The University received first-year students 2023/2024 cohort who reported to the University on 11th – 12th September 2023 and were duly registered at the various Schools. Orientation sessions took place between 13th September 2023 to 16th September 2023. The climax of the orientation process culminated with the Vice-Chancellor’s address on 22nd September 2023.

In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot focused on the theme ‘Education for all as a driver for sustainable development.’ Prof. Cheruiyot started by congratulating the first-year students for having secured admission into our esteemed University, a Premier University that nurtures global leaders and innovators. He went ahead and thanked them for selecting the University of Eldoret where they have joined to fun the Flame of our Motto, ‘The Flame of Knowledge and Innovation’.

Prof. Cheruiyot stated that the University is home to Agriculture, Science, and Technology and a Hub of Youth Incubation and innovation, and a Centre well-known for enhancing research prowess within the region and beyond. He emphasized the fact that the University is committed to giving the students an excellent experience that they will not forget.

He inspired the students by quoting the words of Ralph Ellison (a writer, literary and scholar) who once said that ‘Education is all a matter of building bridges’. He added that the University of Eldoret is a national University having all the faces and communities of Kenya and that the students will interact with people from all walks of life, encouraging the students to use the diversity to enhance sustainable development within their surroundings.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that education is a human right with immense power to transform and in doing so, the University works under the spirit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) whose main aim is to advance Education for all, mobilizing science knowledge and policy development and addressing emerging social and ethical challenges on matters education.

Lastly, Prof. Cheruiyot advised the students to find suitable mentors and role models who will shape them for the better during their stay at the University. He cautioned the students to keep off destructive habits and sort company that would empower them. He further added that the students should work towards protecting key fauna and flora and advocate the positive vices to address matters of environmental degradation and climate change. Every big and small effort counts! He concluded by wishing the students every success and the most fulfilling life experience at this great University.

Also in attendance during the first-year students’ orientation were Members of the University Management Board, Deans, Directors, Senate Members, University staff, and students.