Narendra Raval reappointed Egerton University Chancellor

By Peter Ochieng

Billionaire businessman Narendra Raval has been reappointed as the Egerton University Chancellor.

The re-appointment by President William Ruto, was confirmed through a gazette notice, with his new five-year term taking effect from September 16, 2024.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 38 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, 2012, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, re-appoint Narendra Raval as Chancellor of the Egerton University," said the President.

Raval was first appointed Egerton University Chancellor in 2019, by retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, taking over from Shem Oyoo Wandiga who had been in office since 2013.

Raval, founder of the Devki Group, is one of Kenya’s most successful businessmen and philanthropists. The company trades in building materials.

During an event in April, Raval attracted criticism from members of the public after he stated that President Ruto should serve as Kenya’s president for over 25 years.

He labelled Ruto a passionate leader who loves Kenya and whom he cannot find the right words to thank.

“He loves this country so much that I do not have words to thank him. May God give him 100 years of life. I wish we have this president for at least 25 years; we will change this country,” he said.

The constitution grants a 10-year term limit for any holder of office of the President.

Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, a British national who settled in Kenya in the 1920s.

It is headquartered at the Njoro main campus, in Nakuru County.

The main campus also houses the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts and Social Sciences, Education and Community Studies, Engineering and Technology, Environment and Resources Development, Science and Veterinary Medicine and Surgery.