Seasons Greetings
I take this opportunity to thank you all for supporting me in the year 2015. This post is specifically to
appreciate your contribution to the success of every event that I participated in the year 2015.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a prosperous New Year 2016

33rd Graduation Ceremony at Egerton University
On 4th December 2015, Egerton University had its largest number of students ever to graduate in one graduation ceremony.
The event was recorded by NTV and broadcast on 6th Dec after 9pm news.
The number of graduates was a total of 4,877. This was the largest number of students from Egerton graduating at once .
The venue of the graduation was at the sports pavilion, where the sea of humanity gathered to witness the event that marked the
true expansion of Egerton University.
The main event started at exactly 9:26 am with the procession led by the NYS band that played majestic tunes on their instruments.
You could feel the excitement in the air as the graduates took to their seats and watched the procession.

Before the conferment of degrees by the Chancellor Prof. Shem Wandiga, there was plenty of entertainment provided to keep the happy mood going.

The graduation commenced with the conferment of PhDs by the Chancellor Prof. Shem Wandiga, awarding 14 students with Kenya's latest PhDs.

 

 The next groups were the Masters, Diplomas and finally the degrees.
The event ended at 1:10pm with the jubilant crowd of fresh graduands celebrating their new achievements.

Truly, this graduation was a test of sorts, on how the event would be planned, handling the crowd and most importantly the traffic that arises from such
humongous events.

It was a successful graduation and I wish to thank committee members who played a key role in ensuring that  the event ran smoothly .

Essay Competition Awarding Ceremony
In the month on November 2015, The Chinese Embassy in Kenya and the Confucius Institute at Egerton University sponsored
an essay writing competition that welcomed essays from students. The theme of the Essays was "The China I know and the China-Africa Relations I expect".
The reason for this sponsorship was to enhance greater friendship and develop more ties between China and Africa. There were about 100 essays that were received in the essay competition.
The participants came from Egerton, Kenyatta and Nairobi Universities.
The students were creative in writing their essays with interesting titles and some included inspiring titles and themes.

The essay award ceremony was held at Kilimo Hall, Egerton University. Amongst guests invited were Dr J. Wolukahu, Prof Li Yuan and Mr. Imbusi (Lions Academy). The students took to the stage to perform various songs and dances to the appreciating audience.

The winner of the essay competition was Susan, a student of Egerton University studying Chinese currently in level 3. Her essay was titled "Pregnant Africa being helped to deliver by midwife China".
Winners in the competition were rewarded in various categories.

November already!!
Its already mid November and all this time has been spent without any major event. However, this time is the lull before the major month, December.

I urge you all to prepare in earnest for December events, which may vary in number. So far, this year has been quite packed, but lets all remember to give thanks in all situations.

More updates coming up soon

Events in November and December
There are several events coming up for the month of November and December. In Kenya, these are the most active months for events. From weddings, graduation celebrations, birthdays, corporate end of year parties, rites of passage and all happy events.

I'm looking forward to these events, so far I'm making my schedule. Once the dates are confirmed, then the planning starts.

Tips

• In case you are planning to do any event in these months, its crucial that you engage trustworthy and loyal clientele. You know that the same person can be called for  more than one event in a day. Loyalty comes in handy, so that your provider can cancel other commitments
• Purchase non perishable items in November, in December, the same item can cost more owing to the festive season.

Public lecture at Confucius Institute

On 30^th October 2015, Confucius Institute of Egerton University organized a public lecture at the language lab. The lecture was delivered by Professor Bao and Professor Shi. Both Professors are from Nanjing Agricultural University, China.

The Professors gave lectures on topics touching on Agriculture in China. Present at the lecture were Prof. Li Yuan (Director, Confucius Institute) and Dr. Wolukahu (Director, International Linkages). Additionally, our Chinese teachers Yang, Zhang and Wang also attended the lecture. Listening to the lecture too were students studying Chinese language at the Confucius Institute of Egerton University.

Professor Bao gave a lecture on the topic "The development of higher agricultural education in China and its results". He gave the history of how China obtained their expertise in Agriculture, how the Universities in China evolved from collaboration with other international universities and how this collaboration contributed to the development of China as a country. Moreover, he showed the relation between the GDP and the number of articles published. There was a direct proportion between the number of articles published by universities and the GDP. China is also comparing the performance of its universities with other universities in the world to draw up a trend. There was a discovery that China is doing better than other world Universities by publishing more articles in agriculture. There is a Chinese University that is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world that is specialized in agriculture. Going forwards, in the next 30 years, China aims to develop further their Universities to offer more specialties. A major point that came out from the lecture was that to solve problems in agriculture, it is of importance to improve the quality of the farmers. Prof. Bao concluded that in order for any university to be a top university, then it must have an international approach and it must have the best lecturers. 

 

Professor Shi gave a lecture on "Sustainable Natural Resource Use in Rural China: Trends and Policies". His lecture focused on sustainable ways of conserving natural resources, by conserving water and reclaiming land. One of the major challenges facing China is the population pressure that is exerted on the natural resources; land is limited, forcing farmers to do farming along slopes in the mountainous regions. The high number of livestock have depleted the grasslands leaving the land bare. The use of water needed to be monitored as it increases with the widening of the middle class. The desert is also advancing each year, and efforts are made to stop this. Interventions made came with consequences, some which were social or economic.  A method of compensating farmers to move out of farming on the slopes and instead farm in other areas was proposed. This proved as a difficult task as it is not precise in identifying the slope areas. In order to reverse pollution, water conservation and waste handling needed to be addressed. The lakes within China have been polluted as a result of farmers using chemicals in their farms, which ends up in rivers and thus ends up in the lakes. This led to a rise in the levels of nitrogen in the lakes. In conclusion, Prof. Shi says that conservation has consequences, some policies need to be carefully formulated to consider the aspects that affect the farmer and the environment.

 

The students listening to the lecture got an opportunity to ask questions to the professors, who gladly answered them effectively. It was clear to see that the students were genuinely interested in the topics that were discussed by the visiting professors. It was also a chance to learn more about the level of agriculture education in China

(Luke Toroitich)

Egerton University Faculty of Engineering and Technology Staff welfare AGM

On the 23rd October 2015, I hosted the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Staff welfare AGM held at Cool Rivers Hotel in Nakuru. The event started at 2pm.

Members of the welfare attended the function with optimism as this was an event where staff members can interact and socialize.

The meeting started with the Chairman taking the members through an introduction session.

Resolutions were passed in the meeting, with members discussing in detail the activities of the previous year.

 

Members of the welfare who had retired gave inspiring messages to the audience and at times making the audience laugh at their tested experiences.

At the end of the meeting, a new team of executives was elected to lead the welfare and a colourful handover ceremony followed.

 

Ultimately, the meeting ended at 6:30pm with members requesting for more of such activities that would create a deeper interaction between members, through team building and trips.

The welfare patron Dr. D.N Kamau who is also the Dean of the Faculty was present at the AGM. The new chair of the welfare is Dr. Musa Njue, from Agricultural Engineering department. He takes over from Mr. Konosi who has lead the welfare for the last three years.

 (Luke Toroitich)

 

Engineering Welfare AGM

Today, Im hosting the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Annual General Meeting at Cool Rivers Hotel, Nakuru.
The Faculty of Engineering and Technology is one of the Faculties at Egerton University.

In attendance is the Patron, Dr. D.N Kamau who is also the Dean of the Faculty.
The main agenda of the day is to pass resolutions for the years coming ahead. Additionally, retirees and experienced staff will make their speeches, a chance to learn from their experiences.

I will later do a comprehensive post detailing the event.

GENDER AWARENESS DAY CELEBRATION AT EGERTON UNVERSITY

The 15^th Gender Awareness Day was held at Egerton University, Main campus on 17^th October 2015. The gender awareness day is an annual event that is used to highlight gender issues that affect both men and women. The event is sponsored by the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies (IWGDS), which is based at Njoro Campus. The theme for the event was “The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: Challenges that affect the Implementation and the Empowerment of Women”

The event creates a forum to reach out to the community, development partners, schools, students and all other stakeholders to gain more knowledge in gender equality. During the celebrations, Kilimo Primary school students presented a song in Chinese language, to the pleasure of the crowd. The children who presented at the event were learning Chinese language, taught by Zhang Xia, who is a Chinese language Professor at Confucius Institute of Egerton University.

The speakers invited at the event referred to the Beijing declaration that was established 1995, which was 20 years ago. The keynote speech was delivered by Justice David Ndung’u who emphasized on the importance of such a function to ensure that human rights are granted to all people no matter their gender.

Amongst dignitaries at the event were Prof Rose Mwonya, DVC (AA), Dr. Damaris Parsitau, Director (IWGDS), Dr. Josephine Kulea, Board Members of the Institute and leaders from Nakuru County Government. The climax of the event was the launching of two programmes; Youth and Transformational Leadership Development Programme that was launched by Dr. Josephine Kulea. The second programme was Women and Transformational Leadership Programme launched by the Chief Guest Justice David Ndung’u.

Present at the event were pioneer women who form the Global Women Leadership Network (GWLN). The members encouraged the audience to fight for their rights, forge forwards towards achieving their dreams. Dr. Parsitau appreciated the involvement of the women in every aspect in society, however, she challenged more women to take up leadership roles in society without fearing for their families or marriages

Prof Rose Mwonya, DVC (AA) inspired the audience by informing them that even after the several campaigns for gender equality, there was still a gender disparity in the clergy and in the justice system in Kenya. She encouraged more ladies to join these professions as they were currently male dominated.

At the venue of the event, students and companies had showcased their products, programmes that were in line with the theme of the day. From Egerton University students to the members of the community visited the tents, learning what the community is doing to spread the word of gender equality to all visitors.

-          (Luke Toroitich)

Gender Awareness Day

Egerton University celebrated the 15th Gender Awareness Day at Main campus, Njoro on 17th October 2015. It was a a successful event, with plenty of guests and fun filled entertainment. The Chief Guest was Justice Anthony Ndung'u. Amongst other guests were Dr. Josphine Kulea, County directors from the Ministries in Nakuru County.

The event started with the Chief Guest planting a tree at the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies within the campus.

Egerton University students displayed their talent through poems, songs and skits. Egerton University choir also presented a classic song from Congo.

Kilimo Primary students also presented a song in Chinese and a poem to the attentive audience.

When it came to the song by Friends of Lake Nakuru, the whole crowd stood to dance, mingling freely on the open grass.

The guests invited spoke with emphasis on the development of systems to promote both the boys and girls to advance.

The crowning moment of the event was the launch of two programmes tailored for the youth and the women, to build their capacity, equipping them in leadership and entrepreneurship.

These programmes were Youth and Transformational Leadership Development Programme, designed for the youth. For the women, the Women and Transformational Leadership Programme. 

Top University management attended the event; Prof R Mwonya, DVC (AA), Deans and Directors and members of staff

TIPS:

·         The engagement of community in your public functions ensures that the event is successful. In the Gender Awareness Day at Egerton had visitors from as far as Canada and Rusinga.

·         Always strike a balance between the times allocated for entertainment and speeches. At this point, it is up to the wisdom of the Master of Ceremony, to read the mood of the crowd, when to cut off the entertainment, to provide more time for other items

Here are some photos from the Gender Awareness Day at Egerton University.

 

Give me your feedback by placing a comment here or contact me on rottokluke@yahoo.com. ltoroitich@gmail.com 0720358070

Update on The Gender Awareness Day



Come join us as we celebrate the 15th Edition of Gender Awareness Day, to be celebrated at Egerton University. I will be hosting the event, MC Toro.

There will be plenty of entertainment, lots of inspiring speeches from invited guests. Come all, lets celebrate

Here is the advert placed in the Daily Nation on 10th October 2015.

Busy October:

October is here and I already have a packed schedule. As I had hinted earlier, I have an event for 17th October; Gender Awareness Day.

Additionally on 24th December, my younger sister Dorcas will be having visitors at our home in Nakuru, and the whole family will be here to support her. On 31st October, I will be travelling to Nairobi to attend a friends wedding at Utalii, pretty much making all my weekends packed.

So far, I have started planning for the 17th October event, major lobbying done with stakeholders from the community to ensure their attendance. This is very crucial. What I have noticed for public institutions, if you place any activity to be done on the weekend, very few if at all any staff members will turn up for the event. What you get are students or passer byes who happened to be passing through your venue and could have been attracted by the music or performances on stage, then they may pose to watch, but that is all. Once the speeches start, the audience walks away, soon you are addressing empty chairs.

An idea comes to mind, may be I should do this one day: I take a picture of the audience when there are performances on stage and then another photo of the crowd when the speeches are read out. That would be tangible evidence of this phenomenon

I will posting about this "phenomenon" soon in my following events.

Tips  :

• Whenever you plan for a weekend event at a public institution e.g. University  then invite as many as possible external stakeholders since they may be curious enough to attend your function. Staff members of that public institution are mainly taking time off the weekend with their families, so they may not attend your function. Please take this seriously. I have been to an event where a diplomat gave a speech to an empty field....PLEASE...save yourself from this embarrassment
• Planning is key: If you still insist on the weekend, incorporate lots of LIVE band music, engage the visitors by free samplings: caps, t shirts
• Have a good sound system: Many people laze around their houses over the weekend. The sweet sound of music from your event can draw in these idle crowd. TRY it....IT WORKS

So, let me prepare for the 17th Oct, lets see what is the outcome. Watch out for more updates.

Please give me your comments

Thank you

Luke Toroitich

Professional Master of Ceremonies

Upcoming event: 
On 17th October 2015, I will be hosting the Gender Awareness Day at Egerton University. The Chief Guest for the even is the Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga.

Am looking forward to this day. Watch this space for more updates


Luke Toroitich
rottokluke@yahoo.com
+254720358070

Confucius Day, Egerton University on 27th Sept 2015
On 27th September, I hosted the Confucius Day celebration at Egerton University. Confucius is a great Chinese philosopher who encouraged the Chinese to be Disciplined, to respect elders and to preserve the Chinese tradition. Egerton University hosts a Confucius Institute where students learn Chinese language and culture.
By September 2015, I was a student in level 2 Chinese class. My Chinese language competence is still quite low but at least I can say greetings and basic Chinese.

The 27th September fell on a Saturday, and that meant that I had to go an extra mile to be a Master of Ceremony for his event. Normally, I dont work on Saturdays, so I sacrificed my time to rest, to attend the event.

The event was graced by the two DVC's: DVC(Administration & Finance) Prof Munene and DVC (Academic Affairs) Prof. Rose Mwonya.

We were lucky for this event because this year, we had up to 10 Chinese visitors, representing different companies in Kenya.

Entertainment was provided by Egerton Universit students of the Confucius Institute and the singers, Friends of Lake Nakuru.

The weather was sunny and the skies were clear. The event was held at the graduation square, so there was plenty of space to move around. The event kicked off at 10am, with the visitors touring the tents in the field. In the tents, students presented Chinese writting, Chinese food and snacks, Chinese attire (the popular Qipao), souvenirs and many more.

The chief guest, DVC (AA) arrived alongside DVC (A&F) and the event started with the national anthem of Kenya and followed by the Chinese anthem. This was a first, playing the national anthem of another country. By the way, China is called Zhongguo. Just to show you my skills in Chinese characters, it is written as 中国。

The entertainment programme started at 11:30am with the students presenting poems, songs and dances. The most popular song Jambo Bwana was sang both in Swahili and in Chinese. Everyone got involved. Especially, when Friends of Lake Nakuru stepped on stage, they performed some African tunes, engaging the whole crowd in the field. It goes to tell you how much people love to dance to local tunes.

TIPS: Entertainment is crucial in any event. If you want good stuff, something people will remember long after the event is over, engage everyone in the meeting. In this way, you will capture peoples attention. Additioally, the presence of some dignitaries draws specific crowds. Some dignitaries collaborate with media houses, using this as leverage, you cna market your own event for free if you invite the right kind of people to your event.

For this particular event, the Confucius Day was targetted more to the students studying Chinese and to stretch out to the community to learn Chinese language and culture. The addition of Entertainment both African and Chinese songs and dance helped to make the event lively

A representative from the Chinese investors spoke at the event, with the crowning speech from the Prof. Rose Mwonya encouraging the prevalence of the Chinese language here in the University and beyond.
The event ended at 1 pm with plenty of food to share at the tents and the visitors left remembering how a great day it was.

As for me, I got the perfect chance to speak both English and Chinese at one event, of course, once in a while the crowd were in stitches at my pronunciation of some of the Chinese words. Next year, 2016, I should be fluent in Chinese, both written and spoken.

More to come. Give me your comments on my email rottokluke@yahoo.com



Luke Toroitich
+254720358070

This is my first post, creating a series of posts that I intend to document.
Well, the purpose of this blog is to document the events that I have managed from the year 2013. Of course, I will keep you, the reader, up to date about the nitty gritty of planning and Event.

At the time of writting this post, I have been working at Egerton University, Njoro as a Graduate Engineer.

I welcome you all to dig in and read.