Prof. Rose Ruto-Korir Webpage

Rest in Peace, Baba

What would you do? 😊😊

In God’s plan, we are hosting and thankful for His grace that is ever sufficient.

Congratulations to class of 2025- Pwani University

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nI4vAVmCnkk&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwNUURRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHigV4XoUGv_LO4CDD-VHtI4t6NM-6SwerfSM4qrPFMurrF6CToA0MMDcBXoI_aem_GNdXeaQ28p2KIeDUnAIJaw

Welcome to Pwani University's 13th Graduation Ceremony for the 2025 cohort | Thursday 9th Oct. 2025 Welcome to Pwani University's 13th Graduation Ceremony for the 2025 cohort class.Transformative Education for Global Excellence

Reflections from a 1992 Teacher’s Payslip

A classmate shared something I have just seen after Mass today—a scanned payslip from 1992—and it stopped me in my tracks. I found myself smiling, shaking my head, and whispering a quiet thank you, Lord. Not just for the memory, but for the journey. For the graces. For the boldness to follow the path God had laid out for me—however narrow it looked at the start.

The payslip belonged to someone just a few numbers ahead of me in the Trained Teacher register. For the record, I’m number 324749—before the “real” teacher registration began. So yes, I am a teacher-teacher for real. 😀

Now, here’s the reality: in 1992, a graduate teacher’s salary was KSh 2,550—all inclusive. That means basic pay plus house allowance, all packed neatly together. And yet, with that “little,” we did much. We saved. We built. We raised families, often supporting extended ones too. We even contributed to what I call the social tax—helping neighbours, church, and community projects.

Today, an intern earning KSh 25,000 without a single dependent or rent to pay, may call such a figure “meagre.” You’ll hear things like, “Kwani hiyo ni pesa?” and I have to smile. Because to us, even a single shilling was money. We received our salary with gratitude and pride—proud to be The Teacher. And God, who saw both our needs and our hearts, multiplied what we had. He stretched it beyond logic and beyond the decimal point.

We didn’t just survive—we thrived. And our dreams? They grew just as steadily as our families and our communities.

So when I hear Gen Z graduates demanding a 90K starting salary barely a day after graduation, I shake my head—not in judgment, but in wonder at how different the value system has become. I pray God reorients their expectations. And yes, I say Amen even before I finish typing.

So here’s my little testimony—straight from a real payslip, courtesy of my classmate AG from the ‘Mu88’ year group.

And now I’ll leave you with one simple question:

“In 2025/26, what do you think a graduate teacher—or any professional—should earn?”

Another chance. Take it

Rooted in the Right Environment: A Reflection on Last Sunday’s Worship.

16/2/2025 -Pwani University -At the Star of the Sea Catholic Campus Church

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of worshipping with the Catholic students at the Star of the Sea Catholic Church within the campus, within my vision of connecting more and creating community with the students and faculty.
Together with my colleagues, the Dean of Students, Dr. Patricia Mbogoh and Romana Belio, we joined the Catholic Students.

⭐️It was a moving experience, not just because of the beauty of the liturgy but because of the order and passion with which our youth served.
👌These students are truly leaders—committed, disciplined, and rooted in faith. ⚡️As they worshipped, the students’ energy and sense of responsibility reminded me of Psalm 1:3, which speaks of the righteous as a tree planted by the waterside.

One of the imagery that resonated deeply during the service was “A Tree That Standeth by the Waters Side.” This imagery is also present in the readings for the day, particularly Psalm 1:1-3:

“Blessed are they who hope in the Lord. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers.”
But beyond the service and homily, what comes to mind?

⚡️Earlier, as I reflected on what advise I would give these students, the spirit spoke to me through Psalm 1:3, Isaiah 59:1 and Jeremiah 3:33Additionally, Isaiah 59:1 reminds us:

"Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear."

And in Jeremiah 33:3, we are encouraged:

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

👉🏽👉🏽The Right Environment: A Call to Catholic Students

✅These verses reinforce the significance of being planted in the right environment and calling upon God for guidance and wisdom.

🌴 Trees flourish when their roots are deep and nourished by clean, flowing water.

In the same way, we thrive when we root ourselves in the right environments—our university, homes, friendships, and communities.

✅As young Catholic students, I reminded them that they are in a season of planting.

The choices they make now, the communities they engage with, and the values they uphold will determine how they grow. The university is a fertile ground, but not every patch of soil is nourishing. Some environments deplete us, while others enrich our souls. They/we constantly need to ask self: Where are my roots planted?

University Life: Academics, friendships, and extracurricular activities all shape their growth. They need to surround themselves with people who inspire and challenge them to be better. To seek wisdom, not just knowledge.

Homes and Families: Even as they grow in independence, they need to stay connected to the foundations of their upbringing. To honor their parents, communicate with family, and uphold the values instilled in them.

Friendships: Proverbs 13:20 tells us, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

The company they keep will either nourish or wither their faith. Choose friends who encourage them to walk in the ways of God.

The Church Community: Their Catholic faith is a pillar of strength and they need to stay engaged with the Sacraments, the Word, and the teachings of the Church. I urged them not to let the busyness of university life detach them from their spiritual growth.

👉🏽The Leadership they Embody

The fact that last Sunday’s service was led by the Catechist and the students, rather than a Priest, was evidence of the strength of their leadership.

The Church is not just built by ordained ministers—it is sustained by the faith and service of its members. Their presence, discipline, and willingness to serve showed that they are not just passive followers; but are active builders of the faith.

I pray they keep this fire alive.

Conclusion: Especially to any youth reading this …Keep Your Roots Deep

In a world where many are uprooted by fleeting pleasures, distractions, and challenges, remain deeply planted. Just as a tree by the river draws nourishment from the water, draw your strength from God.

Keep your roots deep in prayer, service, and righteous living. In doing so, you will bear fruit in due season, and whatever you do will prosper.

My prayer is that you may continue to be the light and salt of this world, steadfast in faith and unwavering in purpose. May your lives reflect the beauty of a tree that stands firm by the waterside.

Amen.

What’s on my mind?

A Chinese saying says “To know the road ahead, ask those coming back” played out yesterday at Pwani University, Department of Tourismand Hospitality who invited a seasoned Hotelier for a talk.

Caption: "Final-year Tourism and Hospitality students had the privilege of hosting Mr. Paul Kurgat, Manager of Silver Palm Hotel & Spa, for an insightful industry talk. My message to them—your choice of career is all about creating a ‘home away from home’ for your guests. Keep the smiles going, because a warm welcome makes all the difference!

"

Revolutionary, in the right sense;

Pope appoints Sr. Simona Brambilla as Vatican's first female prefect - Vatican News Pope Francis appoints Sr. Simona Brambilla, an Italian-born religious sister from the Consolata Missionaries, as Prefect of the Dicastery for ...

Blessed Sunday and all the best as we set goals for 2025..

Baraka

Merry Christmas to you all my friends. May the joy of Christmas fill your hearts as we await the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.