Friday 28^th November marked an important milestone for the Strathmore University community as a new 10-year Strategic Plan was launched to act as a guide and give strategic focus for the development of the institution. This came after a year-long rigorous engagement with all key stakeholders, taking stock of what had been achieved in the previous strategy, a critical analysis of the current status of higher education sector as well as a projection of select activities that would further the achievement of the institution’s mission of service to society. 

 

Prof. Ruth Kiraka, Chair of the Strategic planning committee, who is also the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, expressed her gratitude to the very able team and members of staff for their input towards the strategic plan. In her remarks, Prof. Kiraka stated that she was glad that Strathmore employees contributed and hence creating a sense of ownership to the document, which would go a long way in ensuring a successful execution and implementation. Prof. Kiraka also explained the significance of the new plan and the effort required towards attaining it.

 

Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Odhiambo congratulated the steering committee and everyone who had participated in the formulation of the organizational strategy.  He said ‘The strategy at hand is the product of all our input, with the aim of making Strathmore University very instrumental. Our individual commitment will impact society, the government and country at large.” Prof Odhiambo urged both staff and students to look into entrepreneurship, adding that the university was seeking to increase its’ revenue sources. He was emphatic that, the successful implementation of the new strategic plan would require the involvement of all in the Strathmore family. He encouraged staff members within departments to thoroughly acquaint with the key pillars of the strategy and its enablers, in order to impact Kenya and the region positively.

 

Mrs. Bernadette Musundi, chair University Council, encouraged everyone to study the strategic plan in readiness for its start in 2015. In her speech, Mrs. Musundi encouraged the team to work together to successfully attain the set out plans, “if we all work as a team, as we did preparing the strategy document, we will reach the finish line. I have full confidence a lot will be achieved.”

 

In his keynote address, chief guest Dr. Julius Kipng’etich, Chief Operations Officer Equity Bank, lauded Strathmore for the successful launch. He indicated that Strathmore University should align the strategies to the society needs and issues. ‘When you formulate a strategic plan, it needs to be in line with the issues the society is facing. Any institution is characterized by its people and its culture. How you select or recruit students’ matters too,” he emphasized. Dr. Julius also advised the university to be consistent in keeping the brand regardless of the changing times. ‘Hang around your pillar when the world is changing. Be excellent in your brand,’ he challenged.

 

The launch event was graced by the Pro-chancellor, Dr. Rev Silvano Ochuodho, regional Vicar of the region representing the Chancellor of Strathmore University. Fr. Silvano prayed for successful implementation of the strategy.

 

Have a listen to Dr. Kipng’etich’s speech…