Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Wednesday inaugurated the new Moi University Council, emphasizing the need to restore the institution’s former stature as a leading center of higher learning.
Ogamba noted that governance issues had plunged the university into a state of decline, prompting the government to take decisive action.
“Our presence here is a deliberate government move to restore the lost glory of this university as an academic giant,” Ogamba stated during the event.
The newly appointed council is chaired by Noah Midamba, with members Ronald Wasike, Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Edward Sambili, and Ann Waceke Makori.
Their appointments, effective from January 17, 2025, replace the outgoing council members, including Njoroge, Sarah Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusila Ngenyi, and Susan Amlango Aletia.
Ogamba acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing council but warned the new team that reviving the university would be a formidable task.
“You must steer this great university towards great heights, ensuring that it discharges its mandate as an institution of higher learning contributing to the country’s growth,” he said.
The CS stressed that the government would closely monitor public universities, demanding accountability and decisive action to address challenges.
He called on councils to ensure good governance, maintain quality education, and adapt curriculums to meet evolving global demands.
Ogamba also highlighted the need to prioritize staff welfare to prevent disruptions and assured students that the government was working to streamline the new university funding model, currently stalled by a court order. He promised that students awaiting financial assistance would receive it soon.
PS Inyangala: A Brighter Future for Students and Staff
Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice Inyangala reassured students of the government’s commitment to addressing challenges at the university.
“With the new council, I assure the students that the future is bright and your dreams are valid,” she said, emphasizing the need to fully implement the return-to-work formula for staff who had gone on strike last year.
Inyangala urged the council to reposition Moi University as a hub for academic excellence, research, and innovation, pointing to a clear recovery and sustainability strategy from the government.
Chairman Midamba’s Vision
Council Chair Noah Midamba pledged to work immediately on transforming the university, stating that the council’s priority would be addressing the institution’s ongoing financial crisis.
Currently, Moi University faces debts exceeding KES 10 billion. Just days ago, the government released KES 500 million to pay lecturers and other staff who had gone on strike.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kosgey and several dismissed council members are under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) over corruption allegations.
Professor Kosgey, who attended the inauguration, is expected to work closely with the new council to implement reforms aimed at revitalizing Moi University.
