The Promise of the 9th Vice-Chancellor
The University of Nairobi's 9th Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau was officially installed on Friday, 17th July 2026, in a ceremony marked by rich academic rituals and traditions of the University. The installation rite was done by Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti- Chacha and witnessed by Principal Secretary , State Department for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala.
In his acceptance speech after taking the oath of office, Prof. Gitau shared his Vision and strategic priorities with the enthusiastic audience in Taifa hall.
He expressed humility and gratitude for his appointment, acknowledging the university's legacy and the contributions of its community.
Prof. Gitau stressed the importance of active listening based on his recent engagements with stakeholders. He promised to provide Srategic leadership to strengthen the university's competitive position nationally, regionally, and internationally, fostering academic excellence, innovation, sustainability, transformation, and societal impact.
His leadership will focus on five key strategic priorities:
- Student success, welfare, and well-being;
- Advancing research and innovation,
- Aligning Curriculum reforms, and Competency-Based Education & Training (CBET) with the National Development Agenda.
- Digital transformation and infrastructure development, including the new Engineering and Science Complex.
- Alumni engagement and partnerships.
He called for collective ownership and shared commitment from faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners to achieve these goals and build a brighter future for the University of Nairobi.
