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Prof Wanjohi assumes role of acting KU VC as Paul Wainaina proceeds on leave

Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, Kenyatta University's Acting Vice-Chancellor during a prayer service on April 14, 2024. (Photo: KU)

By Lucy Mumbi | 16 Apr 2024

However, the memo did not indicate his return date from his leave.

The Kenyatta University Council has appointed Professor Waceke Wanjohi as the acting Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The decision follows as the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wainaina has proceeded on annual leave effective April 15, 2024.

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In an internal memo to the university fraternity, Professor Wanjohi, who currently serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academics, is poised to undertake the responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor during Professor Wainaina's absence.

“Following consultations with the University Council, I wish to notify the University community that I will be proceeding on annual leave with effect from April 15, 2024. While on leave, the University Council has appointed Professor. Waceke Wanjohi the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University with effect from April 15, 2024,” reads the memo.

The VC appealed to all students to extend their unwavering support to the Acting Vice-Chancellor as she assumes the responsibilities of the Vice-Chancellor's office.

“The purpose of this memo is to request all students to accord the Acting Vice-Chancellor utmost support as she takes up her duties in the office of the Vice-Chancellor and steers this University to greater heights,” Wainaina said.

"No return date"

However, the memo did not indicate his return date from his leave.

Last Sunday, the VC held a prayer service in honour of the 11 students whose lives were claimed in the Kenyatta University accident on March 18.

Kenyatta University Professor Paul Wainaina during a prayer service on April 14, 2024. (Photo: KU)

The accident took place at Maungu, Voi, in Taita Taveta county, along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway when the institution's bus collided with a trailer.

The public health students were on a journey to Mombasa for an academic trip.

Speaking during the event, Prof. Wainaina, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and urged them to continue persevering during the difficult period.

The University offered each family a cheque of Sh181,818 as compensation for their loss.

The director of Student Affairs led the distribution of the cheques and affirmed the institution's support to the affected families.

While paying tribute to their loved ones, families of the victims expressed that the loss of their children has caused them immense pain, especially since many of those who died were third and fourth-year medical students.

The 11 who died in the accident are Navile Omondi Opiyo, Beneas Otieno, Hellen Mbula Kisilu, Michael Muteti, Vallary Akinyi Ouma and Oslo Mwendwa.

Others are Felix Gori Nyaata, Austine Omondi Owino, Rodger Kiprotich Rono, John Mbiriri Mureithi and Patricia Murugi Mwangi.