UoN names Prof Gitau VC, ends 20-month leadership vacuum

The University of Nairobi has appointed Prof Ayub Gitau as its Vice-Chancellor. [File Courtesy]

After nearly two years of leadership turmoil, the University of Nairobi (UoN) has appointed Prof Ayub N Gitau as its substantive Vice-Chancellor.

The appointment, announced on Thursday by the University Council, effectively ends a 20-month leadership crisis that had plunged the institution into governance uncertainty, court battles, internal management wrangles and concerns over the future direction of the country’s premier university.

In the same sitting, the Council also named Josiah Omollo Aduda as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development.

UoN council chairman Chacha Nyaigoti said Prof Gitau's appointment “ushers in a new era of academic leadership, institutional renewal, innovation and global engagement” at the institution.

“The University of Nairobi Council, after the requisite consultations, has appointed Prof Ayub N. Gitau as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi,” the chair said.

The appointment marks the end of a turbulent chapter that began after the exit of former Vice-Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama, whose tenure was cut short in September 2024 amid governance battles, internal divisions and disputes involving the University Council, staff unions and the Ministry of Education.

Prof Kiama had assumed office in January 2020 on a five-year contract, replacing the 7th Vice-Chancellor, Prof Peter Mbithi. 

Following the end of his tenure, the university remained without a substantive Vice-Chancellor for nearly two years, with Prof Margaret Jesang Hutchinson serving in an acting capacity during the transition period.

On Thursday, the Council acknowledged Prof Hutchinson’s stewardship during the difficult period.

“Prof Gitau takes over from Prof Hutchinson, who has served for the last year as Acting Vice-Chancellor and provided stewardship during the transition period. The University Council commended Prof. Hutchinson for her dedication, stability and commitment to institutional continuity,” the statement read.

Stabilise governance structures

Prof Gitau now assumes office at a time the university is seeking to rebuild its global standing, stabilise governance structures and recover from years of financial and administrative strain.

A career academic and engineer, Prof Gitau brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, engineering practice, institutional management and strategic planning.

He has been a member of the university faculty for over two decades, having joined in 2002 as a lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering. He steadily rose through the academic ranks, attaining full professorship in 2023.

He has previously served as chairman of the department, dean of the Faculty of Engineering, acting principal of the College of Architecture and Engineering, and, since August 2024, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

“He becomes only the second professor from the Faculty of Engineering to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi after Prof Francis Gichaga,” the statement said.

Speaking after his appointment, Prof Gitau pledged to pursue collaborative leadership and institutional renewal.

“The University of Nairobi has a proud legacy of scholarship, innovation and service to society,” he said.

The appointment was also welcomed by the University's Academic Staff Union (UASU), whose members had previously been vocal during the university’s leadership wrangles.

In a statement signed by Chapter Secretary George Osanjo, the union described the appointment as the beginning of a new era anchored on consultation and inclusivity.

“As a Union representing academic staff, we look forward to a new era of leadership founded on consultation, integrity, inclusivity and respect for the indispensable role played by academic staff in advancing the University’s teaching, research, innovation and community service mandate,” the union said.

Staff welfare

UASU further pledged to work with the new administration to promote staff welfare and academic excellence.

“We believe that through open communication, mutual respect and genuine dialogue, we can collectively build a vibrant and supportive environment for learning, teaching, research and professional growth,” the union added.

The staff union also welcomed the appointment of Prof Aduda as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development, saying the office remains central to the institution’s recovery and sustainability agenda.

“The union recognises the critical role of the Finance, Planning and Development Division in ensuring the creation of an enabling environment for teaching, research, innovation and community service,” the statement said.

“We trust that under his leadership, the division will prioritise transparency and consultation aimed at enhancing the university’s academic excellence and staff welfare.”

Prof Aduda, a finance scholar with more than 25 years of experience in higher education and institutional leadership, previously served as Dean of the School of Business, Chair of the Department of Finance and Accounting and Acting Deputy Principal of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The university said he is expected to play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability, resource mobilisation and long-term strategic planning.

His appointment comes at a time the institution continues to face mounting pressure over debt obligations, infrastructure needs, declining global rankings and demands for governance reforms.