Kenyatta University has appointed Prof. John Okumu as its new substantive Vice-Chancellor, ending a six-month period in which the institution operated under acting leadership.
The appointment, effective July 27, 2026, was confirmed by the university council, with Okumu becoming the institution’s seventh Vice-Chancellor, succeeding Prof. Paul Wainaina.
University Council Chairperson Clara Momanyi handed Okumu his appointment letter during a ceremony at the main campus attended by council members and senior university officials.
The new Vice-Chancellor is expected to lead the university’s next phase of growth, focusing on academic excellence, research, innovation and stronger community engagement.
Speaking after his appointment, Okumu expressed gratitude to the council and the Ministry of Education, saying he was ready to guide the institution forward.
"Let me take this opportunity to thank the Kenyatta University Council, the ministry, and my management here for their support. I'm very very excited that I'm given this opportunity to steer Kenyatta University to the next heights," he said.
Momanyi said the recruitment process was smooth and expressed confidence that Okumu’s experience would help strengthen the university’s reputation in teaching, research and innovation.
"I think the process has been smooth, not turbulent at all. We have maintained our peace. The process has taken place, and we have now appointed our new vice chancellor. We hope that peace—the peace that we have experienced in the last six months—will continue," she said.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Kenyatta University as it continues implementing its long-term development plans.