By John Emeripus
November 11, 2026
Kibabii University has appointed Prof. Joshua Ondura Ogendo as its Acting Vice-Chancellor effective October 26, 2026.This marks another milestone in the distinguished career of an accomplished agricultural scientist, scholar and university administrator whose professional growth is closely associated with Egerton University.
Prof. Ogendo, a Professor of Agronomy specialising in Crop Protection and Stored Products Entomology. He previously served as Kibabii University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academics and Students Affairs, a position he assumed in January 2025.
His appointment reflects nearly three decades of experience in university teaching, research, academic leadership and institutional administration.
Egerton University played a defining role in shaping his academic and professional journey;
He joined the University in July 1997 as an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Agronomy, where he progressively rose through the academic ranks to become a professor.
He subsequently served as Chairman of the Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils (2009–2014). Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture for two terms (2014–2018), Director of the Crop Management Research Training Project (2019–2021) and Principal of Nakuru City Campus College (2021–2024).
His academic qualifications include a PhD in Agronomy, specialising in Crop Protection and Stored Products Entomology, from Egerton University (2008); an MSc in Agronomy from the University of Nairobi (1992); an MSc in Grain Storage Management from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom (2001); and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi (1988).
His doctoral training at Egerton further cemented his longstanding scholarly association with the institution.
Beyond administration, Prof. Ogendo has built an impressive research profile in sustainable agriculture, biological pest management, botanical pesticides, crop protection and post-harvest technologies.
He has authored and co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications, book chapters and research reports, contributing to agricultural innovation, food security and postgraduate research training.
His international engagements include serving as President of the International Society of Pesticidal Plants and Chair of Kenya's Pesticidal Plant Technologies Network (PEPTEN), advancing scientific collaboration and environmentally sustainable approaches to pest management.
His appointment is a source of institutional pride for Egerton University, where he spent more than two decades contributing to teaching, research, academic leadership and institutional development.
It also underscores Egerton's enduring contribution to producing scholars and university administrators who continue to assume influential leadership positions across Kenya's higher education sector.
Prof. Ogendo's progression from Assistant Lecturer at Egerton to Acting Vice-Chancellor at Kibabii University exemplifies the University's role in nurturing academic talent, developing institutional leaders and shaping the future of higher education in Kenya.
