Monica Geingos, former First Lady of Namibia, has been appointed Chancellor of Kepler College in Kigali, the institution announced Monday.
Geingos, 47, began her term on July 29 and is the first person to hold the position at the college. She joins Prof. Baylie Damtie Yeshita, the Vice-Chancellor, and Ambassador Charles Murigande, Chairperson of the College’s Governance Council.
A lawyer by profession, Geingos has made significant contributions across both private and public sectors in Namibia and beyond. Her previous roles include serving as Managing Director and co-shareholder of Namibia’s largest private equity fund for over a decade, and leading the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) as President.
In her new role, Geingos will preside over convocation ceremonies, confer degrees, and represent the college in academic and public spheres. She also aims to drive societal change through transformative education.
“We are pleased to welcome Monica Geingos as our first Chancellor,” said Murigande. “Her vast experience and leadership in support of young people make her the right person to lead our institution.”
Murigande highlighted Geingos’ commitment to Africa’s development and economic empowerment of young Africans, which aligns with the college’s mission.
Geingos, who led the WeAreEqual campaign for gender equity in Africa, has also served as co-chair of the Global Council on Inequality, AIDS, and Pandemics, and Chairperson of the Africa REACH Leadership Council.
In April 2024, she received an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Jharkhand Rai University. She has also been honored with the World Without AIDS Award by the German AIDS Foundation and appointed as a UNAIDS Special Advocate for Young Women and Adolescent Girls.
Prof. Yeshita expressed confidence that Geingos’ leadership will enhance the college’s academic culture and commitment to excellence and inclusivity.
Geingos pledged to use her role to inspire a new generation of Pan-African innovators and leaders, bridging academic excellence with real-world application.
