NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenyatta University has appointed Professor John Okumu as its substantive Vice-Chancellor, ending the search for a new head of one of Kenya’s largest public universities.
The appointment, announced by the University Council on Monday, takes effect immediately following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
University Council Chairperson Professor Clara Momanyi said the council selected Prof Okumu after the recruitment process, describing him as an experienced academic and administrator with extensive knowledge in higher education management.
“The University Council is pleased to inform you that it has appointed Prof John Okumu as the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University with immediate effect,” Prof Momanyi said in a statement.
Prof Okumu takes over leadership of the institution following the completion of Prof Paul Wainaina’s eight-year tenure as Vice-Chancellor.
Before his appointment, Prof Okumu had been serving in acting capacity and previously held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs for about a decade.
The new Vice-Chancellor has spent more than three decades at Kenyatta University, rising through the ranks from a Tutorial Fellow to Professor of Physics and later taking up various senior administrative roles.
Prof Okumu holds a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, a Master’s degree in Condensed Matter Physics and a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree from Kenyatta University.
His appointment comes at a time when public universities in Kenya continue to navigate challenges including financial pressures, changing higher education demands and calls for stronger governance and innovation.
The university said it expects Prof Okumu to provide strategic leadership and guide KU into its next phase of academic growth, research advancement and institutional development.
Kenyatta University, established in 1985, is among Kenya’s largest public universities and serves thousands of students across various campuses and academic programmes.
