Who we are
Moi University ‘88 Welfare Organization is an alumni-based association comprising the cohort that was enrolled in Moi University for undergraduate studies in 1988. This was a unique cohort because it came out of the university with a greater sense of cohesion than ordinary alumni. Their bond was developed through sharing extraordinary experiences, which ranged from extreme misfortune to exciting moments. We still fondly refer to one another as ‘comrade’.
Our enduring camaraderie was nurtured at the National Youth Service (NYS) as we underwent the pre-university programme. Together with ‘comrades’ who were enrolled in the other public universities (they were four then – University of Nairobi, Moi University, Kenyatta University and Egerton University) we found ourselves in the middle of muddled celebrations to mark the Ten Years of the Nyayo Era in October 1988. The accompanying bout of violence and the week-long anxiety within the camp brought us even closer together. When we were finally ‘released’ it was not to report to the respective campuses, but we were ‘expelled’ en masse and put under some form of restriction, which required that we report to our respective locational chiefs. Ironically, we were expelled from a university that we had not been enrolled in the first place. This whole episode prompted the government to reconsider the pre-university programme altogether.
We eventually reported to Moi University on 6 November 1988. We were required to be accompanied by our parents or guardians. This was unprecedented and we became the first group to report to a public university in Kenya with their parents on the first day.
Surprisingly too, many of us hardly knew the university, where it was and how it looked like. Many of us had not applied to join neither had we select nor applied for courses that we had set out to study. We eventually settled down and set out to achieve our academic goals through the encouragement of selfless staff.
Though initially disappointing, we took the circumstances positively. The remoteness of the campus and the shared experiences created a bond so strong that it endured the test of time. Thirty-plus years down the road we look back and realise, with benefit of hindsight, how fortunate we were to have had such fulfilling encounters.
Presently, the alumni are represented in virtually all spheres of life and are spread in all geographical regions of the world. They have also made tremendous contribution in both the public and private sector featuring in high-profile political positions, diplomatic service, civil service, academia, civil society, corporate governance, private enterprise and all levels of the teaching profession.
Our History
The idea that gave birth to Moi University 88 Welfare Organization was conceived at the middle of 2017 when like-minded alumni of Moi University belonging to the 1988 cohort converged on 1 July 2017, at Ashaki Grill (along Kindaruma Road in Nairobi) for a re-union. Encouraged by positive response and turnout at this get-together, they decided to form a formal group through which they could further their activities and interests. They constituted a steering committee to oversee the registration process and to guide the informal group.
On 22 January 2018 the Organization was formally registered and immediately embarked on a recruitment drive among the potential membership of about 1,200 alumni who graduated in 1992. Currently there are 253 members who have taken either of the two membership categories, life or annual.
Another mandate that the steering committee was given by the Ashaki meeting was to organise a Grand Reunion, which would involve a visit to the alma mater to commemorate 30 years since the alumni came together. The Reunion was successfully held on 3 November 2018 in Moi University. The main activities of the Reunion was the setting up of an arboretum, meeting with the University administration and holding a commemorative dinner where a good number of the alumni celebrated their 50th birthdays. The Chief Guest was the Vice Chancellor who presided over the enrolment in 1988, Prof. Shellemiah Keya.
The Grand Reunion gave the Organization fresh impetus and it has continued to grow in strength. New initiatives were taken up key among them a student sponsorship programme aimed at assisting needy students at Moi University and setting up a botanical garden for posterity.
Most importantly, the Organization has inspired alumni from other universities. Within the two years of its existence, several alumni groups have come up and organised get-togethers.
Our Vision
A graceful and cohesive alumni association
Our Mission
To mobilise the MU’88 alumni for members’ social and economic well-being and posterity
Nicolas Murigu Bore (Nick) [Faculty of Technology – Production Technology] has worked continuously in the Petroleum Industry in East Africa and the Middle East for the last 30 years. He is a Member of the Energy Institute (EI) and holds several Directorships. He is also Chairman of the Board of Management (BOM) of Kamburaini Primary School in Naromoru, Nyeri County, which he attended in the 1970s.
An avid Rotarian for close to 20 years, Bore has served Rotary in various leadership positions of Club President, District Secretary (District 9200 Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania & Uganda) and Chairman District strategic planning committee. Bore is married to Mirriam and they are blessed with two daughters.
Dr Catherine Nyaki Adeya [Faculty of Information Sciences]is an Information Scientist with over 20 years’ experience in multidisciplinary global environments, both in the public and private sector. Nyaki is an expert in bilateral and multilateral agency operations with consolidated expertise and excellent skills in research, project planning and execution, finance management and policy development. A strategic thinker with proven management and leadership skills, she has vast global exposure. She is a non-Executive Director at the Standard Chartered Bank, Adrian Technology Group, the Kenya Accreditation Service and the East African Educational Publishers. She has an undergraduate degree from Moi University and postgraduate from Edinburgh, Scotland.
Jacob Otsyula and MA in Strategic Management both from Moi University, he is well trained in best practices both in manufacturing and service industry. He is passionate in compliance and governance, and is strong as a team player. Currently, he is Procurement Category Manager, Raw Materials, Africa at Diageo.
Selina Gor [Faculty of Education] is an Airport Professional with over 26 years’ experience in the aviation industry. She is currently works with the Kenya Airports Authority and is in charge of Kisumu International Airport, Western, Nyanza and South Rift Kenya Aerodromes. During her tenure she has been responsible for ensuring the development of two other Airstrips, namely Migori and Kakamega Airstrip. She has initiated a lot of infrastructural developments, including the strengthening of the runway, overhauling of the Airfield Ground Lightening System and most recently the expansion of the terminal building. Under her management, the non- aeronautical revenue has been able to grow by 300 per cent.
Njenga Ragu [School of Social Cultural and Development Studies]has been an ardent businessman. He holds a BA (Hons) from Moi University. A passionate “aluminist”, he has served in the leadership of the Old Starehe Students Association (OSSA) of which he was Chairman.
Jill Ondigo [Faculty of Education] holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University. She has over 25 years’ experience in sales, marketing and customer care, and is an artist full of compassion. Jill is very passionate about helping others in the community, especially young mothers in the slums striving to get financial footing. She is also involved in ending Neglected Tropical Diseases such as the Hansen’s disease (leprosy). Currently, she is Training Manager at Keheala Ltd. and a Support Sponsor helping Tuberculosis patients in their treatment regimes. A people person, Jill is an ‘extra-extrovert and a determined, result-oriented organiser, who will get it done on time.
Betty Gichuki [Faculty of Information Sciences] is an ardent businesswoman running Create A Tee, an online Print on Demand Company, which she co-founded, offering digital printing services on clothing. The company has been in operation for over six years and has achieved two major recognitions for being the Best e-Commerce Company in the Printing and Packaging Category. Before getting into business, Betty was in the employment space where she worked in international non-profit sectors. She has skills and experience in, among others, entrepreneurship, business development, social media, project management and customer experience. In addition to the Information Sciences degree from Moi University, she holds a MSc in Poverty Development and Development Management from University of Birmingham. When not in the office you will find her managing her sustainable development and corporate sustainability projects, which runs in her bloodline. And if you don’t find her here you may find her in the hiking trails chasing the trills that come with it.
Mercy Ringa [Faculty of Education] holds a B.Ed. Arts and an M. Phil in Education Communication & Technology from Moi University. She also holds an MA in Counselling Psychology degree from USIU-Africa. An educationist of over 20 years’ standing in Curriculum Development and a seasoned Personal Development trainer, she is also a Counsellor and Life Skills expert and an accredited Clarity 4D business partner. Mercy has previously worked as a High School teacher, a Curriculum Developer at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Human Resources Officer at World Vision (South Sudan) and as a lead Curriculum Developer at Gems Africa Institutes of Teacher Training (GAITT) among others. She is a consultant with Life Skills Promoters, E-Learning Solution among others. Mercy is currently in business providing serviced offices as well as Clearing & Forwarding services. She loves networking and is a member of an international business networking organization where she serves as a president of one of the local chapters in Nairobi. She is passionate about working with children, teens and women and is a leader of these ministries at her local church – ACK Christ Church, Westlands.
Jeremy Ng’ang’a [Faculty of Information Sciences] is a publishing editor with over 27 years’ experience gained from the University of Nairobi Press and East African Educational Publishers among other institutions, with special interest in tertiary and academic publishing. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Sciences with professional training from Saskatchewan Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (SIAST) and the Editors Association of Canada. Currently, he is a Freelance Editor, Publishing Consultant and Writer, specialising in individual and institutional biographies under that flagship of Ediprint Communications. Jeremy is an ardent chronicler and documentarian, competency that he brings to the MU’88 Committee.