VC Welcomes First-Year Students to University of Kabianga – 2025 Intake

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kabianga (UoK), Prof. Eric Koech (Ph.D., MBS), officially welcomed over 3,700 first-year students during a vibrant address at the Main Campus. The event brought together the University Management Board, Senate, Deans, Directors, academic and non-academic staff, and the Student Governing Council (SGC) led by Chair Allan Kipkoech.

Prof. Koech congratulated the new cohort for successfully completing their primary and secondary education and choosing UoK as their academic home. He reassured them that they had made the right decision, both in their choice of programme and institution.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude to:

• University staff for seamless admissions and orientation.
• Student leaders for guiding peers through the settling-in process.
• Security personnel and government agencies for ensuring safety.
• KUCCPS for efficient student placement.
• Local service providers for supporting new students.

Highlighting the University’s achievements, Prof. Koech noted milestones across UoK’s five schools:

• Health Sciences: Global scholarships; graduates working in the UK, USA, Germany, and Australia.
• Agriculture & Natural Resources: International awards for innovation.
• Science & Technology: Breakthroughs in biotechnology and green innovation, including green leather.
• Education, Arts & Social Sciences: CBC-aligned programmes and international collaborations.
• Business & Economics: Integration of professional certifications such as CPA(K) and CHRP with academic programmes.

He further emphasized UoK’s strong partnerships with institutions such as Huawei, KEFRI, Oxford University, and universities in China, South Africa, and Brazil.

Prof. Koech assured students of a vibrant learning environment, with:

• Modern lecture halls and laboratories.
• A 62-seater Wi-Fi-enabled smart bus with charging ports for field trips.
• Over 55 Wi-Fi hotspots across campuses.
• A 24/7 ambulance service and comprehensive health care.
• Opportunities for sports, talent development, and spiritual nourishment.

He encouraged students to engage in clubs, community service, and environmental initiatives such as tree planting, noting that personal development extends beyond academics.

In a powerful moment, the Vice-Chancellor posed a life-shaping question:

“Would you like to live like a king or queen for only four years and be miserable for the next 40 years, or would it be wise to use these four years to sow, so that the next 40 years are full of harvest and happiness?”

He urged students to avoid short-term distractions, embrace discipline, and focus on long-term success.

Prof. Koech reminded students to: Attend all lectures, practicals, and assessments, pay fees on time to access services, Respect University rules and avoid drugs or irresponsible behavior, use social media responsibly, take care of their mental health with support from Chaplaincy and Counseling services, always carry their University and National ID cards and Uphold UoK’s image as proud ambassadors.

He cautioned against unplanned parenthood, unsafe relationships, and emotional distress, urging students to act responsibly and respect themselves.

On his final word, Prof. Koech concluded by reminding students that the University of Kabianga is their home for the next four years — a period that will shape their future.

“The days may seem long now, but they will pass quickly. Let’s walk together in this journey, and may your years here lead to a lifetime of impact.”