Former KU VC Olive Mugenda tells why she declined hefty retirement package
Former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Olive Mugenda cuts a cake during a farewell party organised for her on April 5, 2016. She said she declined the generous retirement package proposed by the university council in order to safeguard her image. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Prof Mugenda leaves KU having achieved her 10-year strategic plan and more.
- She said her success was brought about by creating proper networks with the people she met along her career.
- The farewell party saw students and lecturers pay tribute to the former VC.
- Prof Fatuma Chege, the Dean of the School of Education described Prof Mugenda as hardworking and a results-oriented leader.
Former Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor Olive Mugenda has explained why she declined the generous retirement package proposed by the university council.
Speaking during her farewell party organised by students at Bishop Square at the Main Campus, Prof Mugenda said that people inflated the package.
"What was being offered as a performance award was never Sh100 million, it was actually about Sh30 million.
“I thought, well, if people are going to inflate it then talk badly about it then I do not have to spoil my name," said Prof Mugenda.
"There will always be people trying to pull you down every time you succeed in something. Always take a stand and be firm during such times," she advised the students.
Prof Mugenda recalled some of her greatest challenges while at the helm of the university’s leadership.
POLITICAL PRESSURE
"In 2009 I almost resigned due to political pressure and students’ chaos but I managed to somehow maintain my resilience and stayed put in order to achieve my vision for the university," she said.
Prof Mugenda leaves KU having achieved her 10-year strategic plan and more, success which she says has been brought about by creating proper networks with the people she met along her career.
"My wish was to transform KU into a world-class university and solve students’ problems a step at a time. I am happy I achieved that.
“Thank you students for being patient and walking with me in that journey; you are simply exceptional," Mrs Mugenda told the students.
The farewell party saw students and lecturers pay tribute to the former VC.
Kenyatta University students present a gift to former VC Prof Olive Mugenda during her farewell party on April 5, 2016. PHOTO | MARY WAMBUI |NATION MEDIA GROUP
RESULTS-ORIENTED LEADER
Prof Fatuma Chege, the Dean of the School of Education described Prof Mugenda as hardworking and a results-oriented leader.
"We had to be persuasive with facts and set clear targets for us to get her to authorise any project we wanted done in our respective schools. That taught us how to be firm where results are demanded," said Prof Chege.
The students expressed admiration for Prof Mugenda’s achievements and wished her well in her next engagement.
Acting VC, Prof Paul Wainaina assured the students that the former VC will continue being part of them since she is a fully fledged university professor.
This time Prof Mugenda did not decline the gifts given to her by the staff and students, which included two return air tickets to the US.
"I will accept these gifts because I know they have been offered in good faith," she said.
