NAIROBI, Kenya – Lawyer and former advisor to ODM leader Raila Odinga, Silas Jakakimba, has been appointed to the Council of Kirinyaga University, marking a renewed chapter in his public service journey.
Jakakimba’s appointment was formalized in a gazette notice dated July 25, 2025, and signed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba.
He joins three other new council members: Ibrahim Khamis Mutwafy, Ursula Sabina Oyatsi, and Margaret Kathambi Gitonga.
The appointments fall under Section 36(1)(d) of the Universities Act (No. 42 of 2012) and are set to run for a three-year term effective July 25, 2025.
New Energy for a Fast-Rising Institution
Kirinyaga University, one of Kenya’s younger chartered universities, has seen rapid development since its formal recognition in 2016.
The institution has emerged as a budding hub for science, technology, and innovation, with rising enrolment and expanding infrastructure.
As a council member, Jakakimba will play a key role in policy approval, financial oversight, and long-term strategic planning, working closely with university management to shape the institution’s future.
Nationwide University Council Overhaul
The appointments come amid a broader wave of changes across Kenya’s public universities aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and institutional performance.
In separate gazette notices:
- Kisii University welcomed Dr. Pamela Awuor Ochieng, Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto, and Dr. Mwenda Makathimo to its council.
- University of Eldoret saw the reappointment of Dr. Peter Onchari Kereri, and new appointments of Evelyne Timpiyan Legis and Razoah Vitisia.
- Murang’a University of Technology named Allan Mugambi Michael, Amran Mohamed Ali, Getrude Chemutai Kurgat, and Abdul Ramadhan Odhiambo as new council members.
All appointments were made by Education CS Ogamba, who has signaled intent to inject fresh leadership into public university boards as part of the Ministry’s reform agenda.
