SPEECH BY THE KABARAK UNIVERSITY VICE CHANCELLOR, REV. PROF. JONES KALELI DURING THE DEDICATION AND OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF NAKURU TOWN CAMPUS ON 20TH SEP, 2013

Abstract

The Chief Guest Hon. Gideon Moi, the Senator Baringo County, The Presiding Bishop, AIC Kenya, Bishop Dr. Silas Yego, The Governor Nakuru County, H.E Kinuthia Mbugua, The Chairman Governing Council, Prof. John Lonyangapuo, Members of Trustees, Members of the Governing council, Members of Management, Ladies and Gentlemen, I greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ. I wish to take this opportunity to welcome all of you to this important event of dedication and official launch of Kabarak University Nakuru Town Campus. This 2 is a remarkable occasion as Kabarak University takes another step to improve the learning environment for its learners. It is my firm belief that the core business of a learning institution is to provide students with a rich learning environment that is open, respectful, caring and safe. Our new campus provides an ideal learning environment which optimizes wellbeing of our learners while reflecting a positive university ethos that makes it an exciting, stimulating and welcoming place. The new facility is well equipped with offices, Computer labs, library, Cafeteria, student centre and Lecture rooms for both under graduate and postgraduate students as well. The campus has serene learning environment with ample space for packing, indoor and outdoor games. The campus houses the administration offices headed by the Director, his Deputy, and Assistant Dean of students, Assistant Chaplain, Lecturers offices, finance and 3 other administrators. The location is strategically located, which is walking distance from Nakuru Central Business District and next to the Eldama Ravine road. In order to bring quality education closer to the people, Kabarak University has expanded its facilities through the acquisition of this new campus which is able to accommodate more students and programs. This has become necessary because of increased demand for high education and popularity of Kabarak University programs. The expansion of this facility coupled with an excellent learning environment and committed faculty, have propelled the University to reach out to more students. Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps the most profound attribute of Kabarak University is indomitable resilience in developing responsible men and women who are 4 guided by Biblical Christian values. The important lesson here is that our institutional, moral and Intellectual watersheds must be built upon Biblical morality and upon Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. This ensures that when the rebound moment finally comes calling, our graduates are able to stand the test of time. This we shall do with commitment to the best of our ability. It may be a drop in the ocean, but with many drops from each one of us we belief it will form another ocean. Our dreams will continue to be: to provide holistic quality education based on research, practical skills and Biblical Christian values. This is captured by the words of the Greek philosopher (Aristotle) who said “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” and it is for this reason we do what we do at Kabarak University , “to develop the whole person”. 5 Our graduates have demonstrated outstanding performance in the job market and in professional forums. This year Kabarak University emerged the Enactus National champions and they will be representing Kenya in the World Cup business competition in Cancun Mexico on 26th Sep to 2nd October, 2013. The University has continued to receive valuable support from the Chancellor the 2 nd President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Hon. Daniel T. Arap Moi whose vision is to provide opportunities to Kenyan youths to acquire quality education. Through his contribution thousands of young people have been mentored. Indeed over the years His Excellence has made permanent footprints in their lives that shall never be erased. He has given them that which cannot be taken away. 6 I urge the residents of Nakuru County and especially the working class to take advantage of this magnificent facility to pursue their academic dreams. Thank you very much