Prof John Okumu has unveiled an ambitious transformation agenda aimed at positioning Kenyatta University as a leading, financially sustainable and globally competitive institution.
Speaking during his installation as the university’s seventh Vice Chancellor at the Campus Graduation Square on Friday, Prof Okumu said his administration would prioritise academic excellence, research and innovation, digital transformation, infrastructure development, staff welfare and student support.
He said the agenda would be guided by the theme, “Forging Ahead in Unity, Excellence, Sustainability and Greater Global Impact.”
Prof Okumu said rapid technological advances, particularly artificial intelligence, were changing the way universities produce knowledge and prepare graduates for the labour market.
He said KU could no longer afford to simply maintain the status quo but must embrace change and strengthen its competitiveness.
“Leadership at this moment requires more than maintaining the status quo. It requires courage to embrace change, discipline in execution and a shared determination to position Kenyatta University as the most preferred university in the region and beyond,” he said.
He pledged to strengthen the quality, relevance and competitiveness of academic programmes to ensure graduates acquire practical skills, creativity, ethical grounding and the ability to address real world challenges.
The Vice Chancellor also placed research and innovation at the centre of his administration, saying the university would focus on research capable of generating practical solutions to national and global challenges.
Key areas will include health, climate change, food security, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, manufacturing, education, governance and sustainable development.
Prof Okumu said KU would strengthen partnerships with government, industry, development agencies and international institutions to increase research funding and collaboration opportunities.
He also promised greater support for intellectual property protection, technology transfer, commercialisation, incubation and start ups developed by students and staff.
Digital transformation
On digital transformation, Prof Okumu said KU had already established a strong foundation through its Digital School, online learning platforms, digital evaluation, online applications, automated fee payment and digital library services.
He said the university would now move beyond digitising existing processes and embrace artificial intelligence, data analytics, automation and other emerging technologies.
However, he stressed that the transformation would have to be inclusive and ensure that students and staff are not disadvantaged by technological or financial barriers.
“No student should be left behind because of technological or financial barriers. No member of staff should be excluded from the transformation because they have not been given the opportunity to acquire new skills,” he said.
Prof Okumu said infrastructure development would also remain a priority, with the university seeking to modernise laboratories, lecture spaces, libraries, ICT facilities, student amenities and staff workspaces.
He cited the ongoing construction of a G+14 affordable student hostel with a capacity of 2,500 students as one of the major projects expected to improve students’ experience.
The university will also explore partnerships and innovative financing models to supplement traditional sources of funding while ensuring value for money.
Financial sustainability
Acknowledging the financial challenges facing institutions of higher learning, Prof Okumu said his administration would strengthen financial discipline, diversify revenue streams and improve efficiency in service delivery.
He also promised to improve staff welfare through better working conditions, professional development, continuous learning and clearer career progression opportunities.
Students, he said, would remain at the centre of his administration’s agenda.
The university plans to strengthen academic advising, mentorship, career development, counselling, psychosocial support, financial guidance, disability inclusion and accommodation services.
Prof Okumu said early intervention mechanisms would be established to identify students facing academic or personal challenges before they affect their studies.
He said the university’s goal was to produce graduates who can create employment and solutions rather than merely seek jobs.
“Our vision is to produce competent, ethical, innovative and resilient graduates who are not merely seeking employment, but are capable of creating opportunities, solving societal problems and contributing meaningfully to Kenya and the global community,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor further pledged to strengthen engagement with KU alumni and forge partnerships with government, industry, professional organisations, development partners, universities and research institutions.
He committed his administration to transparency, accountability, fairness and due process, saying he would work closely with the university’s Council, Senate, management, staff and students.
Prof Okumu thanked President William Ruto, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba, Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala, KU Chancellor Amb Francis Muthaura, Council Chairperson Prof Clara Momanyi and other stakeholders for supporting his appointment.
He also paid tribute to former Vice Chancellors, including Prof Paul Wainaina, Prof Olive Mugenda, Prof Everett Standa, the late Prof George Eshiwani and the late Prof Githinji, for laying the foundation upon which the university continues to build.
Prof Okumu said the transformation of KU would require collective effort from the government, university leadership, staff, students, alumni and development partners.
“No Vice Chancellor can transform a university alone,” he said, calling for unity and a shared sense of purpose to take the institution to greater heights.
He said his administration would work to make Kenyatta University financially sustainable, academically excellent, socially responsive, digitally enabled and globally connected while contributing to Kenya’s development agenda.
