- Prof John Okumu has been formally named substantive Vice Chancellor of Kenyatta University after topping a PSC‑led recruitment process with 84.5 marks.
- Prof Okumu previously served as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) for 10 years and held other senior roles, bringing extensive experience in academic leadership, research, and institutional development.
- His confirmation ends a six‑month acting period following Prof Paul Wainaina’s exit, with the University Council urging stakeholders to support Okumu’s vision for growth and stability.
Kenyatta University has formally appointed Prof John Okumu as its substantive Vice Chancellor, ending a six‑month period in which he had been serving in an acting capacity. The announcement was made on Monday through a notice signed by University Council Chairperson Prof Clara S. Momanyi, confirming that Prof Okumu emerged top in a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The Council explained that the appointment was effected in line with Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act and with the concurrence of the Cabinet Secretary for Education. In its congratulatory message, the institution described the milestone as well‑deserved, noting that Prof Okumu’s leadership would steer Kenyatta University towards greater excellence, innovation, and global impact. “We celebrate this well‑deserved milestone and wish him wisdom, strength, and success as he leads our University,” the statement read.
Prof Okumu is no stranger to the institution’s leadership. He previously served for a decade as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and held several other senior management roles. The Council praised him as a seasoned academic and administrator with extensive experience in higher education management, research, and institutional development. Prof Momanyi emphasised that his knowledge in planning and stakeholder engagement would provide the university with visionary and transformational leadership as it enters its next phase of growth.
The Council further urged members of the university community and stakeholders to accord Prof Okumu full cooperation and support as he undertakes his responsibilities. “As we welcome Prof Okumu to this important role, I encourage all members of the University community to support him in delivering on the university’s mandate,” Prof Momanyi said.
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Prof Okumu’s confirmation comes after he stepped in as Acting Vice Chancellor in late January 2026, following the departure of Prof Paul Wainaina. Prof Wainaina’s eight‑year tenure was marked by recurring leadership wrangles, and his exit paved the way for a new chapter in the university’s administration.
During the PSC recruitment process, Prof Okumu scored 84.5 marks, placing him ahead of his closest competitors, Prof Stephen Odebero and Prof Godfrey Mse. His performance in the interviews underscored his suitability for the role and cemented his position as the Council’s preferred candidate.
Prof. Okumu’s appointment marks the end of Paul Wainaina’s tenure, during which he led the institution through a period that included expansion of academic programmes, research initiatives and institutional reforms.
By Masaki Enock
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