The government has appointed a new council to steer Moi University out of its current financial crisis and governance challenges, with Noah Midamba appointed as the chairperson. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba inaugurated the new team on Wednesday, emphasizing the urgency of restoring the institution to its former glory as a key academic powerhouse.
Ogamba pointed out that Moi University had faced a severe decline in its reputation due to governance issues. “Our presence here is a deliberate government move to restore the lost glory of this university as an academic giant,” Ogamba stated, underscoring the need for effective leadership. The education sector has been marred by inefficiencies, and Ogamba’s remarks highlighted that the current council must implement reforms to address these challenges and steer the university back on track.
The newly appointed council members include Ronald Wasike, Mercy Nyambura Kanyara, Edward Sambili, and Ann Waceke Makori, alongside Midamba. These appointments came after the government revoked the positions of the previous council members, including Sarah Samiji Momanyi, Christopher Khaemba, and others, through a Gazette Notice dated January 17th, 2025.
Ogamba warned the new council members that their task would not be easy, stating, “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.” The education CS further stressed the government’s commitment to overseeing the management of public universities closely and taking necessary steps to ensure proper governance, noting that laxity in running these institutions would no longer be tolerated.
The university, with a staggering debt of over KSh 10 billion, is also facing an ongoing financial crisis. The government has been releasing funds to address staff welfare, including KSh 500 million recently disbursed to clear arrears owed to lecturers and workers who had been on strike. The new council will also need to address these financial constraints, with the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Kosgey, and other previous council members currently under investigation by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for alleged corruption.
Ogamba also reiterated the importance of reforming the curriculum to meet global standards and better prepare students for evolving job markets. Additionally, the welfare of university staff must be prioritized to avoid further disruptions. With the government’s full support, the new council has a clear mandate to guide Moi University back to academic excellence and financial sustainability.
