Prof Stephen Agong'. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard]

Professor Stephen Agong', former vice chancellor of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology has been appointed Council chair of Mount Kenya University.

Prof Agong' is a renowned educationist spanning more than 30 years.

He served as First Vice Chancellor and Professor of Horticulture at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).

A seasoned researcher, Prof Agong will now oversee the running of the university.

He takes over from Dr David Serem who served for three years since 2020.

Prof Agong served as Principal of Bondo University, College and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Planning, Research and Extension Services and Professor of Horticulture at Maseno University.

He also served as Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Planning and Development and Associate Professor of Horticulture at JKUAT.

Prof Agong also served as Secretary General, Plant Breeders Association of Kenya, Director of the Institute of Energy and Environmental Technology JKUAT and founding chairman, Horticultural Association of Kenya.

He has also an interest in research in Horticulture, blue economy, food and nutrition security, and climate change with a keen focus on sustainable horticulture.

Other areas include training, science, technology, policies, management and leadership at University.

This year, Prof Agong was elected African Academy of Science (AAS) Treasurer and previously served the Academy as Governing Council member and Executive Director.

He obtained postdoctoral experience at Hannover University (Germany) and Okayama in Agricultural Science (Dr Agriculture), University of Giessen, Germany and Masters in Science and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi.

Prof Agong was awarded the Matsumae International Fellowship for Peace Award, and is a member of the International Society of Horticultural Science and a Fellow of the AAS with a wide range of exposure to national, regional and international research, mentorship and academic leadership and has been instrumental in publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.