By Jameson Mutua
The University of Nairobi Council has appointed Prof. Ayub N. Gitau as the institution’s 9th Vice-Chancellor, ushering in a new chapter of leadership focused on academic excellence, innovation and institutional transformation at Kenya’s premier university.
The appointment was made during a special sitting of the University Council held on May 14, 2026. In the same meeting, Prof. Josiah Omollo Aduda was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development, strengthening the university’s substantive leadership team.
Prof. Gitau succeeds Prof. Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, who has led the institution in an acting capacity for the past year. The Council commended her for providing stability and ensuring continuity during the transition period.
A distinguished scholar and engineer, Prof. Gitau brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, engineering practice, institutional leadership and strategic planning. He has built a reputation as a collaborative leader known for his professionalism and systems-oriented approach.
His journey at the University of Nairobi began in 2002 when he joined as a lecturer in the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering. He steadily rose through the academic ranks, serving as Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and later attaining the rank of full Professor in 2023.
Over the years, he has held several key leadership positions, including Chairman of the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Acting Principal of the College of Architecture and Engineering.
Since August 2024, he has served as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, where he played a leading role in advancing academic reforms, strengthening quality assurance and driving digital transformation initiatives.
His appointment also marks a significant milestone for the Faculty of Engineering, as he becomes only the second professor from the faculty to lead the university after Prof. Francis Gichaga.
Prof. Gitau is widely recognized in engineering and academic circles for his expertise in agricultural and biosystems engineering, renewable energy systems, climate adaptation and sustainable infrastructure development. He has led several research collaborations across Africa and Europe and has played a major role in curriculum reform and engineering accreditation efforts.
Speaking after his appointment, Prof. Gitau reaffirmed his commitment to collaborative leadership and institutional renewal.
“The University of Nairobi has a proud legacy of scholarship, innovation and service to society. As we navigate a rapidly changing global environment, our focus will remain on strengthening academic excellence, advancing research and innovation, nurturing talent, expanding partnerships and positioning the University as a globally competitive institution,” he said.
The appointment comes at a critical period for higher education as institutions adapt to changing demands driven by technology, research commercialization, artificial intelligence and the transition to competency-based learning systems.
Meanwhile, Prof. Aduda, a Professor of Finance with over 25 years of experience in higher education and governance, is expected to play a central role in strengthening the university’s financial sustainability and strategic development agenda.
The University Council expressed confidence that the new leadership team will guide the institution into its next phase of growth and international competitiveness while reinforcing its role in driving Kenya’s knowledge economy and sustainable development goals.
