Egerton University has appointed George Morara Ogendi as the new Principal of the Nakuru City Campus College. The appointment signals a new phase of stability and strategic growth for the university’s urban campus.
The formal offer from the Office of the Vice Chancellor was issued on March 6, 2026. It follows a competitive interview process held on February 27, 2026. Prof. Ogendi had been serving as Acting Principal before the confirmation.
He takes over from Joshua Ogendo, who has since moved to Kibabii University as Deputy Vice Chancellor. Prof. Ogendo leaves behind a reputation for academic discipline and institutional order. Prof. Ogendi now steps in to consolidate these gains while steering the campus through a demanding economic climate.
His appointment comes at a time when universities across Kenya are adjusting to tighter public funding and rising operational costs. Within this environment, the Nakuru City Campus has had to rethink its structure and delivery model.During his tenure as Acting Principal, Prof. Ogendi championed a lean and efficient operational approach. He strengthened programme visibility and aligned courses with the needs of working professionals. The campus model emphasized accessibility within the growing urban environment of Nakuru. Operational costs were reduced while academic quality remained intact.
Prof. Ogendi brings extensive administrative experience. His leadership record within Egerton University spans several transformative assignments.At the Chemeron Campus, he led a period of institutional stabilization and growth. The campus had previously faced operational uncertainty. Under his leadership, academic activities were strengthened and administrative systems streamlined. He built stronger engagement with surrounding communities and stakeholders.
From Right: Prof. George Morara Ogendi, Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage, and Prof. Samson Orondo Obure during the launch of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment at Nakuru City Campus College.
Graduate processes became clearer and more structured. The reforms improved research output and reinforced the university’s reputation in postgraduate education. During his tenure at Chemeron, Prof. Ogendi championed technology transfer and extension programmes in Baringo County and attracted over KSh 100 million towards community development initiatives.Through these projects, significant improvements were recorded in livelihoods, women and youth empowerment, and environmental conservation in the region.
Prof. Ogendi also created structures for fast-tracking students' proposals and thesis processing and examination, significantly increasing completion rates. He implemented mentorship programmes and training workshops that built capacity among postgraduate students and academic staff.Under his supervision, Prof. Ogendi has successfully guided more than sixty postgraduate students to completion and published approximately one hundred papers in refereed journals. He has also attracted research funding from various national and international partner organizations.
Beyond administration, Prof. Ogendi is an accomplished scholar. As a Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, his work focuses on environmental sustainability and community health. His research on water quality and environmental stressors has earned international academic recognition.
His appointment as Principal is therefore viewed as both strategic and merit-based. It reflects Egerton University’s confidence in leaders who combine scholarship with institutional management.
The contract runs for five years and is renewable once based on performance. In this role, Prof. Ogendi will report directly to the Vice Chancellor.As Nakuru continues to evolve into a major urban and economic centre, the Nakuru City Campus College is expected to play a central intellectual role. As Principal, he is also supervising the Mpeketoni Campus in Lamu County where the University is implementing agro-forestry and farmers’ extension programmes.Under Prof. Ogendi’s leadership, the campus enters a new chapter focused on efficiency, relevance, and academic excellence.
Written by:
Kurian Musa
Communications Officer
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