Egerton University marks 86 years of excellence in a colourful celebration

Egerton University has marked 86 years of existence with pomp and colour, celebrating a legacy that leaders described as a pillar of stability, a bastion of higher education and a symbol of resilience in the region for over eight decades.

Founded in 1939 by Maurice Egerton, a Briton who settled in Kenya in 1919, the Njoro-based institution began as a farm college before attaining full university status in 1987. Over the years, it has grown into a leading centre of teaching, research and innovation.

The anniversary celebrations were highlighted by the unveiling of a 600-page chronicle authored by Professors Emilia Ilieva and Reuben Matheka titled Thus Until: A History of Egerton University (1939–2019), which documents the institution’s journey through decades of transformation.

Vice Chancellor Isaac Kibwage said the university holds the distinction of being Kenya’s oldest institution of higher learning, tracing its roots to its founding as a farm college.

“Egerton University has stood the test of time. From its humble beginnings as a farm college to a fully-fledged university, it remains a beacon of higher education in our country,” Prof. Kibwage said.

He noted that over the years, the institution has rolled out various outreach initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, promoting access to higher education and contributing to national development through education and mentorship.

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“Our educational and research institutions carry a weighty responsibility as catalysts for socio-economic development through the creation of new knowledge, research and innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship and the eventual commercialization of outputs emanating from these initiatives,” he said.

Prof. Kibwage observed that research holds the key to unlocking the country’s potential and urged training institutions to embrace innovation to boost skills development.

“It is time research takes centre-stage in every university,” he said. “Our institutions have the potential to play a more proactive role in supporting an innovation ecosystem, especially through recognition of innovation that can be patented.”

The Vice Chancellor emphasised that institutions of higher learning must inculcate an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

“It is vital and urgent that Kenyan institutions nurture students not just to seek formal employment, but to become job-creators and employers by utilizing their creative and innovative abilities,” he said, calling for a paradigm shift in higher education.

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While acknowledging that science, technology and innovation are major drivers of social and economic transformation; Prof. Kibwage noted that applying knowledge and innovation is necessary to attain sustainable economic growth and competitiveness, particularly in the face of emerging challenges such as climate change.

He underscored the importance of global research collaborations, saying they offer valuable cross-learning opportunities for scholars.

“We must forge stronger partnerships with the business sector to translate research findings into industries that create wealth and jobs. African universities should become the springboards of economic development on the continent,” he said.

Prof. Kibwage added that Kenyan universities still need to play a more active role in strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem, particularly through supporting research that can be patented and commercialised for national development.

By Kimutai Langat