Professor Akenga joined the University of Eldoret as Vice-Chancellor on June 10th, 2013 and her term ended in June 11th, 2023.

She is a chemist by training with vast experience in training, mentorship, leadership, and management having worked in various academic and administrative roles in East Africa. She is the founding Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eldoret.

As a trained Graduate Lecturer of Chemistry and Mathematics, Prof. Akenga holds a Ph.D., in (Organic Chemistry: Synthesis) from the University of New South Wales, Australia, Masters of Business Administration (Corporate Governance) from KCA University, Nairobi – Kenya, Masters Qualifying from University of New South Wales, Australia, Masters of Science (Chemistry) from Kenyatta University and Bachelors of Education (Sc., Chemistry major), (1st Class Hons.) from Kenyatta University.

She is a member of various Professional bodies and association among them being the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) based in the United Kingdom, the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) based in Kenya, the International Interdisciplinary Consortium (ICC)-a consortium of Universities from Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, the Forum for Women Vice-Chancellors in Africa (FAWoVC) where she is the Vice-Chairperson, a member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OSWD), a member of the Executive Committee of the Inter-Universities Council of East Africa (IUCEA) and a Human Resource Committee Member of the Implementation Committee of the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF) She is also a member of the Ruforum Board Executive Committee.

As an academician, she is credited for publishing over thirty three (33) journals which are recognized regionally and beyond. She has managed to teach, supervise and mentor PhD, Masters and Undergraduate students. She has also served as a reviewer of articles for several Scientific Journals and she is a member of several editorial boards.

Under her leadership, she has managed to transform the University into a Premier University recognized through our Niche in Agriculture, Blue-Economy, and Innovation. She has enhanced synergies with both governmental and non-governmental entities, improved infrastructure development in the University, enhanced ICT infrastructure within the University; this can be seen through the Directorate of Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) which has afforded the university the opportunity to offer a blended learning environment, she has fast-tracked the registration of the University of Eldoret Town Campus as a TVET center. She has managed to fully automate University’s Processes through the ERP system. Last but not least, through the Directorate of Income Generating Unit and the Endowment Trust Funds, she has managed to afford the university additional revenue sources for purposes of aiding University key development agenda and assisting needy and bright students to acquire basic education respectively.

For her contribution to training, research and curricula development, she was awarded the Moran of the Burning Spear by H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2013. In November 2020, she was honoured by the Asian Confederation of Businesses in conjunction with the World Education Congress as the Best Woman in Education Leadership in East Africa for her distinguish role in enhancing the levels of higher education in the region and beyond.