Ayub Gitau has been appointed as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi in the latest leadership changes.

The University of Nairobi Council has announced the appointment of key leaders after a special sitting on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to usher in a new chapter for Kenya’s leading institution of higher learning.

In a statement on their X handle on Thursday, May 14, 2026, the university has noted that the council chair, Chacha Nyaogotti, confirmed the announcement in which Prof. Ayub N. Gitau was appointed as the 9th vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi, replacing Prof. Stephen Kiama, who had ruled the university for an extended period following a prolonged leadership transition that saw the University of Nairobi and its leadership in turmoil.

“Prof. Ayub N. Gitau has been appointed the 9th vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi, while Prof. Josiah O. Aduda has been appointed deputy vice-chancellor (Finance, Planning & Development). The University of Nairobi Council, following a special sitting held on May 14, 2026,” the UON statement read.

Gitau is expected to take the university to a new level of academic and institutional growth, governance, and institutional stability, becoming the ninth vice-chancellor of the university.

Other nominations

The Council also nominated Josiah Omollo Aduda to be a deputy vice-chancellor for finance, planning, and development. The appointment is anticipated to bolster the university’s financial management and strategic planning, helping it to improve its research, innovation, and infrastructure development.

The Council also acknowledged Margaret Jesang Hutchinson for her tireless efforts as the acting vice-chancellor while the institution transitioned and her leadership in maintaining continuity and stability in the position.

The leadership changes are significant at a time when the University of Nairobi is striving to establish itself as a premier academic and research hub in Kenya and the region.

Kiama’s end of tenure

The tenure of former Prof. Stephen Kiama as vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi officially came to an end following a period marked by leadership transitions, governance challenges, and reforms within the institution.

Kiama, who took over leadership of the university in January 2020, served during a difficult period that included financial constraints facing public universities, restructuring efforts, and disputes involving the university council and management. His tenure also coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted learning across institutions of higher education and forced universities to adopt digital learning systems.

Despite the challenges, Kiama oversaw various academic and administrative programmes aimed at sustaining operations at Kenya’s oldest university. His exit paved the way for an interim leadership arrangement under acting Vice-Chancellor Margaret Jesang Hutchinson before the appointment of Gitau as the substantive Vice-Chancellor.

Gitau’s background

Gitau is a seasoned academic, researcher, and administrator with extensive experience in higher education leadership and engineering studies.

He is widely known for his contribution to engineering education and infrastructure research in Kenya. Before he was appointed vice-chancellor, he served in several senior leadership positions at the University of Nairobi, including roles within the Faculty of Engineering and university management structures.

He has previously served as principal of the College of Architecture and Engineering at the university, where he played a key role in strengthening research, innovation, and professional training in engineering and technology-related disciplines.