Prof. Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot was officially installed as the 2nd Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eldoret in a rich colourful function during the 12th Graduation Ceremony held at the University Pavilion grounds on Thursday 30th November, 2023. 

The installation was a significant milestone in the University’s history as we received a well-tested and tried visionary leader whose dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence has been widely recognized through his academic and administrative career.

Prof. Cheruiyot’s citation, read by Prof. Miriam Kinyua, was an embodiment of his life- long motto "From Hardships to Heights: Embrace Transformation and Ignite Growth”. A Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Strategy with over twenty-eight years’ experience in administration, management, teaching and research, Prof. Cheruiyot understands the transformative power of education which has been demonstrated through his academic journey marked by scholarly achievement and a deep-seated passion to foster scholarly growth and intellectual excellence. He has exemplified an unwavering commitment to the values that define University of Eldoret as an institution—integrity, innovation, inclusivity, mentorship and a steadfast commitment to nurturing an environment that fosters learning and discovery bringing a wealth of experience with a vision that transcends boundaries which will inspire the UoE community to reach greater heights of academic excellence.

Prof. Cheruiyot was gowned by his fellow Vice-Chancellor’s – Prof. Daniel Mugendi from University of Embu who serves as the Chairperson of the Public Universities Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, Prof. Nathan Ogechi from Kisii University and Prof. Patrick Barasa from Alupe University. 

At 11.45 a.m., Prof. Cheruiyot was handed over the instruments of power; the University Mace, the University Seal, the University Logo, the University Charter and Statutes (the legal instrument), the University Statutes and the University Academic Programmes by the Chair of Council, Dr. Ismail Hassan who then presented him to the congregation as the 2nd Vice-Chancellor of University of Eldoret.

He was dedicated to serve in his role as the Vice-Chancellor by Rev. Fr. Kiprop Kangogo with his family by his side.

The occasion was witnessed by Dr. Beatrice Inyangala (Principal Secretary, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Ministry of Education); UoE Council members, UoE Management Board, UoE Senate members, Hon. Sen. Prof. Margaret Kamar (Nominated Senator and Chairperson of the UoE Endowment Fund Trust); Hon. Jonathan C. Bii (Governor, Uasin Gishu County Governor); Hon. Wisley Rotich (Governor, Elgeyo Marakwet County); Hon. Dr. Yulita Cheruiyot (Deputy Governor, Nandi County); Hon. Prof. Phylis Bartoo (M.P. Moiben Constituency); Dr. Edison Nyale (Uasin Gishu County Commissioner), Hon. Alfred Keter (former MP Nandi Hills), Hon. Sarah Malel (Deputy Speaker, U.G. County Assembly & MCA Kimumu Ward); Major (Rtd) John Seii; Dr. David Kios (Managing Director, KAGRC), Prof. Kisilu Kitainge (Director General, TVET-CDACC), Prof. Josphat Cheboi (Dean, School of Business and economics, Moi University), UoE Academic and Administrative staff, the graduands with their parents and guardians, guests and the community following the ceremony on the University social media channels.

Congratulations Prof. Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot and may your tenure be marked by remarkable achievements and transformative progress!