The past two years have seen Prof Laban Ayiro rise to become one of the most respected scholars in Kenya.
The highlight of his career was when he was appointed the acting Vice-Chancellor of Moi University in September 2016. He soon attracted the attention of many with his development projects at the institution including the construction of a perimeter wall and a new gate at the university’s main campus in Kesses.
Prof Isaac Kosgey took over from him in March 2018 in a transition hat was characterised by allegations of tribalism.
“We all loved Prof Laban Ayiro, in fact, we nicknamed him as A-hero. He was very humble to the extent that he would personally inspect the hostels,” Reuben Onyango a student at Moi University noted.Prof Ayiro shot back into the limelight after almost one year when he was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of Daystar University. His passion for education and extreme humility saw him win the hearts of both students and non-students at the Kesses-based institution.“I remember one time he came and packed his car where we usually conduct our businesses. He then asked us if we were okay and if there was anything we needed the administration to do for us. He was the first Vice-Chancellor to have ever cared for people like us who are not considered as learned,” Edward Kiplagat, a bodaboda operator at Moi University main campus stated.
His character and down-to-earth personality probably have more to do with his past that may come as a shock to many.
He was born in the slums of Kibera in Nairobi. His father was a driver and could not afford to fund his education. A well off friend to Ayiro’s father, however, admired the brilliance of the young Ayiro.
He took him and offered a better learning environment.
Unknown to many, Prof Ayiro at one time went to the same school with the late Jonathan Moi and Gideon Moi.
Strengthened by hardship and passion for education, Prof Ayiro rose to become the well-respected scholar that he is today.