The Technical University of Kenya kicked off its five-day orientation programme with an inspiring reminder to incoming students: their professional journey starts the moment they arrive on campus.
Day One saw hundreds of excited first-year students fill the Main Hall, eager to learn about their new academic home. The Assistant Dean of Students in charge of Sports, Mr. Maurice Ochieng, together with staff from the Office of the Dean of Students and the Directorate of Student Support Services, welcomed the freshers.
Students were introduced to essential services under the Directorate, including accommodation, catering, counselling, chaplaincy, sports, and co-curricular activities. Mrs. Catherine Wainaina, who oversees Catering and Accommodation, guided them on hostel applications and the importance of completing the online admission process. She also urged students to uphold values of responsibility, integrity, and respect, reminding them that their dressing and conduct would reflect their character both on and off campus.
Day Two shifted focus to academics and career-building. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs (DVC-ASA), Prof. Maurice Amutabi, accompanied by senior administrative staff including Dr. Moses Wamalwa, Dr. Ruth Ruhiu, and Mr. George Ndeng’era, addressed the new students.
Prof. Amutabi challenged the freshers to take ownership of their academic journey from the very first day, stressing that every choice from course selection to personal discipline will determine their future. “Your career does not start after graduation. It begins the moment you walk into this campus,” he said.
He encouraged students to pursue courses aligned with their passions and abilities rather than external pressure, highlighting opportunities such as interfaculty transfers for those who wish to realign their studies.
Prof. Amutabi underscored the importance of striving for academic excellence, emphasising that achieving first-class honours can open doors to scholarships, competitive jobs, and global opportunities. He reminded the students that the freedom university life brings comes with responsibility. No one will push them to attend classes or study. “Sacrifice some comfort now to build a successful future,” he urged.
The DVC also warned against negative peer pressure, drug abuse, and reckless social habits, urging students to choose friends who uplift and motivate them. He further advised them to seek guidance whenever in doubt: “Asking for advice is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.”
To round off his message, Prof. Amutabi encouraged the freshmen to join clubs and societies and to define themselves through discipline, integrity, and hard work. “You will be remembered not for excuses but for the choices you make today. Start strong, and the future will reward you.”
On the third day of the orientation programme, students will be introduced to a range of important topics, including common university courses, student legal rights and responsibilities, ICT services, alumni engagement, and awareness sessions on alcohol, drug, and substance abuse.
Thursday, the fourth day, will see students join their respective faculties for Faculty-Based Orientation tailored to their chosen programmes. TU-K is structured into three faculties: the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE), the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST), and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology (FSST).
The five-day programme will conclude on Friday with a highly anticipated address by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Benedict Mutua, who will formally welcome the new students to the university.
