By: Mwanamvua Abdalla
A buzz of excitement filled the air as new students arrived at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) for the first day of the registration process for the September 2025 intake, which commenced on September 1, 2025. As more students continue to stream in, the campus has become a vibrant hive of activity, marking the start of their transformative academic journey.
The registration process consisted of a series of administrative checkpoints, which were designed to be as efficient as possible. Students underwent a thorough verification process, presenting essential documents like academic certificates, national ID cards, and admission letters. This was followed by fee payment, a medical check-up, and the crucial step of obtaining a student ID card, which serves as a key to accessing all university facilities.
In a move to enhance efficiency for this intake, the Academic Research & Extension Division, led by Prof. Peter Gichangi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (ARE), decentralized the registration process. This allowed each school and institute to register its own students, significantly reducing wait times. Notably, the School of Medicine welcomed its very first cohort for the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery program.
Hafsa Anwar, a student enrolling in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery program, shared her high hopes for the new journey. "Like everyone, I'm here to pursue my Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery," she said. "I know it won't be easy, but I have high expectations of doing well and setting a strong precedent as the first cohort to pursue this course here at TUM." Anwar praised the university's preparations, noting the excellent facilities and the warm reception students received. "The registration process was so smooth," she added. "We're happy and hope that all will be well, in shaa Allah." She acknowledged the demanding nature of the medical profession but affirmed her preparedness for the challenging road ahead. Anwar expressed her gratitude to TUM for selecting her to be among the first students to join the prestigious program.
The Corporate Communications Department’s team was on the ground, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. They were instrumental in directing students and parents to the correct registration centers, making sure no one felt lost or uncomfortable.
The positive energy was palpable, with many students and parents expressing relief and excitement. The streamlined process meant that most completed their registration in record time, giving them ample opportunity to say their goodbyes. The recent fee reduction further added to the celebratory mood, with parents visibly relieved by the financial ease.
An ecstatic parent from Nakuru County, Ms. Evelyn Wangeci, shared her gratitude after bringing her child to register for the Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She was relieved by the financial burden of school fees due to the combined effect of the HELB loan and the fee reduction by the government. "I am grateful to TUM for accepting my child. I also thank the government for making school affordable for everyone through the HELB loan and fee reduction. The government has paid its part, so now it's up to us as parents to do our part and help our children study."
The positive ripple effect extended beyond the university administration. Vendors selling essential student items like lab coats, safety boots, and stationery reported a significant boom in sales. They attributed the extraordinary sales to the increased enrollment spurred by the fee reduction, making this intake a success for the wider campus community.
The registration process will continue until Friday, and it’s great to see more students joining our community. As they complete their registrations, they will soon have the chance to engage in the vibrant campus life and academic opportunities that TUM has to offer. Each new registration adds to the diverse and dynamic environment that enhances our collective experience.
