Professor John Akama is a renowned academician and researcher celebrated for his significant role in the establishment and growth of Kisii University.
He served as the founding Principal and Vice Chancellor of Kisii University from 2009, with his tenure coming to an end on July 9, 2023.
Under his leadership, the university evolved from an Egerton University satellite campus into a fully-fledged university in 2013.
This is his journey, as told by WoK:
Early Life
John Sorona Akama was born on 1959 in Kericho. Sources indicate that he was the only boy among three siblings.
His journey to academic excellence began with his primary education in Kericho before he underwent initiation in his paternal home in Nyamira County.
He continued his secondary education at Itibo Boys High School in Nyamira and later transferred to Kakamega High School, where he excelled in his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
After completing high school, John Akama briefly taught at the local Macheo Secondary School before enrolling at the University of Nairobi to pursue a degree in education.
His thirst for knowledge led him to the United States, where he obtained a Master’s degree from Ohio University and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University, both of which contributed to his vast expertise in fields like tourism, wildlife conservation, culture, and sociology.
He met his life partner, Mallio Kwamboka Akama, who holds a Ph.D. in history from Moi University. They share a family of three children.
Celebrated Author
Throughout his career, Professor Akama has made significant contributions to academia, authoring several books, including “A Rural Boy’s Journey to the Pinnacle of Academia,” which he co-wrote with his wife.
Other notable works include “The Gusii of Kenya,” “Undeterred,” and “The Untold Story of Otenyo.”
Besides his academic pursuits, Professor Akama has been a staunch advocate for preserving the Ekegusii language and culture, warning that the language could go extinct in the next 40 years if drastic measures are not put in place to protect it.
Speaking during the launch of his book The Gusii of Kenya, Akama urged African communities to document their cultures for the benefit of the younger generation who are slowly embracing foreign cultures.
During the launch of the Ekegusii dictionary ‘Enchengeri’ at Kisii University, he lauded the Ministry of Education for incorporating vernacular languages in the new Competency Based Curriculum.
He also pointed out the need for more vernacular texts to be written to aid in the teaching of vernacular languages in schools.
Visionary Leadership
In recognition of his contributions to culture and development, Professor Akama was appointed as an elder in the Abagusii Cultural and Development Council after bidding farewell to Kisii University.
His departure was marked by a memorable farewell party attended by prominent figures such as former Kisii Governor James Ongwae, colleagues from Kisii University and other Universities, support staff, and student delegations from all Kisii University campuses.
Under his leadership, Kisii University experienced remarkable growth, with student enrollment increasing from 300 to over 20,000 by 2023.
His dedication and vision were crucial in transforming the institution into a reputable center of learning and research.
Before Professor Akama’s arrival, Kisii University had been a campus of Egerton University, functioning as a Secondary Teacher’s College since 1994.
However, his visionary leadership steered the college to gain university status, and was awarded a charter by former President Mwai Kibaki in 2013, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s history.
