This seminar is a cherished tradition, a chance for our University family to interact with each other and strengthen our bonds, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment which in turn will contribute to the success of our institution. It is also an opportunity to celebrate our collective achievements, address ongoing challenges, and share updates on the developments happening within our institution and the external environment.

Our theme, "Fostering Growth Mindset for Collective Success,” is about embracing challenges with courage, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth, and continually striving to unlock our full potential, both as individuals and as a University.

Byron Pulsifer once said, ‘I’ve never known a person who was successful who didn’t at first establish a mindset of success. You can’t be that which you can’t believe.’ I urge you to adopt this mindset of growth and choose to apply it in our daily operations. I am confident that by the end of this training, you will appreciate what it takes to have a growth mindset and why it is important.

I am delighted to inform you that this year's seminar will run for a period of three days, with two days of training and one day for teambuilding activities. We have planned for a rich learning experience with expert trainers who will make presentations on the following topics:

Day 1

Change of Attitude, Mindset and Stewardship;

• Developing Leadership Skills for The Future: Leading in a Changing World;
• Financial Wellness (Financial Planning and Debt Management); and
• Physical and Mental Wellness.

Day 2

• Productivity Management;
• Customer Care and Brand Affinity;
• Professional Ethics and Integrity in the Workplace;
• Cybersecurity and Data Protection Best Practices; and
• Data Protection Act and its Legal Implications.

It is important to note that the topics for the seminar and the need to extend the seminar period were derived from a University wide Training Needs Analysis (TNA) conducted in November 2023. I therefore urge you to participate in the TNA whenever you are called upon to as it greatly inform the selection of topics and how we conduct our trainings, workshops and seminars.

The University prioritizes staff development, and this seminar, along with other training initiatives, reflects this commitment.  I encourage you to actively participate, learn, and also engage with your colleagues and build stronger relationships across our institution.

I would like to emphasize the importance of integrity and responsible stewardship.  By acting with honesty and transparency, we build trust within our community and maintain a strong reputation.  We are good stewards if we ensure the resources of this University are utilized prudently and efficiently. As stewards, this concept resonates deeply with the scripture from Luke 12:48, which states, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” This verse highlights the weight of responsibility entrusted to us and the accountability we bear for the resources and opportunities bestowed upon us.

I would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to all staff members to continue being productive and effective, focusing on University goals and success. It is only through our collective effort that we can achieve our vision of being a center of academic excellence founded on Biblical Christian Values. As Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that ‘Just as each of us has one body with many members, so in Christ we who are many for one body, and each member belongs to all the others’.  Here at the University, we too are a collection of diverse talents. Let us therefore work together effectively as a team, and strive to make this university the best institution of higher learning, not just in the region, but beyond.

I am pleased to note that on Friday we will have team building activities, organized by the Liaison Group, our health insurance service provider. I urge all members to turn up and participate in the various team building activities that have been planned. This will be a great opportunity for us to have fun, bond together, enhance our collaboration skills and enhance our teamwork in the university.

Additionally, I am pleased to announce that the University will be presenting awards in various categories during the closing ceremony of our team building exercise on Friday, 3^rd May 2024. The categories of awards are as follows:

• Employee of the Year Award;
• Excellence in Leadership Award;
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award;
• Excellence in Research and Innovation Award;
• Customer Care Award;
• Outstanding Innovation in Service Delivery Award;
• Outstanding Christian and Community Service Award; and
• Extra-Mile Award.

The University has continued to thrive despite the prevailing external situations and we can only give Glory and honor to God for helping us achieve so much. I will highlight the most recent achievements and notable occurrences but before that, I wish to mention that the University releases a monthly KABU eNewsLetter to staff official email addresses to inform and update staff members on activities and events pertaining the University. Some of our achievements include:

University Ranking

• Kabarak University ranked 4^th best University in Kenya: We achieved remarkable rankings in THE Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings 2023, 42^nd position in Africa, 4^th position in Kenya, and 1st position among private universities in the country.
• In the latest Webometrics Rankings reported in July 2023 edition, the University moved up one position to secure the 21^st position in Kenya from the 22^nd position in January 2023; and 24^th in the July 2022 editions. This reflects the University's commitment to excellence and its growing impact on the academic world.

Partnerships

The University has partnered with several institutions as follows:

• Kabarak University School of Medicine and Health Sciences has entered into partnership with the South African University of Kwazulu-natal's College of Health Sciences.
• Kabarak University's School of Science Engineering has Partnered with Safaricom Engineering Community for Fintech Excellence.
• The School of Science Engineering is set to become a center of excellence in Fintech, thanks to a proposed collaboration with Safaricom Engineering Community - Fintech Chapter.
• Kabarak University and Strathmore University have joined forces to boost MSMEs in Nakuru County and beyond.

Events

• At the 2023 Nakuru Agricultural Showground, Kenya, Kabarak University emerged the best exhibitor in the category of Universities (14^th July 2023).
• Kabarak University's held the inaugural Career Day on 21^st July 2023 targeting high school students. This is set to be part of the calendar events for the university.
• Joel Kiboss was inaugurated on 9^th November 2023 as UNESCO Chair on Culture and Arts in Education for Sustainable Development at Kabarak University.
• Kabarak University in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO hosted 2024 International Mother Language Day Celebration on February 20^th to 21^st, 2024. The second day was the Cultural Festival /Expo Day. The Chief Guest was H.E. Ambassador Gentiana Serbu, Ambassador of Romania.
• Kabarak University successful hosted the John H. Jackson Moot Court Competition, Africa Regional Rounds in 18^th to 21^st April, 2024. The Competition was held in partnership with the European Students Law Association (ELSA) and with technical support of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
• The Africa Regional Round brings together thirty-six (36) teams and about 300 participants, including students, faculty and trade experts, from across the African Continent to compete to earn a place in the Global Round slated for June 2024.

Recognition

• Our students showcased exceptional talent and emerged as top performers at the 95^th Kenyan Music Festival held at Dedan Kimathi University in Nyeri.
• In the last year’s 95^th Kenya Music Festival Winners' State Concert hosted at State House on 20^th October 2023 in State House Nakuru, our university presented their magnificent performance and captivated the President H. E. Hon. Dr. William Ruto and his Deputy H. E. Hon. Rigathi Gachagwa together with other esteemed guests.
• Kabarak School of Law Team of students showcased an outstanding performance at the Kenya Universities Debate Championship (KUDC) despite being new entrants on 20^th October, 2023.
• Kabarak University, School of Law achieved an outstanding performance, securing 2^nd place nationwide in the recent International Humanitarian Law Moot Court Competition held on 7^th and 8^th October 2023.
• The team also emerged 4^th position in the memorial writing stage out of 15 law schools in the country.
• Kabarak University Received Commendation from Kenya Revenue Authority for Exemplary Tax Compliance on 23^rd February 2024.

Projects

The following projects have been undertaken by the university:

• Face-lifting of Administration Block Reception area and installation of lift.
• School of Law twin building has been completed and furnished.
• Renovation of Turkana and Central Hostels.
• Kitchen renovation and upgrade with installation of modern gas cookers.
• Expansion of walkways.
• Carports at the administration parking.
• Fencing of staff quarters and tree planting.
• Refurbishment of the sports fields including: Hockey Pitch, Basket Ball Court, Tennis Court and Steeplechase Track.
• University Fleet: The buses KAQ 072R and KCV 849R were furbished to give them a new ‘Scania’ look.
• We have acquired a new 16-seater van, KDP 620F.
• Bore Holes: We have drilled 2 bores which are supplying high quality water.

University Farm

• Farming activities have been expanded to include dairy farming and horticulture.
• The Farm bordering Chergei and the Orchard have been fenced.
• A road on the periphery of this Farm has been graded to facilitate security surveillance and harvesting.

Developments on Quality Management Systems

• Revision of Procedure Manuals for all Departments to enhance quality of services, achieve objectives and meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Standards.
• New Policies:
• Admission Policy
• Commission and Staff Incentive Policy
• Student Clubs and Association Policy.
• Reviewed Policies:
• Handbook for Postgraduate Studies
• General Academic Regulation Policy
• Work- Study Policy

ERP System

• DSL System Limited is undertaking the development of additional modules as follows:
• Estate Management Module;
• E-Procurement;
• Internal Audit Module;
• Mobile Application;
• Online Staff Appraisal;
• Online Performance Contracting; and
• TVET Institute (KABUTVET).

Kabarak University Press

• Kabarak University Press has been selected by the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) to publish the ACA multi-year book project that ACA intends to become a leading knowledge platform for regulation of intellectual property and related matters.

Kabarak University Journals

The university has published the following journals:

• Kabarak Journal of Research and Innovation;
• Journal of Information Systems in East Africa;
• Kabarak Journal of;
• Law and Ethics Kabarak Law Review; and
• Jumuiya: East African Community Law Journal

The following are some opportunities for improvement that we ought to continue working on:

• Cost cutting;
• Revenue generation;
• Service quality and productivity;
• Marketing strategies; and
• Performance targets.

As I conclude, I would like to echo the words of Maya Angelou, who once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."  With this in mind, let us embark on a journey to create memorable experiences for our students at the University by providing exceptional services to them. By doing so, we can inspire them to share their positive experiences with their social circles and attract more students to our institution. This will not only increase our revenue but also provide better opportunities for our dedicated staff members. Let us therefore work together to exceed expectations and ensure that our University thrives in the competitive academic landscape. I also encourage you to take every opportunity available to market our programmes within your social circles for there is power in word-of-mouth marketing, in attracting prospective students to our University.

Lastly, I wish all of us a successful and fruitful seminar. I would like to leave you with a verse from the Book of Proverbs 16:3, which advises, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."  May this verse inspire us to approach our endeavors with faith and dedication, trusting in God’s guidance for the attainment of our goals.

It is my humble duty to now declare the 2024 Annual Staff Seminar officially opened.

Thank you and God bless you!