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

The University of Nairobi (UoN) has appointed Prof. Ayub N. Gitau as its 9th Vice-Chancellor following the exit of Prof. Stephen Kiama from the country’s oldest public university.

In a statement issued after a special sitting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the University of Nairobi Council also announced the appointment of Prof. Josiah O. Aduda as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development.

The appointments were confirmed by Council Chair Chacha Nyaogotti, who said the new leadership team would steer the institution towards greater academic excellence and innovation.

“These appointments mark a new chapter for the University of Nairobi as we strengthen leadership for excellence, innovation, and global competitiveness,” Nyaogotti stated.

UoN Appoints Prof Ayub Gitau as New Vice Chancellor

Prof. Gitau becomes the 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the university at a time when the institution is facing financial and administrative challenges.

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Prof. Aduda, who takes over the Finance, Planning and Development docket, is expected to oversee key reforms aimed at improving the university’s financial stability and strategic growth.

The council expressed confidence that the two leaders would help strengthen governance and restore the university’s position as a leading institution of higher learning in the region.

The University Council also commended Prof. Margaret J. Hutchinson for her service as Acting Vice-Chancellor during the transition period.

Profile of New UoN VC

Prof. Ayub N. Gitau is a seasoned agricultural engineer, academic, and administrator with more than 35 years of experience in engineering, higher education, and environmental systems development.

He is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Engineering and has served in several senior leadership positions at the institution.

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Before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, he was the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, a role he has held since August 2024.

Prof. Gitau previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering between 2019 and 2024 and also chaired the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering from 2011 to 2017. He has additionally acted as Dean of the School of Engineering and Principal of the College of Architecture and Engineering at different times.

Prof. Gitau is a member of several local and international professional bodies, including the Institute of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE).

His areas of expertise include agricultural mechanisation, irrigation systems, renewable energy, water harvesting technologies, environmental conservation, and infrastructure development.

Professor Josiah Aduda Profile

Prof. Josiah O. Aduda the newly appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance, Planning & Development brings over 25 years of experience in academic leadership, governance, and institutional development.

He has previously served in key leadership roles including Dean of the School of Business and Chair of the Department of Finance and Accounting, contributing significantly to academic growth and administrative excellence.

Prof. Aduda is widely respected for his expertise in financial management, research supervision, and strategic planning, having supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students and published extensively in his field.

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Newly appointed UoN VC Professor Ayub Gitau. PHOTO/UoN