The Kibabii University Council appointed Professor Joshua Ondura Ogendo as acting vice chancellor for a three‑month term starting 26 October 2026, following the conclusion of Professor Isaac Ipara Odeo’s acting tenure on 25 October.

Ogendo, previously the deputy vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, assumes the top post as the university undergoes a broader senior‑leadership reshuffle.

To fill the vacancy created by Ogendo’s promotion, Professor Samuel Mungai Mbugua has been appointed deputy vice chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.

Council chairman Professor Chris Macoloo, in a statement on the university’s website, said the transition would be professional and seamless and thanked staff for their support.

Ogendo brings a research portfolio valued at over KSh 2.1 billion (US$21 million) and extensive experience from Egerton University, where he served as professor of agronomy and held several senior academic roles.

His tenure at Egerton included chairing the Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, two terms as dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and directing major research projects that secured KSh 1.3 billion in grants.

Ogendo’s academic credentials include a BSc and MSc in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi, an MSc in Grain Storage Management from the University of Greenwich, and a PhD in Agronomy from Egerton University.

Beyond university duties, he serves as president of the International Society of Pesticidal Plants and sits on the East African Community’s research grants sub‑committee, while contributing to a Vice Chancellors’ committee on HR instruments for public universities.

Kibabii University, located in Bungoma County along the Bungoma‑Chwele highway, received its charter in November 2015, becoming Kenya’s 23rd fully‑fledged university.