The never-ending leadership wrangles at the University of Nairobi could finally be put to an end following the appointment of Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the institution’s substantive Vice Chancellor.
The University of Nairobi council announced the appointment, marking a major turning point for Kenya’s oldest and most prominent university, which has operated without a substantive Vice Chancellor for nearly two years following the departure of Prof. Stephen Kiama.
In a statement, council chairperson Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti Chacha said Prof. Gitau’s appointment followed a competitive recruitment process conducted through the Public Service Commission. He noted that the process attracted significant interest from highly qualified candidates, underlining the importance of the position in shaping the future of the institution.
The appointment is expected to bring stability to the university after a prolonged period marked by leadership uncertainty, administrative tensions and internal wrangles that have often placed the institution in the public spotlight.
Prof. Gitau now assumes the responsibility of steering the university at a critical time, with expectations high that his leadership will restore confidence, strengthen governance and refocus the institution on its academic, research and innovation mandate.
The council also appointed Prof. Josiah Omollo Aduda as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development, a key position in the management of the university’s resources, infrastructure planning and institutional sustainability.
Following the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Jesang’ Hutchinson, who has been serving as Acting Vice Chancellor since August 2024, will revert to her substantive role as Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Enterprise.
Prof. Hutchinson has been at the helm during a transitional period, overseeing the university as the council moved to fill the top leadership position.
The new appointments will be closely watched by students, staff, alumni and stakeholders in the higher education sector, given the University of Nairobi’s central role in Kenya’s academic and national development landscape.
Top on Prof. Gitau's in-tray will be to unite the institution, calm internal tensions and provide clear leadership after years of uncertainty.
His appointment signals a fresh chapter for the university, with attention now shifting to whether the new leadership team can deliver the stability and institutional renewal that UoN has long needed.
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