NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyatta University has officially appointed Prof John Okumu as its substantive Vice-Chancellor after he emerged as the best-performing candidate in a competitive recruitment process conducted by the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The appointment, announced on Monday, marks the end of a six-month period during which Prof Okumu served in an acting capacity following the departure of former Vice-Chancellor Prof Paul Wainaina.
In a statement, the university congratulated Prof Okumu on his confirmation, describing the appointment as a significant milestone in his academic career.
“We celebrate this well-deserved achievement and wish him wisdom, strength and success as he steers our university towards greater excellence, innovation and global impact. Congratulations, Vice-Chancellor Prof John Okumu,” the university said.
The appointment was communicated through a notice signed by the Chairperson of the University Council, Prof Clara S. Momanyi.
According to the Council, the appointment was made in accordance with Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act and received the approval of the Cabinet Secretary for Education.
Prof Okumu assumes the position with extensive experience in university leadership, having previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs for a decade, alongside other senior administrative roles at Kenyatta University.
The Council described him as an accomplished scholar and administrator with a wealth of experience in academic leadership, research, institutional management and strategic development.
Prof Momanyi expressed confidence that Prof Okumu’s expertise in higher education management, planning and stakeholder engagement would provide the visionary leadership needed to guide the institution through its next phase of growth.
She also called on members of the university community and stakeholders to support the new Vice-Chancellor as he undertakes his responsibilities.
“As we welcome Prof Okumu to this important role, I encourage all members of the University community and stakeholders to accord him the necessary cooperation and support as he undertakes his responsibilities to deliver on the university’s mandate,” the Council stated.
The Council further congratulated Prof Okumu and wished him success as he begins his tenure as the university’s substantive Vice-Chancellor.
Prof Okumu had been serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor since late January 2026 after taking over from Prof Paul Wainaina, whose eight-year tenure came to an end amid persistent leadership disputes at the institution.
His confirmation follows a competitive recruitment exercise in which he topped the PSC interviews with a score of 84.5 marks, ahead of Prof Stephen Odebero and Prof Godfrey Mse.
The recruitment process, however, attracted legal challenges after Prof Waceke Wanjohi, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and one of the applicants, moved to the High Court seeking to contest the outcome.
Prof Wanjohi argued that she had attained the highest score during the selection process and had been unfairly excluded from consideration for the position.
In April, Justice Njoki Mwangi issued temporary orders barring the university from making a substantive appointment pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The court also directed the University Council to renew Prof Wanjohi’s contract as Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
The legal proceedings delayed the appointment for several months before the University Council formally confirmed Prof Okumu as Kenyatta University’s substantive Vice-Chancellor on Monday.