Kaimosi Friends University staff on 3rd October 2025 bid farewell to Mr. Paul Kokonya, the institution’s long-serving Chief Security Officer during a vibrant retirement party hosted at the University’s Assembly Hall, by the Vice Chancellor. Mr. Kokonya has served the institution since its earliest days back when it was still a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Peter Mwita delivering his heartfelt tribute to outgoing Chief Security Officer Mr. Paul Kokonya, commending his unwavering loyalty, integrity, and years of dedicated service to Kaimosi Friends University.
The party was graced by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita, Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Finance, Planning and Development Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, Deputy Vice Chancellor Academics, Student Affairs and Research Prof. Fred Amimo, staff, students, family and friends of Mr. Kokonya and the Administrative Security Unit.
In his remarks, Prof. Mwita acknowledged Mr. Kokonya for his loyalty, dedication and tireless commitment and resilience to ensure that staff and student had a safe environment. That his continuous presence demonstrated loyalty and his passion for the KAFU family.
“Over the years, institutions have evolved, leadership has changed, buildings have risen, but one constant remained, the tireless presence of Mr. Kokonya ensuring our safety day and night. Today we are not just saying goodbye to a Chief Security Officer, we are celebrating a man who served with honor, loyalty and distinction” he stated.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita presenting a retirement gift to Mr. Paul Kokonya in appreciation of his devoted service to Kaimosi Friends University, as Mrs. Kokonya looks on with pride and joy.
Prof. Mwita further commended Mr. Kokonya for his seamless collaboration with the attached administration police and contracted security personnel. He highlighted his close coordination with national security organs to ensure that security, order and protocol were never compromised during major university events such as graduations, admissions and high-profile visits.
The Vice Chancellor also praised him as a mentor and role model, lauding his ability to balance firmness with compassion in handing student matters, a quality that earned him respect of the student body not only as an officer but also as a father figure.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita joins Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kokonya in cutting the retirement cake, symbolizing years of dedicated service, friendship, and cherished memories at Kaimosi Friends University.
In his final remarks, Prof. Mwita underscored the importance of cultivating a culture of celebrating retiring staff as a way of recognizing their years of service and dedication. He also revealed that KAFU will launch a retirees’ workshop this financial year and thereafter every three(3) years to honor and acknowledge their good work at KAFU/KAFUCO and offer a platform them to share their experiences in retirement while continuing engaging with the University community.
Speaking as the Chief guest, Mr. Kokonya commenced by expressing heartfelt gratitude to the KAFU community for entrusting him with the responsibility of safeguarding the institution. He noted that KAFU had not only been his place of work but also his home where he formed lasting friendships and bonds.
Mr. Kokonya also commended the spirit of teamwork and unity among KAFU staff. He emphasized that this collective strength has been vital to the University’s growth. He urged the staff to uphold this spirit of togetherness as it would be instrumental in the continued realization of the institution’s vision and mission.
He further applauded the University’s top management, led by the Vice Chancellor, for their dedication in positioning KAFU as a centre of excellence admired by prospective students and staff, encouraging the entire fraternity to continue supporting the management in order to move Kafu to greater heights.
On matters his retirement, he described it as not the end but as the beginning of a new chapter, one that will allow him explore new experiences, travel and most importantly spend more time with his family.
A warm and joyful moment as Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita shares a piece of cake with Mr. Paul Kokonya, marking a heartfelt gesture of appreciation and celebration of his remarkable years of service at Kaimosi Friends University.
Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Finance and Planning Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat describe Mr. Kokonya as a truly great and selfless man, applauding his unwavering dedication and service to the institution. He wished him well in his retirement and encouraged other staff members to take lessons from his journey. He urged staff members to also embrace retirement preparation especially through long term investments which would ensure stability beyond years of active employment.
The event concluded with music, tributes from other attending members and a celebratory atmosphere as the Kafu community bid farewell to one of its most devoted employees honoring his legacy.
Excitement fills the hall as KAFU staff members join Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter Mwita, Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, and Mr. Paul Kokonya on the dance floor — a joyful celebration of unity, service, and the enduring KAFU family spirit.