🎓 Honoring a Legacy: Prof. Aggrey Simiyu Bids Farewell to MMUST After Decades of Service
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has marked the retirement of a remarkable academic leader—Professor Aggrey Mukasa Simiyu, a distinguished scholar in Instructional Technology and the founding Dean of the former Faculty of Education and Social Sciences (FESS). His retirement signals the end of an era, but his contributions to the institution and the broader educational landscape in Kenya will endure.
🌟 Foundational Role in MMUST’s Growth
Prof. Simiyu’s journey with MMUST dates back to its early days as a constituent college of Moi University, previously known as the Western College of Arts and Applied Sciences (WECO). When then-President Daniel Arap Moi elevated WECO to university status, Prof. Simiyu was selected—alongside one other pioneer—to lay the groundwork for establishing faculties. His mission: to create a Faculty of Education at the new Western University College of Science and Technology (WUCST), the institution that eventually evolved into MMUST.
Despite the immense challenges involved in building a faculty from scratch—particularly within a science and technology-driven environment—Prof. Simiyu forged ahead. He believed in training future educators who were technologically competent, which led him to integrate computer science into the education curriculum.
🧑🏫 Training Leaders and Shaping Futures
Over the course of his career, Prof. Simiyu has taught across various levels—from high schools to top universities. He has supervised more than 100 postgraduate students and has left an academic footprint in several institutions, including Moi University, where he served from 1987 until 2002.
His academic journey began at the University of Nairobi, after which he pursued his Master’s and PhD studies at the State University of New York (SUNY). Upon returning to Kenya in 1985, he taught at Kagumo Teachers’ College before joining Moi University, contributing significantly to teacher training when the government prioritized education reforms.
🏆 A Mentor to Many Prominent Scholars
Prof. Simiyu’s influence is seen not just in the institutions he helped build, but in the notable personalities he mentored. His former students include:
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala – Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research
Prof. Ipara Odeo – Vice Chancellor, Kibabii University
Prof. Joyce Agalo – Vice Chancellor, Machakos University
Prof. Nathan Ogechi – Vice Chancellor, Kisii University
Prof. Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo – Director, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development
Prof. Judah Ndiku – Registrar Academic Affairs, MMUST
He proudly notes that every Dean of the School of Education who succeeded him was once his student—a testament to his lasting impact on the next generation of academic leaders.
🌱 Looking Ahead: From Classrooms to Crops
Now retiring, Prof. Simiyu plans to venture into full-time farming but remains open to supporting MMUST through collaborative projects or consultations. He emphasizes the importance of preparing for retirement early and encourages young professionals to work with integrity, prioritize their duties, and strive to improve their workplaces.
💬 Words of Wisdom
Prof. Simiyu shared profound insights about education and equality:
> “There is no community that is inherently more intelligent or more foolish than another. With equal opportunities and resources, anyone can succeed.”
His academic legacy transcends institutions and borders. He will be remembered not only for his administrative excellence and teaching prowess but also for the wisdom and fairness he championed throughout his career.
🎓 A Lasting Legacy at MMUST
As MMUST reflects on the achievements of one of its most influential pioneers, it’s clear that Prof. Simiyu has left an indelible mark on Kenyan higher education. His work continues through the scholars he mentored, the programs he helped establish, and the philosophy of educational excellence he upheld.
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