Karatina University Coordinated University Leaders Training Workshop II

Vice- Chancellors and Principals of University Colleges from selected universities in Kenya participated in a Leadership Workshop on 2nd- 5th October, 2019 at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge Hotel in Naivasha, Kenya. The theme of the workshop was: Developing Visionary, Effective, and Transformative University Leaders. This is the second leadership workshop coordinated by Karatina University through the sponsorship of DAAD , the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development in Germany ( BMZ), Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies ( DIES) and the German Rectors Conference ( HRK). The first workshop took place in April 2019 in the same hotel. Leaders trained during the workshop were drawn from both public and private universities taking in to account the requirements of the Kenya Constitution 2010 on gender and regional balance. The training attracted twelve (12) newly appointed university leaders and one (1) who is serving his second term hence a total of thirteen (13). The objective of the training was to equip the leaders with relevant knowledge for effective and efficient management of their institutions.

The workshop was organized by a team led by Karatina University Deputy Vice Chancellor (ARSA) Prof. P. Aloo-Obudho as the Project Coordinator and Chairman of Kenya DAAD Scholars Association (KDSA), Mt. Kenya Region Alumni Chapter. Resource persons for the training were drawn from local and international experts who tackled topics ranging from resource mobilization in universities to internationalization. The training was implemented through a variety of methodologies including presentations, case consulting, plenary discussions, group work and practical approaches by the participants thus creating an interactive environment. Based on the feedback from participants, they indicated that the training was very relevant to the nature of their jobs and should be attended by all university leaders to sharpen their leadership skills. One participant commented as follows: “I have attended many leadership trainings since my appointment but this particular one is unique, practical and very relevant to my work. I wish all university leaders can be taken through this training”

Closing Remarks

The Chief Guest during the closing ceremony was the Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Education , Prof. George Magoha. In his remarks in a speech read on his behalf, the CS urged universities to be dynamic and responsive to the needs of society through providing innovative and quality services to the stakeholders for them to be drivers of change in Kenya. He appreciated the role played by DAAD in promoting quality in Higher Education. The CS appreciated the organizers of the workshop under the leadership of Prof. P. Aloo-Obudho and urged the Commission for University Education to pay attention to leadership issues during quality audits. The representative of the CS issued participants with certificates.

In her closing remarks, the DAAD African Region Director Ms. Beate- Schindler Kovats urged the university leaders to exploit the opportunities available in Germany for their universities including scholarships, collaboration, global networking, capacity building, alumni and partnerships. She appreciated the organizers of the workshop for an excellent training. The Chairman of the Board of the Commission for University Education Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti Chacha called for change in strategy in university leadership. He emphasized that universities need to align themselves strategically to achieve their objectives as spelt out in the Universities Act No. 42 (2012). He reiterated that the Commission for University Education will provide the necessary support structures and systems necessary for this achievement.

After successfully coordinating the two pilot University Leaders Training Workshops, Karatina University has demonstrated leadership role in line with its motto of Inspiring Innovation and Leadership. We are grateful to DAAD for the support accorded to us towards the implementation of the workshops.