SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES ENG. KEN MBIUKI DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW ZETECH UNIVERSITY COMPLEX - RUIRU
AUGUST 21ST 2015
· Your Excellency the President and Commander in Chief of the Republic of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta
· Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi
· Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education Dr. Kipsang Belio
· The Governor, Kiambu County – Hon. William Kabogo
· The Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Commission for University Education, Prof. David Some
· Members of the Commission for University Education here present
· Representatives of Private Universities
· Vice Chancellors here present
· Members of the National Assembly present
· Members of the Zetech University Board of Trustees
· The Vice Chancellor and members of the Zetech University fraternity
· Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Zetech University and on my own behalf, I hereby welcome you all to this great occasion. As the chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zetech University, it is indeed a dream come true that today we are here to witness the official opening of the Zetech University Complex.
Today is indeed, a momentous occasion for all those who contributed to the establishment of this society centred facility through provision of ideas, materials as well as moral support. In this regard, I wish to especially recognize the remarkable contribution of Zetech University staff, students and parents and other stakeholders as well as my dear family members.
Like many a tale of the Kenyan Dream; the Zetech Story has its roots from humble beginnings. The journey began 18 years ago in a tiny cubicle (Room 316) in Hall 13 hostel at the University of Nairobi; then at 22 years old while studying Mechanical Engineering, I began saving money earned from doing odd jobs in order to buy one second-hand computer as part of my quest to quench the growing thirst for Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills amongst my campus colleagues.
The Dream grew at a terrific pace. Initially established as Zenith Technologies, the institution quickly lived up to the true meaning of the word Zenith which means the peak or the very best, to become a leading centre for ICT and Engineering tertiary education. Driven by huge demand for higher education in the country, the college devotedly broadened its areas of specialization to include Business, Hospitality, Media and Developments studies. Eighteen years later, Zetech can boast of over 40,000 alumni and now stands as The Zetech University.
Your Excellency’s commitment to encouraging both entrepreneurship and the expansion of access to education are well-known. Zetech provides a shining example of both; with the opportunity to highlight the central place within your Administration of increasing the skills and competencies of young Kenyans as part of the Government’s drive towards building a world-class workforce and pool of entrepreneurs in line with Vision 2030.
Following our accreditation by the Commission for University Education last August, the university has already embarked on a path to make Zetech University one of the best research universities and one of the great universities of the world.
To achieve this, the university has invested heavily in the construction of this ultra modern learning complex that we are officially opening today. It is fitted with adequate and first-class resources coupled with dedicated faculty members, providing the nation with excellent, innovative education and research. The university is committed to graduating well-rounded citizens whose education has prepared them for rewarding lives and productive careers in a constantly changing world; to continually improving educational and research programmes in the arts and sciences, engineering and management and to assisting the commercialization of intellectual capital generated by students, staff and faculty.
Your Excellency,
Zetech University aspires to be:
· A first-rank private research university with focused centres of excellence, prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing, technology-driven global society.
· A global force in innovative, trans-disciplinary research and education in emerging areas of technology, science and learning.
· A ground breaking leader in providing solutions to challenges faced by the business community, policy makers, healthcare and the public.
· A synergy partner with local industries, government, and cultural organisations as well as schools, colleges and universities.
· One of the most creative, innovative universities in the nation and world.
Your Excellency,
I wish to thank the Ministry of education, science and technology and the Commission for University Education for their guidance through the extensive journey of establishing this university and ensuring that we fulfill all the necessary requirements as set by the commission. I wish to assure the ministry and the commission that the university will continue to abide by its directives as it discharges its noble mandate of ensuring that universities maintain high standards. As the Board of Trustees, we shall continue to play our expected role and collaborate with relevant government institutions to ensure that the institution is run with integrity and within the set laws of our country.
Your Excellency
May I now whole heartedly thank you for finding time to grace this historic occasion with your esteemed presence.
Thank you and God bless you.
Eng. Ken Mbiuki
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Zetech University