Prof. Aggrey Simiyu, Founding Dean of MMUST’s School of Education Retires, Leaving an Indelible Legacy in Teacher Training
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s Professor of Education (specializing in Instructional Technology), Prof. Aggrey Mukasa Simiyu, has retired from the University. Prof. Simiyu, the founding Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences (FESS), is leaving behind an indelible legacy in teacher training, having served in his field for decades. FESS gave ‘birth’ to the School of Arts and Social Sciences (SASS), School of Education (SEDU) as well as the School of Business Economics (SOBE).
Prof. Simiyu is evidently one of the key figures associated with the growth of MMUST. When the then President of the Republic of Kenya, Daniel Arap Moi, elevated the Western College of Arts and Applied Sciences (WECO) to a constituent college of Moi University, Prof. Simiyu was one of the two people that were identified to establish faculties there. “This was wrought with difficulties, but we were determined to start a University that would compete with others in the country,” says the educationist. His task was to set up a Faculty of Education at the new Western University College of Science and Technology (WUCST), which he said was challenging.
Prof. Aggrey Mukasa Simiyu at a past event, Bishop Stam pastoral Centre-Kakamega.
“How do you establish a faculty that will function within the environment of a University of science and technology? I am glad that I was able to do it anyway, and since my goal was to produce teachers who were well-versed in technology, I made the decision to have all education students take courses in Computer Science,” remarks Prof. Simiyu.
The Professor has trained many students not just in education, but other disciplines. The trained teacher, who has supervised over one hundred postgraduate students, has taught in high schools as well as institutions of higher learning, including Moi University. His first Degree was at the University of Nairobi (UON), and afterwards he enrolled at the State University of New York (SUNY) for Master’s and PhD studies. After completing his PhD, Prof. Simiyu came back to Kenya in 1985 and was posted to Kagumo Teachers Training College by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). In 1987, he got a job at Moi University, when President Moi decreed that the institution should start training teachers. He taught at Moi until 2002, before joining WUCST, which later became MMUST.
Prof. Simiyu during an Interview at DCCM on 30th June 2025.
Notable personalities that Prof. Simiyu has trained include; Dr. Beatrice Inyangala (The Principal Secretary-State Department for Higher Education and Research), Prof. Ipara Odeo (Vice Chancellor-Kibabii University), Prof. Joyce Agalo (Vice Chancellor-Machakos University), Prof. Nathan Ogechi (Vice Chancellor-Kisii University), Prof. Judah Ndiku (Registrar Academic Affairs-MMUST) and Prof. Charles Ochieng’ Ong’ondo (Director of the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development). “All Deans of the School of Education who have succeeded me were also my students. I see the results of what I have done around me and I derive great pride from this,” he adds.
Prof. Simiyu says that he is retiring as a very proud man, having made immense contributions to the education sector and the world of academia in general. He intends to venture fulltime into farming and states that he will be available for consultation or incorporation into viable MMUST projects, saying that he is ready to give back to the University that made him who he is. “I encourage people in employment, especially the younger generation, to recognize the fact that they will one day retire and prepare for the transition now. Be honest with yourselves, do the right thing, avoid focusing too much on personal interests and endeavor to leave your place of work better than you found it,” he advises.
Prof. Simiyu in academic regalia.
Regarding life principles and nationalism, the veteran educationist shared that, “there is no community that is singularly intelligent or singularly stupid. Given the same environment and resources, anyone can excel. I learnt this during my service in academia.”
Undoubtedly, Prof. Aggrey Mukasa Simiyu is a key force in academia, with his influence spanning across disciplines, both locally and internationally. At MMUST, he will forever be remembered as one of the notable people with the greatest contribution to the growth of this University.
By Dr. Lydia Anyonje and Wangari Wambugu
Photos by Shiundu Masafu
