CS Ogamba Appoints New Council Members to Six Universities Including KU

CS Ogamba Appoints New Council Members to Six Universities Including KU

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has announced changes to the leadership of six public universities and university colleges, appointing new members and reappointing others to their governing councils.

The changes were contained in a gazette notice dated Friday, October 2, in which Ogamba made several appointments under the Universities Act.

The appointments affect Kenyatta University (KU), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Machakos University, Turkana University College, Koitaleel Samoei University College and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

New appointments to university councils

At Turkana University College, Ogamba appointed Evelyne Kyendo as a member of the university council for a three-year term, effective immediately.

At Machakos University, the CS appointed Lazarus Kipichii Tanui for a three-year term while revoking the appointment of Mercy Kanyara.

The change brings an end to Kanyara’s earlier appointment to the Machakos University Council, which was made in January 2024 by former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 36 (1) (d) of the Universities Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Education appoints Lazarus Tanui to be a Member of the Council of Machakos University for three years. The appointment of Mercy Kanyara is revoked,” the gazette notice stated.

Despite the revocation, Kanyara was appointed to another university council.

Ogamba appointed her as a member of the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Council for a fresh three-year term beginning October 2.

Kenyatta University gets new council member

At Kenyatta University, Ogamba appointed Wilson Kipruto Ronno as a member of the university council for three years.

The appointment takes effect immediately and adds a new member to the institution’s governing body.

The CS also reappointed John Kamanga Ole Ntetiyan to the council of Koitaleel Samoei University College for another three-year term.

At Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Ogamba appointed AbdiHakim Guhad Gabow as a council member for three years, with the appointment taking effect immediately.

University councils play an important role in institutional governance. Their responsibilities include providing oversight, approving key policies and supporting the administration in implementing strategic plans.

Ministry continues university leadership changes

The latest appointments come as the Ministry of Education continues making changes to the leadership of public universities.

The government has previously made several appointments and leadership changes involving university councils as it seeks to strengthen governance and oversight within higher education institutions.

The latest gazette notice also included appointments made by other Cabinet Secretaries to various state boards and institutions.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui reappointed Neddy Jeruto Kiptoo as a member of the Board of Directors of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority for another three-year term.

East African Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul appointed Fardosa Ahmed Warsame to the National Drought Management Authority board for three years.

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa appointed Josephine Koisaba as a member of the Water Services Regulatory Board, with the appointment taking effect immediately.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also reappointed Lucia Nzoongo to the Kenya Film Commission board for another three-year term.

The changes come at a time when public institutions continue to rely on boards and councils to provide governance, oversight and policy direction.

For universities, the newly appointed council members will be expected to work with management teams in overseeing institutional affairs and supporting the delivery of their respective mandates.

The appointments will take effect according to the terms specified in the gazette notice, with most of the university council positions running for three years.

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CS Ogamba Appoints New Council Members to Six Universities Including KU