Kabarak University

History

The university was founded by the former President of the Republic of Kenya and the Chancellor of the University, Daniel T. arap Moi, who wanted to set up a Christian, liberal arts, science and technology university. The Vice-Chancellor is Professor Jones Kaleli. The university opened its doors to the new students in September 2002. The institution is building a referral hospital that will host the medicine and nursing students and serve as the referral hospital for north rift.

Accreditation

The university operated under a Letter of Interim Authority granted by the Kenya Government. The Letter of Interim Authority was presented to the university by the Commission for Higher Education of Kenya, on 16 October 2001, allowing the institution to award degrees. On 16 May 2008 the university was awarded its charter by H.E Mwai Kibaki.

Courses

The following courses are offered in three schools:

Courses

Certificates

Diplomas

Bachelors

Postgraduates

Doctorates

Student activities

The university has approximately 3000 students drawn from Kenya and the east African region§. Students participate in co-curricular activities, for example:

In sports and games, Kabarak students participate in rugby, football, tennis, hockey, badminton, basketball and swimming.

Student organisation

The student government, which is known as Kabarak University Student Organization (KUSO), is the organ that represents student interests.

World Conference of Friends 2012

The largest worldwide conference of Friends since 1967 came together from 17–25 April 2012 in Kenya. The theme was "Being Salt and Light – Friends living the Kingdom of God in a broken world". One thousand Friends gathered on the campus of Kabarak University, near Nakuru, Kenya. They came from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and North America. The conference was organised by the FWCC (Friends World Committee for Consultation).

Controversies

Retired President Moi lost a part of his Kabarak University in a landmark court ruling. Mr Moi was ordered to surrender 100 acres (40 ha) to a neighbouring rancher, Mr Malcolm Bell. He was ordered by the Court of Appeal to surrender the farm within six months. This was a reversal of a High Court decision giving the land to Moi High School Kabarak, which is sponsored by the former president. The living quarters for Kabarak University lecturers and Kabarak High School teachers are located on part of the disputed farm. Part of the farm is also used for growing hay. The university and Moi High School Kabarak, which was developed during Mr Moi's 24 years in power, were some of his pet projects. If he did not comply with the orders, he could face eviction. Judgment was delivered in Nakuru by Lady Justice Martha Koome and Lady Justice Hannah Okwengu. Mr Justice Muga Apondi had allowed the school to continue occupying the land, saying that it had acquired a title deed by adverse possession. According to that system, if people occupy a piece of land for more than 12 years without the owner's permission, then they become the owner.

Mr Bell sued the retired president in 2003, arguing he could not have done it earlier because he enjoyed immunity. Later, the Board of Governors of Kabarak asked to be enjoined in the case, arguing that the institution had adverse possession of the land. Mr Justice Apondi agreed and threw out Mr Bell's case in 2006. On Thursday, the judges said there was nothing like Board of Governors at Moi High School Kabarak since it was a private institution. Only public schools are managed by boards. “We cannot have a Board of Governors in a private school and Mr Moi denied ownership of the school yet evidence in court shows that he is part and parcel of it,” said Judge Koome who read the judgement. She said the school principal, Dr Henry Kiplagat, who swore an affidavit on behalf of the school, refused to disclose its owner.