Professor of firsts leads university into new era of growth

Prof Miriam Mwita is the first woman to be appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of East Africa, Baraton.

But, now aged 51, Prof Mwita is well used to firsts. Among her Kuria people in Migori, she was the first woman to earn a doctorate.

And now she is determined to leave a mark running the 33-year-old Seventh Day Adventist university in Nandi County, hitherto the domain of men.

Born in 1960, Prof Mwita joins a select group of women heading universities in Kenya — Prof Olive Mugenda of Kenyatta, Prof Mabel Imbuga of JKUAT and Prof Freida Brown of the United States International.

Prof Mwita, joined Baraton in 1992 as a junior lecturer and went on to serve as chairman of the languages and literature department and dean of the school of humanities and social sciences.

In 2010, she was appointed deputy vice chancellor, academics. And in October last year, she became acting vice chancellor, taking over from Dr Nathaniel Warempa, who was suspended over issues of management.

Prof Mwita is aware of the challenges she faces, especially given the manner in which her predecessor lef office, after she was recently confirmed in the post.

“I acknowledge that we have had numerous challenges in the past. However, we cannot let that derail us.

‘‘Our task now is to pick up the pieces and ensure that this institution becomes the centre of excellence in the region,” she said.

Baraton was the first private university in the country to acquire a charter, in March 1991.

The growing demand in East Africa for students to pursue higher education under the Adventist banner led to its setting up in 1978.

Previously students headed to Middle East College in Beirut, Lebanon, which was one of the few universities in the world for Adventists.

The first students started learning in temporary farm buildings in 1979. More than 5,000 students have graduated through Baraton since then.

Prof Mwita said that it was the university’s philosophy, mission and vision that earned it the charter.

The philosophy, she said, recognises God as the creator and sustainer of the universe and the source of true knowledge. It is this that leads students into self actualisation, discovery, and an understanding of truth through critical thinking.

Prof Mwita said the university had a good infrastructure and the resources to offer skilled teaching.

It is one of the few institutions in East Africa to offer degrees in nursing. It has set up satellite campuses in Eldoret, Nairobi, Kisii and Kisumu with more than 5,000 students from all over the world.

It has more than 1,500 students in its main campus near Kapsabet Town. The university has become an important catalyst for change.