Prof Clara Momanyi appointed new KU Council Chair

By Newsflash Writer

Renowned Kiswahili scholar, creative writer and academic, Prof Clara Samiji Momanyi, has been appointed the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Council of Kenyatta University for a three-year term.

The appointment was confirmed on Friday, December 19, through Gazette Notice No. 18373 issued under the Universities Act (Cap. 210) by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Ogamba.

In the notice, the CS exercised powers conferred to him by Section 36 (1) of the Act to appoint her under paragraph (aa) as chair of the university council, with effect from December 19, 2025.

At the same time, the gazette notice revoked the appointment of Dr Ben Chumo, whose earlier appointment had been published under Gazette Notice No. 15962 of 2023. The notice was dated December 19, 2025.

Leadership at Kenyatta University

Prof Momanyi’s appointment places her at the helm of the Kenyatta University Council, the institution’s top governing organ responsible for strategic direction, policy oversight and accountability. As a Non-Executive Chairperson, she will guide the council in matters relating to governance, academic standards, financial management and institutional development.

The entrance to Kenyatta University. Photo/Handout

Her appointment comes at a time when public universities are facing mounting challenges, including funding constraints, governance reforms and the need to strengthen research and innovation.

The scholar expressed her excitement, saying the university is like her home.

“Truly, I am going back home. Thank you so much, my colleagues, for your messages of goodwill,” she said.

Education sector stakeholders have welcomed the appointment, citing Prof Momanyi’s extensive academic experience and deep understanding of higher education systems.

Kenyatta University is one of Kenya’s largest public universities, with a strong reputation in teacher education, health sciences and research. The council plays a critical role in steering the institution’s long-term vision and ensuring compliance with national education policies.

Acclaimed scholar and author

Prof Momanyi is a respected Kenyan academic who has taught Kiswahili literature in several Kenyan universities for many years. Beyond teaching, she has distinguished herself as a prolific creative writer, translator and researcher, contributing significantly to the growth and development of Kiswahili language and literature.

Her creative works include well-known Kiswahili novels such as Tumaini (Hope), Nakuruto, and Nguu za Jadi (Old Summits).

She has also authored a number of children’s books, among them Ushindi wa Nakate (Nakate’s Victory), which won the 2015 Text Book Centre Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature. Other children’s titles include Siku ya Wajinga (Fools’ Day) and Pendo Katika Shari (Love in Adversity).

In addition, Prof Momanyi has written several Kiswahili short stories published in various anthologies. Her academic scholarship spans numerous peer-reviewed journals across Africa, Asia and Europe, reflecting her international standing as a Kiswahili scholar.

Her appointment is widely seen as recognition of her lifelong contribution to academia, literature and the promotion of Kiswahili both locally and globally.