CUEA: Catholic University of Eastern Africa Embrace Teleconferencing to Cut on Costs
As their colleagues at the main campus in Nairobi gathered to be introduced to the new vice chancellor Rev. Prof Stephen Mbugua on Tuesday, September 25, staff at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa CUEA-Gaba Campus in Eldoret also joined in the ceremony, thanks to the technology of teleconferencing.
Having had prior communication from the main campus in Nairobi of the precise moment the function would begin, the staff at Gaba Campus quickly gathered at one of the halls which they have become accustomed to. It has the capacity to accommodate all staff members, and has been well equipped with the relevant communication equipment to enable teleconferencing.
This was the fourth time, according to Gaba Campus Director Dr. Simon Kang’ethe that they were having such kind of high level communication through teleconferencing.
“What we are doing now is to kind of enhance the internet connectivity, which is a little bit of a challenge. But the last three times we have had meetings, the system worked perfectly,” Dr. Kang’ethe explained.
Indeed, the images appeared not very clear on this particular occasion, but the sound was perfect and all the staff at Gaba Campus were glued to the big TV screen, keenly following the introduction of the new Vice Chancellor by the University Council Chairman Rt. Rev. Maurice Muhatia Makumba who is also the Bishop of Nakuru Diocese-Kenya.
Dr. Kang’ethe attributed the poor images to perhaps problems with the settings from Nairobi. He however indicated that they are usually given the opportunity to fully participate by allowing them to ask or respond to questions, share their views, and make comments where necessary.
Dr. Kang’ethe is convinced that if such kind of communication systems are improved, institutions such as Gaba would save a lot on time and money.
“For instance, if I were to go to Nairobi to represent Gaba at the occasion, I would have had to travel the previous day if I were going by road, attend the meeting, and travel back the following day. That means three days wasted. Alternatively, if I were to go by flight, I would have saved on time but spent a lot more money, so it is a nice compromise I would say.”
Another advantage of having such kind of communication systems, as Gaba Campus staff have experienced, is that it enhances the participation of many at no extra costs. If the issue pertains to all staff members, each and every one of them gets the opportunity to participate at no extra expenses on the institution.
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By Pamela Adinda, AMECEA Online News
