JKUAT Mombasa holds its 1st Alumni Dinner themed: Sustainable Networks for Corporate Social Investment

JKUAT Mombasa holds its 1st Alumni Dinner themed: Sustainable Networks for Corporate Social Investment

JKUAT Mombasa Campus held its inaugural Alumni Dinner On 3rd August, 2024, at the Premium Inn Hotel, Mombasa. The theme of the event being: “Sustainable Networks for Corporate Social Investment,”. The event brought together prominent guests, including the founding Director of JKUAT Mombasa Campus, Dr. Fred Mugambi Mwirigi, who was also the keynote speaker. The university management was represented by DVC Administration and Finance, Professor Bernard Ikua.  Also in attendance were over 100 alumni and invited guests.

The host of the event, Campus Director Dr. Evelyn Datche, welcomed the guests and appreciated the alumni for the huge turnout. She emphasized that alumni gatherings offer an opportunity for connecting, reconnecting, cherishing fond memories and celebrating friendships formed during their time at the alma mater. Dr. Datche introduced the JKUAT Mombasa team in attendance, acknowledging their contributions to the campus and direct involvement of the organizing committee comprised of Collins Ondago, Esther Mbayah, George Ochieng, Kelvin Mulwa and Ulla Boga.The host of the event, Campus Director Dr. Evelyn Datche, welcomed the guests and appreciated the alumni for the huge turnout. She emphasized that alumni gatherings offer an opportunity for connecting, reconnecting, cherishing fond memories and celebrating friendships formed during their time at the alma mater. Dr. Datche introduced the JKUAT Mombasa team in attendance, acknowledging their contributions to the campus and direct involvement of the organizing committee comprised of Collins Ondago, Esther Mbayah, George Ochieng, Kelvin Mulwa and Ulla Boga.
During the event, a panel discussion was conducted, of notable alumni guests: Dr. Fridah Simba (Director – JKUAT TVET), Dr. James Nganga (Assistant General Manager – I&M Bank) and Dr. Amani Komora (Vice Chair – SRC, Kenya). The panel discussion revolved around creating sustainable networks that offer long-term benefits with emphasis on the need to nurture relationships and continuously invest in them. The panelists using practical examples from own experiences, highlighted how networks facilitate corporate social investment and contribute to community development and social initiatives. They also shared personal stories on impact of networking for personal and career growth.  The Alumni got the chance for questions to the panel members on their immediate role in giving back to both their alma mater, remain brand ambassadors of JKUAT and impact society.

Professor Ikua, appreciated the event organizers, JKUAT Mombasa Campus, and reiterated the value of alumni in building strong institutional networks. He emphasized that alumni play a crucial role in the development and support of the university’s initiatives, serving as ambassadors and contributors to its growth and success. Speaking highly of the key note speaker as a friend and colleague at the university, he was quite elated to invite the Guest speaker to address the already motivated and expectant audience

The keynote speaker Dr. Mugambi, Commissioner KESRA – KRA took to the podium and thanked the campus for the invite noting he always felt at home and was ready to return when called upon. Drawing insights from his book “Leadership Beyond the Boardroom,” he emphasized the invaluable role of friendships and family, urging the attentive alumni to prioritize relationships over power and achievements. “There’s nothing as powerful in this world as friendships and family. As you go on to achieve honors, always remember that power is transient and only family and friendships endure; value them” remarked Dr. Mugambi. He shared his outstanding journey of establishing JKUAT Mombasa Campus, speaking about both the positive moments and challenges leaders encounter and the need to rise above them.

According to him, leadership meant running alongside people, not ahead of them. He encouraged alumni to help those around them find purpose in their lives, summarizing his address in five valuable life lessons:

  1. The world doesn’t owe anyone anything; but we owe the world everything.
  2. Always build and invest in futuristic networks.
  3. Develop resilience and mental strength for the journey.
  4. Always find time to slow down and take stock and
  5. Find peace and happiness, while giving peace and happiness.

During the dinner, a celebration of the event culminated in sharing an alumni cake. Alumni requested for more regular and inclusive activities to allow for greater participation. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from the former MP of Lunga Lunga, (also JKUAT PhD student) Honorable Khatib Mwashetani, and closing prayers from JKUSA Chair, Mr. Yusuf Aden.

 

 

 

Take a  sneak peak into our Alumni Dinner Gallery

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