Kenyatta University’s search for a substantive vice chancellor (VC) has entered a decisive yet contentious phase after the Public Service Commission (PSC) forwarded three names to the university council for final consideration, even as a court order temporarily freezes the appointment process.
At the centre of the race is Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. John Okumu, who emerged the top candidate following interviews conducted by the PSC, scoring 84.5 marks. He was followed by Prof. Stephen O. Odebero with 78.5 marks, while Kenyatta University Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Prof. Godfrey S. Mse, ranked third with 74.5 marks.
The shortlist now places the university council under pressure to conclude the long-awaited recruitment process amid growing legal and governance tensions surrounding the institution’s top leadership position.
In a communication addressed to Kenyatta University Council Chairperson Prof. Clara Samiji Momanyi, the PSC stated that the recruitment exercise was conducted in accordance with the Universities Act, 2021 and the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act No.18 of 2018.
The commission revealed that the vice chancellor position was advertised on December 16, 2025, attracting 13 applicants by the January 9, 2026 deadline. Following the review process, eight candidates were shortlisted and interviewed at Commission House in Nairobi on March 24 and 25.
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“Based on the outcome of the interviews, the Commission hereby forwards the following names to the University Council to facilitate the appointment of Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University after consultations with the Cabinet Secretary for Education,” the PSC stated.
The university council is now expected to make the final appointment in consultation with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, as stipulated under the law.
Other candidates interviewed included Prof. Bulitia Godrick Mathews, who scored 71 marks, Prof. Mary Abukutsa-Onyango with 70.5 marks, Prof. Gitonga Nkanata Mburugu with 69 marks, and Prof. Paul Nyaga Mbatia, who scored 64 marks.
However, the recruitment exercise has been overshadowed by an escalating legal dispute filed by former Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, who is challenging the process in court.
On May 20, the Judicial Review Division of the Kiambu High Court extended conservatory orders blocking the appointment of a new vice chancellor until the case filed by Prof. Wanjohi is heard and determined.
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Through lawyer Christopher Mutuku, Prof. Wanjohi argues that she is the most qualified candidate for the position and maintains that she performed exceptionally well during the interviews held on March 25, 2026. She further claims to possess credible information indicating that she was the top-ranked candidate.
Prof. Wanjohi, who has served as the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs for the past five years, is seeking orders barring the Education CS, PSC and the Kenyatta University Council from appointing any other candidate to the position.
Her exclusion from the final ranking has raised further questions around the transparency of the recruitment process, with reports indicating she was not ranked after allegedly failing to meet requirements outlined in the original job advertisement.
The unfolding standoff now sets the stage for a potentially prolonged battle over the leadership of one of Kenya’s largest public universities, with the final appointment hanging in the balance pending the outcome of the court proceedings.
By Frank Mugwe
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