The past one year has been a marathon of developments at the Moi University; a new gate, parameter wall, renovation of the hostels and walkways, beautification of the school, construction of new lecture halls, the introduction of online examination management just to mention a few. All these under the administration of Prof. Laban Ayiro who was then the acting Vice Chancellor.
For the first time in a while, Moi University rose up to be ranked number one university in Kenya and 19th in Africa by Webometrics company which is an international organization of researchers.
The students were always shocked by his level of humility. At one time he unexpectedly paid a visit at their hostels for a little chat. He even took part in a cleaning campaign at the school.
The lecturers were always on their toes. Students would express their grievances to him at a personal level. In fact, 80 percent of the students had his personal phone number. The boda-boda operators at the entrance of the University would not forget this one time when he alighted from his car just to have a conversation with them and get their ideas on how to develop the university.
Last week, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kosgey while addressing the staff during the commissioning of a walkway that had been initiated by Prof. Ayiro heaped praise on Prof. Ayiro for his good work.
"I would like to appreciate my predecessor for his good work. He has achieved so much within a very short period and has managed to take Moi University to another level," Prof. Kosgey said.
Unfortunately for Moi University, tribalism had become part and parcel of the institution. And it is this same monster by the name tribalism that brought Moi University down from the top. There was a time when Moi University would comfortably stand beside University of Nairobi and Kenyatta University. Those days are however gone, all thanks to tribalism.
During the interview for the position of the Vice-Chancellor tribalism, no doubt won the day. Ridiculous marks were awarded to someone they considered their own while the man who had brought Moi University almost back to it's original position was now considered an outsider. What a shame?
The new VC has apparently begun developing the university. You know how? By constructing new notice boards and renovating the roofs of the classrooms. Seriously? Would you prefer a gate or a notice board over a gate? This is a pure joke.
Well, enough said. If Moi University is not careful, tribalism will reduce it to nothing but a glorified college.