Kibabii University on Friday, 17^th July 2026, held a thanksgiving and farewell ceremony in honour of its first substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, whose tenure comes to an end later this month. The occasion marked a defining moment in the University’s history as staff, students, members of the University Council, family, friends, alumni, and the local community gathered in prayer, gratitude, and celebration to pay tribute to a visionary leader whose stewardship has transformed the University over the past decade. Throughout the event, speakers reflected on Prof. Ipara’s unwavering commitment, humility, and visionary leadership that laid a strong foundation for academic excellence, research, innovation, and institutional growth.

Prof. Ipara’s journey with Kibabii University began in 2012 when the institution was still Kibabii University College, a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST). At the time, the College had a student population of just 333. He was appointed as the Coordinator of the College before later serving as its Principal. Following the award of the University Charter in 2015, he became the University’s first Vice Chancellor, a position from which he has guided the University through a remarkable period of expansion and transformation.

Under his leadership, Kibabii University has grown from a fledgling University College into a vibrant University with a student population of more than 11,000, nearly 500 members of staff, expanded academic programmes, enhanced infrastructure, increased research output, and strengthened national and international partnerships. His tenure has been characterized by strategic growth, prudent management of resources, and an unwavering commitment to quality university education.

The thanksgiving ceremony was marked by moving tributes from colleagues, friends, former students, and members of the community, all of whom celebrated Prof. Ipara’s remarkable legacy. Speaker after speaker described him not only as an accomplished academic and administrator but also as a compassionate mentor, father figure, and servant leader whose wisdom, integrity, and selfless leadership inspired generations.

In an emotional tribute, Prof. Inyani Simala, a longtime friend and former student of Prof. Ipara, described him as a mentor whose influence dates back to 1982. He recalled the profound role Prof. Ipara played in shaping his academic and professional journey, praising his dedication to nurturing future leaders through humility, discipline, and excellence.

Echoing similar sentiments, Eng. Vincent Sidai described Prof. Ipara as a focused, patient, and intellectually gifted leader whose calm demeanour and principled leadership earned him admiration both within the University and in the wider community. He noted that Prof. Ipara’s legacy would continue to inspire generations of scholars and leaders.

In his keynote address, Prof. Ipara expressed profound gratitude to all stakeholders who had supported him throughout his leadership journey. He acknowledged that the University’s remarkable achievements were the result of collective effort and collaboration, thanking the University Council, members of staff, students, the Ministry of Education, the County Government, development partners, alumni, and the local community for their unwavering support.

Reflecting on the University’s journey, Prof. Ipara observed that every milestone achieved over the years was a testament to teamwork, shared vision, and commitment to excellence. He encouraged the University community to remain united and steadfast in advancing Kibabii University’s mission while building on the strong foundation that has positioned the University for continued growth and success.