By Patrick Githinji

At 45, Professor Joseph Galgalo is not only the youngest Vice Chancellor (VC) to head a University, but also the first VC to come from the Northern Kenya.

Galgalo was recently appointed the VC of St Paul’s University Limuru.

His appointment is a radical departure from the norm where most vice chancellors – especially those in public universities – come from the provinces in which the institutions are located.

When The Standard on Sunday caught up with him at the institution’s head office in Limuru, the soft-spoken professor was busy going about his administrative duties, but he couldn’t deny us an interview.

Run a university

"Perhaps not many people would believe that people from Northern part of Kenya would get a chance to run a university, like the opportunity I have," the VC said in his opening remarks.

Galgalo says this is an indication that no matter where one comes from, they can be of service given the opportunity.

Prof Joseph Galgalo in his office at St Paul’s University Limuru during the interview.

St Paul’s University, Limuru. The university was recently awarded a charter to operate as a fully fledged private university. Photo: Ann Kamoni/Standard

The VC, who attended the Cambridge University for his PhD studies, admits that the appointment came to him as surprise.

"When I was growing up, I didn’t even know that there was such a profession," he said.

"It is only after I was in higher education that it dawned on me that I needed to become a professor and maybe something higher," he added.

Galgalo, who joined the institutions nine years ago, says he has taken his new appointment in a stride and he is prepared for the challenges that come with.

"I have a great responsibility on my shoulder as I know that people are expecting a lot from me. I have to prove that I am equal to the task," he said.

And he added: "I want to make my tenure as successful as possible and to steer the institution to greater heights in provision of quality education, spiritual transformation and research that will positively shape our country."

Bespectacled professor

The VC also says he will work to increase the number of academic programme offered by the institution.

The bespectacled professor, who spots a well trimmed beard and moustache, attended Marsabit Boarding School for his early education, then proceeded to Marsabit Boys for his high school education.

He later joined Machakos Teacher Training College.

After his training, he worked for three years as a Government teacher in the Northern part of Kenya.

"It is during my days in teaching that I discovered that I had a calling to work as a Church minister. I proceeded to a theological college in Kerugoya for three years and later to United States for further studies," said the professor of systematic theology.

Prof Galgalo has also served as a Church minister in the Anglican Church and a lecturer at St Paul’s University Limuru.

The VC position fell vacant in August 2010 after his predecessor moved to Daystar University to serve in a similar capacity.

Decries evils

Galgalo decries the evils afflicting our country despite over 80 per cent of population belonging to at least some faith.

He is, however, confident that the institution will continue to train graduates who not only profess the Christian faith but also practise it.

"We are training our students to put into practice Christian ethics when carrying out their duties so as to positively impact on the country’s leadership as well as transform the lives of people," he said.

The VC’s stint at the helm of has not been without challenges.

Immediately he assumed the position, there were rumours doing rounds that he was a Muslim.

He, however, rubbishes the claims, attributing them to the misconception that all residents of Northern Kenya are Muslims

" I come from a Christian family and my parents are converts. I attended missionary

School. There are a lot of people like me who come from that part of the country and are Christians like me contrary to what most people believe," he said.

Galgalo says he is happy with the career path he has taken and he wouldn’t exchange it for anything.

He says he owes his achievements to his friends and colleague who have always been a great source of encouragement and inspiration.

His last word: " I strongly believe in my calling and to serve all human beings. The greatest thing you can do is to empower your fellow human beings and to give people an equal opportunity so that they can realise their potential."