It was pomp and colour as Meru University of Science and Technology on Friday held an inauguration ceremony for Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa as their second Chancellor.
Ndegwa takes over from his predecessor Equity Bank CEO James Mwangi.
The Telco CEO was given all the instruments of power including the mace, The University Charter and a Portrait.
PS State Department of University Education Beatrice Muganda, Chairperson of University Council Jane Kiringai and Vice-Chancellor Romanus Otieno among other dignitaries were present.
He was appointed by President William Ruto on November 1, 2023, for five years.
Mwangi who has been the institution's chancellor for a decade said he had grown it from a polytechnic to now a world-class research university.
“I am leaving Meru University with memories of ten years we have worked together to bring life to the vision and mission of this university. In these ten years I have been in situations where I have thought it special that am getting to experience this,” Mwangi said.
In his speech, Ndegwa said he would transform Meru University into a powerhouse in science and technology.
The CEO said he is aware of the enormous growth of student numbers from 4.000 to 12,000 in the last five months saying the addition of numerous staff and faculty to provide needed support to students is necessary.
“I am particularly keen to create keen to avail opportunities for students through the development of digital skills. I can commit these through various programs we have at Safaricom,” he said.
He said with the focus of the university being producing students in the science and tech fields, organizations such as Safaricom and others hold annual events to help students know what the future holds for technology in the real world so they are prepared when they leave the institutions.
Meru University Vice Chancellor Romanus Otieno thanked outgoing Chancellor Mwangi for his dedicated service in the ten years he has presided over the university.
Otieno said that the new Chancellor Ndegwa will not fit in Mwangi’s shoes but will be a cobbler of his shoes.
He described both Mwangi and Ndegwa as people who are down to earth.
