From Physics Professor to VC: Inside Prof. John Okumu’s Journey at Kenyatta University

John Okumu is a physicist, scholar, and experienced university administrator who has spent more than three decades at Kenyatta University.

The university appointed him as its substantive Vice-Chancellor after he emerged as the top-ranked candidate in a competitive recruitment process.

He previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs for 10 years

Academic Background

Okumu holds a PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.

He also holds a Master of Science degree in Condensed Matter Physics and a Bachelor of Education (Science) degree from Kenyatta University. He has served as a full Professor of Physics since 2020.

He joined Kenyatta University as a Tutorial Fellow in 1988 and rose through the academic ranks to become a lecturer, senior lecturer, associate professor and, later, a full professor.

John Okumu Has More than 30 Years at Kenyatta University

Okumu has built his entire academic career at Kenyatta University, where he has served as both a faculty member and administrator.

He has more than 30 years of experience as a faculty member and more than 20 years of experience in senior university administration.

His leadership roles have included serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) for 10 years.

He has also served as Acting Dean of the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Chairman of the Department of Physics, Director of the Centre for Career Development and Placement and Deputy Director of Self-Sponsored Programmes.

Professor was also the immediate former Chairman of the Promotions and Appraisal Committee for teaching and non-teaching staff in grades 11 and above.

Also Read: Kenyatta University Confirms Prof. John Okumu as New Vice-Chancellor

A Scholar in Physics

Okumu’s academic work focuses on condensed matter physics and materials science.

His research has included the study of thin films, transition metal oxides and nanoparticles. According to his profile at Kenyatta University, his work examines the optical and structural properties of materials and their potential applications in areas such as optical data storage, hard coatings, mirrors and smart windows.

He has also worked on the fabrication of nanoparticles using sputter deposition and collaborated with researchers at RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

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Research and Postgraduate Supervision

Over the years, Prof. Okumu has published research in peer-reviewed journals and presented papers at local and international conferences.

His work has covered areas including condensed matter physics, materials science and atomic physics. He has also supervised PhD and MSc students to completion in these fields.

His academic profile lists research on materials such as amorphous silicon, thin films, metal nanoparticles and transition metal oxides.

He is also a DAAD Fellow and an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellow. He is also a member of the Kenya National Academy of Sciences.

He has served as an external examiner in several universities in Kenya and the region. He also served on the Quality Assurance Committee of the Inter-University Council for East Africa, representing public universities in Kenya for two terms.

He has also held editorial roles at the East African Journal of Physical Sciences, serving as Deputy Editor-in-Chief and later Editor-in-Chief.

Leadership at Kenyatta University

Okumu’s experience in university administration has placed him at the centre of academic leadership at Kenyatta University.

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), he was involved in the administration of academic programmes, teaching, student admissions, examinations, graduation and other academic functions.

Before his appointment as the substantive Vice-Chancellor, he served as Acting Vice-Chancellor. During this period, he led various university initiatives, including the launch of a digital system to track the development and review of academic programmes.

As Vice-Chancellor, Okumu will serve as Kenyatta University’s principal academic and administrative officer.

The university has described him as an experienced academic and administrator with a background in academic leadership, research and institutional development.

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