KIRINYAGA

UNIVERSITY

GUIDE BOOK FOR STUDENTS AT

KIRINYAGA UNIVERSITY

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HANDY GUIDE BOOK FOR FIRST YEAR STUDENTS AT KIRINYAGA UNIVERSITY

CONGRATULATIONS AND WELCOME TO KIRINYAGA(KyU). We are excited to have

you at KyU where you will be presented with opportunities to navigate your academic
pursuits, develop professional skills to change your life and be an important player in the
lives of the communities we serve.
University Life. University life will be both challenging and rewarding. We will be with you
every step to support your success but also advise you to make the most of all that is on offer
inside and outside the classroom.
Application of this guide book. This guide is a handy document with good tips that you
will useful from your first day at the University through your studies to the day you
complete your studies at KyU. Please download it from the University website, print and
hold in a file for reference through your stay at the University
How to use this guide. Getting it right from the beginning is important - this guide has
been put together by KyU students and staff to share our knowledge with the view to
making your stay at KyU exciting. It is a handy reference booklet for new students and
contains hints, tips and information to put yourself on track to success. The guide highlights
the different components of your experience at the University with regard to academic,
social, health, needs as well as personal and professional development.

Getting Started.

 Finding Your Way on Campus

 Connecting with us online
 Understanding your program
 Academic Calendar
 Transport to University
 Safety on campus
 Orientation

Finding Your way on Campus. The University has attached herein for your use, an aerial
map of the University showing the buildings where lecture Halls and other essential services
are hosted. Ensure you read this to help you navigate the Campus easily

Connecting with us Online

(i) Activating your account: Firstly, you must activate your student portal
account. This can be done from any of computer or smart phone using your
Admission Number as the username and National ID/birth certificate
number as password.

(ii) Logging into your account: Once your KyU email account has been created,
you can login using the email address provided and Admission Number as
your password. If you do not know your password or are having trouble
logging in for the first time, you may contact ICT Department for help on
0709742000- ext. 1021, email to [email protected] or visit ICT office in
administration block

(iii) Wi-Fi access: The University offers Wi-Fi access with 33 hotspots on
Campus. Check for Wi-Fi hotspots within the University.

To set up your own device on the University’s wireless networks:

 Open the Wi-Fi settings on your device.

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  Select the Kirinyaga wireless option. Select CONNECT
 Enter the password( Your National ID or birth certificate number) then
select OK
 After a few seconds, the status will show as connected.

(iv) KyU student portal : This is your gateway to KyU; student email, tracking
your lecture attendance report, fee statement, registration of units, accessing
and printing examination card, and viewing your provisional examination
results.
(v) KyU E-learning portal: KyU’s virtual learning environment provides access
to online teaching technologies.

Masomo: Here you’ll find course outlines, lecture notes, assignments, CATs
and quizzes, interactive chat session, grade book and class attendance
register. At the start of each semester the courses you have enrolled in will be
automatically added to your Masomo portal_ visible under ‘My Course’

(vi) Student email: KyU’s student email service is automatically set up when
you enroll. Official KyU correspondence will be sent to this email address, so
make sure you check it regularly or have it forwarded to one of your other
email addresses. You can access through KyU website.
(vii) Social media and other digital communication: Social media channels are
your first point of call for all student related communication across a range
of channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Make sure
you get involved to keep up-to-date with new information on Campus.
Search Kirinyaga University on your favorite social channel.

 Immediate Essentials

Student number: On your first day at the University, you will use your admission number
until registration process is over and at which time you will be assigned your student
number that will appear on your student Identity Card.

Student identity card: you will need your University student identity card during your stay
at the University to gain access to the University and to access all the services and register
attendance at KyU events. You will also need it for identification during examination and
handing in assessment reports. Student ID card will be availed to you from your respective
Departments within one month after registration at the University.

 Understanding your program

Programme: The degree/diploma/certificate you are studying toward, e.g. Bachelor of

Commerce.

Course/ unit: A subject. The program you are studying has a designated set of course units
which you must successfully complete to graduate. Each course has a unit value.

Course Outline: A document outlining the learning outcomes, assessments and

expectations for each course. It is one of the first things students receive for each course at
the beginning of a semester and tells you how the course will be taught say through face to
face lectures, workshops, tutorials, laboratory exercises, etc.

Program Plan: Outlines the courses you should be enrolled in for each semester and any
pre-requisite units or assumed knowledge you may need.

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Grading Scale: KyU uses five grading scale; A,B,C,D and E where A is the highest grade
awarded and E is a fail.

Academic Calendar

Registration First assessment Second assessment Exams

deadline due due
Two(2) weeks after Fifth (5th) Week Tenth (10th) week 15th and 16th Week
reporting date

Orientation Registration deadline Final Assessments Results

For most students, the academic year will with exception of clinical and nursing courses
consist of semesters I and II. Each semester consists of 16 weeks, broken up to accommodate
Continuous Assessment Tests and the examination periods at the end of each
semester.Clinical and Nursing programs follow a trimester system with progressive
examinations through the trimesters and summative examinations administered once at the
end of each academic year.

Registration deadline. Registration of units must be finalized by the end of the first two weeks of
the semester and upon payment of 60% of the semester fees. Registration during the first week will
not attract any penalties. However, a penalty of Ksh. 500 per day will be charged to a maximum of
Kshs 2,500/- for course unit registration on the second week of the semester. Students are strongly
advised to complete course unit registration before reporting for the semester or in the worst case
scenario, by end of first week of the semester to avoid penalties

 Transport. The University is located 115 km North West of Nairobi at the

Kutus/Kerugoya junction of Sagana Embu Highway. Once you reach Kutus town,
there are numerous options to get to campus including walking, cycling, bus,
matatu as well as private vehicles.
 Safety on Campus. The University grounds are relatively safe but students are
advised to be always on the lookout and avoid giving personal items and
information about themselves to people they do not know well. Our security
guards are on standby to handle security challenges on Campus.

Orientation

 What happens at orientation. Orientation is the week before a semester starts and
a great way to find out everything you need to know about KyU. During this week,
you will meet your comrades, faculty, University library staff, the office of Dean
of Students, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic affairs and Vice
Chancellor of the University.

 Why you should attend. Attending orientation is a great opportunity to meet staff
and students, who will be taking the journey through University with you. A
number of workshops are on offer to help you get familiar with KyU’s online
systems. There are also plenty of social opportunities to meet new people and
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 make friends. It’s also a great time to take a campus tour: By familiarizing yourself
with your campus during orientation, you’re less likely to lose your bearing and
miss lectures during your early days on Campus.
Academic Essentials
 Choosing your classes and registering
 Textbooks and course journals
 Library
 Academic success

Choosing and registering course units online. Before you register, check your program plan
on your student portal to see what units you need to study each semester. Register the units
and submit upon payment of 60 % of semester fees not later than the second week of the
semester.

Textbooks and course journals. Your Course Outline will list the required textbooks and
other reading material you will need for your course.

 Academic Integrity and anti-plagiarism. All students must uphold the

University’s five values of academic integrity while studying in KyU namely
Honesty, Fairness, Trust, Responsibility and Respect. To help students avoid
plagiarism and academic fraud and to uphold academic integrity, all new students
must read and understand students’ rules and regulations before they register for
the first time. Reading and understanding the students’ handbook and this first
year students’ guide book are therefore a MUST DO
 Library. You will have access to more than 120,000 eBooks and e-journals and
6,800 print books in KyU library. The library is open 8.00 am-9.00pm Monday to
Friday and 8.30 am-6.00pm on Saturdays. The library is equipped with computers
to make your study and search for academic resources comfortable.
 Computer Laboratories, Engineering Workshops and Other laboratories. The
University has three computer laboratories for your use. The first two of these are
found on the first floor eastern wing of the Tuition block (TB) and the third one on
the first floor of the engineering block (ESP building) opposite the University store.
Engineering Workshops are located on Engineering Complex I (ESP building) and
II (Engineering Drawing/Electrical Workshop/Plumbing Workshop Complex).
Biomedical and Physical Science Laboratories are located on ground floor, western
wing of the Tuition (TB) block
 Lecture attendance threshold and Online tracking of lecture attendance. Percent
attendance in all registered course units will be displayed on your student portal
every time you access your portal. It is a great way to track your lecture attendance
to ensure you do not fall behind. A student who does not attain a minimum of 85%
class attendance threshold in all the registered units will not be able to print
his/her examination card from the system and will therefore not be allowed to
take University examinations. Such students will be deregistered and advised to
register afresh, pay requisite registration and course unit fees, repeat the affected
unit/s in full and attain minimum 85% attendance threshold then take all the
examinations one go (including those units for which 85% attendance threshold
had been met previously)
 Mentorship programs. All students are allocated mentors to support their study.
They can provide help with essay writing, study skills, career guidance and
general management of your life at the University.
 Requesting Academic leave from the University. All request for academic leave
must reach the office of registrar ASA not later than 4 weeks before the intended
date of leave. Any request not meeting this requirement will not be approved.

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  Preparing for University Examinations. University examinations are a vital
component of your journey through the University. You are advised to take keen
interest and prepare for progressive assessment tests and University examinations
all the times from the day you first register at the University. All tests taken at the
University account to your final grade and class of degree, diploma or certificate
you obtain at the end. It is therefore important to be in a state of preparedness all
the times through your life at the University. A clear study plan and being part of
a study group helps you in the areas where you are weak. Being alert to scheduled
progressive assessment tests and attempting past papers is a good tip.
 Cheating in University examinations. Cheating in University examination is punishable by
one-year suspension (minimum) for first offenders but the University disciplinary
committee may vary this upwards if they deem it fit to do so. A second examination
related offence during the period of study at KyU will lead to automatic expulsion from
the University.
 Non-academic offences . The outcomes of non-academic offences committed during the
period of study at KyU will be determined by the University disciplinary committee.
However, a second offence (whether both academic, both non-academic OR a mix of
academic and non-academic) during the period of your study at KyU will lead to automatic
expulsion from the University.

Managing Yourself on Campus to achieve Academic Excellence. In order to achieve

Academic success, the following tips will be useful;

1. Managing your time

 Use a diary to manage your true goals while studying at the University.
 Going to class. There is no substitute for going to class. By actively engaging with
your tutors, mentors and peers in critical discussions, you’re more likely to get
good grasp of difficult content. Tutors will be available to make it as easy as
possible to get the most out of your program. Always consult your mentor for
advise on your study plans.
 Maintaining a balance. Make time for family, friends, rest and relaxation.
 Staying focused. Full-time university study is like a full time job. Prioritize your
study over other activities.
 Scheduling study time. Schedule your study time when you are most relaxed,
alert and set up a dedicated study timetable all the times.
 Finishing assignments in time. Always strive to finish assignments at least one
week before the due date. This will leave you sufficient time to review and pick
up mistakes and seek help as appropriate.

2. Be proactive
 Take responsibility for your journey
 Attend orientation
 Take advantage of opportunities to develop your skills.
 Look for personal development opportunities outside the classroom.

3. Set up a support network

 Make friends with your classmates.
 Get to know your lecturers – they’re a valuable source of support and
guidance.
 Find the support services available to students through the Office of
Dean of Students

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 4. Make time for Social Essentials. University is better with friends, peer
counsellors, Clubs and societies, participation in scheduled Campus events,
religious engagements and other scheduled activities
 Seek Peer counsellors when in need. If you are feeling a little lost during
your first weeks at University or need someone to answer your questions,
seek a peer counsellor who are easily identifiable by the branded peer
counsellor T-shirts that they wear on Campus. These are students who have
been trained to assist fellow students, you can speak to them in confidence
on any matters for which you may need help.
 Join Clubs and societies. Joining a club or society is a great way to make new
friends and get involved in campus life. There are 14 clubs, societies and
associations on campus with something for everyone, from sporting, social
and cultural to religious and everything in between. The Orientation Expo is
a great way to find out more about clubs and societies as many of them will
have a desk to sign up new members during orientation week. Be sure to
check them out
 Attend Scheduled Campus Events. A University Campus is like a small
village or a city with events and activities happening all the time. These will
also include community outreach, cultural day, talent night, walks and
marathons religious services, sporting activities, live music and
performances on Campus through the year.
 Take part in Volunteer Activities. If you wish to add new skills and
experience to your resume’ or to have fun and meet new people, then
volunteering is for you. There are volunteering activities to suit your
interests. Ask Office of Dean of Students to advise you on how to get
involved.
5. Get involved with Kirinyaga University students, Association. Kirinyaga
University Students’ Organization (KyUSO) enhances students’/ experience by
providing representation, advocacy, social and cultural activities.

What does the University Expect of you. It is expectation of the University that
you pay requisite fees and register course units before end of second week of the
semester. Attend all lectures, and sign lecture attendance sheet, do and submit
assignments and progressive assessment tests in time, fill Student lecturer
evaluation forms at end of teaching semester and submit yourself to University
Examinations as scheduled

Where to find help with Academic Matters. The following are useful contact ports for help
on matters related to academic pursuits

1. Office of Registrar ASA. Office of Registrar ASA is found on the Eastern wing of
Administration Block (Email: [email protected], Tel : 0709742000
2. Offices of Academic Deans and Chairpersons of Academic Departments Offices
of Dean and Chairpersons of Academic Departments are found in the Academic
Office Block on field side of Campus next to University Sports grounds
3. IT Help Desk
 IT help desk. IT Support office can be contacted by reporting an issue
online or visit IT office located in administration block next to Office of
Registrar ASA (Email: [email protected]) . IT support team can assist you
with problems related to:
 Student email
 Student accounts
 Passwords

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  Computer functions
 Course unit registration
 Wireless networks
 Downloading lecture materials
Other Personal essentials
 Finding somewhere to live
 Financial survival
 Your wellbeing
 Sports and Recreational activities
 Guidance and Counselling
 Chaplaincy
 Prayer rooms
 Other services on campus

 Finding somewhere to live

Moving away from home can be a daunting yet exciting experience. It will prepare you for
personal growth and independence. There are a few accommodation options open to you on
Campus and plenty more Off Campus. Whether you plan to live on or off campus we
recommend starting your search early to make sure you find a place that is best suited to
your needs. The University website has contacts for private hostel providers with details
including photographic images and locations and physical distance to Campus, what they
offer, rents payable per month or semester, contact persons and their telephone contacts. You
are strictly advised to verify for authenticity, details from the University Off-Campus
Accomodation Liason Office before getting involved with Off Campus accommodation
providers that are not listed on the University website.
 Financial Survival
Living on a student upkeep requires that you make a budget and stick to it. If you need
financial support, consider:
 Seeking advice from Dean of Students immediately you register on Campus
 Applying for bursaries / CDF (Applicable only to your home Constituency)
 Applying for HELB loan (contact Office of Dean of students for assistance)
 Applying for student work study programs (contact Office of Dean of students for
assistance)

Your well being

 Health services
University’s health service is managed by qualified staff whose focus is to address your
medical needs. Our Clinic is located on the ground floor, southern end of the Tuition Block
(TB) and is open to KyU students round the clock (24/7). Consultations are strictly
confidential. You will need to present your Student identity card during consultations.
Referral services are available to regional hospitals in cases where a higher level consultation
and management are required.

 Sport and recreational activities

The university has the following sports; football, soccer, handball, basketball, hockey,
volleyball, netball, roll ball, chess, scrabble, badminton, rugby, swimming, darts, karate,
taekwondo, lawn tennis, table tennis, field and track athletics among others.
 Guidance and counselling. Your mental health is priority. Student counsellor will
be at hand to help and provide free and confidential assistance for personal or
study related problems. University counselling office is located on the ground
floor of Academic staff office Block next to School Engineering Office in ‘Diaspora
region of the University’ next to University sports grounds.

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  Chaplaincy
The University chaplains are experienced, credentialed religious workers who are
authorized to provide religious support and guidance.

 Prayer rooms
There are prayer rooms on Campus for Christian Union, Catholic Action, Muslims and other
religious groups. To join any of these religion organizations, liaise with Dean of Student
office.

Other services on campus

 Retail outlets. We have a students’ cafeteria to make sure you are well catered for.
You will also find a general shop and photocopying services located
approximately 10 meters from the main university gate inside.

Opportunities for Professional growth. Your future starts here:

 Build your employability

 Seek career advancing and scholarship opportunities on University website
 Browse additional websites for other opportunities
 Seek elective positions in Students’ governance Council if interested
 Building your employability. Getting a job after university and starting your
dream career is key to your success and something that can motivate you through
your studies. Students who work part time during their studies develop valuable
skills and are more likely to gain employment in relatively shorter periods of time
after graduation.
 Opportunities displayed on KyU website. KyU website is loaded daily with
scholarship and other career advancing opportunities mined from global dada
banks every 24 hours. We pride ourselves in being the only University in the world
doing this at this frequency. These opportunities are particularly important to
students in their third to fourth year of study as they open up their vision to
additional career growth paths besides employment. Be browsing as often as you
can
 Other Career websites. The career websites or job search sites advertise casual,
part-time and permanent jobs, work experience, graduate programs and volunteer
opportunities. Always look out for these
 Student governance. KyU encourages interested students to get involved in
elective positions in students governing Council. These offices work together with
University administration on matters related to teaching and learning, students
welfare, sports and recreation as well as other matters of interest to the University.
Joining such groups enables you to expand your networks and can teach you
valuable skills and may improve your chances of being employable.
Non Academic matters
 Where to find help: Office of Dean of Students (email:
[email protected])
 Student policies and forms: University Website
 Health matters: University Clinic
 Security tips: University Website
 Other security concerns and important reports: Security Office

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  Office of Dean of Students. Dean of students’ office is the area of the University
that focuses on student experience, support and services. At KyU, we believe that the best
student experience is achieved when students feel supported academically, professionally
and socially. This office listens to students’ problems and provides services that ensure
students can access everything they need for a successful, productive and rewarding
university life. From financial, counselling and career support to students’ life, we’ve got you
covered. Dean of students can put you in contact with the right people and make sure your
questions are answered. The Office of the Dean of Students is located in the first floor of
the Western Wing of the Tuition block next to lecture theatre 38(LH38)
Student policies and forms. The university has rules, regulations and policies that apply to
all students. These material are hosted on the University website. Also hosted on KyU web
site are guides and a range of student related forms such as those needed to request leave
from study. You are advised to download these items for your personal use
Your contact details. You need to keep your contact details up to date in the University
system so that we can easily get in contact with you for important things like registration
status and any other official communication. Keep your contact details up to date in student
portal and at the Registry in the Office of Registrar ASA
University Security Office. University security Office is located at the Main entry to
Administration block. You are however advised to report any security matters to security
officers manning the University gate or any other security officer that you see on Campus
Off Campus Security Tips. Always strive to walk in relatively large groups of comrades and
avoid dark areas at night when walking outside Campus. You are strongly advised to read
security tips posted on the University website.
MOVEMENT WITHIN KyU. Green lawns of KyU are part of our aesthetics. Movement
within the University is strictly restricted to use of designated footpaths ONLY. Students
are thus not allowed to create paths on campus lawns
DISCIPLINE, ORDERLINESS AND KyU “FAIR GO” PHILOSOPY. We at KyU believe in
Order, discipline and a fair ‘go philosophy, thus; fairness to all must be upheld to the highest
standards possible. You are always advised to use laid down procedures through relevant
Offices of the University to address any concerns. Student shall be severely punished for all
forms of indiscipline.
AVOIDING FALLING PREY TO CONE-MEN AND CONE-WOMEN. You are strongly
advised to be vigilant at all times when on campus and outside. Being new on Campus, you
are attractive targets for cone artists. The University through the Office of Dean of Students
and that of attachment Coordinator host information on attachment, internship and
employment opportunities available to KyU students. DO NOT engage in any transaction
with third parties without verifying information with the Office of Dean of students. You are
further advised to verify Off-campus accommodation opportunities with the Office of Senior
Counsellor that doubles up as the Liaison office for Off-campus accommodation. This office
is located on ground floor of the Academic Office Block next to School of Engineering
office in the “Diaspora region of the University” next to University Sports grounds

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Academic Calendar

Tuition Complex
Western Wing Central Eastern Wing Northern
Wing

1st Floor LH 36-38 Dean of Computer Labs 1

Students &2
Office

Ground Biomedical & Medical Main

Floor Physical Sciences Clinic LH 28-30 Hall
Labs
Deputy Dean
Clinical Skills of students
Laboratory
Engineering Block I (ESP Building)
1st floor LH 23-24 LH 32, LH 19 - 20
Computer
Lab 3
Ground LH 19-20 LH 18-22
Floor Mechanical Electrical Eng.
Engineering. Workshop I
W/shop
Engineering Plumbing Workshop Electrical
Block II Engineering
Workshop II
Engineering
Drawing Room

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CAMPUS MAP
An aerial map of the University is attached herein to help you locate the buildings where
lecture rooms and other essential services are located

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