MKU gets new VC as Waudo retires

By James Wakahiu

Former University of Kwa Zulu-Natal don Prof Deogratius Jaganyi is the new vice chancellor of Mount Kenya University.

He takes over from Prof Stanley Waudo, who is retiring after leading the Thika-based university since its inception in 2008.

Prof Jaganyi, who has a 25-year experience in academia, assumes office on January 4.

“The Mount Kenya University (MKU) Board of Directors, Chancellor, Council, Senate, Management Board, Staff and students are delighted to welcome Prof Deogratius Jaganyi as the University’s 2nd Vice Chancellor. Prof Jaganyi will provide stewardship towards achieving the University’s Mission, Vision,” the board, which is chaired by the founder Simon Gicharu, said in a statement.

Prof Jaganyi holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of London, and has served ten years at UKZN where rose from Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture to Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Agriculture.

Prof Jaganyi is expected to provide leadership in the implementation of the university’s teaching and learning mandate through consistent provision of relevant academic programmes delivered in innovative settings, including enhanced e-learning as supported by state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure and technologies.

According to the Board of Directors, he will ensure the proposed Mount Kigali University of Technology in Rwanda attains complete autonomy, besides overseeing consolidation of the university’s campuses into centres of excellence.