Prof John Okumu appointed substantive Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor

Prof John Okumu has been appointed substantive Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor following a competitive recruitment process overseen by the Public Service Commission (PSC), in which he emerged as the top-ranked candidate.

In a notice on Monday, Kenyatta University warmly congratulated Prof Okumu on his appointment, describing the milestone as well-deserved.

“We celebrate this well-deserved milestone and wish him wisdom, strength, and success as he leads our University towards greater excellence, innovation, and global impact. Congratulations, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Okumu,” the institution said.

The appointment was announced in a notice signed by the Chairperson of the University Council, Prof Clara S. Momanyi.

The Council said the decision was made in line with Section 35(1)(a)(v) of the Universities Act and with the concurrence of the Cabinet Secretary for Education.

Prof Okumu returns to the position with a long history at Kenyatta University, having previously served for 10 years as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) and held other senior management positions at the institution.

The Council described him as a seasoned academic and administrator with wide experience in academic leadership, research and institutional development.

In the notice, Prof Momanyi said Prof Okumu’s experience and knowledge in higher education management, planning and stakeholder engagement would help provide visionary and transformational leadership as the university moves into its next phase of growth.

"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 said.

The Council also congratulated Prof Okumu on what it termed a well-deserved appointment and wished him success as he takes up his new responsibilities.

Prof Okumu had been serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor since late January 2026 after taking over the instruments of office from Prof Paul Wainaina, who left the position after completing an eight-year tenure that was marked by recurring leadership wrangles.

His confirmation as substantive Vice Chancellor comes six months after he took up the acting role. During the recruitment process, Prof Okumu emerged top in the Public Service Commission interviews with 84.5 marks, ahead of his closest challengers, Prof Stephen Odebero and Prof Godfrey Mse.

However, the process faced challenges after Prof Waceke Wanjohi, Kenyatta University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) and a contender for the position, moved to the High Court to challenge the recruitment outcome.

Prof Wanjohi argued that she had scored the highest marks and had been unfairly left out of consideration for the position.

In April, Justice Njoki Mwangi issued temporary orders stopping the university from filling the Vice-Chancellor position pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The judge also directed the University Council to renew Prof Wanjohi’s contract as Deputy Vice Chancellor.

The legal dispute created uncertainty around the appointment for several months before the Council confirmed Prof Okumu as the substantive Vice-Chancellor on Monday.