The 23rd of May, 2025, will forever remain etched in the memories of 21 Makaalu Secondary School’s Expanding Horizons (EH) Club members who visited the United States International University (USIU) Africa and the Radix Hotel to learn about the hospitality industry.
For many students, this trip marked their first time setting foot in Nairobi City. Their curious, wide-eyed expressions as they looked out the bus windows at the towering buildings and bustling highways which were very busy captured the magnitude of the experience.
“I have never seen so many tall buildings before! I have never seen so many vehicles on a highway! Today, I have been on a highway!” exclaimed smany of the students. “I have been inspired by ladies driving big cars on the roads!” another student added with admiration.
The journey began at USIU-Africa, where students were warmly welcomed by university administrators and students who were the tour guides. A session led by Jane, a USIU representative, offered a rich introduction to the institution. She shared how USIU was founded by Dr. William Rust in San Diego in 1953, with the Kenyan campus established in 1970.
The students were introduced to the university’s five core values: lifelong learning, integrity, innovativeness, academic freedom, and social responsibility. A unique highlight was learning about the university’s mandatory community service program, which resonated deeply with EH Club members, many of whom have engaged in service initiatives back at school. USIU stands as a beacon of academic excellence with a global outlook, home to students from over 70 nationalities. The university has five schools which include:
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Communication, Cinematic and Creative Arts
- School of Science and Technology
- School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The students learned about a wide range of competitive sports, vibrant clubs, and extracurricular activities. They were inspired by stories of students who have succeeded globally in academics, athletics, and the arts.Amos, a club member with a passion for running, was particularly thrilled to discover that USIU actively supports athletics.
The university also offers international exchange programs and scholarships, including those from the Mastercard Foundation. Students were encouraged to explore their strengths, passions, and intellect to make informed career decisions. Jane emphasized, “At USIU, we offer global experiences to students so they can go global and seize the opportunities that await them.”
For the Makaalu students, walking through the university’s modern facilities like gym rooms, IT labs, innovation centers, libraries, lecture halls, and swimming pools—was more than a tour. It was a transformative experience. They walked the same paths as current university students, visualizing themselves there. This gave them hope.
“If we work hard, we can be here too,” many of them reflected.
Tabitha, one of the students, shared: “I have known and seen the importance of why our teachers and mentors always encourage us to speak in English back at school. When you get out here, you are able to interact globally. I have learned how to respect and interact with people from diverse cultures.”
Francis added: “Thank you for the learning moment we’ve had today. Thanks again for being generous with the information. We will go back and continue putting in more effort and come back here.”
After USIU, the students visited Radix Hotel, where they were taken through various departments including accommodation, laundry, restaurant services, and the kitchen. They were introduced to the wide range of career paths available in the hospitality industry, sparking curiosity and excitement.
Here are a few reflections and remarks from the students:
Eunice : “I have been inspired to work hard and smart in my studies because education will take me to places and expand my knowledge and skills.”
Tabitha: “Thank you Kenya Connect for taking us on this trip for free. I have learned a lot. With unity, we can go far.”
Francis added: “Thank you Kenya Connect, for organizing this trip. We are more motivated and challenged to push ourselves because we have the capability. ”Yvonne : “This will be the most memorable day in my life. I have enjoyed more and learned more about careers. I should check on my ability, passion, and intellect. As a student, I should aim higher in my academics and aim to attain a C+ grade to be able to study nursing at USIU. Thanks for the love and care. I have never seen so many tall buildings before. With Kenya Connect, we feel that we belong.”
Morris: “I gained wide knowledge on the hospitality industry. I didn’t know that a hotel has so many departments, offering many career opportunities.”
Two teachers accompanied the students, and their insights highlighted the profound impact of the trip.
Madam Nzioki shared ,“The trip was the best that has ever happened to my students. They got an experience outside the village and discovered the richness of university life, cultural diversity, well-equipped facilities like the basketball pitch, gym, and learning resources. The exposure gave them a thirst to work hard and reach the university entrance grade of C+. It served as an eye-opener and an invaluable new experience.”
This trip was more than just a visit. It was a special journey that opened students’ eyes. It reminded us that our dreams can come true, that education can create many chances, and that it doesn’t matter where we come from, we can still achieve great things. They came back home feeling excited, hopeful, and ready to work hard. We are grateful to the Gupta Family Foundation for supporting this initiative!
