Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has announced a fresh round of appointments and reappointments affecting the governing councils of eight public universities, in a move aimed at strengthening governance and oversight within Kenya’s higher education sector.
The appointments, published in a Gazette Notice dated June 26, introduce new leaders while extending the terms of several existing council members across institutions spread throughout the country.
The changes affect Maasai Mara University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Pwani University, Kisii University, Turkana University and Chuka University.
At Maasai Mara University, Professor Geoffrey Ole Maloiy has been appointed Chairperson of the University Council for a three-year term. Millicent Leila Lenguris has also joined the council as a new member, while Susan Chebet, Elizabeth Ayoo, Dickson Malanga Shikanga and Agnes Busienei have each been reappointed to continue serving for another three years.
At Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Joel Yego and Velma Mudanyi Mudasa have been reappointed as members of the university council, extending their tenure in the institution’s governing body.
Meanwhile, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology retained David Oyugi, Joan Odawa, Ambassador Ambeyi Ligavo, Isaac Kiprop Chebon and Willis Gesami Omwoyo as members of its governing council, while South Eastern Kenya University reappointed Esther Wanjiru for another three-year term.
Along the Coast, Professor Mohamed Salim Badamana has been reappointed as Chairperson of the Pwani University Council. Ambassador Benjamin Mweri, Sang David, Fatma Mohammed and Japhet Mvoyi Ria have also been retained as members of the university’s governing council.
At Kisii University, Sara Ruto will continue serving as Chairperson of the University Council after securing another term, while Samson Muchelule has also been reappointed as a council member.
In the Rift Valley region, Peter Ndemo has been retained as Chairperson of the Turkana University Council. He will continue serving alongside Jared Oyier, Shadrack Kemoi, Kimutai Biwott and Carolyne Ekwon, who were also reappointed as council members.
At Chuka University, Professor David Serem remains Chairperson of the University Council following his reappointment. He will continue working with Crispus Ndeke, Linet Maganda, Samuel Gitonga, Zephania Mbaka and Margaret Makhungu, whose appointments have also been renewed.
University councils play a critical role in the management of public universities, providing strategic direction, overseeing financial and administrative affairs, approving institutional policies and ensuring compliance with national education laws and governance standards.
In a separate Gazette Notice issued on the same day, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced additional appointments affecting state corporations. Nicholas Kamuya Ng’arua was reappointed to the Board of the Capital Markets Authority, while four other members were reappointed to serve on the Board of the Insurance Regulatory Authority.
The latest appointments form part of the government’s ongoing process of renewing leadership in public institutions as the terms of existing board and council members expire, ensuring continuity in governance and institutional oversight across key sectors.
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