A New Dawn for Kabarnet University as Council Members are Inaugurated

Kabarnet University charts a transformative path with the inauguration of its 1^st University Council.

Friday, December 19, 2025

Kabarnet University marked a historic milestone on Friday with the formal inauguration of its newly appointed University Council Members, an event that signaled a major step forward in strengthening governance and shaping the institution’s long-term future. The ceremony, presided over by Dr. Vincent Mutai (Advocate of the High court of Kenya), was held at the university campus and brought together senior government officials, county leadership, university management, and key stakeholders.

The occasion symbolized the fulfillment of a long-cherished vision for Baringo County and ushered in a new chapter for Kabarnet University as it continues to position itself as a hub of higher education, research, and community service. Among the dignitaries present was the Vice Chancellor of Moi University, Prof. Kiplagat Kotut, whose attendance underscored Moi University’s continued mentorship and institutional support to Kabarnet University College.

The ceremony officially installed Professor Benson Estambale as the Non-Executive Chairperson of the University Council, together with Council Members Professor Alfred Kibor, Mr. Anthony Mutembei, Mr. Hussein Farah, and Ms. Millicent Too Chemutai. The Council will serve a three-year term effective November 28, 2025, with a mandate to provide strategic leadership, uphold accountability, and guide the university toward academic excellence and sustainable growth.

In addition, the Government reinforced its support for the institution through nominated representatives to the Council. Ms. Christine Minyuki, OGW, was appointed as an Alternative Member representing the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education, while Mr. Amos Cheptoo was appointed as an Alternative Member representing the Principal Secretary, National Treasury.

Addressing the gathering, Professor Estambale called for unity and collaboration among the Council, university management, staff, students, and the surrounding community. He highlighted his longstanding connection to Baringo County, having conducted his WHO research in the region, and assured the university leadership of the Council’s full support. He emphasized that the Council’s role would be to offer strategic oversight and guidance while respecting management’s responsibility for day-to-day operations.

Speaking during the ceremony, the Principal of Kabarnet University College expressed strong optimism about the university’s growth trajectory. He noted that the inauguration of the Council marked a critical foundation for the institution’s stability and future expansion. The Principal reiterated his confidence that Kabarnet University is on a positive growth path and expressed optimism that the institution would achieve its full university charter within the next three years, or earlier. He further emphasized the university’s commitment to local and international collaborations, particularly with like-minded stakeholders in research, innovation, and capacity building, as a key driver of academic excellence and global relevance.

The Honourable Joshua Chepyegon Kandie, Member of Parliament for Baringo Central Constituency, expressed pride in witnessing the milestone, noting that a fully constituted Council strengthens the foundation of the university and enhances its ability to serve the community while expanding access to higher education.

County Commissioner Mr. Stephen Kutwa Sangolo underscored the importance of sound governance in building resilient institutions, emphasizing that visionary leadership and prudent management are critical for Kabarnet University to remain competitive both locally and globally. He assured the Council and university leadership of continued government support and a secure environment for learning and research.

The keynote address was delivered by H.E. Governor Benjamin Cheboi of Baringo County, who described the inauguration as the realization of a promise he first made in his 2013 manifesto and reaffirmed during the 2022 campaigns. He noted that Kabarnet University is the only university in Baringo County, a development that has brought immense pride, hope, and opportunity to the local community.

Governor Cheboi outlined a strategic vision for the institution, urging it to focus on niche academic areas that would distinguish it nationally and internationally. He highlighted Baringo County’s unique geological features and revealed that the county has been identified by the United Nations as a UNESCO Geo-Sciences site, positioning Kabarnet University to emerge as a centre of excellence in geological and geo-sciences studies. He also encouraged the strengthening of agricultural programmes and the development of tourism-related courses that leverage the county’s rich natural and cultural heritage.

Emphasizing the role of the community, the Governor called on local residents to invest in hostels and related enterprises to support the growing university ecosystem. He further announced plans to advocate for legislation that would enable Members of the County Assembly to establish ward-level education funds to sponsor students studying at Kabarnet University, thereby improving access to higher education across the county. He advised the university leadership to adopt a business-minded approach to enhance financial sustainability.

On behalf of the university management, Professor Bernard Malakwen delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders who made the inauguration possible. He acknowledged God’s guidance throughout the journey and described the occasion not merely as the beginning of a Council, but as the unfolding of a shared vision for Kabarnet University. He thanked the Government, Moi University Council and Management, county leadership, partners, staff, and the local community for their unwavering support, and prayed for wisdom, unity, and integrity for the newly inaugurated Council.

The ceremony was brought to a close by the University Chaplain, who offered prayers and reflections, reminding attendees of the moral and ethical foundations upon which education must stand. As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism and responsibility. With robust governance structures now firmly in place, and with strong leadership committed to growth, collaboration, and innovation, Kabarnet University is well positioned to advance academic excellence, research, and community engagement, signaling a promising future for Baringo County and the nation at large.