- Prof. Isaac Ongubo Kibwage has completed his five-year tenure as Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, having steered the institution through financial and operational challenges.
- His administration has restored stability, ensured timely examinations and graduations, and improved confidence in the university’s systems, though staff welfare and restrictive policies have remained concerns.
- Stakeholders have debated whether his term should be renewed, as political interests have reportedly influenced succession discussions, but merit and institutional priorities have been emphasised as guiding factors.
The tenure of Egerton University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ongubo Kibwage, is scheduled to end on 5 October 2026, marking the completion of his five-year term after his appointment in October 2021.
When Prof. Kibwage assumed office, Egerton University was grappling with serious financial and operational challenges. Through a series of difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions, his administration has steered the institution towards stability and placed it on a clearer path to recovery.
Today, Egerton University is among the few public universities where the academic calendar is largely adhered to.
Students report that examination results are released on time, special and supplementary examinations are conducted as scheduled, cases of missing marks have significantly reduced, and learners who attend classes, register for their units and meet their fee obligations are generally able to graduate within the expected timelines.
There is, of course, room for improvement. Issues such as timely payment of part-time lecturers, staff welfare, and the review of policies that some stakeholders consider unnecessarily restrictive—often justified under the banner of quality assurance—deserve attention.
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However, these challenges should not overshadow the gains made during Prof. Kibwage’s tenure.
On balance, his leadership has restored stability, strengthened institutional systems, and improved confidence in the university’s operations. In our view, his overall performance provides a strong case for consideration of a renewal of his term.
At the same time, there are reports that political interests are beginning to influence the succession process, with claims that some influential figures from the Rift Valley are pushing for one of their preferred candidates, partly due to calculations linked to the 2027 General Election. These claims remain unverified and should be treated with caution.
Ultimately, the appointment of Egerton University’s next Vice-Chancellor should be guided by merit, integrity, competence and a clear vision for the institution’s future—not by regional, ethnic, or political considerations. The university’s long-term interests must remain the overriding priority.
By Jeff Kirui
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