idea or process seems, DO NOT GIVE UP. Nothing that lasts for a longer time comes on a silver platter. Remember every day a girl is born and everyday a girl begins her menstrual cycle. At Eco-Bana, we solve prob lems and change lives using banana fibers.
Written by Freshia W.
His constant words of encouragement and counsel has kept us inspired to become the best version of ourselves. In several occasions, the University has offered us a platform to meet local and international in vestors and recommended Eco-Bana to prospective partners to ensure we realize the dream to end period shame in the society. We are greatly indebted to this great University.
On May 29th 2022, Eco-Bana won at third position overally and first position students category in the Kiambu County Innovation Day hosted at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). They were awarded an enormous trophy and certificates.
INNOVATION HUB
Awards Accolades.&
Your parting Shot.
How has the University supported the Innovation?
Future Plans
Eco-Bana plans to pitch their innovation in any in novation competition that they come across. They have a well outlined future product line of making eco-papers, eco-mats, eco-carrier bags and ecotrays. They also plan to partner with companies that offer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and charitable organizations to empower many girls and women as possible.
cates and a free incubation program.
On July 21st, 2022, Eco-Bana won in the United States International University (USIU) innovation day. They were awarded three gold medals, certifi cates, a five thousand voucher and a free incubation program. Eco-Bana is optimistic to bring more tro phies and awards home in their quest to end period poverty.
Michael Njoroge is the Studio Assistant at St. Paul’s University, Nairobi campus. The studio is under the custody of Mr. Wainaina, the Senior Studio Technician. Michael is a proud alumnus and a product of St. Paul’s University.
SPU SUPPORT STAFF
Michael attributes the opportunity availed to him to work at the studio on work study. The experience prepared him well for the task he is performing today. As a Studio Assistant, Michael works closely with stu dents as a coach and mentor. He has as sisted countless number of students excel in their studies.
One thing that sets him apart is his level of connection he has with students he serves. Michael has been able to build strong re lationships that have in return inspired growth among students pursuing Commu nication courses. It is uncommon not to find Michael in the studio early in the morning ready to serve students who need his ex pertise and assistance. He believes quality education is two-pronged.
After completing his Bachelors, he saw an advertisement by the University seeking to recruit a Studio Assistant for Nairobi cam pus; he did not hesitate to submit his ap plication. He faced the interview panel and managed to secure the position competi tively.
Michael Njoroge, Studio Assistant, Nairobi campus
The students must be willing to put in the necessary effort required while on his end provide research based knowledge in areas of videography, editing etc.
He started his journey as a student in 2017 where he pursued Bachelor of Arts in com munication majoring in Mass communi cation and Film. Michael was attached at Light FM for his work study, a place that sharpened his craft and instilled an unend ing interest in Film.
Written by Antonette Yebei
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 40
Internal Security Supervisor, Nairobi Campus
Heeducation.iscurrently
Written by Antonette Yebei
Mr. Richard Muthee
pursuing Bachelors in Criminology and Security Studies and hopes to finish soon. Mr. Richard opines that the security sector is the most challenging one in the country today because one must always be alert and up to date with new criminal trends of obstructing security. This means as a security officer, he must be ahead of the game.
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SPU SUPPORT STAFF
Mr. Richard Muthee is the internal security supervisor based in St. Paul’s University, Nairobi campus. He joined the University on 17th of January 2020 from Royal Media Services Limited where he had a stint as security officer in-charge. Richard opted to join the University to work but also study; he had always had a dream to further his
His diligence and dedication to perform his task saw him promoted from a casual to a permanent and pensionable staff. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve the University. He is fully committed to towards making sure security is guaranteed and normal University operations run uninterrupted.
In spite of joining the University in the era of Covid-19 pandemic, he was able to adapt and adjust quickly. This swift adjustment enabled him to deliver on his tasks and responsibilities with ease. Mr. Richard says that his core mandate is to provide the necessary security the University deserves with minimal breach from external entities. He must work hard towards making the students, staff and University as sets safe.
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During her initial assignment, she used to be assigned to clean classes but today, she is trusted to clean offices. According to her, it takes patience, focus and hard work for one to realize her goals.
Ms. Florence is a cleaner per excellence. She understands that cleanliness is next to Godliness and this realization has challenged her to always make sure that she delivers on her assignment. She is a cleaner based in Nairobi campus. Florence is visionary; her desire is to enroll to an institution of higher learning and upgrade herself.
SPU SUPPORT STAFF
Ms. Florence Auma Cleaner
Written by Antonette Yebei
She is determined to turn his dream into a reality one day. She is glad for the opportunity she is having now where she works as a cleaner. Her mantra is to work hard and ensure no one will ever complain about the state of cleanli ness in the campus. She says the job she has sufficiently enabled her to settle her bills such as paying school fees for her children. She is glad she can put food on her table and have shelter on her head.
- Antonio Brown
"The journey is never ending. There’s always going to be growth, improvement, adversity; you just got to take it all in and do what’s right, continue to grow, continue to live in the moment"
SPORTIKA
Written by: Antonette Yebei
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Melanie Awino
to halt sports tournaments in the country. She took a one-year break that affected her skill set in the sport. Roll ball is a sport that requires training on a daily basis.
Written by: Antonette Yebei
She did not lose hope. When Covid-19 pan demic constraint measures were relaxed, she was back to roll ball again with a bang. To date, her name would not slip anyone’s tongue re ferring to her among the best roll ball players. That is the reason why the Federation scouted for her to join the Kenya National Roll Ball team and represent the team in the regional games.
Melanie is a 4th year student pursuing Bache lors in Commerce. She joined St. Paul’s Universi ty in 2019. Before joining roll ball in the second month of her 1st year, she had tried woodball and football but as she says her calling and love was for roll ball. Despite roll ball being a diffi cult sport, Melanie would not give up. She woke up every day to practice and perfect her craft.
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“Keep it fun and entertaining” is a motto that informs Melanie’s perspective in sports. She be lieves one can only be good in a sport they en joy. It is also clear that no skill can be acquired with putting in work and effort on it. No skill is acquired on a silver platter.
Interestingly, Melanie joined the roll with no prior experience in skating. With her patience, consistency, and hard work now she is like one of the best in her team. Melanie’s passion grew as days went by and she stopped using other people’s skates and bought herself one despite not being a pro yet. She had a goal. She was motivated and determined to become a pro and she had to fulfill it regardless.
After months of training, she managed to play her first game. The experience is so fresh to date. She is thankful to her teammates for their encouragement and belief in her to deliver.
“Keep it fun and entertaining”
The Covid-19 pandemic affected her training schedule. It also meant the roll ball team and other sports would not attend competitions af ter the restrictions put forth by the government
As a female sports person, Melanie attributes that the University has played a major role in the growth of roll ball and other sports. She is thankful for the opportunity she was given in the roll ball team. She is what she is today be cause of the opportunity availed to her. The fu ture is bright for her.
SPORTIKA
Later, Gabu ventured into training junior players who would join the University and were interest ed in playing football. His exemplary leadership in sports opened a door for him to be elected sports and entertainment representative for a period of two years before he dared to become the Universi ty student’s president; a dream he lived to achieve. In Gabu’s view, he applauds St. Paul’s University for creating room for students to nurture and grow their skills in extra-curricular activities.
“Champions keep playing until they get it right” - anonymous
He is aware that talent is a great treasure that needs support; and the University has played the supportive role to the core despite a number of challenges they faced on certain occasions. He is proud to state that during his tenure as SPUSA president, he saw sports growing to greater levels.
Gabu was in the University’s top football’s team list. He participated in countless football tourna ments that exposed him to numerous opportuni ties. He was elected the team’s assistant captain; a role he played with utmost passion and dedica tion. He managed to inspire the football team to embrace teamwork, high levels of discipline and commitment towards excellence. The manifesta tion of his leadership skills would not escape the administration; he was promoted to become the captain; a role he played for two years.
SPORTIKA
For instance, the basketball team got new jer seys, the football team was well equipped, and the rugby team started participating in KUSA after the ban. Sports have made him travel across the country and outside the country. It also made him interact with peers across cultures, and ethnicity.
Gabriel Ochieng Mwenge
Gabriel Ochieng Mwenge popularly known as “Gabu” joined St. Paul’s University in the year 2015 as a diploma student. In between his studies, he placed a pause button to pursue his football/ soccer career for a while before he went back and finished his diploma. He enrolled for Bachelors in 2018 as he continued to play football. Despite having the ability to play other sports, his love for football is unrivaled.
Written by: Antonette Yebei
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During his season, he managed to bring home five trophies. This was no mean feat. It is a worthwhile achievement that deserves a part on the back.
Written by: Antonette Yebei
Derick Mwangi
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SPORTIKA
His mantra is “Always do the right thing and do the good thing”. What motivated him was his urge to help, and by helping put a smile on someone’s face.
As a first aider, he has been able to offer so lace and support to sports men and women during their moments of pain. Derrick is al ways fulfilled when he performs first aid to an injured player and sees them back on their feet again.
This gives him so much joy. He appreciates the Office of the Dean of Students and the Sports Tutor Mr. Gibson Luyari, who have worked closely with him to ensure first aid is fully integrated as a key element in sports and more so, ensure the necessary first aid equipment and items are availed at any given time the University is involved in any sport ing event within and outside the University.
Derrick is inspired by the evolution first aid has taken today. He appreciates the fact that first aid is considered part and parcel of an important component in sports manage ment. He is also touched to see a number of students become part of the first aid group. He is assured that the consistency and competency he has witnessed in the growth of first aid for the past few years, he has no doubt that at any point, his effort that has seen first aid find a significant place in sports will be watered down.
“To be great and best at being a first aider, teamwork plays a big role” Derrick Derick Mwangi is a final year student pursuing Bachelors of Arts in Communication specializing in Public Relations. He joined the University in January, 2020. Derrick’s journey towards becoming a first-aider began in September 2021. The role of first aiders is to give first aid services to players who get injured while playing.
Written by: Derick M.
Since its official launch, the club has opened op portunities for students to engage and grow pro fessionally. Through the club, a number of stu dents have secured internships and marketplace exposure. Apart from getting involved in internal and external marketing and publicity of the Uni versity, the club enhances access for mentorship amongst the club members with industry profes Thesionals.club
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has a robust team of students at the helm of its leadership. Mr. Jerry Ian serves as the Chairperson, Lucky Oluoch, Vice Chairperson, Faith Nyaboke, Treasurer and Sheila Kinyagah as the treasurer. The club’s membership stands at thirty students and seeks to grow its membership in the coming days. Going into the future, PRMC plans to build strong stakeholder partnerships with the corporate world and connect more stu dents to opportunities for learning, training and employment.
To become a member of the club, kindly write an email prmarketingclub@spu.ac.ke.to
To train students on PR and Marketing industry trends, to nurture and mentor PR and Marketing students towards professional career growth, to integrate theory & practice of PR & Marketing through internships, attachments and volun teering, to connect students to PR & Marketing 4 industry leaders for career guidance and men torship and; to organize and execute bespoke student centered PR & Marketing events. PRMC is run by students under Mr. Joel Kwemei and Madam Bahati Gatere as the club patrons.
PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING CLUB (PRMC)
The club charges a registration fee of Ksh. 100 and membership fee of Ksh. 300 every semester. The money assists the club to run its activities with minimal financial struggle.
In this edition of SPU Connect e-magazine, we would like to run you through a club, launched recently yet it is taking the University by storm. The Public Relations and Marketing Club (PRMC) is a club of no mean feat. The club falls under the leadership of the Dean of Students (DoS) and is fully registered with a working constitution.
CLUBS DESK
The club’s mission is to nurture Public Relations & Marketing professionals by imparting quality and relevant skills through exposure, training and hands-on experiences for the job market. Driven by the vision to become a club of academic ex cellence based on public relations and market ing skills producing quality public relations and marketing professionals for the ever evolving job markets, the club’s operational principles is guid ed by the following objectives:
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
“As a student from Uganda, I have had the best learning ex perience. If you ask me to recommend anyone to join and study at St. Paul’s University, I would do it without blinking an eye. The lecturers are amazing, the environment is serene for learning and the quality of education meets international standards”, he opines. At the time he joined the University, the world was just recovering from the first wave of Covid-19 and before long, another wave hit and students had to go on line for most of the lectures, at that time, the physical inter action with lecturers and fellow students was limited. He is happy that campus life is back to normal and the interaction among students and lecturers is assured.
One key attribute he has observed is the richness in the cul tural diversity. The University has students across the globe and all of them are treated equally and with dignity. At no point has he ever been discriminated against or looked down upon. Brian also likes the integration of different faiths at the University. If you are a Methodist, Anglican, Presbyterian or Protestant, both are treated equally and have special chapel sessions to lead.
His mantra is pegged on the book of Mathew 19:26 that say, “With God, ev erything is possible”.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 49
He has also interacted deeply with the other international students and the experience has been fulfilling. He is proud that he is in a University that has produced iconic African scholars like Prof. Es ther Mombo whom he only used to read about her in books. He never imagined he would one day meet her face to face and even have a chat. St. Paul’s University has exposed Brian to countless opportunities. He has attended conferences, lectures and has been able to make presentations that have opened doors for him to the leadership of the Ecumenical Movement in Africa.
His major challenge was the language barri er. Most people would speak to him in Swa hili; a language he didn’t understand but with time, he was able to understand a few words and how to express himself to his peers. One of his greatest lessons at the University is that being humble does not make anyone less who they are.
This was his primary school motto and he has carried it ith him since then.
Brian Muyunga is a Ugandan citizen studying at St. Paul’s Univer sity Limuru campus, pursuing Bachelor’s in Divinity, currently in his third-year of study. He is a student leader currently serving as the SPUSA supreme special needs and international affairs secretary. Brian also coordinates the Faculty of theology’s fellowship togeth er with a team of other theology students.
His experience at the University has been an amazing journey of growth. He is cognizant of the fact that the University has given him an opportunity to learn how to live with people from different cultures. Over time, he has learnt how to live and interact with the rest of the other students. He has built great friendships and more so acquired new interesting skills such as how to prepare local del icacies such as Mokimo and Githeri.
Written by: Antonette Yebei
Brian Muyunga
Sharon-Hope confirms that St. Paul’s University has the best lectur ers she has ever had in her entire life. She has mingled and interact ed so well with lecturers in class and outside class. She has never faced any form of bias or discrimination because of her unique cultur al background.
Whenever she serves clients at the front desk, Post graduate building, Sharon-Hope will always en gage all manner of clients and manage to provide the necessary information needed without much struggle. “Learning Swahili has been the most dif ficult thing but I hope with time I will have a good grasp”, she Sharon-Hopeclaims.appreciates the modes of learning availed to learners by the University. The blended learning experience has been seamless and flex ible to most students. When she remembers how they transitioned from face to face to online learn ing platforms in the wake of Covid-19, she saw a very competent University like no other. Initially she worried about what would happen but after the transition, there is no single semester or class they missed. Learning was smooth all the way.
Her mantra is “Determination is the key to suc cess”. Determination goes hand in hand with setting up goals and in the end, you succeed.
She is the team leader for SPU Connect, a semester based e-mag azine that shares news and stories to the University’s internal com munity. Not only that, Sharon-Hope is also an active member of the Public Relations and Marketing club (PRMC). She started volunteer ing at the Corporate Affairs department and after sometime, she was interviewed for an attachment in the same office. Sharon-Hope says her experience has been fulfilling.
She has made great strides academically and socially; she has also made friends locally and with international students.
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 50
DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONSharon-Hope
Ngum Abiyah
Sharon-Hope Ngum Abiyah joined St. Paul’s University, Limuru cam pus in the year 2019 during the September - December semester. She is an international student hailing from the North Western Re gion of Cameroon pursuing Bachelors of Arts in Communication; and majoring in Public Relations. Sharon-Hope has played strategic roles in the University. She was first appointed a class representative in her second year of study. And ever since, she has been a class represen tative in almost all her classes.
Written by: Antonette Yebei
St. Paul’s University driven by the goal to become the leader in providing higher education in the region will continue to forge strategic partnerships with stakeholders of interest that share common beliefs and aspirations with the University. Based on the rich history and mutual rela tions both parties have enjoyed over the years; the MoU created an opportunity to cement the relationship that is going to benefit both students and staff.
Written by: Sharon Hope A.
In executing the MoU in the context of Research, Consultancies and Dissemination of Findings, both parties will explore potential and mutually beneficial areas of Consultancy and/or Research Collaboration. In Knowledge Management, Learning and Capacity Building, the parties will plan for and conduct learning forums, sector specific webinars, conferences and carry out peer re views and knowledge sharing forums for specific areas of interest. With Regard to Programme/ Project Development and Fundraising and Community Outreach Projects, the parties will en deavor to work together in the development and review of programs and project proposals as well as provide joint technical/expertise in concept or proposal development.
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St. Paul’s University and World Vision Kenya on Monday 16th May, 2022 signed a 5-year renew able partnership memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see both institutions collabo rate in strategic areas of mutual interest.
STAKEHOLDERS
The MoU was signed by Canon Prof. James Kombo, Vice-Chancellor St. Paul’s University and Mr. James Angawa Anditi, Ag. National Director for World Vision Kenya at the World Vision Kenya head offices in Karen. Guided by the theme “Enhanced Partnerships for Service to God and Humanity”, the MoU sets forth a well-defined statement of intent that will see St. Paul’s University and World Vision Kenya establish a collaboration for mutual assistance through high quality Research and Consultancy, Dissemination of Research findings, Capacity building and Community Outreach Projects.
“St. Paul’s University signs MoU with World Vision Kenya to enhance collaborative research, training and consultancy”.
SPU
LIMURU Campus
Her background
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 52 SPECIAL FEATURE
ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY STUDENTS ASSOCIATION (SPUSA)
Tracy Adembi Likoko was born in Luanda Kenya but raised in Nasra, Nairobi. She is the fifth born in a family of five siblings. She attended Busara primary school before joining Friends School Kaimosi Girls after passing KCSE. Con trary to her natural demeanor, Tracy embodies countless talents and gifts. She actively participated in drama and music when she was in primary and secondary school. An interesting attribute about her is that Tracy has had only one friend for the last eight years.
It’s a new season for SPUSA, hence new leaders. Probably; you have brushed shoulders with the leaders along SPU corridors but how well do you know them? We got a chance to have a one on one interview with SPU SA Vice President Tracy Likoko, and here is a sneak preview about her.
Written by: Mary Nganga
tracy adembi likoko
“I've had a great experience, there has been so much I have learned. I've made so many friends and achieved most of my social and academic goals. I have made so many fond memories and I'm grateful to be here.” She says.
Joining SPU
Tracy hopes to bring girls together and initiate a strong culture of sisterhood where girls can engage and have deeper conver sations on issues around them. She wants to ensure most girls take part in active student poli tics and other extra-curricular activities
Her Strategic Objectives
Written by: Mary Nganga
Her Leadership Journey
Journey to become the Vice President
Tracy seeks to impart to her peers the values the University subscribes to; and more importantly mold them to become servants of God and Humanity. She seeks to engage the administration to build more ablution blocks around the hostels to reduce health hazards and; To support the spirit of entrepreneurship among students by promoting student run businesses
Tracy grew up a naïve girl; shy and calm. But today, she is the opposite. She is bold and assertive; thanks to her principal who mentored her to become a leader. Her first stint to become a leader was in high school. After attending a few leadership conferences while in form two recommended by her principal, she was able to grasp key tenets that constitute a good leader. Tracy gave leadership a shot and vied to become high school president, a position she secured while in form three. Since then, leadership has become her daily cup of tea.
When Tracy joined SPU, she did not have a friend. But with time, she was able to socialize and make a few friends. Initially, she had no interest to vie for any position in SPUSA but was inspired to do so after she realized few girls had shown interest to take part in the process.
So far
“Being the first female Vice President feels great! It is a new post in the SPU politics and I can't say how much honored I feel.” Says Tracy.
However, as much as it is a great responsibility to serve, she confesses that it also comes with its own fair share of chal lenges. Surprisingly, Tracy enjoys having challenges because it is through the challenges that she is able to learn and grow in leadership. She hopes to give her best and serve students to the best of her ability.
“When Marvin asked me to be his running mate, I decided in stantly that I would give the idea a chance and hopefully make more girls interested to join active leadership and also empower the girls around me to get into campus politics,” she states.
Any Challenges
“Not many to count, but the one that stands out for me is that sometimes I want to refer to what a previous leader would do in a certain situation but then I remember I'm the first Vice Pres ident and I have to do it myself with no reference whatsoever.” She highlighted.
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Tracy joined St. Paul’s University through a recommendation from her local pastor who had pursued his Master’s programme in the University. She applied and secured admission to pursue her Diploma in 2019.
Written by: Mary Nganga
Beyond SPU, Tracy’s goal is to join active politics in the country. She hopes to redefine Kenya’s politics from ethnic to an issue based one.
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-Maya Angelou.
1. She is a content creator for two different organizations She goes for solo picnics
Leadership plans beyond SPU
Favorite Leadership Quote
2.
Tracy being a fourth-year student, she definitely has a lot on her hands, how does she strike her balance?
“I love Madam Susan Mwangi, She is the one who took us through a whole session on how to balance leadership and academics.” She claims.
This quote has taught me to be original in my leadership style.
As far as leadership is concerned, the DVC-AA, Prof. Peter Ngure, has taught me so much; from humility to service to commitment and to not giving any excuses.”
“You should be the way you are, see the way you are as a blessing and be liberated from fear and anxiety’
Three things about Tracy
3. Though she is a terrible dancer, she teaches kids at her church to dance
Balancing Leadership and Academics
“One thing that has really helped me is planning. Planning for every hour in my day. I intention ally set aside time to study comprehensively for each unit and do my assignments’, I do not let my leadership get in my way at all. And in the case that my times clash, I look at what is more urgent and important and what is less urgent. And I choose to do the former.
To most residents of Kabuku, the existence of St. Paul’s University in the vicinity is a game changer. The university has opened up the place and made it grow beyond their imagination.
- Winston Churchill
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
Written by: Antonette Chepchumba
WORD ON THE STREET
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking GrowthPg | 55
Huge multi-storey buildings are coming up day and night, an indication that the demand for services such as hostels, shops, food kiosks, beauty shops, and groceries is growing. A few Kabuku residents shared what they felt about St. Paul’s University.
Her business has thrived based on the network she made when she was still a student. Jane always looks forward to new intakes because through them, she can build her client base. She is cognizant of the fact that as much as she is in busi ness, she must make sure she delivers the best service to her clientele.
According to Jane, she had seen a gap and she was determined to fill that gap. The existence of St. Paul’s University in Kabuku has created an enormous market for beauty enthusiasts. Jane noted that most students would go to Ruaka to have their nails done.
WORD ON THE STREET
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 56
She had to do something and tap into the opportunity in the beauty business. Jane, an alumnus of St. Paul’s University believes entrepreneurship is the way to go for young people because it is an alternative source of earning a livelihood.
Written by: Antonette Chepchumba
JANE MUTURI, “THE BEAUTY FANATIC”
Jane Muturi, known to her clients as “Turi” owns “Turi Beauty Parlor” located at the Kabuku junction. The beauty parlor sells all sorts of assorted cosmetic products and shoes. She also offers manicure and pedicure services to ladies. Jane started her business in 2020 when Covid-19 was at its peak, driven by the inspiration to dominate the beauty market in Kabuku.
Nothing makes students happy on a hot stress ful day like an ice pop or a candy. Grace Gathoni Kimani is a loving mother that so many students have come to interact with. Her smile is as pure as a mother’s love. Her business which goes by the name, “GG shop”, located in Kabuku along Limuru road sells lots of candy and ice pops.
Muthoka says his peak hours for busi ness are in the morning when students are in a rush to attend classes and in the evening when they are done with class es and are heading back where they re side. “St. Paul’s University has made some of us earn a living”, he says. Muthoka confesses that his business has enabled him to fend for his family as well; a fact he cannot take for granted.
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WORD ON THE STREET
Grace intends to grow her business and expand it to start operating as a wholesaler. A dream she is focused on achieving come rain or sunshine.
She says her children are inspired by St. Paul’s University students who always hang out with her, and the children look forward to growing up and joining the university in the future.
CHARLES MUTHOKA, THE “NDUTHI GUY”
Four (4) years ago, when she started the busi ness, she attracted huge traffic of students who go to her shop to purchase her products. Some students visit her shop, just to check on her well-being, and others visit her shop to keep her company on a daily. She has been able to interact with many students at a personal lev el. “St. Paul’s University students are interesting and I love being in their company”, she agrees.
While at Kabuku, just call for a “Nduthi” and everyone will direct you to Muthoka. “Nduthi” is a slang word for “Motorbike”. Nduthi business is booming, thanks to St. Paul’s University and the massive population of students who use it as a means of transport daily.
“When I look at St. Paul’s University and imagine the kind of opportunities it has created for us, we always pray that God will continue to bless the university to keep growing to great levels”, claims Muthoka. The growth of Kabuku is directly associated with St. Paul’s University, a fact no one can deny.
Written by: Antonette Chepchumba
His vision is to save money, purchase more “Nduthis” and employ other people to help run the business. He hopes to achieve the vision in the next three years.
GRACE GATHONI KIMANI, “THE ICEY- LADY”
PRMC Essay
Monday 3rd October to Friday 7th October, 2022
SPU CONNECT | Unpacking Growth Pg | 58 NOTICE BOARD Written by: Sharon Hope A.
Intake”
Tuesday 30th August 2022 to Friday 2nd September, 2022
Friday 18th November, 2022
Customer Service Week
New student orientation 2022
13th October, 2022
“September
31st CeremonyGraduation
competitionwriting
