University of Kabianga Acting VC Prof. Omwenga receives the handover report at the institution. [Kabianga University]

The newly-appointed University of Kabianga acting Vice Chancellor Prof Elijah Omwenga has formally assumed office.

Omwenga took charge at the official handover ceremony at the institution on Friday, June 16.

According to a notice by the institution in May, Omwenga will serve in an acting capacity for the next six months.

He takes over from Prof Wilson Kipng'eno, who has been at the helm of the institution for more than fifteen (15) years. Kipng'eno proceeded on terminal leave last month.

"Omwenga brings a rich experience in academia and leadership. He has a proven track record in the application of ICTs for effective service delivery in higher learning institutions in this era of education 4.0 and is credited for steering Kabianga University in embracing online learning during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic," the University Council said.

On his part, the university's new acting VC, Omwenga, said he is committed to elevating the institution's status, to compete on a similar level with its peers.

"I am committed to putting my best foot forward to further elevate the institution's status among its peers, specifically the university's standards in teaching and research," he said.

Until his appointment, Omwenga served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic and Student affairs.

He is, however, looking to expand his wings besides becoming Kabianga's substantive VC and has also expressed interest in becoming Kisii University's next Vice-Chancellor.

Omwenga holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Nairobi in the area of Information Systems.

He is a full Professor of Computing Science and an accomplished scholar, renowned researcher, and thought leader in ICT.