Profile of Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau: The New University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor

Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau was born on 20th October 1966 at Nderi Village, Kikuyu, Kenya. He is a well-known Kenyan scholar and engineer in Environmental and Biosystems Engineering.

Currently, he has held the position of Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi since May 2026.

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering at Egerton University in 1990, graduating with Upper Second Class Honours.

He later pursued a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Nairobi between 1992 and 1994, completing it in 1996 with a specialization in power, machinery, and mechanization engineering.

After that, he pursued his doctoral degree at the same university between 2001 and 2004 and obtained his Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering in 2005, with a specialization in soil mechanics behavior, tillage simulation modeling, and tool design.

Before joining academia, his educational background involved A-Level and O-Level training in Kenya.

His career in professional life started from jobs in technical and academic fields, where his success gradually enabled him to take up high-ranking posts.

He was employed by the Kenya Industrial Training Institute (KITI), an institute under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as Head of the Department of Science and Technology from 1997 to 2001.

He also worked at Kenya Methodist University as a lecturer and acting head of department.

From 2002, he became a lecturer at the University of Nairobi, where he steadily rose to the ranks of senior lecturer, associate professor, and professor up to 2023.

He has also worked as the Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering and Dean of the School of Engineering & Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

Prof. Gitau’s knowledge is not only confined to the academic world but also within the realms of research, consulting, and policy development.

He has participated in curriculum development and accreditation of engineering education programs within Kenyatta University and other universities in the region.

Prof. Gitau has also worked as an external examiner for universities, including Makerere University and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

The range of research topics undertaken by Prof. Gitau includes conservation agriculture, renewable energy systems, irrigation technologies, and water harvesting techniques.

Engineering Education and Leadership in Administration 

Professor Gitau has occupied many strategic leadership posts at the University of Nairobi, such as acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), Dean of Engineering, and chairman in various departments.

He has been instrumental in moving the University towards digitization of learning programs, adoption of blended mode of education, and competency-based curriculum development.

Also Read: UoN Appoints New Vice-Chancellor After Professor Kiama’s Exit

Research, Innovation, and Global Cooperation

His research activities include mechanization design, renewable energy generation systems, irrigation systems, and technology for environmental protection.

He has worked on projects that have been supported by various agencies, including NACOSTI and overseas bodies, such as institutions in Europe and the United Kingdom.

In addition, he has been involved in consultancy and advisory services for the National Environment Management Authority and the Engineers Board of Kenya.

Also Read: UoN and KU Among Best Universities in Africa in Lates Rankings (FULL LIST)

Professional Memberships & Recognition

The lecturer holds a registration as a Consulting Engineer in the Engineers Board of Kenya and is also an active member in various professional associations like the Institution of Engineers of Kenya.

Some of the international professional associations he belongs to include ASABE & ISTRO.

He has also been recognized on various occasions for his contributions in teaching, publication, reviewing, and mentoring in academia.

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The University of Nairobi Main Campus Main Entrance. PHOTO/ Kenya Times.