Prof. John Okumu Appointed Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor
In a statement, Prof. Momanyi said the Council had unanimously endorsed Prof. Okumu after rigorous interviews that attracted top scholars from across the country.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Linda Olendo
Professor John Okumu has been appointed as the Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University (KU), effective immediately, taking over the leadership of one of Kenya’s largest public universities.
His appointment was announced on Monday by the Chairperson of the Kenyatta University Council, Prof. Clara Momanyi, who said Prof. Okumu emerged as the top-ranked candidate following a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
In a statement, Prof. Momanyi said the Council had unanimously endorsed Prof. Okumu after rigorous interviews that attracted top scholars from across the country.
“He is a seasoned academician and administrator who brings a wealth of experience spanning academic leadership, research, and institutional development,” Prof. Momanyi said. “Given his in-depth experience and strategic insights in higher education management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement, the University Council is confident that he will provide visionary and transformational leadership that will guide the University into its next phase of growth and excellence.”
Prof. Okumu takes over from Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, who has been serving in an acting capacity following the retirement of former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul Wainaina in January 2026. Prof. Wainaina, who served as VC for nearly a decade, left behind a legacy of major infrastructural expansion but also faced challenges including student unrest and financial constraints.
Prof. Okumu is no stranger to Kenyatta University. He previously served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) for one decade and held various senior management positions at the institution, making him one of the longest-serving members of the university’s top leadership.
His academic journey is deeply rooted in the university. He earned his Bachelor of Education (Science) in 1986 at Kenyatta University, majoring in Physics, and followed it with a Master of Science in Condensed Matter Physics in 1988 from the same institution. In 1996, he obtained his PhD in Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
His career progression at KU has been steady, rising from the position of Tutorial Fellow in 1988 to Associate Professor in 2004, before moving into full professorship and senior administration.
Beyond administration, Prof. Okumu has a strong research portfolio. He has published 26 papers in internationally refereed journals, 18 articles in conference proceedings, and authored two books. He is also a member of the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Network, which supports young African scientists in training and the exchange of scientific information.
His appointment comes at a critical time for public universities in Kenya, which are grappling with funding shortfalls, the implementation of the new university funding model, declining research grants, and pressure to align academic programmes with industry needs and the Competency-Based Education (CBE) transition.
Stakeholders in the education sector have welcomed his appointment, expressing optimism that his institutional memory and academic credentials will help stabilize the university and restore its position as a centre of academic excellence and innovation.
Prof. Okumu is expected to be formally installed in a ceremony to be held at the main campus in Kahawa later this month.
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