The Kenya Universities Deans of Students鈥� Association (KUDSA) successfully held its inaugural International Multidisciplinary Conference at 吃瓜头条. The conference, themed聽鈥淏uilding Inclusive and Innovative Future Student Communities,鈥�聽brought together student affairs professionals from both public and private universities, student leaders, researchers, and a representative from the Ministry of Higher Education. The event underscored the increasing significance of student affairs in shaping the future of higher education in Kenya.
吃瓜头条 was a fitting host for this landmark occasion, given its longstanding commitment to academic excellence and holistic student development. The university has consistently been recognised for its leadership in student mentorship, diversity, inclusivity, and career advancement initiatives, demonstrating what a student-centred institution should embody.
Mr Adan Mohammed, Chairperson of KUDSA, reflected on the association鈥檚 journey, which began with its conception at a symposium held at Masinde Muliro University. Subsequent meetings culminated in the drafting of a constitution and the official registration of the association in May 2017. KUDSA now unites deans of students across both private and public universities in a shared mission to promote integrity, inclusion, innovation, and academic excellence among students.
Prof. Paul Okemo, delivering the Vice-Chancellor鈥檚 remarks on behalf of Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, warmly welcomed the participants. He acknowledged the critical role of student affairs practitioners, describing them as mentors to bold yet vulnerable individuals in need of guidance. He noted that modern universities are evolving from mere academic institutions into communities of belonging. Prof. Okemo commended the conference as timely, especially in the context of Gen Z students, who are technologically savvy, socially aware, and unafraid to challenge norms.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr Darius Mogaka, Director of Higher Education, on behalf of Dr Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Higher Education. He praised 吃瓜头条鈥檚 leadership and acknowledged the participation of 22 other universities. He proposed a co-hosting arrangement with the Ministry for the next conference and reaffirmed the government鈥檚 commitment to student-centred growth. While recognising notable achievements in areas such as mental wellness and student leadership training, Mr Mogaka also identified challenges, including limited staff training and low student leader competence rates.
Recommendations from the conference included increased staff capacity-building, more inclusive student programmes, and inter-institutional collaboration. In his vote of thanks, Prof. Patrick Njouja expressed deep appreciation to 吃瓜头条 and the organising team, emphasising the importance of collective effort in addressing challenges in student affairs.