Let us embrace a Culture of Giving Back: UoNAA at 20 Celebrations
University of Nairobi Alumni Association marked its 20th Anniversary
On Friday, February 28, 2025 , the University of Nairobi Alumni Association’s (UONAA) 20th anniversary celebrations were marked with pomp and colour. It brought together classes of alumni, university leadership, and key stakeholders to reflect on two decades of impact and to set the stage for the future. This milestone event not only honored two decades of alumni achievements but also marked the renewal of a commitment to strengthen alumni engagement and support for the University.
Established in 2004 under the leadership of the late Prof. David Wasawo, UONAA has grown into a vital pillar of the University, fostering alumni connections, supporting students, and enhancing institutional development. In his keynote address, University Council Chair, Prof. Amukowa Anangwe, paid tribute to the founding visionaries, including the late Dr. Joseph Barrage Wanjui and the late Prof. George Magoha, for laying the groundwork for an association that continues to transform lives.
Council Member, Sally who represented the Chair of Council, Prof. Anangwe, took the participants through the history and the establishment of the Alumni Association, He highlighted the role and contribution to the day to day activities of the University and the Community, ‘What began as an ambitious idea has flourished into a dynamic network of professionals, innovators, and leaders who continue to shape our nation and beyond. Your presence as UONAA at our graduation ceremonies, your contributions to the Nairobi International Trade Fair and Innovation Week, and your generous support through scholarships stand as testament to this remarkable partnership.
Tonight, we do not just celebrate an institution—we celebrate you.
Your impact is not just in what you’ve given, but in what you’ve inspired.
And tonight, as the Chair of Council, I say with pride: The University of Nairobi is stronger because of you.’
He urged the University management to develop innovative ways to harness the full potential of its alumni network to support long-term goals, citing the example of globally recognized universities such as Harvard and Oxford, where alumni engagement drives institutional success.
In her remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchison shared the University's journey of transformation, highlighting the significant changes in both the educational landscape and the demographics of Kenya. She emphasized that, in recent years, the University had made a conscious effort to evolve, particularly through the introduction of new curricula, research focus, and cutting-edge technologies. Prof. Hutchinson noted the University’s vision of becoming globally competitive while also transforming society.
"We have embraced resilience, and through the support of our alumni, we have been able to sustain the University’s progress despite challenges such as financial constraints and governance issues," she stated.
Prof. Hutchison also highlighted the University’s efforts to innovate, including the launch of the UoN Innovation Park and the Nairobi School of AI, which will be key in shaping the future of education in Kenya and beyond.
Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Nicholas Letting, a proud UoN alumnus, underscored the need for alumni to take a more active roles in supporting their alma mater. "Many of us disappear after graduation and are never heard from again. Yet, across the world, alumni are the backbone of their institutions, funding scholarships, research, and development projects. We must embrace this culture of giving back," he stated.
He highlighted three key areas where alumni contributions could make a lasting impact: financial contributions, mentorship and career development, and advocacy for institutional growth. Supporting scholarships, infrastructure, and research will ensure the University remains a center of excellence. Creating opportunities for students through internship placements, career guidance, and networking can provide them with the tools needed for success. By fostering partnerships and championing its achievements, alumni can also enhance the University’s global standing.
Prof. Letting also applauded the UONAA Annual Alumni Walk, a charitable initiative aimed at supporting over 5,000 needy students. He urged alumni and corporate partners to activate their CSR budgets in support of this cause, noting that continued commitment could turn it into one of the largest charity walks in the country.
A key focus of the celebration was the need to institutionalize alumni involvement through strategic initiatives, including comprehensive alumni mapping to track and engage graduates globally, expanding the UONAA Scholarship Fund, which has already disbursed over KES 29 million to support financially disadvantaged students, and establishing an Endowment Fund to secure sustainable financial resources for the University. Conducting Tracer Studies to strengthen alumni networks and enhance mentorship, employment, and internship opportunities was also emphasized.
The chair of the Council concluded the evening with a rallying call: "The University of Nairobi made us. Now, it is our turn to remake it. Let us build an endowment that stands the test of time, create opportunities that transform lives, and write the next chapter of this great institution together."
As the UONAA looks ahead to the next 20 years, the celebration reminded us that alumni are not just former students; they are lifelong stakeholders in the success and growth of the University.
