Kaimosi Friends University Acting Vice-chancellor, Prof. Peter N. Mwita joined other Vice-Chancellors, invited as well as distinguished guests, in witnessing the installation of Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka, PHD, EBS, FKNAS as the 1st Chancellor of Tharaka University on September 13, 2024. The ceremony was officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba at Tharaka University.

Addressing guests during the occasion, the Cabinet Secretary described Prof. Emeritus Ratemo Michieka as an academic stalwart and an embodiment of hard work, professionalism, research excellence, as well as an epitome in service to our Nation and family life. He noted that Prof. Michieka is best remembered for steering the then Jomo Kenyatta University College of Agriculture and Technology (JKUCAT) to an enviable international profile. His dedication prompted the spectacular rise of the institution into a fully-fledged public university in Kenya.

                 “Prof. Michieka’s outstanding values and commitment are what we want to instill in our young people,” Hon. Ogamba remarked.

The Cabinet Secretary further seized this opportunity to articulate President Dr. William Ruto’s vision for University and Higher Education in Kenya. He pointed out that the Government is heavily investing in a transformative education agenda. At the TVET and University levels, the Government continues to reform the student-centred funding model to ensure that all Kenyans get access to quality and affordable education. He underscored the place of dialogue in understanding the New Funding Model and called upon all stakeholders, including staff, unions and students to continue with talks that will end in a logical conclusion.

                     Kaimosi Friends University wishes Prof. Michieka and Tharaka University the best in the days ahead.