International Youth Day marked at Egerton University

Egerton University on 12 August 2021 marked the International Youth Day, whose theme was "Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health".

A precursor to the event was a two-day International Youth Day dialogue organised by the United Nations in partnership with Egerton University and other non-governmental organisations in Africa. The dialogue held from 11 to 12 August focused on making nutrition integral to Universal Health Coverage, building food systems that promote healthy diet and nutrition, and addressing malnutrition effectively in fragile and conflict areas.

The Assistant Dean of Students, Dr Lilian Nyagaya, was among speakers drawn from East and Southern Africa. In attendance during the online dialogue were the Director, Marketing and Resource Mobilization Professor Paul Kimurto and the Communication and Marketing Manager Ms Agnes Mwangi. The online dialogue was part of a series of activities leading up to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit.

The Assistant Dean of Students Dr Lilian Nyagaya addresses students who had gathered at the Graduation Square Main Campus to mark International Youth Day on 12 August 2021.

Other staff members and students also joined the online dialogue with the ICT Department, facilitating access to the students gathered at the Graduation Square to follow the proceedings.

On the day of the event, the Faculty of Law Legal Aid Program (FOLLAP), with the leadership of Dean Dr Ruth Aura conducted a public sensitisation forum that enlightened students on their rights as youth in Kenya and how to access justice.  The students also took part in a tree planting session at the University water dam next to the Botanical Gardens.

The Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEEN) Eng. Dr Maati Ondari led the civil engineering students in installing the first eco-friendly dustbin made out of recycled metal scrap collected within the campus.

On behalf of the University Management Board (UMB), the Vice-Chancellor would like to thank the Dean of Students Professor Dolpine Odero, and Dean Faculty of Engineering & Technology Professor Japheth Onyando for organizing students to participate in the International Youth Day event and discussions on food systems.