This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
Published on July 18, 2019, Prof Mary Walingo, Vice Chancellor of Maasai Mara University, reflects on her journey of turning a grassroots institution into a national brand.
Prof Walingo's path to university administration began in 1991 at Maseno University, where she rose to the rank of Deputy Vice Chancellor Finance. She later served as the first principal of Murang'a University College before being appointed Vice Chancellor of Maasai Mara University in 2013.
When asked about tackling student riots, Prof Walingo credits her strict upbringing by her mother, who ensured that she and her siblings were responsible for their chores and assignments. She applies this mantra at Maasai Mara, taking swift action on intelligence to prevent strikes.
Under Prof Walingo's leadership, the university has developed 56 academic programs for undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma levels, replacing borrowed curricula. Plans are underway to launch a medical and engineering school, with a nursing school already established with 30 students.
Prof Walingo emphasizes the importance of effective academic programs, citing the development of lecture-attendance monitoring tools and increasing senate members from eight to 45 to foster a stronger bond between students and administration.
Maasai Mara University is also working to produce internationally employable graduates through exchange programs with universities worldwide. To address the accommodation challenge, the university is exploring Private-Public-Partnerships and has completed an 850-capacity girls' hostel, with a 4,000-capacity hostel in the works.
Security at the university has improved, with the construction of a perimeter wall and a modern gate. Prof Walingo notes that the university has not experienced any recent insecurity incidents.
