By Shyat Lemoshira

The USIU-Africa Alumni reunion Nairobi chapter took place on Friday, March 22 at the Swiss Lenana Mount Hotel. The theme of the awaited event was ‘Reconnect, Rebuild and Evolve’ which with the goal of reconnecting alumni among themselves, helping them in rebuilding their relationships, and evolving their conservations into new horizons of engagement. The event was also supported by Tsavo Delight, Wavu Travel & Tours, Mosfin Capital Insurance Agency, RentScore Africa and Jubilee Insurance. In addition, Jubilee Insurance, Mosfin Capital Insurance Agency and Metropolitan Hospital collaborated to offer free wellness checks during the event.

The Master of Ceremonies (MC), Nyawira Maina, Regional Corporate Manger at Little-Africa coordinated the program of the day while the Vice Chair of the USIU-Africa Alumni Committee, Emmanuel M’Mwirichia delivered the welcoming remarks. This was followed by presentations by Mosfin Capital Services and Tsavo Delight on AlumniCare and F.I.R.E (Financial Independence Retire Early) benefits respectively. Prof. Peter Kiriri, Professor of Marketing at USIU-Africa, expounded on the USIU-Africa Center for Executive Education (CEE) which aims to provide an immersive and multidisciplinary learning experience to improve research that link academia and industry. Mr. Kris Senanu, Chair of the USIU-Africa University Council, delivered his address and had fond memories of his time as a student and acknowledged the university's strong links with alumni.

Nyawira Maina engaged the audience with engaging and entertaining icebreakers such as Year of the Coin, Cups, and a Beat the Buzzer Quiz using AhaSlides. Maureen Kagambi, Communications Team Lead at Spearhead Consulting, made a presentation on the newly launched Pharmacy Alumni Network (PAN) which is composed of alumni who were former members of the USIU-Africa Pharmacy Club and members of the USIU-Africa Alumni Academic Affairs Committee. PAN aims to promote corporate social responsibility among members and stakeholders in the health industry. Gaius Munene (Class of 2023), a Pharmacist, emphasized that PAN also intends to interconnect alumni, brands and students through networking sessions, mentorship sessions, Senior Experience (SENEX) classes and accredited events in the fields of pharmacy, medical and health sciences.

The MC then led the guests through the awards session. Abigail Arunga (Class of 2011), Freelance Writer & Quizmaster was then declared winner of the AhaSlides Buzzer Quiz and was awarded a hamper from Jubilee Insurance. On the dress-code of the night (Evening Sparkle), Hannah Githuki (Class of 2012), Certified Personal Branding Coach and Expert & Grace Mwota (Class of 2021), Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) and Jeremiah Asunda (Class of 2017), Marketing Consultant at Mojo Consultancy were awarded as the most sparkling ladies and gent respectively.

Charles Mwakio (Class of 2012), Director of Africa Brand Development, expressed gratitude to everyone who planned and attended the reunion. He also stated that the next USIU-Africa alumni reunion (Mombasa chapter) will be held on May 31, at Hotel English Point Marina & Spa in Mombasa.

In conclusion, the reunion set the stage for even more incredible gatherings to reconnect with the alma mater, evolve and ignite relationships; a night that rekindled the spirit of USIU-Africa and reminded everyone why our community is special.