Education CS Julius Ogamba announces major shake-up in public university leadership

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has carried out a sweeping shake-up in the leadership of public universities across the country, announcing a series of new appointments and reappointments to university councils through a gazette notice dated July 25, 2025.

The changes, made under the authority of various sections of the Universities Act, are intended to reinforce governance, policy oversight, and institutional stability in the higher education sector.

Among those reappointed is Cyrus Gituai, who will continue serving as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) for a fresh three-year term. The appointment was made “in exercise of the powers conferred by section 55 (3)(a) of the Universities Act, 2012.”

At the University of Nairobi, Education CS Ogamba appointed Prof Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha as the new Chairperson of the Council. He also named Ambassador John Kakonge, Samuel Njuguna Kimani, Dr Jonathan Lodompui, and Mary Amuyunzu as members of the same council.

Meanwhile, Egerton University got a new leadership team, with Prof James Sang appointed Chairperson and Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed and Amos Okello appointed as council members.

Kenyatta University, on the other hand, had both fresh and returning faces in its council. Maj Gen (Rtd.) Bashir Yusuf and Alice Waruguru Muita were reappointed for a further three-year term. In addition, Joash Mokamba Keraita and Isaac Opuya Litali were newly appointed as council members.

Kisii University also had changes in both categories, with Josephat Kipsoy Sawe reappointed and new appointments going to Dr Pamela Awuor Ochieng, Prof Peter Mageto, and Dr Mwenda Makathimo. Prof P. M. Kutima was named the Non-Executive Chairperson of the council, while Christine Guchu was appointed as a member.

At the University of Embu, Prof P. M. Kutima will chair the council, with Christine Guchu serving as a member.

The University of Eldoret saw the reappointment of Dr Peter Onchari Kereri, while Evelyne Timpiyan Legis and Razoah Vitisia were added to the council.

At Murang’a University of Technology, Julius Ogamba appointed Allan Mugambi Michael, Amran Mohamed Ali, Getrude Chemutai Kurgat, and Abdul Ramadhan Odhiambo as members of the council.

Garissa University also featured prominently in the reshuffle. Hassan Sheikh Mohamed was reappointed as a member, while John Karani Ndiwa, CPA Jonah Kariuki, and Dr Alice Otwala were appointed as new members.

In Nyandarua University College, the new appointees are Job Wafula Chelongo, CPA Julius Obare Mokogi, Kariuki Peter Maru, Kirkwony Sophy, and Fatuma Abdi.

Bomet University College got new leadership as well, with Prof John Shiundu appointed Chairperson, and Dr Emily Kwamboka Nyagaram, Rose Chepkorir, and Fredrick Njoroge appointed as members. Reuben Butaki was reappointed for another term.

At Mama Ngina University College Council, five individuals were appointed: Lizzie Chongoti, Dr Joyce Kemunto Nyabuti, Gilbert Wafula Nyongesa, Thomas Meigkwelly Leremore, and Davies Mukuria.

Prof Josephat Kipkoech Yego was appointed the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Koitaleel Samoei University College council, alongside Elizabeth Mjomba and Prof Raphael Kapiyo. Moi University will now have Mercy Ringa Njagi serving as a council member, while Laikipia University’s council will include Eliazer Kipyego Kogey.

Other Topics To Read

• Education
• KUCCPS
• public universities
• UASU
• Julius Migos Ogamba
• cabinet appointments
• university funding
• Universities Act
• Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba
• state appointments
• Education CS Julius Ogamba announces major shake-up in public university leadership
• Headlines

Technical University of Kenya retained Dr Idle Omar Farah as its Chairperson, following his reappointment, and added Eng John Nyambok as a council member. Karatina University had a reappointment for David Opiyo and new appointments for David Joseph Osero and Edward Kobuthi. South Eastern Kenya University added David Kipngetich Koech to its council.

The Co-operative University of Kenya welcomed Anthony Saiti and Mary Simat as members.

Taita Taveta University experienced both a reappointment and new entries, with Prof. Isaac Meroka Mbeche returning as Chairperson and the appointment of Emma Kibiru and Stephen Kilungya as council members. Finally, Rongo University added Willy Kioko Malile to its council, strengthening its leadership team under the new directive.

All the appointments and reappointments listed in the gazette are effective for a period of three years starting from July 25, 2025.