- Egerton University student leaders want the University Council and PSC to renew Prof. Isaac Kibwage’s contract.
- They argue that continuity in leadership is necessary to sustain progress recorded under his administration.
- The students also want their voices considered in decisions affecting the university’s leadership and stability.
Student leaders at Egerton University have called on the University Council and the Public Service Commission (PSC) to move swiftly to renew the contract of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Ongubo Kibwage.
The student representatives say continuity in the university’s leadership is critical to sustaining what they describe as positive changes witnessed under Prof. Kibwage’s administration.
Prof. Kibwage is the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Egerton University, according to the institution’s official profile. The university has continued to document his engagements and programmes in 2026, including initiatives focused on technology, partnerships and academic development.
The student leaders have credited his administration with improvements in graduation rates, student experiences, adoption of technology and accessibility of university management. They also point to what they describe as a significant reduction in cases of missing marks.
They argue that replacing the Vice-Chancellor at this stage could disrupt the progress made and affect the stability of the institution.
“Disrupting this progress would be a step backwards,” the student leaders said, urging the government and university authorities to put the welfare and academic interests of students at the centre of the decision.
Students defend Kibwage’s record
The students have also urged the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to abandon what they termed sideshows and instead support initiatives aimed at improving the institution.
The debate has also drawn attention to the position taken by Egerton Students Association Chairperson Teddy Omondi Odhiambo. Odhiambo was elected chairperson of the Students Governing Council in March 2026 after garnering 24 of the 33 votes cast.
According to the student leaders, Odhiambo has reportedly maintained that students should not interfere with university management and administration, arguing that the government has the authority to appoint whoever it deems fit.
The position has sparked criticism from fellow students who argue that student leadership has a responsibility to articulate and defend students’ interests.
The leaders insist that students are among the key stakeholders in the university and should therefore have a voice in decisions that directly affect their academic progress and welfare.
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They are now calling for dialogue among the Council, government, staff unions and student representatives, with the primary focus being the stability and continued improvement of Egerton University.
By Jeff Kirui
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