Moi University gets new acting VC despite protest

Prof Laban Ayiro has officially taken over office as Moi University Vice Chancellor (VC)  following a handover by Prof Richard Mibey whose ten years’ tenure ended on Monday, September 19.

The handover session, held at the Main Campus, was graced by the University Council Chairman, Prof Jenesio Kinyamario and witnessed by other top management officials at the institution lasted for less than 30 mins.

The transition came just one day after a section of North Rift leaders stormed the institution to protest against the appointment of Prof Ayiro who will be acting for the next three months.

During the session, Prof Mibey handed over the mandate to oversee the institution’s development projects, campuses, constituent  colleges, signatory authority to the University’s bank accounts and other privileges to Ayiro.

The former VC spoke of the progress he made pointing out to the ongoing construction of a Library at the School of Law, hostels at the main campus, development of an integrated digital payroll and personnel system and the implementation of the Digital Literacy Programme across primary schools in the country.

Mibey added that it has been exciting and challenging at the same time to serve in the position and that he was grateful the government trusted him to be a VC for ten years.

While accepting the appointment, Ayiro said he was still coming to terms with the highly valued position in the University management, stating that he was honoured and determined and that he would deliver quality leadership in the next three months.

He lauded Retired President, Daniel Arap Moi, for establishing the institution, which he said has immensely contributed to the academic sphere and development of Kenya.

He called for support from the Deputy Vice Chancellors,  University Senate members, faculty heads, all staff, students and the community saying that without their contribution he can not sustainably lead the institution.

Prof Ayiro, while referring to Tuesday’s occurrence where politicians stormed the institution, said the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Dr Fred Matiang’i, was the appointing authority and had made it clear on who was taking over the reign at the University.

He was categorical that there is a clear structure of appointments at the University.

Over 5,000 students from across all Moi University campuses and faculties will be graduating Thursday and Friday.