The Acting Vice Chancellor (in red tie), together with members of the International Women’s Day Committee, displaying some of the books that were donated.
Members of the International Women’s Day Committee, today, Thursday, 29th June 2023, presented an assortment of books and journals to the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus Muthuri Gitonga. Led by their Chairperson, Prof. Juliet Macharia, the Committee presented books majorly from the Huawei ICT Academy and from her personal library. The Academy donated a total of sixty (60) books worth Kshs 505, 895/-. These are forty (40) books on Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Network System at a total cost of Kshs 337, 263/- and twenty (20) books on Artificial Intelligence Technology at a total cost of Kshs 168,632/-. They are a 2023 publication by Springer which is a leading global scientific, technical and medical portfolio, providing researchers in academia, scientific institutions and corporate R&D departments with quality content through innovative information, products and services. (www.springer.com). Other books and journals received were in the line of communication.
Prof. Macharia noted that the donation from Huawei ICT Academy was a result of a partnership between the University and Huawei Technologies during the celebration of the International Day of Girls and Women in Science (IDGWS) which was held on Saturday, 11th February 2023 at St. Faustina Kerugoya Girls High School. The University has also partnered with the Academy to offer short courses to students.
The Ag. VC stated that the goodwill to donate the books and journals to the University was noticed and appreciated noting that no contribution was too small. He further noted that the University will pursue to sign an MoU with Huawei Technologies in order to open up more areas of possible collaborations. He urged the International Women’s Day Committee to continue fulfilling the tenets of its mandate by doing even greater things. He pledged his support to the Committee in what it needed to propel its agenda to the highest level.
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Linus Muthuri Gitonga, handing over the books to the Acting Head of Library Services, Mr. Vincent Bob Kiilu.
While emphasizing on the need to create an efficient and work-friendly environment at the University, the Ag. VC articulated his vision of establishing a one-stop shop/centre where all matters pertaining to research and publishing will be domiciled. Adopting the ‘Huduma Centre’ mode of operation, the Centre would have representatives from Finance, Audit, Procurement and other relevant sections in order to ensure that all matters associated with research and publishing are sorted out within a day.
Establishing a ‘Mentorship in Mathematics’ programme is also another project that the Ag. VC is looking forward to having at Karatina University. This Programme would entail reaching out to schools and mentoring their students in Mathematics. This is in line with his clarion call for each department/section to take part in community outreach activities. He applauded the University Library Services which has committed, in its Performance Contract, to reach out to schools within the area and mentor them in line with their jurisdiction. He noted that there are many other areas the University can impact the community including having writing or debating clubs for students interested in journalism.
Members of staff were challenged to source for more books and resources for the University. Each one was encouraged to bring their networks to the University. This would, in turn, positively brand Karatina University in the international arena and enhance its visibility.
“Our affinity to Karatina University as our University should lead us to front its name to local and international organizations. Seeing its growth will cause us to feel like we belong. This will also lead to personal growth” the Ag. VC concluded.