Former Embu University VC, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, Officially Unveiled as Moi University Acting Vice-Chancellor
“No student will be barred from graduating due to missing marks—a matter that has caused anxiety among students, parents, and guardians. We are putting measures in place to ensure that such challenges become a thing of the past,”

Moi University formally introduced its Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, to the university fraternity in a ceremony attended by teaching and non-teaching staff, students, union leaders, and members of the local community.
Speaking at the 2,000-capacity Student Centre during his maiden address, Prof. Kotut vowed to restore Moi University to its former glory. He assured the institution’s over 14,000 students that under his leadership, the longstanding issue of missing marks would be resolved permanently.
“No student will be barred from graduating due to missing marks—a matter that has caused anxiety among students, parents, and guardians. We are putting measures in place to ensure that such challenges become a thing of the past,” he affirmed.
Reviving a Financially Strained Institution
Prof. Kotut acknowledged the financial challenges facing the institution, cautioning that the road to recovery would not be easy. However, he expressed confidence in his ability to steer the university back to financial stability.
“With the support of the Ministry of Education, the University Council under the chairmanship of Prof. Noah Midamba, and the entire university community, I am optimistic that we can turn things around. One of my key priorities is to attract more local and international students, as financial sustainability is impossible without a steady stream of student enrollments,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized the importance of teamwork between management, teaching, and non-teaching staff, pledging to foster an environment of cooperation and mutual respect.
“I will engage all stakeholders to ensure we restore the image of this premier university, which was on the brink of collapse. My leadership will emphasize teamwork to enhance industrial harmony, which has been lacking for years,” he said.
Commitment to Staff Welfare
In his remarks, University Council Chairman Prof. Noah Midamba assured staff members that their January salaries would be disbursed without delay.
“Expect your salary payments this Friday. If by then you have not received yours, feel free to reach out to me directly,” he stated.
Prof. Midamba also highlighted the university’s vast 3,000-acre prime agricultural land, noting that it presented an opportunity for financial self-sustainability rather than over-reliance on government subsidies.
“We are determined to transform this institution now that we have the goodwill and support of the Ministry of Education, staff, and the local community. We will also work closely with local political leadership to ensure everyone plays a role in safeguarding the university’s future,” he affirmed.
Union Leaders Welcome the New VC
Leaders from the university’s labor unions expressed optimism about Prof. Kotut’s appointment, pledging their support for his administration.
University Academic Staff Union (UASU) Moi University Chapter Secretary-General Busolo Wegesa and Kenya University Staff Union (KUSA) Secretary Mary Chepkemoi both welcomed the new VC with open arms.
“As unionists representing various cadres of workers at the university, we are ready and willing to work with you to ensure the institution is restored to its former stature,” Wegesa remarked.
He also voiced confidence that Prof. Kotut’s leadership would foster unity and inclusivity, which he claimed had been absent under the previous administration led by former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey.
“For the past seven years, we never held a single meeting with the former VC. There was no room for consultation, even during industrial disputes. We believe Prof. Kotut will change this culture and promote a more open and engaging administration,” Wegesa added.
As Moi University embarks on this new chapter, all eyes will be on Prof. Kotut to see how he navigates the institution through its challenges and delivers on his promise of restoration and transformation.