Ruto names new chancellors for Pwani, Kibabii and Kabianga universities
By Faith Lagat, April 3, 2026President William Ruto has appointed new chancellors for three public universities in Kenya, according to the Kenya Gazette notice issued on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Through the Kenya Gazette notices No. 4801, 4802 and 4803 issued under the Universities Act (Cap. 210), the Head of State named Rita Kavashe as Chancellor of Pwani University, Paul Russo (CPA) as Chancellor of Kibabii University and Kevit Desai as Chancellor of Kabianga University.
Each of the appointees will serve a five-year term effective April 2, 2026.
The appointments were made in exercise of powers conferred on the president under Section 38 (1) (a) of the Universities Act, which provides for the appointment of chancellors in public universities.
Chancellors in Kenyan universities preside over graduation ceremonies and play a role in promoting the institutions, strengthening partnerships and providing oversight at the highest level of governance.
Pwani University appointment
Rita Kavashe will serve as Chancellor of Pwani University, located in Kilifi County.
Kavashe is a corporate executive with experience in Kenya’s automotive sector. She has served as Managing Director of Isuzu East Africa Limited, previously General Motors East Africa.
She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Moi University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi. She has also undertaken the Business Leadership Program at Harvard Business School.
Kavashe has worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades and has also served on several corporate boards, including Safaricom and BAT Kenya.
Her appointment comes as universities continue to strengthen links with industry and expand research collaborations.
Kibabii University appointment
Paul Russo (CPA) has been appointed Chancellor of Kibabii University in Bungoma County.
Russo currently serves as the Group Chief Executive Officer of KCB Group PLC. He previously held leadership positions within the banking sector, including serving as Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Kenya.
He is a certified public accountant and has experience in banking, corporate leadership and financial management. Russo was appointed KCB Group CEO in May 2022 and has overseen the bank’s regional operations across East Africa.
Kabianga University appointment
Kevit Desai has been appointed Chancellor of Kabianga University in Kericho County.
Desai is an engineer and education policy specialist. He holds a PhD in Robotics Systems Engineering from Shibaura Institute of Technology in Japan and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering.
He previously served as Principal Secretary in the State Department for Vocational and Technical Training and later in the State Department for the East African Community.
Before joining the government, he worked in the private sector and founded Centurion Systems Kenya Limited, a company involved in industrial automation.