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The University of Nairobi has officially entered a new chapter after the institution’s council appointed Prof Ayub Gitau as the new substantive Vice Chancellor. The appointment, announced on Thursday, brings to an end month of uncertainty and leadership wrangles at Kenya’s oldest public university.

Highlights

Prof Ayub Gitau has been appointed the 9th Vice Chancellor of UoN.
The appointment takes effect immediately.
Prof Margaret Hutchinson had been serving in an acting capacity.
Prof Josiah Omollo Aduda was named Deputy VC for Finance, Planning and Development.
Gitau previously served as Deputy VC for Academic Affairs.

Main Story

UoN Announces New Leadership

The University of Nairobi council has officially named Prof Ayub Gitau as the institution’s new Vice Chancellor, marking a significant leadership transition at the country’s premier public university.

The appointment was confirmed on Thursday, May 14, ending a lengthy search process that had attracted national attention following internal governance disputes and delayed appointments.

Prof Gitau now becomes the 9th Vice Chancellor in the university’s history.

Taking Over After Months of Transition

Before his elevation, Prof Gitau served as the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Over the years, he has also played a role in representing the university in international academic collaborations and policy programmes.

He now takes over from Prof Margaret Hutchinson, who had been acting as Vice Chancellor since 2024 after the departure of former VC Prof Stephen Kiama.

The leadership position had remained a subject of debate for months, especially after earlier attempts to appoint a substantive VC failed to materialise.

New Deputy VC Also Named

Alongside Gitau’s appointment, the council also announced Prof Josiah Omollo Aduda as the new Deputy Vice Chancellor responsible for Finance, Planning and Development.

The changes are expected to stabilise operations at the institution and steer the university through ongoing reforms and administrative challenges.

A Critical Moment for UoN

Prof Gitau steps into office at a time when the university continues to face pressure over governance, financial management and institutional reforms.

As one of the country’s most influential higher learning institutions, expectations remain high on the new leadership team to restore stability and strengthen the university’s academic reputation.

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