PSC invites applications for Kibabii University Vice Chancellor position
By Mustafa Juma, July 28, 2026The Public Service Commission (PSC) has opened applications for the position of Vice Chancellor of Kibabii University, setting the stage for a major leadership transition at the Bungoma-based public institution as the search begins for its next chief executive.
The vacancy, advertised in the latest edition of the government’s MyGov publication issued on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, invites qualified candidates to apply for the top academic and administrative position, with the successful applicant set to serve on a five-year renewable contract in accordance with the Universities Act, the Kibabii University Charter and other applicable laws.
The recruitment is among several senior public sector appointments currently being undertaken by the PSC as the government seeks to strengthen leadership across state institutions.
Search for new university boss
The Vice Chancellor is the university’s chief executive officer and accounting officer, responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing academic programmes, financial management, research, innovation and implementation of decisions made by the University Council.
According to the vacancy notice, applicants are expected to possess extensive experience in university leadership, academic administration and research, in addition to meeting the statutory requirements outlined under Kenya’s higher education laws.
Successful candidates will also be expected to demonstrate integrity, strategic leadership, financial management skills and a proven record in scholarship and institutional development.
Leadership transition
The recruitment comes as Kibabii University prepares for a leadership transition following the expiry of the current Vice Chancellor’s term.
Paul Russo (CPA) was appointed Chancellor of Kibabii University in April 2026, by President William Ruto.
The university has in recent weeks been at the centre of public attention after social media reports claimed that a new Vice Chancellor had already been appointed.
However, Kibabii University dismissed the reports as false, clarifying that Professor Isaac Ipara Odeo remains the substantive Vice Chancellor and continues to discharge his official duties until a lawful transition process is concluded. The university urged staff, students and members of the public to rely only on official communication channels for information regarding its leadership.
The clarification underscored that the appointment of a Vice Chancellor is governed by a competitive recruitment process involving the University Council, the Public Service Commission and the Cabinet Secretary responsible for higher education before the successful candidate is formally appointed in accordance with the law.
Growing competition for university leadership
The vacancy is expected to attract applications from senior academics, deputy vice chancellors and professors from universities across the country, reflecting the increasing competition for leadership positions in Kenya’s public universities.
Vice Chancellors play a critical role in steering universities through challenges such as declining government funding, expanding student enrolment, digital transformation, research commercialisation and implementation of governance reforms.
Universities are also under growing pressure to strengthen innovation, improve graduate employability and diversify their revenue streams amid tightening public finances.
About Kibabii University
Kibabii University, located in Bungoma County, was established as a constituent college of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology before receiving its charter as a fully-fledged public university in 2015.
The institution has since grown into one of Kenya’s emerging public universities, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in education, business, agriculture, computing, engineering, science and the humanities.
In recent years, the university has invested in expanding academic programmes, research capacity, digital learning infrastructure and partnerships with industry as it seeks to strengthen its position within Kenya’s higher education sector.
Applications
Interested candidates have been advised to submit their applications through the Public Service Commission within the timelines indicated in the official advertisement.
The recruitment forms part of the government’s broader effort to ensure that leadership positions in public universities are filled through transparent, competitive and merit-based processes aimed at strengthening governance and academic excellence.