By: Mwanamvua Abdalla
The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) commenced its departmental orientation for the new student cohort on 9th September 2025, beginning with the School of Business in the morning and the School of Engineering in the afternoon. The comprehensive program featured university leaders and staff who provided crucial information designed to guide students toward academic excellence and a successful university experience.
The day began with an address from Dr. Samson Kitheka, the Dean of the School of Business, who highlighted the importance of the student handbook, urging the incoming class to treat it as their primary guide for navigating university life. Dr. Kitheka highlighted that the orientation's core mission was to bring the handbook's contents to life. He also offered practical financial advice, encouraging students to apply for HELB funding to help manage their educational expenses.
As students learned about essential resources, Dr. Scholastica Ratanya, Chairperson of the Department of Business Administration, emphasized the significance of good conduct and financial responsibility. She underscored the importance of respecting fellow students, staff, and university facilities, noting, "How you use facilities and treat others says a lot about you." Dr. Ratanya also provided critical information on fee payments, clarifying that all fees must be paid directly through the e-citizen portal two weeks before exams commence and warning students that TUM does not employ any third-party collection agents. Academically, she stressed the mandatory 75% lecture attendance rule, cautioning that failure to meet this requirement leads to an automatic failure in a unit.
Transitioning to academic protocols, Dr. Matthew Egessa, COD of Management Science, delivered a detailed presentation on the university's examination procedures and policies. He explained that final grades are calculated with 30% from coursework (assignments and CATs) and 70% from the final exam, with a 40% pass mark. Dr. Egessa outlined the provisions for special and supplementary exams but gave a stern warning against academic dishonesty. He explicitly stated that mobile phones and unauthorized materials ('Mwakenya') are forbidden in exam halls and that any student caught engaging in exam malpractice faces severe penalties, including dismissal from the university.
Building on the theme of the academic journey, Dr. Stephen Mwanzia, Chairperson of Accounting and Finance, covered key milestones such as course durations and industrial attachments. He advised students to proactively resolve any pending administrative or academic issues during semester breaks to ensure seamless progression. Dr. Mwanzia also explained the formal university processes for students who may need to defer their studies and the subsequent steps for readmission.
The importance of integrity in academic life was reinforced by Mr. Kennedy Agoi, the Integrity Officer, who declared TUM a corruption-free zone. He urged students to uphold the highest ethical standards and to refrain from offering or accepting bribes for services. Thereafter, Ms. Salome Nyale from the Directorate of Open Distance & E-Learning (ODEL) led a hands-on session on navigating the university's online learning portal.
In addition to these digital tools, Ms. Mevis Malesi from ICTS introduced the TUMMIS student portal, demonstrating how students can easily access services like fee statements and exam applications online. In addition to their academic resources, Ms. Racheal Mwambire from the university library showcased the extensive facilities available. She emphasized that, beyond the physical collection, the library offers access to 68 online databases of e-books and journals through its membership in the Kenya Library Information Services Consortium (KLISC).
To encourage professional growth, Mr. Ryan Brown from The Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) invited students to join their professional body, outlining the benefits of membership, such as mentorship and networking opportunities that enhance the connection between academia and industry.
The orientation program is set to continue throughout the week, ensuring that all new students across TUM’s schools and institutes are well-prepared for their academic journey ahead.
