Prof. Rosebella Maranga has been confirmed as the new Multimedia University of Kenya (MMU) Vice Chancellor.
Until her confirmation, Prof. Maranga has been holding the position on an Acting capacity since January 17, 2024, following the retirement of Amb. Prof. Festus Kaberia.
“On behalf of the University council, it is my great pleasure to officially announce the appointment of Prof. Rosebella Orangi Maranga as the new Vice Chancellor of Multimedia University of Kenya, effective 16th October 2024,” reads a communication sent to all staff and students by MMU Chairman of Council Dr. Albert Kochei.
Dr. Kochei thanked the entire University community for remaining calm and focused during the transition period. “As a council, we urge the entire University community to extend their full support to the new Vice Chancellor as we continue to strive for excellence together. We look forward to Prof. Maranga’s leadership to advance our vision and mission of academic excellence, innovation and service to the nation and beyond,” said Dr. Kochei.
Prof. Maranga brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as the MMU Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance, and Planning from 2014 to January 2024.
As a full Professor of Zoology, specializing in Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Prof. Maranga holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Management and Leadership from the Management University of Africa, a Master of Science in Medical and Veterinary Entomology from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelor of Education (Science) from Kenyatta University.
Her passion for quality education and strategic planning is reflected in the numerous initiatives she has spearheaded in areas of curriculum development, institutional policy, budget management, and program evaluation throughout her career.
Prof. Maranga has held key strategic roles at university level. She was the founding Director of the Gender and Monitoring Centre at JKUAT from 2008 to 2012. She also held the position of Chairperson of the Professors Forum from 2009 to 2012, Chairperson of the Department of Zoology from 2002 to 2006, and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science at JKUAT in 2003.
Through her dedication to service delivery, Prof. Maranga has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career.
In 2009, she was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the Government of the Republic of Kenya. In the same year, she was featured in Who’s is Who in the World by the Board of Marquis Who’s Who publications, 26th edition.
In 2005, she was recognized as the International Educator of the Year by the International Biographic Centre of Cambridge, England. Additionally, she was listed as one of the 2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century by the International Biographic Centre of Cambridge, England in 2005, and in 2003, she was listed as one of the Great Women of the 21st Century by the American Biographical Institute, Inc.