Egerton University is mourning the death of its former Chancellor, Professor Shem Oyoo Wandiga, who served the institution from 2013 to 2019.
The university has remembered Prof. Wandiga as a distinguished environmental chemist and accomplished academic leader whose tenure was marked by a strong commitment to academic excellence, research advancement, and institutional growth.
During his six years as Chancellor, Prof. Wandiga played a central role in the life of the university. He presided over graduation ceremonies, conferring degrees on thousands of students, while also representing Egerton University in national and international academic forums.
His leadership coincided with significant milestones in research and innovation. Among the most notable achievements during his tenure was Egerton University’s recognition as an African Centre of Excellence in Climate Smart Agriculture, a development that strengthened the institution’s role in climate change mitigation and agricultural research in line with its founding mission.
Prof. Wandiga often expressed pride in the achievement, describing it as a reflection of the university’s growing contribution to Kenya’s and Africa’s development agenda.
ALSO READ:
Senate education committee flags poor conditions of ECDE and VTIs in Bomet County
He also championed the expansion of academic infrastructure, including the 2016 extension of the J.D. Rockefeller Research Library at the university’s Utafiti Building on the main campus. The addition of the Foster Library enriched the institution’s research capacity with more than 3,500 specialised academic texts and scientific materials, enhancing postgraduate learning and scholarly research.
In various strategic engagements, including a Special Senate meeting in 2016, Prof. Wandiga spoke candidly about challenges facing higher education, among them rising student enrolment, funding constraints, and governance concerns. He underscored the importance of sound institutional management, financial accountability, and sustainable planning in safeguarding the quality of public universities.
Prof. Wandiga, who was also the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, (JOOUST) Council chairman, has been described as a Chancellor who went beyond ceremonial responsibilities to actively support academic development and institutional transformation
His legacy, the university said, remains deeply embedded in Egerton University’s continued pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, and innovation.
The university has extended its condolences to Prof. Wandiga’s family, friends, colleagues, and the wider academic fraternity.
By Our reporter
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
