Newly installed Kenyatta University Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Okumu, signs a special book to formally assume leadership of the university on Friday. Photo/Courtesy
By Lawrence Ongaro
Kenyatta University has a new Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Okumu, who was officially installed on Friday, August 28.
The scholar said his main responsibility would be to ensure that the university focuses on innovation and research in order to achieve its academic goals.
Prof Okumu officially took over from the former Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wainaina, who retired in 2025.
Prof Wainaina described his successor as a dedicated scholar who had demonstrated commitment during his time as a senior lecturer at the university.
“Prof Okumu is an accomplished scholar who will discharge the responsibilities assigned to him with great professionalism because I have known him for a long time,” said Prof Wainaina.
Focus on innovation and infrastructure
Prof Okumu said his responsibility would be to ensure that Kenyatta University achieves its objectives through higher education.
He said that despite the university facing financial challenges, it was preparing to undertake infrastructure development projects, including the construction of 2,500 hostels to accommodate new students.
During the ceremony, about 15,423 new students were officially welcomed to the university.
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The event was also attended by the university’s Chancellor, Francis Muthaura; Somalia’s Ministry of Education Secretary, Mr Hassan Mohamed Ali; Chairperson of the university’s main committee, Prof Clara Momanyi; lecturers, students and other distinguished guests.
During the ceremony, Prof Okumu urged the new students to have a vision for themselves, believe in their abilities and work hard in their studies.
The students were advised to avoid harmful activities such as drug abuse and to keep away from bad company.
They were also encouraged to work closely with their lecturers and ask questions whenever they did not understand their studies well.
Prof Okumu said no student would be discriminated against while at the university.
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