President William Ruto has appointed businessman Vimal Shah as the new Chancellor of Maasai Mara University.
In a gazette notice dated September 8, 2023, President Ruto appointed Shah to the position for a period of five years.
“In the exercise of the powers conferred by section 38 (1) of the Universities Act, 2012, William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces appoint Vimal Shah to be the Chancellor of the Maasai Mara University for a period of five years, with effect from the 7th September,2023,” read the notice.
As the chancellor, Shah will be the titular head of Maasai Mara University and shall, in the name of the University, confer degrees and grant diplomas, certificates and other awards of the University.
Also, he may from time to time, recommend to the Cabinet Secretary in the case of a public university and the Board of Trustees in the case of a private university, a visitation of the University.
Further, Shah may give advice to the Council which he considers necessary for the betterment of the University.
Also, we will enjoy powers and privileges and perform such other functions as may be provided in the Universities Charter.
Vimal Shah Career
Vimal Shah is the CEO of Bidco Oil Refineries, the largest manufacturer of edible oils in East and Central Africa
Bidco also manufactures detergents, soaps, baking powder and canola, as well as other edible oils.
In Kenya, Bidco has a 49% share of the edible oils market.
Vimal Shah took over the leadership of Bidco Industries in the early 1990s and has currently extended its presence to 17 countries in Africa.
Also, Shah has promoted Bidco’s commitment to sustainable development, leading initiatives such as the use of renewable energy and the reduction of carbon emissions.
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In 2016, the company was named the most admired manufacturing company in East Africa by the African Business Magazine.
Aside from his work at Bidco Africa, Vimal Shah is also involved in several other business ventures, including real estate development, hospitality, and healthcare.
He is a member of various business and industry associations, including the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the East African Business Council (EABC).
Previous Positions & Awards
The appointment of Shah as Maasai Mara University Chancellor adds to the list of prestigious positions, he has held in his career.
Here is a list of previous posts held by Shah
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- Chairman of Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, East African Business Council, Kenya Agribusiness and Agro-industry Alliance
- Signatory of the United Nations Global Compact
- Board Member of Tony Elumelu Foundation and Mauritius Board of Investment
- Awarded a First-Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.) in 2011 – the highest National Honour and Presidential Commendation by the Former President of Kenya for his contribution to Business, Entrepreneurship, Economic Sustainability and Growth in the region.
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011
- East African Entrepreneur of the Year by All Africa Business Leaders Awards (AABLA) in partnership with CNBC Africa and Forbes Afric
Maasai Mara University Main Entrance. PHOTO/Courtesy
