Silas Jakakimba, who once served as a close aide to ODM leader Raila Odinga, has been appointed to the Council of Kirinyaga University in a sweeping reshuffle of university leadership announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
This new role represents a significant step in Jakakimba’s public service journey and places him among the key decision-makers in the institution’s governance.
Jakakimba will serve alongside newly appointed council members Ibrahim Khamis Mutwafy, Ursula Sabina Oyatsi, and Margaret Kathambi Gitonga. According to the Education CS, the changes were aimed at improving governance and efficiency in public universities across the country, as part of ongoing reforms within Kenya’s higher education sector.
In the same reshuffle, CS Ogamba appointed Professor Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the University of Nairobi (UoN) Council. The university, which has recently faced a series of leadership and operational challenges, also welcomed four new council members:
Ambassador John Kakonge, Samuel Njuguna Kimani, Jonathan Ltipalei Lodompui, and Mary Amuyunzu. These appointments are expected to help restore stability and strategic direction at UoN.
Moi University also saw changes, with Mercy Ringa Njagi being named a new member of the university council. At Kenyatta University, the CS brought in Joash Mokamba Keraita and Isaac Opuya Litali as council members.
Retired Major General Bashir Yusuf and Alice Waruguru Muita were reappointed to continue serving on the board, signaling continuity alongside the fresh appointments.
The University of Eldoret welcomed the reappointment of Peter Onchari Kereri and the inclusion of Evelyne Timpiyan Legis and Razoah Vitisia as new council members.
These changes come as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Education to strengthen leadership and management structures in higher learning institutions across the country.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) also saw continuity in leadership, with the reappointment of Cyrus Gituai as its Non-Executive Chairperson. This move is seen as a strategic decision to maintain consistency in the placement of students into public universities and colleges.
In addition to these high-profile university appointments, CS Ogamba also made leadership changes across a number of other public universities including Laikipia, Karatina, Garissa, Egerton, Kisii, Rongo, Technical University of Kenya, South Eastern Kenya, Taita Taveta, and Murang’a Universities.
Several university colleges such as Bomet University College, Mama Ngina University College, and Nyandarua University College also experienced leadership changes as part of the broad overhaul.
Beyond the Education Ministry, other Cabinet Secretaries made their own appointments to key government boards and agencies. Sports CS Salim Mvurya named Joseph Maina Njogu as a member of the Board of the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya, while Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui appointed Dorothy Kipkoech to serve on the same board.
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku appointed Brynes Mbogo to the National Youth Service (NYS) Council, and Health CS Aden Duale named Dabar Abdi Maalim as the new Non-Executive Chairperson of the Nursing Council of Kenya Board.
These appointments are part of a government-wide strategy to inject new energy and leadership into state agencies.
Meanwhile, ICT CS William Kabogo confirmed that the current Chairperson of the Media Council of Kenya will continue in office along with other existing members. Additionally, Kabogo announced four new vacancies on the Council and called on qualified Kenyans to apply, emphasizing the importance of media regulation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
These sweeping changes come as the government prepares for a major Cabinet retreat, where ministers are expected to align on key priorities and performance benchmarks for the second half of the year.
The reassignments reflect the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring that public institutions are managed by capable and accountable leaders.
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