Prof. Caleb Otieno Othieno retired from active service on the 18th of December, 2023. Colleagues and students gathered at the Outreach & International Students Centre of Eldoret to celebrate him and showered him with tributes on his industrious career as well as congratulatory and wishes of goodwill on his retirement.
Prof. Othieno is the longest-serving member of staff in the Department of Soil Science having founded the Department in 1994 where he held the position of Head of Department until 2003. He has trained and mentored over 50 postgraduate students (both Ph.D. and MSc.) and 100’s of BSc. He developed several programmes at the University: The current BSc. Soils and Land Use Management, MSc. Soil Science, Ph.D. Soil Science and the BSc. Agricultural Extension Education Programme housed in the School of Education.
Accolades from Staff and Students
Indeed Prof Othieno has mentored many, right from attachment while doing my undergraduate. He became my first employer. When he joined Moi University, he invited me to teach Soil Physics. I later joined him at Moi University where the mentorship continued. It has been a journey and Prof. has touched many lives. Prof. Othieno was the first African Director of the Tea Research Foundation, an organisation he led till he retired and joined Moi University. Congratulations, Prof!
Prof. Wilson Ng’etich - DVC(AF), University of Eldoret.
Prof. Othieno is a stickler for time; never a minute late. His emphasis on excellence, teamwork and the mantra ‘Respect the office’ reigns.
Dr. Abigael N. Otinga, HoD - Department of Soil Science, UoE
Prof. Othieno: ‘You young turks, you have to make sure we are food secure’ – a constant reminder of my mandate as a soil scientist! Thank you, Prof., your impact is of a lifetime!
Dr. Ruth Njoroge - Department of Soil Science, UoE
As we celebrate Prof. Othieno, I appreciate him big time for the support he offered me on my academic journey as an academic ‘Papa’. I once barged into his office amidst a lecture…. The look on his face told it all!’
Dr. Emily Ruto - USA
Prof. Othieno making me literally swear not to bring other students to use the only computer in the department during my fourth year project! I couldn’t believe it! Congratulations on your retirement, Prof!
Dr. Moses Thuita, Nairobi
My prominent quote from Prof. Othieno is ‘When you get a job, build your name; the money will follow’. This quote has gotten me to where I am today.
Dr. Keziah Magiroi - Deputy Centre Director, KALRO, Kitale
I want to appreciate you Prof Othieno for having trained me on plant nutrition; a course that forms the bedrock of my career working with farmers in Laikipia and Meru Counties. Rest assured that your work continues.
Mr. Sam Njogo
This quote has stuck in my mind.’Inorganic fertilizer alone is not a solution to our soils’. Prof, you have made me a better farmer.
Mr. Maxwel Kemei - Farmer, Uasin Gishu County
I appreciate and celebrate you Prof on your retirement. I always remember your emphasis on soil fertility for smallholder farmers. God bless you always.
Ms. Ludy Keino, ICRAF, Nairobi
Prof. Othieno, I remember the following on student thesis examination. You wrote your highlights for correction using a pencil. The corrections by the student were to be highlighted in yellow with a separate write-up indicating the exact page and paragraph where the correction had been effected and when handing in the corrected version of the thesis, the last draft had to be handed along with the current draft to track whether corrections had been done. I emulate this. Congratulations on your retirement, Prof.
Dr. Syphyline Kebeney - Senior Lecturer, Moi University
Congratulations on your retirement, Prof! Nothing but the best-that is what you gave, and that is what we wish you as you retire. God bless you!
Dr. Mercy Ngunjiri, IFDC, Nairobi
Prof. Caleb Obiero Othieno, whom he abbreviated as COO has indeed mentored many professionals. He first hired me as a technician to handle data collection and analysis for an irrigation project on tea. His way of monitoring included checking your work during the lunch hour break. He also hired me a second time as a Research Scientist at the Tea Research Foundation where he served as Director till retirement. I appreciate his work style-dedication and attention to detail. Prof, may you enjoy your retirement, God bless you!
Mr. Naman Nyabinda
Prof. Othieno is the most humble person; very professional. His office was open to all of us, no words can describe him, he is a hero. The most memorable moment for me during my defence was a question he asked…’Is that a real photo of the crop or a computer-generated photo?’ I wish him God’s blessings as he starts a new chapter. Thanks to our Hero.
Dr. Mary Kifuko - Senior Scientist, KALRO, Kitale
Prof, thank you for being a role model, and one-of-a-kind mentor and leaving an incredible impact on my life. You will never know where your firm principles and influence will stop. When I grow up, I want to be like you!
Ms. Peris Oroko - Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Nairobi
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