News and Events

Fifteen students from the IEEE South Eastern Kenya University Student Branch attended the fully sponsored IEEE Humanitarian Technologies Workshop at United States International University.
Two students from the department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, were accepted for presentation, showcasing innovative solutions for global challenges.
JuaLink, a solar-powered mobile hotspot service for underserved communities by Morgan Waweru, and a poster on an automated decentralized grid management system by Bradley Abwao
This was an indicator that SEKU students have mastered the art of Research and Innovation and are going far.

The South Eastern Kenya University has made another stride by launching a SOKO DAY that will give students the freedom to buy and sell their products within the institution without competition.
A unique event that was opened by the Registrar Academic Affairs Dr. John Koga with members of SOKO DAY committee led by the Chair Prof. Augustus Wali and the Student Governing Council.
Several products were sold among then electronics, clothes and foodstuffs. The student fraternity received this day with great joy and wished that the University Management Board would allow it to be done weekly or twice a months.

South Eastern Kenya University has work study program vacancies for fifty two (52) vacancies. This is therefore to invite applications from interested students in the work study programme with effect from April, 2025 2024/2025 Academic Year. Those interested to work during the May - August holidays are encouraged to apply.

1. Eligibility Criteria

1. Evidence of financial need.
2. Be a full time student in SEKU.
3. Availability of work study vacancy in the following sections: Central Services, Library, Kitchen, Games and Sports, Choir, Landscaping or University Farm.
4. Must maintain high level of discipline during the programme.
5. Must have satisfactory academic standing.
6. Must have completed first semester of the first year in the University.

2. Application Procedure

1. Visit the University website and log in.
2. Fill all the information requested for in the Online Work Study Application Form (OWSAF).
3. Attach any relevant support documents in the prescribed places in the Online Work Study Application Form (OWSAF).
4. After filling all the required information and inserting attachment online, please click on submit to complete the process.

3. Remuneration

1. The students shall be paid the prevailing government minimum wage for skilled and unskilled (where applicable) workers.
2. The average work schedule shall be from 10 to 16 hours a week (1.25 to 2 days /week).

For further enquiries, send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NOTE: Giving false information in the application form will lead to disqualification. The application is open till 21^st April, 2025

The University Management Board led by the Vice- Chancellor Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda officially launched the University Health Week organized by HIV AND AIDS CONTROL UNIT (HACU).
In his speech, the Vice- Chancellor urged students and member of staff to come for testing and screening and above all to abstain from sex in order to avoid HIV/AIDDS infections because right the country has a challenge of getting HIV/AIDS drugs.
Several activities took place, among them was sensitization and testing of HIV/AIDS, condom demonstration and distribution, cervical cancer and breast cancer screening, Blood Pressure monitoring, Random blood sugar testing, Body Mass Index-BMI and Weight measuring.
This services were done by SEKU medical team in collaboration with a team of medical professionals and Community Health Promoters (CHPs), from the Ministry of Health-Kitui County.

South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) is developing a Cohesion and National Values Mainstreaming Policy to domesticate the provision of Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. We invite all stakeholders to participate in the policy validation before finalization and dissemination for implementation.

We therefore, invite all stakeholders (staff, students and other publics) to follow these links to review the draft policy and share their feedback:

• Download Policy Document
• Click here to participate

The university is committed to promoting national values and principles of governance as enshrined in the constitution. Your feedback is highly valued. We are receiving feedback until 4^th April 2025.

The South Eastern Kenya University Cultural Week that was officially launched by the Registrar Academic Affairs Dr. John Koga on behalf of the vice chancellor.
This was a remarkable event that gave rise to Mr. and Ms. SEKU 2025. The crowning of Mr. and Ms. SEKU was done by the former Ms. SEKU Rachel Diana, a 3rd year student from the School of Education pursuing a course in Education Arts.
Everlyne Awinja is now the current Ms. SEKU. A second year student from the School of Engineering and Technology pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Textile Technology and Industrial and Applied Fashion Design while Erick Mutua is the current Mr, seku. Athird year student from school of Education pursuing Bachelor of Education Science.
The event was also accompanied by other activities like traditional dances, skits, traditional songs, and traditional food among others.

The South Eastern Kenya University Medical Laboratory Students Association (SEKUMLSA) recently participated in the Kenya Medical Laboratory Sciences Students Association (KEMELSA) professional exchange program at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) on March.

SEKUMLSA President, Alex Matasian Lekipailoi, represented the association and the university at the event, which aimed to enhance the academic, practical, and career development of participants in the field of laboratory medicine.

The program featured discussions on emerging trends, best practices, and the latest technological advancements in laboratory medicine. Students gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in their careers.

A presentation by Ms. Monica Githae, Quality Assurance Manager at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital, emphasized the importance of accreditation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in laboratory practices.
Dr. Amos Mbugua, Chair of the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at JKUAT, inspired students to pursue meaningful research and collaboration.
SEKUMLSA President Alex Matasian emphasized the importance of networking and collaboration in the field of medical laboratory sciences.

"Laboratories are the cornerstone of diagnosis... To ensure quality outcomes, every individual must take personal responsibility for adhering to compliance standards." - Ms. Monica Githae
"As future medical laboratory professionals, it is crucial that we build strong relationships with our peers and mentors..This will enable us to stay updated on the latest advancements in our field and provide betterment services to our patients " - Alex Matasian, SEKUMLSA President

The KEMELSA professional exchange program provided a valuable platform for SEKUMLSA students to engage with their peers, learn from experts, and gain insights into the latest developments in medical laboratory sciences.

South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU), Wote Campus, on 13th March 2025 held a community outreach and civic education event at Green Park in Wote town, Makueni under the theme "One People, One Nation, Stronger Futures." The event brought together key stakeholders, including the area Chief represented by Ms. Eunice Kyalo, the clergy, landlords and businesspeople, alongside SEKU students and staff. The event was organized by SEKU’s Cohesion and National Values Mainstreaming Unit led by Dr. Norah Mose.
The focus was on National Values and Principles of Governance enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 which include national unity, inclusiveness, integrity and human dignity. Landlords were encouraged to offer fair housing conditions and prices, businesspeople were urged to uphold ethical standards, and students were reminded to respect the community they live in.
It was also observed that beyond academics, SEKU has actively engaged with the community and county government through sports, such as football, with the local teams, cultural festivals and sustainability initiatives that foster social cohesion beyond the classroom. The highlight of the event was the moment esteemed stakeholders joined in patriotic songs and dances to celebrate unity and national pride- an expression of the harmonious and inclusive society they envisioned.

SEKU staff, students and community representatives preparing for a processing.

Landlords’ representative giving his remarks

Brenda Kathambi, a third-year student, leading in the patriotic song “Tushangilie Kenya”

South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) continues to expand its footprint on the global stage, with representation at IEEE MAPCON 2024, held on December 12, 2024, in Hyderabad, India. Morgan Githiri Waweru attended on behalf of the IEEE SEKU Student Branch, engaging with leading researchers and exploring cutting-edge innovations in Microwaves, Antennas, and Propagation.
This milestone reflects SEKU’s commitment to academic excellence, global collaboration, and advancing research in engineering and technology. Special appreciation to Eng. Benson Ojwang, Chair, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and IEEE SEKU Student Branch Counselor, for his leadership in driving IEEE initiatives at SEKU.
SEKU remains dedicated to providing students with international exposure, fostering innovation, and positioning itself as a hub for engineering and technological advancements.

#SEKU #IEEESEKUSB #MAPCON2024 #GlobalImpact #EngineeringExcellence
For more information, please contact the SEKU Communication Office:
Strategic Communication and Public Relations Officer – Lilian Okwili Tel: +254 724 101 263
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The IEEE SEKU Student Branch successfully hosted a distinguished lecture featuring Prof. Reyhan Baktur (Utah State University, USA) and Prof. Warren De Plesis (University of Pretoria, South Africa). The session focused on advancements in Antennas, Propagation, and Aerospace Systems, offering participants a deeper understanding of emerging technologies in the field.
Received by Prof. Kioli who was acting for the Vice-Chancellor and Prof. Catherine Mwenda acting DVC-Academics Research and Innovation the guests promised to help SEKU students grow in research and innovation.
This event was made possible through the support of Eng. Benson Ojwang, Chair, Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and IEEE SEKU Student Branch Counselor. His leadership was instrumental in organizing the session. We also recognize the contributions of Dr. Peter Moses Musau, Dean, School of Engineering & Technology, and Wycliffe Omolo, IEEE APS Society Counselor, for their guidance.
Special appreciation goes to Morgan Githiri Waweru, Chair of IEEE SEKU, for spearheading the initiative. The engagement of IEEE members, including participants from the IEEE TUK Student Branch, enriched the discussions and made the event a success.
SEKU remains committed to fostering innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional growth through such collaborative engagements.
For more updates on IEEE SEKU activities, stay connected.

For more information, please contact the SEKU Communication Office:
strategic communication and public relations officer – Lilian Okwili Tel: +254 724 101 263
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The South Eastern Kenya University held a successful event of Mr. and Miss Talent night show, held on 7^th March 2025 and a handover ceremony that was witnessed by former Mr Seku Alphonce Lumbasi and former Miss Talent Rachel Diana. We now have. Miss Talent- Awinja Everlyne who is a 2^nd Year Student in the Department of Industrial and Textile Engineering and Mr. Talent - Joseph Ndirangu, a 2nd Year student in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

The South Eastern Kenya University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Frontier Institute of Professional and Management Studies.
The MOU was signed by Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda vice chancellor SEKU and Hussein H. Ali Director Frontier Institute.
The MOU is designed to facilitate the development of genuine and mutually beneficial relationship to support each other in education, research, training, innovation, development of market oriented academic programmes, student mentorship programmes, organization of scientific events and community extension programmes.

South Eastern Kenya University has launched its first ever Kiswahili journal JARIDA LA DIRA YA LUGHA. A journal that will be produced twice a year to promote the study and spread of kisawahil. It is also meant to give scholars a platform to publish their research.

The launch was done during kongamano la Kiswahili which was concluded last weekend. The conference was officially opened by the Chief Guest Prof. Kithaka Wa Mberia and presided over by the DVC-Corporate services Prof. Francis Wachira on behalf of the Vice- Chancellor and hosted by the DVC- Academic Research and Innovation Prof. Harrison Maithya.

In his speech, Prof. Kithaka challenged Universities running Kiswahili journals to enhance their utility in promoting the language by aspiring to grow them to international standards.

The idea of publishing this journal was initiated by Dr. sarah Ngesu who heads the department of African Languages, under School of Humanities and Social Sciences in SEKU.

It has three Kiswahili academic journals-kiswahili, kioo and mulika, with 18 articles talking about Linguistics, Literature, the teaching of Kiswahili to foreigners and the place of Kiswahili in preserving African culture. The articles Published in the journal came from different scholars in six public universities and seven articles from Tanzania.

In the vice chancellors message that was read by the DVC-CS congratulated the team that worked tirelessly to publish the journal and urged the students to use this opportunity to publish their research.

Students should download and return the completed forms to the Dean of Students by February 25^th, 2025. The Culture Week Extravaganza and Mr. & Miss SEKU events are scheduled for March 20^th - 21^st,  2025, at the Graduation Pavilion, Main Campus.

• Culture Week Internal Artists Registration Form | Download
• Cultural Extravaganza Presentations Registration Form | Download

The South Eastern Kenya University pool team hands a trophy to the University Management Board last week with joy and celebration.
These has come after emerging the best out of 9 teams with 84 points in the just concluded Kenya University Sports Association Central Conference. They promised the UMB even better performance when they will be playing at national level at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

The 3Cs Kenya limited this week visited South Eastern Kenya University Board of management led by the vice chancellor Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda to show case innovations relevant to Universities.
The company officially donated and handed over a smart screen to the Board of Management

The visit was built on the success of the HIkvision Safe Campus and Smart Education Open Day which highlighted cutting-edge solutions for enhancing campus security and digital learning. This engagement will further explore on how SEKU can lavage these technologies for a smarter and safer academic environment.

The key areas of focus included establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), offering industrial attachment opportunities for students, and introducing digital classrooms equipped with advanced tools like video walls.

The collaboration also aims to integrate access control systems, conduct staff training programs, and support both local and international seminars and conferences.

Prof. Harrison Maithya has been appointed as the substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor-ARI at South Eastern Kenya University effective 1^st feburuary 2025. This follows a competitive recruitment process for the five-year tenure that commences on february 1, 2025.

The professor from school of Humanities and Social Sciences at SEKU has held several management positions prior to his appointment he was the Director Wote Campus and currently acting as DVC-ARI.

In her congratulatory massage the Ag. Chairman of Council MS. Esther Ndirangu commended Prof. Harrison Maithya on his confirmation as DVC-ARI. She praised his dedication, leadership, and contributions to the university’s academic and research excellence.

“On behalf of the entire SEKU community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Maithya on his well-deserved appointment as DVC-ARI. His exemplary service, particularly during his Acting capacity, has been instrumental in driving the university’s research and innovation agenda.

I am confident that under his leadership, SEKU will continue to achieve new milestones in advancing academic excellence, impactful research, and community engagement. We look forward to his continued contributions as we work together to position SEKU as a leader in research and innovation both locally and globally”

Speaking before the Senate and University Management Board, Prof. Maithya said that he is elated at this appointment which aligns with his personal vision and philosophy of making SEKU a leading university in the near future.
“This appointment marks an important milestone in my career progression. It comes with a heavier responsibility of running a division of a university. Having acted in the position for more than one year, I have learned a lot about the mandate of the division and what has been its success stories and what needs to be done moving forward,” said Prof. Maithya.

The SGC induction workshop held at Wote Campus brought together student leaders and University Management aimed at enhancing their understanding of university operations and departmental protocols.

Chaired by the Vice Chancellor. Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda, the University Management conducted sessions aimed at educating student leaders about the university's operational framework and departmental protocols. The student leaders gained valuable insights that are anticipated to enhance their leadership skills and promote a collaborative relationship with the university administration, ultimately benefiting the entire student body.

The student leaders lead by the chairman Mr. Collins Wafula expressed optimism that the knowledge gained will enable them to lead effectively and represent the student body well in their interactions with the management.

In a bid to enhance food security and drive economic growth in the Lower Eastern part of Kenya, the Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) has entered into a 5-year strategic partnership with South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) to transform the region's grain value chain leveraging EAGC's expertise in facilitating efficient and inclusive grain trade with SEKU's cutting-edge research and academic excellence in agriculture and food science.
Recognizing the critical role of a robust and sustainable grain sector in regional development, this partnership will address key challenges facing the industry. Research initiatives will focus on developing and implementing innovative technologies to minimize post-harvest losses, improve grain storage and handling practices, and unlock new opportunities for value addition.
Beyond research and training, the partnership will actively engage in policy advocacy. Leveraging the combined expertise of both institutions, EAGC and SEKU will advocate for policy reforms that promote sustainable agricultural practices, facilitate fair trade, and enhance food security across the region.
"This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to transform the grain sector," stated Gerald Masila, Executive Director, EAGC. "Together we will unlock the full potential of the agribusiness sector in this region, promoting sustainability, innovation, and economic prosperity while empowering local communities and improving livelihoods."
Recognizing the significant role of local communities, the partnership will focus on empowering farmers and other stakeholders within the grain value chain through the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance soil health, conserve water resources, and minimize environmental impact.
Prof. Eng. Douglas Shitanda Vice-Chancellor of SEKU expressed his commitment to embark on this exciting journey with EAGC. "This collaboration provides a unique platform for SEKU to translate cutting-edge research into tangible solutions that address the critical challenges facing the agricultural sector and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of East Africa."
To bridge the gap between academia and industry, SEKU students will gain practical experience through internships and attachments within EAGC member organizations. This hands-on experience will provide students with a deeper understanding of the grain trade industry, and equip them with the practical skills required to succeed in the agricultural sector.

ABOUT EASTERN AFRICA GRAIN COUNCIL (EAGC)

The Eastern Africa Grain Council is a regional organization with membership drawn from across the Eastern and Southern Africa. Membership is drawn from grain value chain stakeholders currently with presence in 10 countries across Africa including Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, South Sudan, DRC Congo and Ethiopia. EAGC’s key products and services include promotion of structured trading system (STS) through the warehouse receipting systems (WRS), and Regional Grain Trading platform (GSoko), Market Information Systems (MIS) offered through the Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network (RATIN- (www.ratin.net) and evidence-based Policy Advocacy and Training and Capacity Building through the Grain Business Institute (GBI).

For more information, please contact the EAGC Secretariat:
Programs Officer, MIS & Communication – Gillian Kipkemboi Tel: +254 105 669 574 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or Regional Manager MIS & Communications, Jacinta Mwau Tel: +254 712 651430, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABOUT SOUTH EASTERN KENYA UNIVERSITY

South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) is a public university located in Kitui County, Kenya. Established in 2013 through a charter by the Kenyan government, it evolved from its predecessor, the South Eastern University College (SEUCO), which had operated as a constituent college of the University of Nairobi since 2008. SEKU was founded to expand access to higher education in Kenya’s semi-arid south eastern region and address local and national development needs. The university’s main campus is situated in Kwa-Vonza in Kitui county, with additional campuses and satellite centres in neighbouring counties. SEKU offers a diverse range of academic programs, including agriculture, engineering, education, business, information technology, environmental science, and health sciences. Its curricula emphasize innovation, research, and community engagement, particularly focusing on challenges relevant to arid and semi-arid areas, such as sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and climate resilience. SEKU’s mission is centered on fostering academic excellence, promoting research, and driving sustainable socio-economic development. The institution collaborates with local and international partners to enhance its educational impact and contribute to Kenya’s developmental goals.

For more information, please contact the SEKU Communication Office:
Assistant Corporate Communication Officer – Lilian Okwili Tel: +254 724 101 263
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The South Eastern Kenya University led by Dr. David Namasaka, PhD. Director Facilities Management and Administration and Mr. Erastus Ndeleva. Director Human Resource Management, yesterday participated in the financial literacy training facilitated by liberty life assurance Kenya limited led by Mr. Eric Kavivya. Business development manager.
The training was aimed at sensitizing members of staff on money skills through good planning like the need to save, invest, and pay debts and expenditure.