Moi University is witnessing a smooth and promising academic semester, with significant reforms being implemented under the leadership of Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kotut. This comes after the former VC, Prof. Kosgey, was sent on an eight-month compulsory leave.
The recent leadership changes have sparked optimism across the university. Prof. Kotut’s first major act was to chair a special consultative meeting with staff, where they were given a chance to voice their concerns and propose solutions to improve the university. Prof. Khaemba Ongeti, appointed Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Research, Extension, and Student Affairs, also assumed his new role. Prof. Ongeti is a highly experienced academic leader, previously serving as Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Research, and Innovation at Moi University.
Prof .Ongeti shakes hand with VC Prof. Kutut
The leadership changes were welcomed by the university’s council. Council Chairperson Prof. Noah Midamba described them as part of a broader strategy to restore Moi University’s position as a top academic institution in the country.
“The reforms are a deliberate effort to transform Moi University and position it back at the forefront of academic excellence,” said Prof. Midamba.
Prof. Kotut’s Leadership and Plans for the Future
Prof. Kotut, an academic leader with more than three decades of experience, was previously the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academics, Research, and Extension at Embu University. He has also held senior positions at Kenyatta University, where he rose from Graduate Assistant in 1989 to Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Pure and Applied Sciences. His leadership is expected to bring positive changes to the university, addressing various issues that have hindered progress in the past.
“We are optimistic about his leadership and believe he will steer this institution in the right direction,” remarked a senior faculty member.
Since taking office, Prof. Kotut has focused on addressing leadership disputes, mismanagement of funds, and stalled development projects that have plagued the institution. One of his key initiatives is the renovation and re-tarmacking of the road from the old gate to the campus roundabout. This long-awaited project has been well-received by students and staff, as the university’s infrastructure had been in dire need of improvement.
Renovation of the highway in progress
Misuse of funds and mismanagement have long been a concern at Moi University, prompting several visits by Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba. These visits led to the decision to appoint a new Vice-Chancellor to help transform the institution. Prof. Kotut’s appointment is seen as a step toward addressing these issues and improving the university’s reputation
Academic Reforms set In
Under Prof. Kotut’s leadership, Moi University is already taking steps to resolve long-standing academic issues. One of the key challenges facing the university has been the issue of missing marks, which has caused frustration among students for years. Currently, students are sitting for their Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs), and the administration has promised to address any future incidences of missing marks.
The School of Information Sciences has already led the way by uploading updated transcripts for its students. This move demonstrates the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every student receives their rightful grades and that academic records are properly maintained.
“We understand the frustrations that come with missing marks. Moving forward, we are determined to ensure every student receives their rightful grades,” said Dr. Edwin Talaam, Chair of the Department at the School of Information Sciences.
Prof. Kotut has also made it clear that he is committed to upholding academic integrity. The university has taken steps to curb exam malpractice, which has been a recurring issue in the past. Dr. Talaam emphasized that any student found engaging in dishonest practices during exams will face strict consequences.
“We are committed to upholding academic integrity. Any student found engaging in dishonest practices will face the full wrath of justice,” he warned.students writing an examination in the students center
Financial Concerns Persist
Despite these positive changes, concerns over rising tuition fees and the funding model used by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) continue to affect students. Many students feel that the current financial structure is unfair, especially for those who are categorized under lower funding brackets. These students fear that the rising fees may hinder their ability to continue their studies.
"The fees are too high for some of us who come from humble backgrounds. The government needs to review its funding model to ensure fairness," said a second-year student.
The government has been urged to review the funding model to ensure that all students are given equal access to higher education, regardless of their financial background. Many students hope that these concerns will be addressed in the coming months, as Prof. Kotut’s administration continues its efforts to improve the university’s financial and academic systems.
The future is Luminous
As Moi University moves forward under Prof. Kotut’s leadership, there is cautious optimism among both staff and students that these reforms will lead to positive outcomes. The leadership changes, combined with the commitment to resolving academic and financial challenges, are seen as a step in the right direction. Many hope that these reforms will restore Moi University’s reputation as a leading academic institution in Kenya.
Prof. Kotut’s leadership is expected to foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and academic excellence. With ongoing improvements in infrastructure, academic systems, and student welfare, the university is on a path toward regaining its status as one of the top universities in the country.
As Moi University navigates this transformative phase, students, staff, and alumni are hopeful that these changes will ensure that the institution becomes a beacon of higher learning once again. Prof. Kotut, along with Prof. Ongeti, is expected to play a key role in driving the university toward greater success in the years ahead.
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