Moi University has the potential to be one of the best universities in the country but to be honest, the status quo of the university does not reflect its potential. For a period of one year, Moi University experienced a series of developments that propelled it to be ranked number one in the country. That period was however short lived.
Prof. Laban Ayiro will no doubt go down in Moi University's history as a man who took the institution one step ahead. In his last speech during the handover ceremony where Prof. Issac Kosgey was welcomed as the official Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayiro said the work he had done within one year was worth five years. Prof. Kosgey has even acknowledged.
Construction of the perimeter wall is most definitely one of the landmarks of Ayiro's development. For years Moi University has been faced with the monster of insecurity mostly from outside. Students being killed and raped. But ever since the construction of the perimeter wall, the level of insecurity has gone down. The wall has not only improved the level of security but also its beauty and appearance as an institution of higher learning.
Technology is one extremely crucial trait that makes a university outstanding. Before Prof. Ayiro took power as the acting Vice Chancellor, students would make long queues to get their examination cards, print fee statements and check their results. But during his reign, he introduced an integrated online portal where students can print their exam cards, check results and even monitor their fees statements. This project will exist and probably be advanced more in the coming years but its roots will always be traced back to Prof. Laban Ayiro.
Several months ago Moi University trended on social and mainstream media after photos of students doing examinations while sited down were widely shared. Some even sarcastically mocked the university by calling it "Woi University" (which metaphorically means an institution of problems). In an interview last year, Ayiro admitted that indeed the institution was facing a problem with accommodation. The interesting part of the story is the fact that he went ahead and commissioned the construction of a new lecture hall which is so far completed and now being used by students. He was a man who spotted problems and solved them right away.
In a span of one year alone there was a new gate, perimeter wall, new lecture hall, online system for management of students' records, renovation of the hostels, construction of an amphitheater and so many more. Can you imagine what he could have done in a period of 5 years?
It is now Prof. Isaac Kosgey's turn who from the way he speaks, is also a man of development. His works are also becoming evident for instance the new notice board and renovation of the school of arts' classes. Let us hope this is a new dawn for Moi University.