Turkana University College Staff Participate in a Transformative Team Building Retreat at Eliye Springs
Turkana University College held a successful staff team building retreat on 27th June 2025 at the serene Eliye Springs along the shores of Lake Turkana. The full-day programme brought together all members of staff for a series of structured engagements aimed at enhancing cohesion, communication, and collective well-being.
Members of staff pose for a group photo during the team building session, reflecting unity and shared commitment to teamwork.
The day began with official introductions and welcoming remarks by the Registrar Administration, Dr. Henry Ongori, and the Deputy Principal (Administration, Finance and Planning), Prof. George Muthaa. The Principal, Prof. George Chemining’wa, officially welcomed the staff and emphasized the importance of fostering a united and motivated workforce.
Key sessions included health sensitization talks on mental health, HIV prevention, and non-communicable diseases. Facilitated by the Senior Student Counselor, Mr. Moses Mwai, and the Nursing Officer, Mr. Peter Ekamais, these talks provided valuable insights into managing personal health, encouraging openness about mental health challenges, and adopting healthy lifestyles.
Members of staff from Turkana University College participating in a team building session aimed at enhancing collaboration and communication.
The highlight of the day was the team building exercises facilitated by Kenya School of Government (KSG) trainers, Evans Ayao and Paul Shiboka. Staff engaged in interactive games and problem-solving activities that emphasized collaboration, trust, communication, and leadership.
During the team building activities, participants gained several key insights that are valuable for personal and institutional growth. One of the major lessons was the enhancement of communication skills. Participants learnt the value of clear and respectful communication, both in leadership and among peers, as a means to ensure efficiency and harmony in the workplace.
Additionally, the activities emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration. By engaging in group tasks, team members experienced firsthand the value of relying on one another’s strengths and working together to overcome challenges, a principle that can be easily applied in departmental teamwork.
Problem solving and innovation also emerged as central themes, with the team challenges fostering creative thinking and encouraging quick decision-making. This reinforced the need for adaptive and flexible approaches, especially within dynamic institutional environments. Furthermore, emotional intelligence and empathy were developed through group reflections, which helped individuals appreciate diverse perspectives and become more considerate and understanding in their interactions with others.
Lastly, the importance of well-being and work-life balance was highlighted. The health-related discussions and the relaxed, supportive environment reminded staff of the need to prioritize self-care, engage in physical activity, and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. This is essential not only for individual wellness but also for sustained productivity and organizational success.
The afternoon session included recreational swimming, which further fostered relaxation, laughter, and informal bonding among colleagues. The day ended with a renewed sense of unity and commitment as staff departed Eliye Springs, energized and aligned towards shared institutional goals.
Turkana University College remains committed to investing in the holistic development of its staff, recognizing that a motivated and well-connected workforce is critical to the institution’s continued growth and service delivery.