Students at Moi University have expressed renewed optimism and appreciation for the institution’s academic leadership, singling out Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics and Student Affairs, Prof. Khaemba Ongeti, for what they describe as visible reforms and a more responsive administration.
The praise comes nearly a year after the Moi University Council took a drastic step to address long-standing financial and administrative challenges at the institution. In early 2024, the Vice Chancellor and several top managers were sent on compulsory leave, while others were suspended, as part of a broader effort to stabilise the university and restore confidence in its management.
It was during this turbulent period that Prof. Ongeti assumed the role of Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor, overseeing academic programmes, research, examinations, and student affairs — a docket that directly affects thousands of learners.
According to numerous messages shared with this publication, students say they are beginning to feel the impact of leadership that prioritises solutions over bureaucracy.
One graduate, who completed his studies and was due for graduation in March 2025, narrated how he nearly missed the ceremony despite having met all academic requirements. He said repeated visits to various offices yielded no assistance, leaving him frustrated and resigned to failure.
Out of desperation, the student decided to call the DVC’s office directly. To his surprise, Prof. Ongeti personally received the call and invited him to present his documents. What the student expected to be another fruitless encounter turned into a breakthrough.
“Within a few hours, calls were made, my issue was addressed, and my name appeared on the graduation list,” the graduate said, describing the experience as timely and life-changing. He eventually graduated in March 2025.
Similar sentiments have been echoed by continuing students. One female student told this publication that the atmosphere at Moi University in 2025 feels markedly different from previous years.
“There is hope again,” she said. “Lecturers are attending classes more consistently, academic issues are resolved faster, and almost everyone in my class managed to graduate during the December 2025 ceremony.”
An analysis of recent graduation trends appears to support these observations. In March 2025, the university organised a mini-graduation ceremony aimed at clearing a backlog of eligible students who had previously been locked out of graduation. Later in December 2025, more than 5,200 students graduated, one of the largest numbers recorded in recent years. The 2021 cohort, which had previously raised concerns over delayed graduations, also posted improved completion rates.
These developments suggest a deliberate effort by the university’s academic leadership to address systemic bottlenecks and dismantle the long-held perception that graduating from Moi University is unnecessarily difficult.
Beyond institutional data, Prof. Ongeti’s personal engagement with students has also drawn attention. On his social media platforms, particularly Facebook, he is seen responding directly and respectfully to student concerns — a departure from the traditionally distant relationship between senior administrators and learners.
In one instance, a third-year student publicly raised concerns about a missing 1.1 mark on the academic portal. Rather than dismissing the issue, Prof. Ongeti acknowledged the problem and assured students that resolving such discrepancies would be a priority project scheduled for early 2026.
Observers say such openness reflects a leadership style that is firm but approachable, transparent, and willing to confront difficult issues head-on.
While students acknowledge that the ongoing reforms are the result of collective efforts by the University Council, Senate, and management — led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey Kotut — many agree that Prof. Ongeti’s stewardship of the academic docket has been particularly impactful.
As Moi University continues its journey toward institutional recovery, students say leadership that listens, acts, and places learners at the centre remains critical.
For now, many believe that in Prof. Khaemba Ongeti, the university has found an academic leader committed to restoring Moi University’s reputation as a centre of excellence.
