Prof. Nathan O. Ogechi is the Vice Chancellor at Kisii University, Kenya, since 1st September, 2023. He is a professor of African linguistics with a focus on contact linguistics and linguistic human rights in the Department of Kiswahili and other African Languages within the School of Arts and Social Sciences at Moi University, Kenya. He has a wealth of experience in: Administration as the Vice Chancellor of Kisii University. He has also served as substantive Deputy Vice Chancellor (Student Affairs) for nine years (2014-2022) and concurrently as acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs, Research and Extension for twelve months (June 2013-April 2014, January-February 2016) as well as acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration, Planning and Development) for five and a half years (September 2016-June 2022); Governance as Moi University Council member for three years between 2003 and 2006 and member of the Board of Directors at the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation for three years between 2010 and 2013; Management as Academic Chair of Department and School Dean for seven years between 2007 and 2013; University research and teaching for 33 years (1993-to date) at various ranks from a Graduate Assistant to professor. He has over 65 reputable publications. These include articles in refereed journals, books, book chapters, edited books and a journal. The works are presented in Kiswahili, English, German and Russian. He is a reviewer of several international journals and an external examiner in several universities. Prof. Ogechi holds a PhD degree in Afrikanistik (African Linguistics) from the University of Hamburg, Germany, and Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Moi University, Kenya. He has attended several management courses at: (1) the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI), Israel (2016); (2) Botho University, Gaberone, Botswana (organized by the Association of African Universities in 2015); (3) Kenya School of Government (2016; 2018; 2020); (4) Centre for Corporate Governance (2010) and (5) Moi University thus sharpening his skills in governance, administration and management. He has excellent oral and writing skills in English and Kiswahili but is also familiar with German. Prof. Ogechi's over 33 years' postgraduate studying and working experience has enabled him to travel widely across the globe and thus given him international exposure. Research Interests Prof. Ogechi is a DAAD scholar since 2000 and a research associate and consultant on language harmonization and standardization for the South African-based Centre of Advanced Study of African Society (CASAS) where he has served as the research leader and linguistics expert on the harmonization of Kenyan and cross-border languages. He has consulted for the German GIZ Health Sector Programme on HIV/AIDs prevention in Kenya in addition to being an English-Kiswahili translation consultant for the Pan-African Parliament at Midrand, South Africa. Some of Prof. Ogechi's latest publications include: Ogechi, N. O. (2024). Taratibu za Kuendesha Utafiti na Masuala Mengine. Nairobi: Jomo Kenyatta Foundation. Ogechi, N. O. 2024. Learning transformative leadership through student activism in Kenya. In: S. Swartz, T. de Kock & C. A. Odora-Hoppers. (eds.) Transformative Leadership in African Contexts: Strategies for Social Change. Durban: HSRC. Pp. 207-222. G. E. Aberi & N. O. Ogechi. 2025. Legitimization and leadership communication during crisis. A case study of President Uhuru Kenyatta's political speeches on the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Linguistic and Communication Studies 4 (2): 1-17. Ogechi, N. O. 2026. Relics of imperialism? Racialization and language choice in multiracial Kenya. In: S. Makoni, B.E. Antia & S. Rudwick (eds.). The Routledge Handbook of Language and Race. London: Routledge. Pp. 354- 377.
