The University of Nairobi has appointed Eng. Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as its new Vice-Chancellor, handing the seasoned engineering academic the task of steering Kenya’s premier university through a period of financial and institutional reforms.
Prof. Gitau was named the university’s 9th Vice-Chancellor on Thursday following a special sitting of the University Council, with his appointment taking effect immediately.
But who exactly is the man now taking over one of the country’s most influential institutions of higher learning? Veteran engineering Scholar prof. Gitau is a long-serving academic at the University of Nairobi with an extensive background in engineering, infrastructure systems and university management.An engineer by profession, he has built his career within the institution, rising through academic and administrative ranks over the years.He is widely associated with the university’s College of Architecture and Engineering, where he has played a key role in teaching, postgraduate supervision, research and institutional leadership. His academic work has largely focused on infrastructure development, transport engineering and sustainable systems — areas that have increasingly become central to Kenya’s urban and economic growth agenda.
Experienced university Administrator beyond the lecture halls, Prof. Gitau is also regarded as an experienced administrator who understands the inner workings of the University of Nairobi.He has served in various leadership capacities within the institution, contributing to academic planning, policy implementation and programme management.His appointment signals the Council’s preference for an insider familiar with both the opportunities and crises facing the university.The new VC takes office at a difficult moment for the institution, which has in recent years faced mounting debt, governance disputes, staff unrest and concerns over declining competitiveness.
Heavy task ahead
Prof. Gitau now inherits the responsibility of restoring confidence in Kenya’s oldest university while balancing financial sustainability, academic standards and research growth.Public universities across the country are grappling with reduced government funding, rising wage bills and pressure to modernise learning systems.Observers say his engineering and administrative background could shape a more systems-based approach to management and institutional reforms.
The University Council also announced the appointment of Prof. Josiah Omollo Aduda as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development.
At the same time, the Council praised Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson for her service as Acting Vice-Chancellor during the transition period.
