In a sweeping move aimed at addressing challenges facing Moi University, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has revoked the appointment of Dr. Humphrey Kimani Njoroge as the university’s council chairman. In a Gazette Notice dated January 17, 2025, CS Ogamba appointed Professor Noah Midamba as the new chair of the council. The changes also saw the dismissal of four other council members.
The outgoing members include Prof. Sarah Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, Eusilah Jepkosgei Ngeny, and Susan Amlango Aletia. To fill these positions, the CS appointed Prof. Ronald Wasike, Dr. Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Dr. Edward Sambili, and Ann Waceke Makori. The appointments are effective immediately.
This decision follows CS Ogamba’s commitment to overhaul the university’s governance structure during his visit to the institution in December 2024. Speaking during the visit, Ogamba highlighted the urgent need for reforms, stating that Moi University was grappling with significant challenges that required decisive action.
“Moi University is in a bad state mainly because of several issues,” Ogamba noted. He pledged to implement far-reaching changes to restore the institution’s stability and academic excellence.
President William Ruto also addressed the challenges facing Moi University during his visit to Uasin Gishu County two weeks ago. The President assured stakeholders that the government was determined to restore normalcy at the institution. He revealed that a special committee had been formed to investigate the root causes of the university’s problems and recommend sustainable solutions.
Moi University, once a leading institution of higher learning in Kenya, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including financial mismanagement, governance issues, and declining academic standards. These challenges have raised concerns among stakeholders, prompting calls for urgent intervention.
The new council, under the leadership of Professor Midamba, is expected to spearhead reforms aimed at addressing these issues. Stakeholders are optimistic that the new team will steer the university back to its former glory.
As the government rolls out these changes, all eyes are on the new council to deliver on its mandate and restore confidence in Moi University as a center of academic excellence and innovation. The coming months will be critical in determining the effectiveness of these interventions.
