Silas Jakakimba, a prominent lawyer and former aide to ODM party leader Raila Odinga, has landed a new role in public service following his appointment to the Council of Kirinyaga University. The announcement was made official through a gazette notice dated July 25, 2025, by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba.
Jakakimba will serve on the council alongside three other newly appointed members: Ibrahim Khamis Mutwafy, Ursula Sabina Oyatsi, and Margaret Kathambi Gitonga. Their appointments, made under Section 36(1)(d) of the Universities Act (No. 42 of 2012), will span a three-year term effective from July 25, 2025.
The move is part of a wider effort by the Ministry of Education to enhance governance, oversight, and strategic planning across Kenya’s public universities. University councils play a vital role in institutional management overseeing budgets, approving policies, and steering long-term development in alignment with national education goals.
Kirinyaga University, one of the country’s newer public institutions, was chartered in 2016 and has since evolved into a hub for science, technology, and innovation. The new council is expected to provide strong leadership, support the attraction of resources, and ensure adherence to policy and academic standards.
The appointments come at a time when the government is actively reforming higher education governance to improve transparency, accountability, and academic quality. Jakakimba’s inclusion is seen as a boost, bringing legal expertise and experience in public affairs to the university’s leadership.
In parallel appointments, other public universities also saw fresh council nominations. Kisii University welcomed Dr. Pamela Awuor Ochieng, Rev. Prof. Peter Mageto, and Dr. Mwenda Makathimo. The University of Eldoret saw the reappointment of Dr. Peter Onchari Kereri, with Evelyne Timpiyan Legis and Razoah Vitisia joining as new members. At Murang’a University of Technology, four individuals were named to the council: Allan Mugambi Michael, Amran Mohamed Ali, Getrude Chemutai Kurgat, and Abdul Ramadhan Odhiambo.
All the appointments were made by Education CS Julius Migos Ogamba as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen university governance across Kenya.
