The University Council

In 1992, he embarked on a new chapter, transitioning to the commercial world with Sulmac Flowers company which is part of Unilever. His role as technical and quality control manager blossomed into expertise in agri-entrepreneurship and agricultural supply chains, particularly within the vibrant world of cut flowers. Later, at Unilever Tea, he championed technical training and then led the agricultural research/innovation and tea sustainability function, solidifying his grasp on product innovation, development and commercialization. This private sector experience proved invaluable, honing his skills in research to support agricultural products, their safety, market appeal and sustainability (Economic, Environmental and Social).

Dr. Onsando’s passion however was not confined to a single sector. He drove deep into the complex world of Agricultural Development, Regulation, Phytosanitary science and practice, seed and seed systems acquiring over 15 years of expertise in seed regulation, seed systems, phytosanitary science and international fresh produce trade, and seed systems development. This expertise was developed during his change of career to that of the Director of the Board of Management and later as the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), a testament to his dedication to the field of Agricultural Development and Regulation. Dr. Onsando’s leadership span beyond KEPHIS as he severed as a Director of Management and Chairman to 3 other state cooperations for a period of 17 years. During his tenure at KEPHIS, Dr. Onsando’s influence extended beyond national borders.

He played a pivotal role in the organization’s accession to the prestigious standards international bodies hence positioning Kenya as a preferred fresh produce trading partner with the rest of the world. Through the WTO – SPS Agreement which Kenya is signatory to, Dr. Onsando initiated and concluded a 2-year process of bringing in through the KEPHIS approval process, the high dry matter Irish potato from the Netherlands for the high end hospitality industry in order to conserve Kenya’s foreign currency that was used to import high dry matter frozen chips from Egypt and South Africa. He steered KEPHIS to its status as a Centre of Phytosanitary Excellency and Kenya as the first country to digitize certification of cut flowers globally.
His understanding of plant breeding, variety registration and protection, seed regulation, phytosanitray functions and agri-business solidified his position as a leading authority and International Consultant in the field of Seed and Seed Systems and Phytosanitary Science and Practice. As an international seed and seed systems consultant, he has shared his expertise with numerous African nations including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mozambique, South Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Nigeria, leaving a lasting impact on their seed and agricultural transformation landscapes.

Dr. Onsando’s story is one of dedication, innovation, and a deep-rooted passion for agriculture for economic impact. His journey, spanning both public and private sectors, INGO and leadership roles resulted in him posting to his credit 30 publications including two chapters in two book. This demonstrates his unwavering commitment to cultivating a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for Kenya and beyond.

He holds a Master of Arts Degree in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy from Moi University, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) Degree from the Buckingham University Law School in the United Kingdom, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston in Texas, USA, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PG Dip Law) from the Kenya School of Law.

As a seasoned leader, Mr. Hassan possesses a wealth of experience in steering state bodies. His expertise lies in formulating and executing strategic plans, overseeing financial and administrative aspects, and ensuring the achievement of organizational objectives. His leadership style is synonymous with positive transformation, upheld by unwavering professionalism, ethical standards, and fairness in public service.

Among his notable appointments, Mr. Hassan served on the Presidential Power of Mercy Advisory Board in 2015, contributing to exercises of prerogative of mercy. Furthermore, from 2018 to 2023, he played a pivotal role as a Council Member on the University of Nairobi Governing Council.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Yego is a devoted advocate of evangelism and Christian values. He held prominent positions in various Christian boards, including Chairmanship of the Management Advisory Committee of Scripture Union Africa and Directorship of the International Council of Scripture Union. As a versatile individual, Mr. Yego’s talents extend to property development, with a hand in notable residential housing projects across Nairobi and Machakos Counties.

Prof. Nderitu’s influential roles include serving as a former National Chairman of the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Nairobi. He’s held esteemed positions in various boards, such as Chairman of the Kenya Organic Standard and the National Potato Council of Kenya. His academic contributions and leadership culminated in being honored as a Professor Emeritus by the University of Nairobi in June 2022. Prof. Nderitu continues to leave an indelible mark on academia, research, and agricultural advancement.

Her commitment extends to various boards and advisory committees, notably as the Kenya Private Schools Association (KPSA) representative at the County Education Board, where she actively interprets national policies and drives policy reforms.

Mrs. Mudanyi received her university education at Kenyatta University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, complemented by distinguished accomplishments from renowned institutions such as Harvard University and Cambridge Assessment International Education. Her diverse and impactful contributions persistently shape the landscape of education, both at a local and global level.

Her research legacy spans descriptive and theoretical linguistics, Bantu linguistics, multilingual education, and English language teaching materials in East Africa. Her publications total nearly 50 books and book chapters, over 20 refereed journal articles, and more than 50 conference papers.

Professor Kioko’s dedication extends beyond academia. She has served as a language panelist for Kenya National Examination Council and the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development. Her involvement in teacher development programs with entities like the British Council, Education Development Trust, and Research Triangle Institute is noteworthy. She’s been a resource person for accreditation processes with the Commission for University Education.

Her service portfolio is diverse, including participation in the Presidential Commission on Emergency Response, membership in University Councils, Boards, and Commissions, and Directorship of the Numerical Machining Complex Board. Presently, she’s an advisory committee member of the Centre for Advanced Studies of African Societies, a Northrise University Board member, and a founding member of Multilingual Education Network (MLE-N).

Prof. Ngumi, is a beneficiary of the prestigious Fulbright scholarship that took her to Clemson University, South Carolina, USA, earning her a PhD degree in Plant Physiology in 1997. She had earlier won another Japan based Mombusho scholarship, that enabled her to pursue a Master of Science degree in Botany at Hiroshima University, successfully graduating in 1989. She is an alumnus of the University of Nairobi where she obtained an undergraduate degree in Education. She also holds an Executive MBA from JKUAT.

In 2021, Prof. Ngumi was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) by the President, H.E. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta for her distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation.

The Vice Chancellor who is a member of the African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF) and the Natural Products Research Network for East and Central Africa (NAPRECA), served as a senior education fellow at the African Network of Agro-forestry and Natural Resource Management Education.