Prof. George A.O. Magoha, outgoing Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, has formally handed over office to the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter M.F. Mbithi after a successful completion of his tenure. Prof. Mbithi becomes the seventh Vice-Chancellor since the inception of the University of Nairobi in 1970.
Speaking during the handing over to the new the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Magoha said, “it is better to leave when your time is right.” He handed of instruments of authority among them; the University mace, seal, statutes, charter and official vehicle.
Prof. Magoha, the first Vice-Chancellor to be appointed competitively ten years ago, has played a key role in transforming the University. Magoha’s major contribution to the University in a decade of service include restructuring the University, entrenching performance contracting, performance appraisal systems, launching a Service charter, carrying out intense training for change management, pursuing ISO certification, and review and revitalize the University of Nairobi’s Strategic Plan.
In his ten years of service, the University has recorded excellent performance in local and international rankings, exponential increase in student population from 30,000 to 79,000, alumni numbers from 74,429 to 173,000, research fund has grown from Kshs. 350 million to over Kshs. 4 billion and asset portfolio stands at Kshs. 102 billion up from Kshs. 20 billion. In 2014, a record 123 students graduated with PhDs.
He said that the University has made great strides in all aspects including but not limited to fiscal discipline, academic excellence, infrastructure development and capacity building.
Prof. Mbithi, a Professor of Veterinary Medicine, has served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, and Finance, having been appointed to the position in 2005. He has also served as Principal, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Chairman, Department of Veterinary Studies.
Prof. Mbithi thanked the University Council and the government for appointing him as the seventh Vice-chancellor and promised to build on the achievements of his predecessor.
While serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, in charge of finance and administration Prof. Mbithi’s achievements include: steering the institution to ISO certification, leading performance contracting, rapid results initiative, strategic planning and the launch of the service charter. Prof. Mbithi has been instrumental in upgrading the general physical appearance of the University and upgrading its infrastructure. He was also in-charge of staff welfare and discipline, including industrial relations.
The handing over was witnessed by the Chairman of Council, Dr. Idle Farah, Outgoing Vice-Chairperson of the University Council, Dr. Betty Gikonyo, and members of the University Management Board.
The University will formally install Prof. Mbithi as the seventh Vice-Chancellor on January 14, 2015 in a ceremony conducted by the Chancellor and the University Council in Taifa Hall for a period of five years.
Source: UoN
