By Helida Atieno Owino

[Wednesday October 16, 2024] The School of Arts and Social Sciences hosted a hand-over ceremony for the incoming Dean, Dr. Josephine Munyao,. as Rev. Dr. Patrick Musembi transitioned to head the Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI).

Rev. Steven Nduto, a lecturer in SASS observed that although Rev. Dr. Musembi was transitioning to the DLPDI, he remained an integral part of the School.

The ceremony was facilitated by Rev. Dr. Justus Musya, and attended by faculty members from the School of Arts and Social Sciences. Among those present were Mrs. Pauline Murumba, Rev. Martin Roberts, Dr. Susan Murimi, Dr. Joel Ng’etich, Dr. Samuel Muthoka, Madam Tracy Karure, Madam Leah Karani, Dr. Susan Wandera, Dr. Emmily Sitati, Madam Everlyn Anyango, Dr. Martin Munyao, Dr. Peter Lee, Dr. Christine Karanja, and others. Each faculty member expressed their gratitude to Rev. Musembi for his visionary leadership and extended a warm welcome to Dr. Munyao, expressing enthusiasm to work with her.

The Head of Theology and Pastoral Studies Department Rev. Dr. Perminus Mburu Mwangi,  compared Rev. Dr. Musembi to a modern-day Moses, serving as an intermediary and leading with a strong and steady hand. Dr. Musya praised Rev. Musembi for his role in shaping the School of Arts and Social Sciences, calling him a father, mentor, and friend to many. He acknowledged that SASS had flourished under Rev. Musembi’s leadership and expressed enthusiasm for the new chapter ahead.

In his handover speech, Rev. Dr. Musembi reflected on his term as Dean, expressing immense pride in the progress the School had made under his leadership. He emphasized the importance of relationships and encouraged the faculty to prioritize strong connections within the school. Rev. Dr. Musembi advised Dr. Josephine Munyao to be a good listener and to value every individual within the School. He officially handed over leadership by presenting documents and reports that would be of benefit to the new Dean.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Munyao thanked everyone for their kind words and expressed support. She acknowledged the strong foundation laid by Rev. Dr. Musembi and gave her commitment to building upon it. She also admired Rev. Musembi’s deep faith and resilience, which had inspired her. Dr. Munyao pledged to protect the faculty and encouraged everyone to unite and work together to achieve continued success.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of flowers to the incoming Dean, accompanied by warm smiles and a sense of optimism for the future of the School of Arts and Social Sciences.