Eyes will be riveted on Prof Isaac Ongubo Kibwage as he assumes the position of Vice Chancellor of Egerton University.
The University Council appointed him Tuesday to steer the institution at a time a majority of institutions of higher learning have a myriad of challenges.
Apart from insufficient funding from government, the collapse of self sponsored programmes which was a major revenue stream has hurt the universities.
This week, the University Council’s acting chairperson Wilson Kiprop Rono, said that the decision to appoint Prof Kibwage to the position of VC was arrived at after consultations with Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha.
Prof Kibwage, 67, who is a professor of pharmacy had been acting in that capacity for a couple of months.
He becomes the 6th Vice Chancellor of the University.
Problems have confronted the university in recent years, just as is the case in other public universities.
A cross section of scholars and educationists including Prof Kibwage’s peers expressed confidence that he was equal to the task ahead of him.
Members of Scholar Media Digital, a WhatsApp forum which brings the who is who in academia, leadership and governance in the country including Prof Kibwage were elated with his appointment.
Prof Ratemo Michieka who served as VC at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) said, “You have our unwavering support. Maintain your integrity.”
Prof Reuben Marwanga who is the chairman of Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) said, “we are proud of you,” while Prof Mary Misa Kadenyi wrote, “May the Holy Spirit of knowledge, wisdom and understanding lead you.”
Dr Ngwacho Areba who is the Dean School of Education at Kisii University wished Prof Kibwage God’s grace as he serves humanity in the next assignment.
Another member, Kelvin Nyamache challenged Prof Kibwage to offer his best so that the university sits well in its rightful position in the country and the world.
Prof. Augustine Onkware, Prof. Jones Agwata, Prof. Henry Onderi of JOOUST, Charles Chweya, a curriculum support officer, Dr. James Ontieri of Rongo University, Wakili Evans Machera, Dr. Caleb Orenge and Dr. Mary Bosire who are dons at Egerton University, Alex Migika who is a director in the department of Agriculture, Nyamira County Government and alumni of the Nakuru based university, and Clement Nyang’acha, a high school principal were equally elated with the news of Prof Kibwage’s appointment.
“Your track record speaks for itself and I have no doubt that you will deliver in your new position,” said Elijah Nyaanga, the Editor-In-Chief of The Scholar Media Group Africa.
The position of VC at the university was vacated when Prof Rose Mwonya retired in January this year.
The Public Service Commission (PSC) had on 24th August interviewed seven candidates who had been shortlisted for the top coveted job.
Prof Kibwage previously served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Planning and Development at the university.
Karatina University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics Prof Peninah Obudho and Prof Alexander Kahi who once served as Egerton University’s Deputy Vice Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of academics were also eyeing the position.
Prof Prisca Tuitoek who is the Muranga University of Technology’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics and Students’ Affairs and Prof Bockline Bebe who is the acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research and Extension at the same university equally wanted the job.
Prof Benedict Mutua and Prof Douglas Shitanda who is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Planning and Finance at Machakos University were also among those who were interviewed for the job.
Related story CHANGE OF GUARD: Will Prof Kibwage steer Egerton University out of the troubled winds?
- Additional Reporting By Nyang’au Araka
