University of Nairobi Finally Names New Vice-Chancellor After Years of Leadership Wrangles
The University of Nairobi has officially appointed Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as its new Vice-Chancellor, bringing to an end a prolonged leadership standoff that has rocked Kenya’s oldest and largest university for years.
Professor Gitau was confirmed during a special sitting of the university council held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, where members deliberated on sweeping leadership changes aimed at stabilising the troubled institution.
In a statement released after hours of consultations, the council announced that Gitau would become the university’s 9th substantive Vice-Chancellor, signalling what it described as “a new era” for the institution amid mounting pressure over governance, finances and academic management.
“The University of Nairobi Council, following consultations in a special sitting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, has announced key leadership appointments ushering in a new era for the institution,” the council said.
The appointment marks the climax of a drawn-out battle over the university’s top seat that has, in recent years, triggered tensions between management, staff unions and government stakeholders over the future direction of the institution.
Besides Gitau’s elevation, the council also approved the appointment of Professor Josiah Omollo Aduda as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development — a docket considered crucial as the university grapples with persistent financial strain and operational challenges.
The council further paid tribute to Professor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, who served as Acting Vice-Chancellor during the transition period, praising her stewardship and commitment during one of the institution’s most turbulent phases.
Gitau now takes over at a critical time for the university, which has been battling debt pressures, internal management disputes, staff welfare concerns and growing demands from students over learning conditions and service delivery.
The leadership transition is expected to attract close scrutiny from both the education sector and government officials, with stakeholders hoping the new administration can restore stability and rebuild confidence in the institution’s governance.
For many observers, the appointment represents more than just a change in leadership — it is seen as a decisive moment that could shape the future of Kenya’s premier public university for years to come.
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