Moi University was first established in 1984. In its first year of existence, there was only one department - the Department of Forestry. The enrollment that year was 83. Since then, the University has experienced phenomenal growth from its initial one faculty in 1984, to a total of 15 Schools, nine Directorates and two Institutes presently. The total student population currently is over 52,000, distributed across Diploma, Undergraduate, Masters, PostGraduate Diploma and Doctorate of Philosophy programmes in diverse fields. The university's school of medicine was established in 1996, and was the second school of medicine established in the country. The university's first VC was Professor D. Odhiambo, who served from 1984 to 1988. The current Vice Chancellor of Moi University is Prof. Isaac Sanga Kosgey.
MU in the 21st century
Most of the university's campuses became fully fledged universities in the early 2010s. The Garissa University College attack of 2015 occurred at the university's Garissa campus. In this incident, 5 gunmen claiming association with Al-Shabaab took over 700 students hostage, freeing those identified as Muslim, and killing 142 identified as Christians, with over 79 others injured in the attack plus 6 military and police fatalities. The siege was lifted the same day, with 4 of the attackers killed by the Kenyan GSU and one committing suicide via an explosive vest. From its founding, the University had no officially recognised mascot. However, in early 2017, students from the School of Engineering chose the Nandi bear to be their mascot and, pending consensus from other Schools, the University's mascot. It was chosen for its legendary status among the Nandi people and was given a temporary name - "Kerit the Bear".
Graduation ceremonies are held each year at the Graduation Pavilion.
Kesses Dam
Boat rides in Kesses dam are popular among students. Dating students, student clubs as well as individuals can enjoy a boat ride at the dam offered by local dam guides at a small fee.
Student life
Social
A nearby shopping centre called "Stage" supplies most of the students' economic needs. There can be found minimarts, nightclubs, convenience stores and other economic activities here. The origin of the name is from the time when the area was a stop for matatus that plied the Kesses-Eldoret Town route. Religious services are available at the Grace Chapel, Lecture Hall 1 and at St. Michael's Chapel.
Clubs and societies
Some of the newspapers/publications are The 3rd Eye, "Legacy", among others. There are numerous societies for student engagement, such as Enactus, etc. The student radio station is 103.9MUFM.
Student body
The Moi University Students Organisation serves the student community in the pursuit of academic and social welfare. Elections are held at the end of every academic year (October/November.
