Kenyatta University appoints Prof. John Okumu as Vice Chancellor

A new chapter has begun at Kenyatta University following the official appointment of Professor John Okumu as the institution’s substantive Vice Chancellor, marking the end of his tenure in an acting capacity after the retirement of former Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina earlier this year.

The appointment was announced by the Chairperson of the University Council, Prof. Clara Momanyi, during a colourful ushering-in ceremony held at the University Administration Complex. The event, attended by members of the University Council, the University Management Board, staff and invited guests, symbolised a seamless transition of leadership and ushered in what many described as a new dawn for one of Kenya’s premier institutions of higher learning.

Prof. Okumu has steered the university in an acting capacity since January 2026 following the departure of Prof. Paul Wainaina after completing his tenure as Vice Chancellor. His confirmation comes after a competitive recruitment process in which he emerged as the successful candidate, earning the confidence of the University Council to lead the institution into its next phase of growth and transformation.

A distinguished scholar and accomplished administrator, Prof. Okumu has dedicated nearly four decades of service to Kenyatta University. Having begun his journey at the institution as a student before rising through the academic ranks from Tutorial Fellow to Professor of Physics, he also served for ten years as Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening academic programmes, research and institutional development.

Speaking after receiving his appointment, Prof. Okumu expressed gratitude to the University Council for the confidence placed in him and reaffirmed his commitment to providing visionary leadership.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence the University Council has placed in me. I am committed to leading with humility, integrity and openness as we work together to strengthen Kenyatta University’s position as Kenya’s premier university and a globally competitive institution,” he said.

University Council Chairperson Prof. Clara Momanyi congratulated the new Vice Chancellor, describing him as an experienced academic leader whose extensive knowledge of higher education and university administration makes him well suited to steer the institution into a new era.

“The University Council is confident that Prof. Okumu will provide visionary and transformational leadership that will guide Kenyatta University into its next phase of growth, innovation and academic excellence,” she said.

The appointment has been widely welcomed by the university community, with optimism that Prof. Okumu’s leadership will further enhance research, innovation, international collaborations and the quality of teaching while strengthening Kenyatta University’s standing as one of Africa’s leading centres of higher education.

As he officially assumes office as the seventh substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Okumu takes over the helm at a time when the university is keen on expanding its global footprint, nurturing innovation and producing graduates equipped to address the challenges of an ever-changing world.