Prof Ogechi appointed new Kisii University Vice Chancellor

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu (centre) and newly appointed Vice-Chancellors; Prof Elijah Omwenga (Open University of Kenya)-left and Prof Nathan Ogechi (Kisii University)-right on Saturday while attending a Church service in Kisii. [Eric Abuga, Standard]

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has confirmed the appointment of Prof Nathan Ogechi as the new Vice Chancellor at Kisii University.

Machogu made the announcement while making his remarks during an Interdenominational Church Service in Kisii, an event also attended by President William Ruto at Nyanturago grounds.

Ogechi will replace pioneer Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama who retired a month ago after serving at the helm of the institution for 10 years.

Prof Ogechi has served as a Graduate Assistant, Tutorial Fellow, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and Full Professor in the Department of Kiswahili and other African Languages within the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Moi University.

He also held university management positions as a Head of Department for six years, Dean of School for two years and acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for twelve months.

Prof Ogechi has been a substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Student Affairs for five years and, since October 2016, he has also been acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Planning and Development.

He acquired a PhD in African Linguistics ("sehr gut") from the Institute for Asian and African Studies University of Hamburg, Germany between June 2000 - November 2002.

Ten top professors from seven different counties had been short-listed by Public Service Commission (PSC) for interviews to fill the Vice Chancellor position out of 16 individuals who applied.

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