On the evening of Thursday, 21st November 2024, Kabarak University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Henry Kiplangat, hosted a distinguished dinner at the School of Law to honor the university’s vibrant international student community. The event, held in an elegant setting, celebrated the cultural diversity and global perspectives that international students bring to the institution. In his address, Prof. Kiplangat commended the students for choosing Kabarak University as their academic home and applauded their remarkable contributions to enhancing the university’s global reputation through conferences and competitions. “You are not merely students of Kabarak University; you are ambassadors shaping its global narrative,” he remarked.
In attendance were members of the University Management Board (UMB), including Prof. John Ochola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Research; Reverend Justus Mutuku, Acting University Provost; Dr. Antony Somba, Registrar, Academic and Research; and Dr. Dorcas Githaiga, Dean of Students. Also present were Prof. John Ambani, Dean of the School of Law, and Prof. Mellitus Wanyama, Dean of the School of Music and Media. Joining them were Assistant Dean of Students, Dishon Mungoda, and Student Counselor Pastor Esther M. Kapsir, both from the Department of Spiritual and Student Affairs. Their presence underscored the university’s unified support for its international student community.
Dr. Dorcas Githaiga, Dean of Students, highlighted the pivotal role of the Department of Spiritual and Student Affairs in supporting students’ overall development. With a mandate to create an enabling environment that enhances academic pursuits and personal growth, the department focuses on nurturing students’ physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and leadership capabilities. Through its various sections—including Chaplaincy, Guidance and Counselling, Games and Sports, Student Leadership (KUSO), and Clubs and Associations—the department ensures that students have access to comprehensive services that cater to their welfare. By collaborating with other university departments, the office ensures that every student achieves their full potential, preparing them for the challenges of adulthood while fostering a strong sense of belonging within the university community.
The Vice-Chancellor responded positively to a request from the international students for greater representation and pledged to explore establishing an international students’ association and a dedicated office to address their unique needs. This commitment reflects Kabarak University’s dedication to inclusivity and the holistic development of its diverse student body.
The international students expressed their gratitude for the university’s safe and supportive environment, which enhances academic growth across all levels—from certificate to doctoral studies—within its seven schools. They highlighted the significance of sharing a three-course meal with the Vice-Chancellor and senior university leadership, describing it as a gesture that strengthened their sense of belonging to the Kabarak community. This memorable evening underscored Kabarak University’s dedication to creating a world-class academic environment where diversity thrives, and every student feels valued and supported.
