NAIROBI – The Ministry of Education has announced new appointments to more than 17 public university councils, signaling a significant reorganization in higher education leadership across the country. In a Gazette notice dated July 25, Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba named Silas Jakakimba, a former aide to Raila Odinga, as a member of the Kirinyaga University Council. He will serve alongside Ibrahim Khamis Mutwafy, Ursula Sabina Oyatsi, and Margaret Kathambi Gitonga.
CS Ogamba also appointed Professor Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the University of Nairobi Council. Other members of the new UoN council include Jonathan Ltipalei Lodompui, Mary Amuyunzu, John Kakonge, and Samuel Njuguna Kimani. The appointments come amid ongoing internal restructuring at the university.
At Moi University, Mercy Ringa Njagi has been appointed to the council. Kenyatta University’s council saw the inclusion of Joash Mokamba Keraita, Retired Major General Bashir Yusuf, Alice Waruguru Muita, and Isaac Opuya Litali.
In Eldoret, Peter Onchari Kereri was reappointed to the University of Eldoret Council, joined by newcomers Evelyne Timpiyan Legis and Razoah Vitisia.
CS Ogamba also confirmed the reappointment of Cyrus Gituai as Chairperson of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), maintaining leadership continuity in student admissions.
Additional appointments affected councils at Laikipia University, Karatina University, Garissa University, Egerton University, Kisii University, Rongo University, and the Technical University of Kenya. Other institutions named include South Eastern Kenya University, Taita Taveta University, and Murang’a University.
Leadership updates were also made in university colleges, including Bomet, Mama Ngina, and Nyandarua University Colleges.
The sweeping appointments are part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen governance structures within Kenya’s public universities. No official explanation accompanied the changes, but sources familiar with the process say the updates are meant to inject new oversight into the sector and align council leadership with current institutional needs.
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