By Winnie Tewendi

On July 31, the Alumni Relations Department in collaboration with the Chandaria School of Business (CSOB), hosted the inaugural CSOB Alumni Engagement Network at Sarova Panafric Hotel. The event brought together over 130 alumni, faculty, and members of university leadership to reconnect, reflect on CSOB’s impact, and explore opportunities for shaping its future.

Prof. Timothy Okech, Dean of the Chandaria School of Business, opened the session by acknowledging the vital role alumni continue to play in enhancing the school’s legacy. He called for deeper collaboration between alumni, faculty, and students in co-creating solutions for modern business education and career development.

The forum, themed “Global Vision, Purposeful Leadership: Driving Business with Impact,” featured an esteemed panel of industry leaders and professionals whose insights highlighted the importance of responsible leadership, perseverance, and reinvestment in future generations.

Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Julius Kipng’etich, Group CEO of Jubilee Holdings Ltd., urged Kenyan professionals and institutions to champion ethical leadership and innovation. He challenged alumni to nurture a local ecosystem akin to Silicon Valley, driven by values, entrepreneurship, and excellence. His reflections sparked energizing dialogue around national development, innovation, and the future of business leadership.

To add to this, Dr. Matthew Waritay Guah, Dean of the College of Business & Information Systems at South Carolina State University, shared reflections on global education and the transformative power of knowledge. Drawing from his extensive academic leadership experience, Dr. Guah underscored the importance of research, academic integrity, and building institutions that prepare leaders for global impact. Though not a USIU-Africa alumnus, his perspective offered a valuable lens through which alumni could view their role in shaping educational outcomes.

Daphne Maina, a proud USIU-Africa alumna and the current Deputy CEO & Executive Director at CIB Kenya, gave an impactful address centered on GRIT—Grace, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity. She candidly shared her personal and professional journey, encouraging students and alumni alike to lean into their struggles, remain authentic, and build careers rooted in purpose and passion.

The event also featured remarks by Prof. Amos Njuguna, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Transformative Teaching, Learning, and Research, who emphasized the power of alumni in strengthening USIU-Africa’s academic mission. He encouraged alumni to partner in advancing research, industry-informed teaching, and mentorship, ultimately positioning CSOB for greater regional and global impact.

In a heartening close to the event, several alumni volunteered to support needy students through donations and mentorship. The forum fostered renewed commitment to giving back, sharing expertise, and investing in the future of the institution.

As the event drew to a close, Dr. Michael Kisilu, Head of Alumni Relations, emphasized that the CSOB Alumni Engagement Forum marks the beginning of a more intentional collaboration between alumni and the university. He invited alumni to formalize their engagement through initiatives that align with their personal or corporate interests.

As CSOB continues to evolve, the forum reaffirmed the importance of a connected alumni network—one that leads with purpose, drives impact, and champions the next generation of professionals.