Visit by Life University Team to The University

The month of September witnessed the start of a journey to greatness for the University of Eldoret. An MoU that was signed in March 2021 will see the University develop a niche in Chiropractic practice in Kenya. Dr. John Downes (Vice-President for Global Initiatives) and Dr. Hussein Elsangak (Divisional Chair of Clinical Services and Asst. to the Dean for Program Development) from Life University made their first visit to the University to firm up the partnership and the MoU. On hand to receive them on behalf of our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Teresa Akenga was Prof. Wilson Ngetich (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration & Finance) and Prof. Phillip Raburu (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Planning, Research and Extension) together with the committee handling the partnership.

During the courtesy call to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, Dr. Downes and Dr. Elsangak were welcomed to the University by Prof. Ngetich who mentioned that the University was located in the epicenter of the athletes community thus having the opportunity to develop the talent and athletic prowess within the region noting that a number of local athletes had made UoE sportsground the training venue of choice as they prepare for races and their daily practice sessions.

In his remarks, Prof. Ngetich noted that the collaboration, which includes developing and establishing educational programs in Sports Health Science, Coaching and Physiotherapy; exchange of academic staff for the purpose of research and teaching; student and staff exchange and academic mobility programs will enable University of Eldoret have a niche in the academic sporting programs while building on collaborative research, capability building and mentorship.

In their brief, Dr. Elsangak mentioned that Life University was established in 1974 as a private university having a focus of training chiropractors. Currently, Life University is the largest chiropractic college in the world offering degrees. Life University was built on the concept of vitalism which enhances performance, mental attitude, spiritual and physical principles having a holistic approach. Life University is currently the largest Chiropractic University having 1,800 students, 12 masters’ programmes and 12 bachelors programs. Representing Life University, he mentioned that they would want to integrate resources and methods to serve UoE as it has been noted that the greatest performance of human beings has been seen in athletes. They have a presence in 50 countries including South Africa where they are fully regulated and in Cairo which has 5 chiropractic medics. Using their outreach model, they look forward to building value in the community not only having education but also social interaction.

As part of the way forward, the UoE team agreed to engage Life University in quick wins and an action plan which will develop the implementation process and schedule of activities in line with the MoU.

The University of Eldoret team included the Life University /UoE Collaboration Chair, Prof. Julius Ochuodho and the committee members, Prof. David Some, Dr. Getrude Were (Ag. Director Industrial Links, Partnerships and Collaborations), Prof. Samwel Lutta (Dean, Science), Eng. Dr. Clement Kiprotich (Dean, Engineering), Mr. Silah Misoi, Ms. Stella Kiptoo, Ms. Cynthia Chebii, Dr. Leleiy Kibioy (Dean of Students), Dr. Florence Wamunga, Dr. George Ariya, Dr. Robert Aminga, Dr. Catherine Sempele.