Colleagues and students from the Department of Animal Science and Management celebrated the retirement of Prof. George Oduho Oliech, the gentleman from Kadenge Village in Siaya County, having served in the department since 2006.

Prof. Oliech’s academic journey is paved with resilience, determination and excellence. He started his career in agriculture and livestock in 1971 following the completion of his Diploma in Animal Husbandry. He joined the then Egerton College in 1975 as a Laboratory Technician and gained a Diploma in Poultry Husbandry from Barneveld College in Netherlands. Discovering his academic potential he pursued his passion earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science (Agriculture) in 1983 and thereafter his Master of Science in Animal Science (Genetics) both from Mississippi State University, USA. He became a lecturer in 1985 upon his return to Egerton University. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science (Nutrition) from University of IIlinois, USA in 1994 joining the Egerton faculty as a Senior Lecturer. He joined Moi University in 2006 as an Associate Professor till his retirement from the University of Eldoret in February 2024.

Prof Oliech has more than 30 publications to his name, been author in at least one book and authored more than 25 conference papers and research and presented in more than 10 local or international conferences. He has successfully obtained research grants in more than 5 proposals worth $ 250,000.00 (Ksh. 40,000,000.00). He has worked as a consultant participating in projects with at least 9 NGOs, institutions, private companies and UN bodies. Prof. Oliech has successfully supervised more than 15 postgraduate students at both MSc. and Ph.D. levels, and even at the time of his retirement, he was supervising MSc. students.

Prof. Oliech has held key leadership positions in his academic career and different institutions and social groups. He has been the chairman of several committees at both departmental, faculty and college levels. He has been the Chairman of the Board of Governors of St. Joseph Nyalula Secondary School, Siaya County since 2004, a member of Agricultural Show of Kenya committee, member of Kenya National Exam Council, and Hall Warden.

At UoE, Prof. Oliech was the second Head of Department of Animal Science and Management (ANS) and the brain behind many new programmes and reviews, the latest of which is the Ph.D. in Animal Science, which is awaiting Senate approval.  Prof. Oliech’s passion in research enabled ANS Department to acquire a model Demonstration Farm that has been pivotal in disseminating practical skills and experiences not only to those students in the Department but across University of Eldoret fraternity.

Without a doubt, Prof. Oliech has mentored many, both students and employees. He has the ability to see potential in people and give them appropriate guidance and encouragement. His fatherly approach has helped both staff and students go through difficult situations or overcome obstacles in their lives and obtain success in their pursuits.
We wish Prof. Oliech a long and exciting life in retirement and may he reap the good fruits of all the contributions he has made to his country in general and people’s lives in particular.

Dr. Eunice Mewa, HoD, Department of Animal Science and Management, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology, University of Eldoret – KENYA

Tribute to Professor George O. Oliech

“You've been a great leader and mentor for me. Thank you for putting up with my mistakes and always encouraging me to learn and grow. I hope that you enjoy your retirement. Such a true inspiration!♥♥
Ndirangu James, Class of 2012, Graduate of 2016

Happy retirement to Prof. It's a blessing indeed. May God bless and be with you as u enjoy ur retirement.
Sharon Kandie, Class of 2013, Graduate of 2017

On day one in UOE when I was applying for BSc ANS, it was Prof. Oliech who advised me, I joined the University of Eldoret and he proposed that I be the Class Rep. He is truly my mentor, I appreciate him because where I am today is because of the wisdom and wise words he always shared. I will always remember him. As he retires, I wish him well and lots of blessings shall follow him. Happy, happy retirement Prof. Oliech and my mentor. I lack words to express my gratitude, but a big Thank you, Prof.
Kipleting Reuben Rop, Class of 2013 Graduated 2017

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! Your passion for education has left an indelible mark on countless students, and your legacy will continue to inspire. I am wishing you a retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and new adventures. ? Cheers to a lifetime of accomplishments!
Samuel Owino, Class of 2014.

Happy retirement Prof. Oliech, you influenced the course of my career. I remember, when I came to the Department for the first time, I wanted to change ANS course to Business management. You counselled me, and I remember your words "Don't make that mistake young man." God bless you with abundance of health, and gifts of happiness. "If I came to your house, however broke you may be, try and at least serve me a cup of strong tea. "Prof. reminded us. Little did he know how much this statement had a meaning in real life to me. "Speak up with confidence, you're a graduate son..."Those are among the last statements from Prof. A listening ear to me you were always, not forgetting about minding my belly while I was starving. You saw a king in me. I felt bad when you missed my presentation in fourth year. Prof., my heart is thronged with much blessings and love for you, inexpressible. Enjoy happy retirement filled with love and joy, know that you've produced hybrid soldiers who are going to live your legacy. Erokamano wuora❤
Wagaluka Dick Baraza, Class of 2014

I was in the first class of Animal Science. Prof. Oliech was the HOD and met us in a lecture hall at Old site..and his first two questions were: Prof: Who among you scored As in any subject?".. Class:A few of us stood up. Prof: "Who among you scored below B in any subject?" Class: A few stood up. Prof: "If you got "A" it only means the examiner set the exam where you read and if below, you weren't lucky enough to read where it was set" To me this was classic.!!
Brian Bodo, Class of 2014

Happy retirement Prof. Oliech. May God add more to your life and may you receive hundredfold of what you have given.
Brenda Gatwiri, Class of 2015, Graduated 2019

Through my career journey Prof. Oliech, you mentored me, your units on animal nutrition shaped whom I am today. Happy retirement Professor Oliech.
James Njeruh Nthuni, Class of 2015

The first day l sat in your class as a freshman, l vividly remember your words, "With this course you don't need to be an employee but you can always be your own boss." These words echo in my professional life daily. Your lessons in life and work will always be pillars in my life, happy retirement, Professor Oliech.
Lilian Onyango, Class of 2015

I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from you, and I hope to continue applying the concepts and principles I learned in my future endeavours. Specifically in the Poultry Production You instilled such useful Information and encouragement towards it. Thank you again for all that you do, and for the positive influence you did on my academic journey. God Bless.
Vincent Kipyegon, Class of 2016

Prof. Oliech is an inspiration and I will surely remember his lessons for the rest of my life. 
Teccy Vivian Kanyi, Class of 2017, Graduated 2022

My appreciation message to Professor Oliech. He has been instrumental in shaping our critical thinking skills. I mostly appreciate his guidance in research and Animal nutrition which have helped me personally to build my small animal projects. And furthermore, his insistence on keeping things simple always made the course easy for all of us. I am most grateful to him for all this and more. I pray he enjoys his retirement and God blesses him more as he so deserves. 
Basil Otieno, From Teccy's Class of 2017

In Education you have been one strong pillar that is key to uphold. Your mentorship guides us all through. May God bless and be with you as u enjoy ur retirement. Happy retirement, Prof. Oliech
Ngina Maggie, Teccy’s Class of 2017

I respect and admire how you have worked hard and passionately over your long career. Prof., I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge you have imparted in me. Nothing but the best is what you always gave. Wishing you God's blessings.as you retire. Thank you so much. Happy retirement Prof. Oliech
Fredrick Omondi, Class of 2017, Graduated 2022

Happy retirement Prof.! Your hard work, professionalism, and positive attitude have always been a source of motivation to me. I wish u happy and relaxing retirement. 
Maureen Wekesa, Class of 2018. Graduated 2022

I really would have liked to attend Prof Oliech’s party but due to unforeseen circumstances, I won't make it. However, I want to mention that Prof. Oliech is a down-to-earth Animal Scientist with admirable in-depth of knowledge in this Noble Science. Prof Oliech mentored me with the gusto of a parent to child until I achieved my PhD in the same discipline. I lack enough words to festoon Prof. Oliech’s mentorship prowess. It is my humble prayer that Professor now can relax from much academic work and enjoy what the Almighty God has planned for him. Long live Prof. Oliech. You remain my consultant. 
Dr. Paul Mutai

In 1985 as a young adult in Egerton University dong my livestock duties at diploma level I was supervised by a young sharply dressed lecturer in the poultry section. His name was George Oduho. I admired his procedures as a supervisor and dreamt one day of being like him. Little did I know that I would meet the same George in UoE while doing my undergraduate only that this time he was known as Prof Oliech. He was the same as 25 years ago. You have mentored me to appreciate the significance of my profession and the need to be proud of whom I am. God bless you my mentor as you become a senior citizen. All the best, Sir.
Eric Misiko, MSc Class of 2016

Dear Professor Oliech, On your retirement. I would like to thank you for your encouragement and support over the years. You are an exceptional lecturer who had students’ interest in mind and heart. Thank you for being friendly and resourceful mentor that you are. Your guidance has brightened my studies. Your friendly attitude will forever remain in my heart. I really appreciate you so much for making me a better Kenyan. Happy retirement Prof.         
Christopher Murgor, BSc. Class of 2018 and current MSc. continuing student 2023/2024

Prof. George William Oduho Oliech is an Animal Scientist per excellence whose professional foundation was laid at the then Egerton College in the 1970s. He grew vertically through the ranks to his current position of Associate Professor. He loves the profession and promotes it among students ably. Prof. Oliech was the second Head of Department of Animal Science and Management in University of Eldoret after Dr. Moses Ndiema. He ably led and established the Department with the current structures, livestock and staff. Prof George Oliech is the best Animal Science professional the University of Eldoret has ever had.
I wish him peace, good health and God's blessings as he takes his retirement.
Dr Jackson Kitilit, Lecturer/Department of Animal Science & Management. University of Eldoret.

A true mentor is one who sees potential in another person, unconditionally uses his knowledge, resources and time to assist and groom the person to maximise that potential and rejoice with him in his successes. Sir, you fit in that definition for me smugly. You met me at the Veterinary Investigation Laboratory, Eldoret where I was the Officer-in-Charge, when you came to assess your students on attachment. You suggested to me to come to teach part-time at UoE. I did. You then encouraged me to apply for a position as a full-time lecturer. I did, but since the response for interview delayed to come, I went to Chuka and then Maseno Universities. You still followed me up with phone calls and encouraged me to update my CV and re-apply. I did. And here I am, 10 years and counting. You encouraged me to complete my PhD studies even amidst the difficulties and setbacks I went through. I did. Prof. Oliech, you are a mentor indeed. You even allowed me to be your HoD!! You surely had faith and confidence in me all along. You have taught me how to be a mentor. May the Lord God himself reward you accordingly with a long, blissful retirement phase. You retired but you are not tired and your mentorship, knowledge and wisdom will still spill onto those who will interact with you or be in your sphere of influence.
Warm regards and much respect,
Dr. Joseph Omega, Lecturer, Department of Animal Science and Management, University of Eldoret.