Professor Margaret Hutchinson has taken on the role of Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nairobi.

Her appointment last Friday follows the suspension of Professor Stephen Kiama Gitahi.

Hutchinson transition

The University of Nairobi Council, led by Chair Professor Amukowa Anangwe, oversaw Hutchinson’s transition on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Additionally, the Council announced changes in other key roles. Professor Ayub Gitau, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, has been appointed as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

Former Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Professor Francis Mulaa, is now the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise.

“The University of Nairobi Council has made the following changes in management. Professor Ayub Gitau, former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, has been appointed Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs. Professor Francis Mulaa, former Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, takes over as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise,” the University announced.

The suspension of Vice-Chancellor Professor Kiama, effective immediately, is for three months pending investigations into allegations of misconduct and insubordination.

The Council is also undertaking disciplinary actions related to these issues.

Professor Hutchinson, a horticulturist and senior lecturer at the University of Nairobi, brings over 30 years of experience in the agriculture sector to her new role.

She holds a PhD in Horticulture from the University of Guelph, Canada, and both an MSc in Agronomy and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Nairobi.

Her research and outreach work encompass various areas of horticulture, particularly floriculture, from policy development to programming and the entire value chain of several commodities.

Hutchinson contributions

Her contributions include developing tissue culture protocols for economically significant floriculture and fruit crops, optimizing agronomic and pest control practices for fruits, vegetables, and flower crops, and reducing postharvest losses.

She has also focused on gender mainstreaming in policy and programming. Professor Hutchinson has widely published her work in refereed journals and conferences.