Kisii University students have been encouraged to focus on their studies and approach university life with academic discipline and responsibility.
Speaking to more than 9,000 first-year students during the orientation week at the institution on the outskirts of Kisii town, the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Nathan Ogechi challenged the students to work hard and maintain healthy relationships with lecturers and fellow students so that they can achieve their educational goals.
“I am asking the students to seek assistance from the lecturers, university staff and the Student Council whenever you encounter academic, administrative or welfare challenges,” said Prof. Ogechi.
Kisii University has about 350 teaching staff and 300 non-teaching staff who provide academic, administrative and support services to the growing student population.
The Vice Chancellor also asked the students to observe the university’s regulations and avoid being promiscuous as it would lead to unnecessary pregnancies that would disrupt their studies.
He also reminded the students that university education extends beyond classroom work and encouraged them to participate in co-curricular activities.
Prof. Ogechi noted that participation in sports, cultural activities, leadership and other programmes will help the students to develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills alongside their academic qualifications.
In addition, the VC said the university was hosting the Research Chair in Language Education and urged the students to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities under the research programme to address gaps in education.
He added the government was constructing a 1600-capacity student hostel that will ensure that more students are accommodated within the institution.
The VC assured the students of adequate security during their stay at the institution, adding that matters of security remain the university’s priority because a section of the first-years were still minors.
Prof. Ogechi also told the new students to express their views freely and participate in debates, provided they remained within the law and university regulations.
The 2026 intake comes as Kisii University marks 14 years since it was granted a university charter in February 2013.
The institution has since expanded its academic programmes and student population, evolving from its earlier history as a teachers’ training institution into a multidisciplinary public university.
The arrival of more than 9,000 first-year students adds to that growth while placing increased demands on the university’s teaching, accommodation, welfare, security and other support systems.
By Alfred Misheba and Mercy Osongo
