New VC

MERU, Kenya, Jul 10 - Academician, Prof Alfred Mutema has officially been installed as the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) Vice Chancellor.

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church in Kenya, Dr Stephen Kanyaru who is also the Chancellor conducted the installation ceremony on Friday at the University's main campus at Kaaga in Meru.

Hundreds of the MCK faithful, among them assistant minister Lina Jebii Kilimo and North Imenti MP Silas Muriuki who are members of the University Council, top academicians led by Daystar University Chancellor Dr Florence Muli-Masiime who was the guest of honour, graced the occasion.

Prof Mutema who has been in the office in an acting capacity since the removal of the founding Vice Chancellor Prof Mutuma Mugambi becomes the second Vice Chancellor of the Meru based university.

"I humbly accept this appointment and I promise to discharge my responsibilities with dignity, Integrity and transparency. These values will be the cornerstone of my leadership," said Prof Mutema who has worked at KeMU since 1998.

The university don who has worked in several public and private Universities said the University which has four constituent campuses in Nairobi, Nakuru, Nyeri and Mombasa will focus more on scientific research even as it introduces new Science oriented programmes.

He said KeMU which has a population of more than 8500 students is keen to open a constituent campus in Southern Sudan, adding that its catchment area include 15 other African countries apart from Kenya.

"Today marks a new beginning of this University, as we move forward. We shall invest in market driven programmes and quality," said Prof Mutema.

Dr Masiime challenged KeMU to embark on scientific research and take advantage of its proximity to Isiolo which is envisaged to become a resource city in Vision 2030 by conducting research.

The Chancellor said the University has stabilized after an acrimonious change of management early this year and that the Board of Trustees would continue sourcing for funds for development of the institution.