Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s maternal uncle, George Muhoho Kamau, and his sister, Dr. Kristina Wambui Pratt, are among the members of the Mama Ngina University College Council.
Muhoho and Kristina were appointed in 2021 by the late Education Cabinet Secretary, Prof. George Magoha.
In the latest changes to the council, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba appointed five new members through a gazette notice dated July 25.
The newly appointed members, who will serve a three-year term, include Lizzie Chongoti, Dr. Joyce Kemunto Nyabuti, Gilbert Wafula Nyongesa, Thomas Meigkwelly Leremore, and Davies Mukuria.
Mama Ngina University Council
The council is chaired by Dr. Dinah J. C. Mwinzi, who also serves as the President of Rafiki Ya Maisha Kenya, a community-based organization that promotes Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Kenya.
Dr. Mwinzi is a former Principal Secretary for Vocational and Technical Training and has served as a director at institutions such as TVETA, KNQA, EASEN, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Youth Training), and E-Learning Africa.
Her other notable roles include former Chairperson of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), Vice-Chancellor of KAG East University, and Board Member of RVTTI, Eldoret.
Other council members include Prof. Judith Mbula Bahemuka, PhD; Nyang’ate Areba; Clare Asiko Abuodha (Advocate); Dr. John Nyangena; and Dr. Karen N. Kandie, who represents the Principal Secretary from the National Treasury. Prof. Paul K. Wainaina also sits on the council.
Ex officio members are Prof. Zipporah Waithera Ng’ang’a, Principal of Mama Ngina University College and council secretary, and Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University.
Also Read: Mama Ngina University College: Courses Offered, Fees, Location and Campuses
George Muhoho & Dr. Kristina Pratt Among Council Members
George Muhoho, a seasoned public servant and diplomat, was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1963 but left the priesthood in 1976.
“I decided my life was not in the priesthood,” he told Sunday Nation in a 2004 interview. At the time of his departure, he was serving as a chaplain at the University of Nairobi.
Muhoho is an alumnus of Urbanian University and Collegio San Pietro, holding a Ph.D. in Education Policy, a Master’s in Canon Law, and a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations and Diplomatic Practice.
He was the first Black diplomat to the Vatican, serving as private secretary to Pope Paul VI and later as papal envoy to Brussels, Luxembourg, the Council of Europe, and NATO.
Fluent in Latin, Spanish, Italian, French, and German, Muhoho advanced rapidly in school, skipping five classes in two years at Gatitu Primary School.
He humorously recalls overeating ugali during the ng’aragu ya mianga (cassava famine) at Kiriko Intermediate School—an experience that led to a lifelong dislike of the dish.
Professionally, Muhoho has held key government positions, including:
- Minister for Tourism and Wildlife (1986–1989)
- Minister for Research, Science and Technology (1989–1992)
- Assistant Minister for Education, Science and Technology (1985–1986)
- Director of Information at UNEP
- Managing Director of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
- Member of Parliament for Juja Constituency (1984–1992)
He currently chairs Bismal Investment Limited.
Also Read: CS Ogamba Appoints New UoN Council in Major Shake-Up of 20 Universities [Full List]
Dr. Kristina Pratt’s Advocacy for Disability Rights
Dr. Kristina Wambui Pratt, a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities, was conferred with a degree of Doctor of Humane Letters on July 22, 2022, from Kenyatta University.
The university said the degree was in recognition of her commitment, passion, and distinguished service to People Living with Disabilities (PWDs), spanning over four decades.
Wambui has served on numerous public and private boards, including as:
- Chairperson, National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya
- Council Member, Kenya Society for the Blind
- Committee Member, Flying Doctors’ Society of Africa
She was in 1977 appointed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) ambassador for the visually impaired in Africa.
Dr. Pratt is widely recognized for founding the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) in 1978.
In 1979, Wambui was awarded the Kenya Society for the Mentally Handicapped award for her contribution and efforts toward the mentally handicapped in Kenya.
She would again, in 1980, be recognised by then US President Jimmy Carter for her service to PWDs.
Wambui is also a holder of the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS).
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Kutztown State University and a Master’s in Educational Psychology from Leigh University, Pennsylvania, USA.
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