Set against the sweeping landscapes of Ole Polos, a quiet but significant gathering unfolded as Kenyan alumni and friends of the University of Eastern Finland came together for a day defined by reflection, reconnection, and shared purpose. Far from the bustle of the city, the event offered a rare opportunity to pause, engage, and reimagine the collective role of alumni in shaping future collaborations.
From the moment UEF alumni and guests arrived at Ole Polos, the tone was set by a spirit of familiarity and openness. Conversations flowed easily as the alumni reconnected with former classmates, met new faces, and forged links that extended beyond professional affiliations. It was a reunion not just with each other, but with a shared identity rooted in their time at UEF and in Finland.
“It is a pleasure reconnecting with fellow alumni and reflecting on how far-reaching UEF has become across a wide range of professional fields”, said Walter Kwena and Mildred Odhiambo Nyange, both alumni of UEF’s Master’s in Public Health programme.
The programme balanced this sense of community with meaningful engagement. An update on UEF’s ongoing work in Kenya and across the African continent was given. Adding further perspective to the event was a guest talk by Frank Ojwang, author of “Lwanda Magere” and a scholar at the University of Lapland. His reflections moved beyond the academic and into the personal and cultural, resonating with many in the audience. The talk sparked thoughtful discussion, with participants reflecting on identity, storytelling, and the connections between their global experiences and local contexts.
Yet perhaps the most symbolic moment of the day came not through words, but through action. In a simple but meaningful gesture, participants took part in a tree planting activity, of indigenous species including: Naivasha thorn (Acacia xanthophloea), Elgon teak (Olea welwitschii), Nile trumpet (Markhamia lutea), Abyssinian coral tree (Erthyrina abyssinia), pepper bark tree (Warbugia ungandensis) and croton (Croton megalocarpus). The site for the tree-planting activity was thoughtfully selected by Professor Waruingi, the proprietor and owner of Ole Polos Country Club, who explained that it had been chosen to extend an existing line of trees, reinforcing the area’s ongoing environmental restoration efforts. Against the expansive backdrop of Ole Polos, the act carried a strong sense of purpose representing sustainability, continuity, and the steady growth of the alumni community itself.
The gesture was also a reminder that the impact of such gatherings extends beyond the immediate. Just as the trees planted will take time to grow, so too will the relationships and ideas nurtured during the event.
Adding a rich cultural dimension to the day, participants were sent off with Maasai singing and dancing, whose rhythmic energy and vibrant expression created an atmosphere of celebration and connection to place. The performance not only entertained but also grounded the event in the local cultural context, offering guests an opportunity to appreciate and engage with Kenya’s living heritage.
The sense of renewed connection has also extended beyond the event itself, with Kenya-based UEF alumni beginning to come together through a dedicated WhatsApp group to sustain engagement.
Reflecting on this momentum, alumnus Jimmiel Mandima noted, “Following my participation in the very engaging alumni event, I am more than convinced that true alumni engagement thrives on powerful connections, where shared knowledge, mentorship, and collaboration can transform and make our bond with UEF a living network that continues to make impact far beyond graduation.”
Further information:
Global Development Manager Roseanna Avento, [email protected]
Kenyan UEF alumni may join the whatsapp group via this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LXbJ4or7V5P6ruYP2YzGb6?mode=gi_t
