The Office of the Registrar (Administration & Human Resource) organized for a staff orientation exercise on Thursday, 4th April, 2024 in the Senate Boardroom. The exercise targeted staff whose terms of service had changed from contract to permanent and pensionable terms, staff who had been recently promoted, newly appointed staff, and staff who had been reassigned to different roles within the University.
Senior members of the University Management were present to sensitize the invited staff on various issues including the functions and core mandate of the University, structures and functions of the three main divisions of the University, and other pertinent human resource matters. Other key issues that were addressed included procedures for health services, functions of ICT, mental health issues, customer service, publicity and marketing, national cohesion, trade union matters, quality assurance, corruption eradication, and personal financial management among others.
Representing the Vice Chancellor was Prof. Donald Siamba, who gave the Vice Chancellor’s opening remarks and took staff through the functions and core mandate of the University. In his substantial capacity as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance & Development, Prof. Siamba sensitized staff on the structure and functions of the Administration, Finance and Development Division, as well as University Policies and employee benefits.
The Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Planning, Partnerships, Research and Innovation (PPRI), Prof. Munir Muganda outlined the functions of the PPRI Division, as well as an overview of the University’s strategic planning process.
The Registrar, Administration and Human Resource, Dr. Ruth Mitalo, sensitized staff on the terms and conditions of employment, the code of conduct expected of staff, and issues of conflict of interest. She advised staff on personal financial management matters and urged them to live within their means. Dr. Mitalo requested the staff present not to fear the HR Office and make a point to visit the office in case they faced any issues as employees.
Mr. Tubman Walaba, who spoke on behalf of the Finance Officer, Dr. Benjamin Oduori, spoke on the topic of personal financial management by staff. He explained how gratuity payments are calculated and made, and also urged staff to be prudent managers of their personal financial resources, as well as University’s financial resources.
Dr. Robert Wafula, Director, Office of Career Services, discussed mental health issues with staff, urging them to embrace positivity and to be grateful to God that they are part of the Kibabii University family. He encouraged staff to be their brother’s keeper, care for each other, and check on each other from time to time as this contributes to a positive work environment.
On matters national cohesion, Dr. Brian Singoro, noted that societies and individuals can only achieve their potential when living and working together in harmony. He reminded staff about the national cohesion values for Kenya as enshrined in Article 10 of the New Constitution which include: patriotism, national unity, sharing and devolution of power, the rule of law, democracy and participation of the people; human dignity, equity, social justice, inclusiveness, equality, human rights, nondiscrimination and protection of the marginalized, good governance, integrity, transparency and accountability, and sustainable development.
Irene Wakhungu spoke on trade union matters and explained the key functions of trade unions within the University which were centered on collective bargaining and advocating for the overall welfare of staff. She reported on the progress of the internal CBA and urged the staff to execute their duties diligently as guided by the Human Resource Manual and Procedures.
The targeted staff were then led in taking their Oaths of Secrecy by the University Legal Officer, Ms. Jacqueline Wanjala who administered the oath. The Oath of Secrecy binds employees to carry out their duties faithfully, diligently and honestly, and only to reveal information only when authorized.
