NAIROBI, Kenya – Nation Media Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Dr Geoffrey Odundo has been appointed Chancellor of Machakos University for a five-year term, succeeding Centum Investment Group CEO James Mworia.
President William Ruto announced the appointment through Gazette Notice No. 17695 dated November 13, 2026, with Odundo’s tenure taking effect immediately.
The appointment was made under Section 38(1)(a) of the Universities Act, which empowers the President to appoint university chancellors.
Odundo takes over from Mworia, who served as the university’s founding Chancellor for approximately 10 years. Machakos University confirmed that Mworia presided over his final graduation ceremony on November 6, 2026, during the institution’s 11th graduation ceremony.
Odundo Brings Financial and Capital Markets Experience
Odundo joins the university leadership with extensive experience in the financial services and capital markets sectors.
He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi Securities Exchange between 2015 and 2024, overseeing market operations and initiatives aimed at developing Kenya’s capital markets.
Before joining Nation Media Group, he worked as Group Executive Advisor at CPF Group and held several positions in investment banking and asset management. He also served as the first Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Securities.
His appointment places an experienced corporate executive at the helm of the university’s chancellorship as the institution continues expanding its academic programmes, research and partnerships.
Machakos University currently offers 83 academic programmes and had a student population of 14,448, according to information released during its 10-year institutional milestone celebrations.
Government Renews Appointments Across Public Institutions
Odundo’s appointment was part of a wider series of appointments and reappointments affecting government agencies, regulatory bodies and public institutions.
At the National Treasury, Joseph Tiampati ole Musuni and Professor Peter Kibet Koech were reappointed to the board of the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) for another three years.
In the education sector, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba appointed Dr Paul Wanyeki to the Council of the Kenya National Qualifications Authority for three years.
Ogamba also renewed the appointments of Professor Mike Kuria, Everline Owoko, Jacqueline Mugo and Collins Oyuu to the authority’s council for similar terms.
Other appointments included Willy Kenei’s reappointment to the Export Processing Zones Authority Board and Flora Kiprop’s renewal as a member of the Uwezo Fund Oversight Board.
Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa renewed Ahmed Muhamed’s membership of the Kenya Forest Service Board, while Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa reappointed Solomon Kiptarbei Maritim to the Kenya Water Institute Governing Council.
At the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho renewed the appointments of Hassan Abdi Dukicha and Dr Nancy Tele to the institution’s board.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also reappointed Baljit Sokh and Pius Chelimo to the Private Security Regulatory Authority Board for another three years.
The appointments form part of the government’s latest changes to leadership and membership across public institutions, with several officials retaining their positions for additional terms.
