Prof. Thomas K. Kipkurgat was appointed as the first substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Finance, Planning and Development) at Kaimosi Friends University effective 1st December, 2024. He assumed Office on 3rd February, 2025.

Today 10th February, 2025 the University fraternity welcomed him in a colorful handing over ceremony witnessed by the Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter N. Mwita, taking over from Prof. Maurice M. Amadalo who has been dispensing the duties in Acting capacity.

Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter N. Mwita officiates the handing over ceremony

Until this appointment, Prof. Kipkurgat served as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Rivatex East Africa Limited and has been the Chairman, County Education Board, County Government of Uasin Gishu. He has also held key leadership positions in the University sector having served as Director of International Relations in Moi University, Director International and Multi –Cultural Linkages, Oklahoma State University, USA and Sports Manager Texas Tech University, USA.

Prof. Kipkurgat has been an Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at the School of Business and Economics, Moi University since 2011. He holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University, USA, Masters in Agricultural Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance and Management from Abilene Christian University, USA 

The new DVC (AFP&D) Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat giving his remarks

Addressing staff and invited guests during the Ceremony, Prof. Mwita applauded Prof. Amadalo for his outstanding and selfless service to KAFU. He noted that the appointment of Prof. Kipkurgat and his rich experience in academia is expected to enhance KAFU’s research and innovation prospects. “As a distinguished resource mobilizer, who was conferred the medal of Elder of the Order of Burning Spear; EBS, Prof. Kipkurgat brings on board vast experience that positions him better to enhance KAFU’s resource mobilization landscape and drive the University’s strategic objectives to greater heights” he said.

Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter N. Mwita addressing staff and invited guests during the event

Speaking on behalf of the County Government of Vihiga leadership during the event, Hon. Eric Obamo Odei, the Deputy Speaker, acknowledged that KAFU is key to the economic advancement of Vihiga and its people’s well-being. He added that collaboration and good working relationships between the County and the University will improve the economy of the County and serve the University as well as the community.

“I appeal to the University staff to tap into the wealth of experience of Prof. Kipkurgat to change the lives of this community. We shall involve the County in outreach activities to foster healthy working environment that will benefit both the University and the community,” he stated.

Prof. Maurice Amadalo, the outgoing acting DVC (AFP&D) feeds his successor a piece of cake

In his remarks during the ceremony the General Secretary of the East Africa Yearly Meeting Friends Quakers(EAYM)  Kaimosi, Mr. Ephraim Konzolo stated that the church is committed to supporting the growth of the University. “We are enthusiastic that the coming of Prof. Kipkurgat will enhance the existing good relationship between the University and the Church" Mr. Konzolo said.

In his acceptance speech, Prof. Kipkurgat thanked the University Council for the opportunity to serve as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (AFP&D) of KAFU. He vowed to continue reinforcing his predecessor’s accomplishments, with a special focus on enhancing staff and students welfare, human resource development, improving infrastructure, intensifying resource mobilization, strengthening security surveillance, increasing research and innovation output and a strengthening community relations.

Prof. Kipkurgat’s broad experience and academic expertise is expected to bring renewed drive for strategic growth and transformation of Kaimosi Friends University to a World-Class institution of excellence.

Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Peter N. Mwita, DVC (AFP&D) Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat and Acting DVC (ASA&R) Prof. Julius Kipkemboi sip mursik, a symbol of agreement and unity