Laikipia University welcomed Prof Patience Mlongo Mshenga, the new Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Planning (AFP) on 2nd December, 2024. She took over from Prof. James Onyango Ogola who had been in the office in an acting capacity since January 2024.
In his remarks, Prof. Ogola thanked the University Council for entrusting him with the office for the period he executed its mandate. He also highlighted the major achievements made during his tenure including: the commencement of the construction of the university perimeter wall; timely payment of retirement benefits; training of prospective retirees to ensure they can have a smooth life during retirement; staff skills development; conservation of the environment through the planting of 30,000 trees; youth empowerment through internships; timely statutory remittances among others. Prof. Ogola also apprised the Incoming DVC with the division’s operations and the directorates and departments directly linked to the office. They include Administration and Human Capital; Finance; Planning and Performance Management; Finance; Medical; Farm, and Information and Communication Technology. The University appreciates Prof. Ogola’s great contributions to the institution during his tenure.
Prof. Mshenga who is a Professor of Agribusiness Management comes in with a wealth of experience in the areas of administration, resource mobilization, finance and planning. She is also a scholar par excellence and is known for her academic and research output in higher education. She has a PhD in Agribusiness Management from Egerton University (2009), an MBA from the University of Nairobi (2000), and a Bachelor of Agribusiness Management from Egerton University (1995).
Prof. Mshenga has been the Principal Investigator of key monumental projects from the European Commission (2021-2024, 2013-2015); RUFORUM (2018-2020); Ford Foundation (through RUFORUM) (2012-2014); and the Collaborative Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics (CMAAE) Faculty Research Grant (2012-2013).
In addition, she has taken part as a Collaborator in distinguished projects from: The European Commission (2020-2023); Finnish Government (2020-2024); The Mastercard Foundation (2016-2024); Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (WOTRO) (2015-2019); Netherlands Initiative for Capacity development in Higher Education (NUFFIC) (2012-2014; and the then National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) (2012-2013).
All staff members at Laikipia University are requested to accord Prof. Mshenga the necessary support as the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Finance and Planning. As an institution, we look forward to the great contributions she will make to the University. We are indeed proud and congratulate her once again.
The handing over ceremony was attended by Dr. Poti Abaja - Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Research and Student Affairs; Dr. Mugo Muriithi - Ag. Registrar Administration and Human Capital; CPA Geofrey Kiprotich Langat - Chief Finance Officer; Dr. Samuel Onyuma - Director, Directorate of Planning and Performance Management; Prof. Robert Mwebi - Registrar Academic Affairs; Prof. Felicia Yieke - Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Joseph Oduol - Ag. Farm Manager; Jonathan Kiptolong - Ag. University Medical Officer; Josiah Sekoyo - Security Officer; and staff from the office of the DVC, AFP and directorate of Corporate Affairs.
