'We are pleased to welcome H.E. Monica Geingos as our first Chancellor. Her vast experience and leadership in support of young people make her the right person to lead our institution. We are grateful for her passion and focus on Africa's development through economic empowerment of young Africans. This aligns with our mission, and we look forward to seeing her impact,' said Ambassador Dr. Charles Murigande, Chairman of Kepler College's Governance Council.
Geingos is a qualified lawyer and has made significant contributions to both the private and public sectors. Before her tenure as First Lady of Namibia between March 2015 and February 2024, she was the Managing Director and co-shareholder of Namibia's largest private equity fund for over a decade.
Most recently, she was the President of Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) where she launched the #WeAreEqual campaign, advocating for gender equity across Africa.
'As the inaugural Chancellor of Kepler College, I am profoundly honored to lead this institution into a new era of transformative education. My vision is to harness the power of knowledge not merely to inform but to inspire profound societal change. By creating a dynamic learning environment that bridges academic excellence with real-world application, we aim to ignite a generation of Pan African innovators and leaders who will drive meaningful progress,' said Geingos.
Beyond her professional achievements, Geingos' leadership extended to her roles as a co-chair of the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics, and Chairperson of the Africa REACH Leadership Council.
She has been instrumental in advocating for gender equity and economic inclusivity through her various platforms.
'Mrs. Geingos' appointment as Chancellor marks a significant milestone for Kepler College. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a unique perspective that will enrich the College's academic culture and commitment to excellence and inclusivity. I am confident that her leadership will greatly enhance our ability to offer transformative higher education,' said Prof. Baylie Damtie Yeshita, Vice-Chancellor of Kepler College.
Geingos' global recognition includes receiving the 'World Without AIDS Award' from the German AIDS Foundation and being appointed as a UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls. In April 2024, she was honored with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Jharkhand Rai University.
As Chancellor, Geingos will preside over convocation ceremonies, confer degrees, and represent Kepler College within and outside the academic community.
Kepler College prepares young Africans with global competencies and the mindset to address local challenges. With innovative competency-based education model, it offers high-quality, affordable, and employment-driven higher education at the nexus of management and technology.
It currently provides a Bachelor of Arts degree in Project Management and a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, along with a range of professional development courses designed to equip students with the essential skills for the 21st-century workforce.
Kepler College offers US degrees in partnership with the Southern New Hampshire University program. Through this partnership, over 2,500 students across Kigali and the Kiziba refugee camp in Karongi district have enrolled.
Sam K Nkurunziza
