New UoEm Alumni Leaders Sworn-In to Steer Over 10,000 Alumni Members

On Thursday, 9^th October 2025, the University of Embu Alumni Association ushered in a new leadership as newly elected Executive Committee members took the oath of office in a colourful ceremony held at the University’s Senate Boardroom. The swearing-in was presided over by the University Deputy Chief Legal Officer, Ms. Anne Ndegwa; and was graced by members of the University Management, the Alumni Board, staff and UoEm alumni following the event Virtually.

The newly sworn-in officials will serve for a two-year term. The elected officials are;  Ms. Caroline Kathure, Chairperson, Mr. Wilson Wambugu, Vice-Chairperson,  Mr. Eliud Kipchumba Kibet, Secretary General, Ms. Doreen Mwadime, Vice-Secretary,  Mr. Peter Kamau, Treasurer and Mr. Augustus Kyalo, Vice-Treasurer respectively.

The elections were conducted virtually on Thursday, 11^th September 2025, through the University’s ICT-developed online election system, underscoring UoEm’s embrace of technology and transparency in Institutional governance, innovation and continuous improvement.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Daniel Mugendi Njiru, Ph.D, EBS, in his keynote address lauded the Electoral Board for ensuring a free, peaceful, transparent, and fair election process. He challenged the leaders to “hit the ground running and leave a legacy that future alumni leaders will be proud of.”

Prof. Mugendi reminded the leaders that their Alma Mater needs their collective support in achieving its mandate. “The University is your home, and it needs all the support from the alumni to realize its vision. I hope you will mobilize your fellow graduates to actively register, renew subscriptions, and give back to their Alma Mater,” he said.

The VC further celebrated the University’s stellar performance, noting that UoEm has maintained an ‘Excellent’ rating in Performance Contracting for ten consecutive years, and continues to rank highly both locally and internationally. He highlighted that UoEm was recognised as the Overall Winner in Quality Service Provision (Large Enterprise Category) at both the 2024/2025 Kenya Quality Awards and the East Africa Community Regional Quality Awards. “To make a great University, you require prudent management, committed students, effective staff, a conducive environment, a sustainable financial base, and most importantly, a supportive alumni network,” he added. Prof. Mugendi also encouraged the alumni to remain active ambassadors of the University, promote its image wherever they go, and support initiatives such as the University Endowment Fund, which assists needy students through bursaries and scholarships.

The Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research & Extension),  Prof. Paul Nthakanio, lauded the new team and reminded the newly appointed leaders of the weight of the responsibility ahead. “The Alumni Association is one of the most important organs of this University. As alumni, you remain a vital part of UoEm’s identity, you are the builders of this Institution’s legacy for the next decade. We need to see you actionise your ideas into projects that benefit students, graduates, and the University,” he said. He urged the leaders to develop strong strategies and meaningful partnerships. “Good plans attract goodwill and resources. Be good planners, because it is not by size that we matter, but by influence. Work as a team, create bridges, and be the driving force behind transformation,” he added.

The Chairperson of the Alumni Board, Prof. Fredrick Njoka, commended the management for their unwavering support towards alumni initiatives. He appreciated the establishment of a fully functional Alumni Office, which he said has enhanced coordination and communication among the Alumni. Prof. Njoka further revealed plans for an Alumni Reunion Dinner to be held later in the year, noting that it will provide an opportunity for members to reconnect and explore collaborative projects with their Alma Mater.

In her maiden speech, Ms. Caroline Kathure Kamuru, the newly elected Chairperson, expressed deep gratitude and a strong sense of purpose. “I take this responsibility with a deep sense of humility and commitment. I pledge to lead with energy and integrity. My vision is to strengthen the connection between alumni and students through mentorship, internships, and job networking. We shall ensure the long-awaited Alumni Reunion Dinner becomes a reality,” she said. She further emphasized that alumni are key to sustaining the University’s growth and reputation. “Alumni are the backbone of the University’s legacy. We look forward to harnessing their potential to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of this great Institution,” she affirmed.

In his remarks, the outgoing Chairperson Mr. Joseph Mumo congratulated the new team and urged them to lead with passion and diligence. “Leading the UoEm Alumni Association is not just holding a title, it is a responsibility to serve over 10,000 graduates. Lead with your heart, because in your capacity, leadership is not about position, it is about people,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the commissioning of the new leaders by the Vice-Chancellor, marking a renewed commitment to partnership, mentorship, and progress between the University and its growing alumni network. With over 10,000 graduates, the University of Embu Alumni Association stands poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of the Institution and the community it serves.

By: Alex Mwaura
Administrative Assistant, University of Embu