MKU “4K’s” Alumni reunite in Kisumu to rekindle bonds and chart future pathways

Mount Kenya University (MKU) alumni from the Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii and Kisumu campuses, collectively known as the “4K’s”, gathered in Kisumu over the weekend for a reunion that blended nostalgia with a renewed sense of purpose.

The event, held under the theme “Rekindling Bonds and Sailing Together”, was attended by university leadership led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, alongside partners, guests and members of the MKU Alumni Association.

Prof. Jaganyi described the reunion as “a celebration of our journey together, a renewal of friendships, and a reaffirmation that MKU is a lifelong family.” Using the metaphor of sails on a boat, he emphasised the strength of alumni working collectively to propel one another forward.

He also spotlighted the MKU Alumni Awards, which recognise excellence in leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, public service, community engagement and global impact. The awards, he said, showcase how MKU’s influence continues to shine through its graduates across diverse sectors.

On the Alumni Tracer Study, designed to track graduates’ career paths and strengthen links between academia and industry, Prof. Jaganyi stressed that alumni input remains vital to shaping curriculum and ensuring students remain competitive in a fast-evolving job market.

The Vice-Chancellor further urged alumni to mentor students, provide internships, fund scholarships, support research, and volunteer in alumni activities. Quoting MKU founder Prof. Simon Gicharu, he reminded them: “If you encounter a wall, climb over, break through or go around it.”

Other speakers echoed similar calls. Prof. Wanderi, Principal Corporate Services and Linkages, highlighted mentorship and curriculum development, while Mrs. Virginia Musawa, Director of Alumni Relations, called the reunion “a bridge between our past, present, and future,” emphasising the Alumni Relations Office’s efforts to deepen engagement in collaboration with MKUAA.

Keynote Speaker Ms. Dorcas Owinoh, a tech innovator, brought the theme to life with her story. She recounted how teaching herself to code after graduation led to the founding of LakeHub, Kisumu’s first innovation hub, which has trained thousands of youth and supported hundreds of entrepreneurs. Building on this success, she launched Zone 01 Kisumu, a tuition-free, project-based software engineering programme that drew over 13,000 applicants within three months.

“Every step of the way, I was sailing with others — governments, funders, universities, partners, and communities. They were the wind in our sails,” she said, underscoring the power of collaboration.

Representing alumni, MKUAA Chairman Mr. Gikera Kahara lauded the reunion as a milestone, announcing the official registration of the association with the Registrar of Societies. He also unveiled key initiatives including the Annual Alumni Awards and the Graduate Career Tracker Survey, both aimed at strengthening alumni engagement and aligning MKU programmes with market needs.

He reminded members of MKUAA’s guiding slogan — Engage, Empower, Evolve, urging alumni to embrace unity and collaboration: “Our network is our net worth.”

The Kisumu reunion was not only a celebration of shared memories but also a resounding call to action. It reaffirmed that MKU’s alumni community remains a powerful force for professional growth, mentorship, and societal impact, sailing forward together.