University Of Nairobi Council Appoints New Vice Chancellor
The University of Nairobi has officially appointed Ayub Njoroge Gitau as its new Vice-Chancellor, after a push and pull that has dragged on for several years.
His appointment follows a special meeting by the university council held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to deliberate on leadership changes at the institution.
In a statement, the university council announced that it had approved Gitau to serve as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi after hours of deliberations.
The council said the appointments are aimed at ushering in a new era for the institution as it seeks to strengthen leadership, academic excellence and institutional development.
“The University of Nairobi Council, following consultations in a special sitting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, has announced key leadership appointments ushering in a new era for the institution,” the council announced.
The University of Nairobi Council has appointed Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the institution’s ninth Vice-Chancellor following a special sitting held on Thursday, bringing to an end a prolonged leadership standoff that has shaped governance and management disputes at Kenya’s… pic.twitter.com/AjYWhJBa0g
— Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) May 14, 2026
Besides Gitau’s appointment, the university council also approved Josiah Omollo Aduda as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development.
The council also paid tribute to Margaret Jesang Hutchinson for her service as Acting Vice-Chancellor during the transition period, applauding her dedication and leadership.
The new Vice-Chancellor now assumes office at a critical moment when the institution is struggling with financial strain and concerns over management and staff, as well as students’ welfare issues.
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Ayub’s appointment comes just a month after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), University of Nairobi Chapter, expressed concern over the prolonged absence of substantive leadership at the institution.
Addressing the press on April 13, the staff noted that the Vice-Chancellor and all Deputy Vice-Chancellor positions had been held in acting capacities since September 2024.
They noted that the continued reliance on acting appointments has undermined stability and weakened the university’s ability to effectively manage its affairs.
UoN has been facing a crisis in the aftermath of the chaotic removal of former Vice Chancellor Stephen Kiama.
Meanwhile, the university’s challenges mainly stem from a power struggle between the university council and the Education Ministry, with the ministry previously cancelling appointments made by the Council.
University Of Nairobi Council Appoints New Vice Chancellor
