• The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba;
• The Chancellor, Egerton University, Dr. Narendra Raval (Guru);
• The Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala;
• The Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak;
• Honourable Members of Parliament present;
• The Chairman of Egerton University Council, Prof. James K. Sang;
• Members of the University Council;
• Vice Chancellors from other Universities;
• The Deputy Vice Chancellors of Egerton University;
• Former Deputy Vice Chancellors present;
• Members of the University Senate;
• Senior National and County Government Officials;
• Development Partners;
• Members of Staff and Students;
• Ladies and Gentlemen
It is my great honour and privilege to welcome you to Egerton University on this histrotic occasion, our Open Day and the official launch of the book “Thus Until: A History of Egerton University (1939–2019)”, held under the theme “Egerton University at 86: Honouring the Past, Empowering the Present, Shaping the Future.”
This occasion is particularly important because the last University Open Day was held in 2013. Holding it again today signals the University’s intention to reconnect more closely with its stakeholders and the wider public.
The Open Day provides an operational showcase of our academic programmes, research outputs, innovation ecosystems and outreach initiatives. Together with internal stakeholders and external partners, we bear witness to how Egerton anchors excellence in education, research and community service across ten faculties and multiple campuses.
Ladies and gentlemen, the launch of “Thus Until” is particularly significant. The book presents a thorough, well-researched chronicle of our journey, from colonial-era agricultural training through post-indepence and contemporary eras. Reviews of the book have consistently recognized it as a rigorous and honest account, situating Egerton University within the broader story of Kenya’s higher education development.
For us as management, this history is instructive. It reminds us that sustainability is built on sound governance, academic integrity, prudent resource management, and responsiveness to national needs. It challenges us to preserve the values that have endured, while courageously reforming where necessary.
As Vice Chancellor, I urge us to use this occasion to reaffirm our strategic priorities: enhancing research translation, scaling partnerships and optimizing operational efficiency to deliver higher impact in national development. Let our collective efforts be purposely directed at building an institution that not only endures “thus until,” but thrives for generations to come.
I wish to thank the University Council for its leadership and oversight, the Government of Kenya for continued support, our development partners, alumni, staff, students and the surrounding community for walking this journey with us.
To our guests, I invite you to engage fully, visit the exhibitions, interact with our scholars and innovators and experience firsthand how Egerton University continues to honour its past while shaping Kenya’s future.
I thank you.
