- Prof. Mwita has been serving as the Acting Vice-Chancellor since February 19, 2024. During his tenure, he has demonstrated visionary leadership, fostering institutional growth and strengthening community ties.
- Kaimosi Friends University, located in Vihiga County, was chartered by President Uhuru Kenyatta on July 28, 2022, transitioning from a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology to a fully-fledged university.
- KAFU is actively involved in sustainable development projects aimed at environmental conservation and economic growth.
Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU), one of Kenya’s youngest public universities, has reached a significant milestone with the appointment of Prof. Peter Nyamuhanga Mwita as its first substantive Vice-Chancellor. This appointment, effective May 14, 2025, follows a competitive selection process conducted by the University Council in consultation with the Cabinet Secretary for Education. Dr. Bernadette A. Mungai, Chairperson of the University Council, announced the appointment, emphasizing the Council’s confidence in Prof. Mwita’s leadership to steer the university towards excellence.
Prof. Mwita has been serving as the Acting Vice-Chancellor since February 19, 2024. During his tenure, he has demonstrated visionary leadership, fostering institutional growth and strengthening community ties. His commitment to academic excellence and innovation has positioned KAFU as a rising star in Kenya’s higher education landscape.
Reflecting on his historic appointment as the first substantive Vice-Chancellor of Kaimosi Friends University, Prof. Mwita expressed a deep sense of responsibility and purpose:
“I am deeply humbled by the trust bestowed upon me. This appointment is not just a personal milestone, it’s a call to service, a mandate to inspire and to transform Kaimosi Friends University into a beacon of academic excellence and innovation.”
Strategic Vision and Development
Under Prof. Mwita’s leadership, KAFU launched its 2023–2027 Strategic Plan on June 26, 2024. This ambitious plan aims to establish the university as a world-class institution renowned for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. The plan aligns with national and international priorities, including Kenya’s Vision 2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The strategic plan focuses on enhancing facilities for teaching, learning, and research; ensuring adherence to quality standards; and establishing a strong brand anchored in excellence. With an estimated implementation cost of KSh 5 billion, the plan involves collaborations with development partners, philanthropists, and industry players, as well as the creation of endowment and trust funds, research parks, and public-private partnerships.
With an ambitious plan to transform KAFU into a model of academic distinction, Prof. Mwita emphasized the need for relevance, resilience, and results:
We are charting a path where KAFU becomes a hub of research, innovation, and community impact. Our focus will be on producing graduates who are not only job seekers but also job creators.
Advancements in Health Sciences
Recognizing the community’s historical and cultural focus on health, Prof. Mwita has prioritized the development of KAFU’s School of Health Sciences. The university is actively developing its curriculum for Clinical Medicine, paving the way for the introduction of Medicine and Surgery programs. This strategic focus aims to position KAFU as a leader in health sciences education, addressing both local and global healthcare needs.
In a landmark ceremony, KAFU strengthened collaborations with the County Government of Vihiga by entering into two Memoranda of Understanding to promote healthcare systems. These partnerships provide KAFU students, particularly those from the School of Health Sciences, with crucial industrial attachments and internship opportunities at the Vihiga County Teaching and Referral Hospital. Governor Wilber Ottichilo expressed his strong commitment to the implementation of the MoUs, emphasizing their potential to transform the healthcare system in Vihiga County.
Community Engagement and Cultural Preservation
Prof. Mwita has emphasized the importance of community engagement and cultural preservation in KAFU’s development. In a meeting with local community leaders, the university management discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening the connection between the university and the local population. Key aspects of this collaboration include the fencing of the Kaimosi Cultural Shrine, the erection of a gate in the area, and the planting of indigenous trees. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between higher education and the practical needs of the community, fostering mutual growth and development.
Innovation and Research Excellence
KAFU hosted its first Innovation Week on March 24–25, 2025, bringing together students, researchers, and institutions to showcase technological advancements and innovative ideas. The event featured product exhibitions, pitching sessions, and a mini-conference, providing a platform for young minds to turn their ideas into real solutions. Participants included KAFU students and staff, as well as representatives from Friends National Polytechnic Kaimosi, Sigalagala National Polytechnic, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, and several high schools.
The university also held its second annual national conference on May 13–14, 2024, with the theme “Redefining Innovative Knowledge and Skills for Rapid Development in the Digital Era.” The conference attracted over 100 scholars from 29 different universities, with more than 60 papers presented across eight sub-thematic areas. The event underscored KAFU’s commitment to promoting multidisciplinary scholarship and research.
Sustainable Development Initiatives
KAFU is actively involved in sustainable development projects aimed at environmental conservation and economic growth. The university is exploring opportunities to utilize its 203-acre land for educational and research purposes, including the revitalization of the dairy farming program to increase production and create a sustainable income stream. The agricultural department is also focusing on research to implement modern farming practices.
In collaboration with Lokus Energy and other partners, KAFU is part of a $95 million zero-emission biofuel technology facility project. The facility aims to process 400 metric tonnes of assorted waste and biomass from Vihiga and Nandi counties, yielding an array of energy products, including biodiesel, hydrogen, syngas, and solid by-products. The project is expected to create at least 1,200 jobs at full capacity, with 400 of these being permanent and pensionable positions.
Partnerships and Collaborations
In highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership, Prof. Mwita reiterated his commitment to uniting all university stakeholders around a shared mission:
“I believe that the future of this university lies in meaningful collaboration—with students, faculty, industry, government, and development partners. Together, we will build a resilient institution that serves generations.”
KAFU has established partnerships with various institutions to enhance its academic and research capabilities. The university signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) to promote collaboration in areas such as research, policy formulation, and human resource development. These partnerships aim to improve the working structures of the institutions involved and address community problems and developments.
Additionally, KAFU’s partnership with Scholar Media Group Africa (SMEGAfrica) has amplified the university’s visibility and outreach. Scholar Media Africa has pledged unwavering support to KAFU, providing a platform for disseminating research findings and promoting academic discourse.
Background of Kaimosi Friends University
Kaimosi Friends University, located in Vihiga County, was chartered by President Uhuru Kenyatta on July 28, 2022, transitioning from a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology to a fully-fledged university. The institution was started in September 2014 as Kaimosi Friends University College (KAFUCO) and has since grown to become a center of excellence in education and research.
As KAFU continues its journey towards becoming a world-class institution, the appointment of Prof. Mwita as Vice-Chancellor heralds a promising future. His leadership is expected to drive the university’s mission of providing quality education, fostering innovation, and contributing to national development.
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