Prof. John Okumu has been appointed the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University (KU), taking over the institution’s top leadership position after serving in an acting capacity since January 2026.
The appointment, announced by the University Council on Monday, July 27, follows a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC), in which Prof. Okumu emerged as the top-ranked candidate with a score of 84.5 marks.
University Council Chairperson Prof. Clara Momanyi described him as an accomplished academic and administrator with extensive experience in university leadership, research and institutional development.
“He is a seasoned academician and administrator who brings a wealth of experience spanning academic leadership, research and institutional development,” Prof. Momanyi said.
She added that the council was confident Prof. Okumu would provide the strategic leadership needed to steer the university into its next phase of growth.
Four decades at Kenyatta University
Prof. Okumu has spent nearly four decades at Kenyatta University, beginning as a student before rising through the academic ranks.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Science), majoring in Physics, from Kenyatta University in 1986 before earning a Master of Science in Condensed Matter Physics from the same institution in 1988.
In 1996, he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
He joined Kenyatta University as a Tutorial Fellow in 1988, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2004 and attained the rank of full Professor of Physics in 2020.
Between 2016 and 2026, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, overseeing academic programmes, admissions, examinations and graduations before being appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor following the retirement of Prof. Paul Wainaina in January 2026.
Research and academic contributions
Beyond university administration, Prof. Okumu is an accomplished researcher in condensed matter physics.
He has published 26 papers in internationally refereed journals, presented 18 conference papers and authored two books.
His research has largely focused on condensed matter physics, including thin-film technologies and transition metal oxides.
Prof. Okumu is also a member of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Network, an international scientific community that promotes collaboration, research and the exchange of knowledge among scholars.
Leading Kenyatta University
As the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof. Okumu is expected to lead one of Kenya’s largest public universities through its next phase of academic and institutional development.
His appointment comes at a time when universities are navigating reforms in higher education financing, expanding research and innovation, and strengthening partnerships with industry and international institutions.
University Council Chairperson Prof. Clara Momanyi said his extensive experience in higher education management, strategic planning and stakeholder engagement positions him to provide visionary leadership for the institution.
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