Dear freshmen, I welcome you to The Technical University of Kenya and congratulate you for gaining admission to pursue your studies in our esteemed University. Some people may take it for granted, but let me tell you that earning a place in our prestigious University is no mean achievement. Your admission here marks a beginning of a dynamic journey that will see you grow physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. You have joined a vibrant academic community known for its rigorous training and robust education tradition and you will competently be prepared for the real world. Whereas this has always been our commitment, I wish to draw your attention to following three points.
First, you will quickly realize that your experience here sharply contrasts with your high school experience and that life in the University is both easy and challenging. While there are no prefects, bells and regular parades, the rigour of doing the right thing at the right time is solely your responsibility. The academic requirements can be overwhelming and so will be the freedom in your hands. However, despite the challenges that you will face, I am here to assure you that the Office of the Dean of Students, which is the Office concerned with your wellbeing, is available and always ready to help you navigate through the challenges seamlessly. Remember at all times that you are our priority and you can reach out to us at all times, whether you have a problem or not. Come to us because our work is to listen to you and make your life at TU-K memorable.
Secondly, I urge you to intentionally purpose and attend the entire orientation activities because this is your first and best opportunity to learn about Technical University of Kenya, its culture, the academic and non-academic programmes, the people who can help you, know more about how you can succeed in the University, build networks and support groups, know the rules and regulations that govern your stay on and off campus, and generally be cultured into the University traditions. By attending the 2024 Freshman orientation, you will have set yourself a solid foundation and a springboard for a successful student life at TU-K.
Thirdly, TU-K is situated in a unique environment – it is the only University situated right in the Central Business District of Nairobi, the largest Metropolitan City in Eastern Africa. As such it presents new students with many challenges ranging from culture shock, insecurity, conmen, unfamiliar transport system, insecure accommodation, drug and substance abuse, morality, peer pressure and toxic relationships, new sexual orientation and gratification, diseases, financial management, gambling/betting, false prophets, religious cults and fundamentalism, witchcraft and freedom among many others. Such challenges are real and we are very alive to their existence. I urge you not to be gullible and to resist the temptation of falling prey to any of them. Always give it a second thought and consult our office or any of the peer educators before you engage in any of the requests. Make it a habit of walking in a group of not less than three (3) and always tell someone where you are. Do not accept invitation from people you do not know.
Lastly, be that as it may, I can assure you that many of our students have successfully undertaken the journey, some albeit with difficulty especially those who did not pay attention to our advice. However, having supported many students to navigate through the challenges, I want to assure you that we have a team of dedicated staff who are always ready to support you and we will do exactly that!
You can reach out to us via the email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our offices on Block L, 4th Floor, adjacent to the Administration Block, or the Students Accommodation and Catering Office above the Main Canteen and opposite the Library, or the Assistant Dean Sports and Co-curricular Activities on Block D, Ground Floor, Room 2, .
Omondi Oketch, Ph. D., MA, B.Ed.
Associate Professor of Linguistics &
Dean of Students
