UON’s leadership vacuum ends as Ayub Gitau assumes office as new VC
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, July 18, 2026The University of Nairobi (UoN) has officially ended its 2-year leadership vacuum following the installation of Professor Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the institution’s ninth vice-chancellor, ushering in a new chapter focused on renewal, competitiveness and inclusive leadership.
Professor Gitau was formally installed during a ceremony held at Taifa Hall on Friday, July 17, 2026, where he officially took over the leadership of Kenya’s oldest and largest public university from his predecessor, Professor Stephen Kiama.
In his inaugural address, the new vice-chancellor pledged to strengthen the university’s institutional identity while positioning it to compete effectively at the national, regional and global levels.
“I commit to providing direction that will strengthen the University of Nairobi’s institutional identity and continue to position the university competitively in the national, regional and international arena,” Professor Gitau said.
He emphasised that his administration would focus on restoring the university’s standing as a leading centre of academic excellence, research and innovation while fostering collaboration with students, staff, alumni, government and development partners.
Inclusive leadership through active listening
Professor Gitau also underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement, describing active listening as one of the key leadership lessons he has embraced since taking office.
“As I take on this role, one of the most valuable lessons I have learnt since assuming office as the vice-chancellor is the importance of active listening,” he said.
He pledged to adopt an inclusive leadership style that values dialogue and collective decision-making, noting that meaningful engagement with stakeholders would be central to addressing the university’s challenges and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Focus on stability and competitiveness
The installation marks the conclusion of a prolonged leadership transition at the University of Nairobi, an institution that has in recent years faced governance disputes and administrative uncertainty.
University leaders, staff, students and guests attended the ceremony, expressing optimism that the new administration will steer the institution towards stability, improved governance and enhanced academic performance.
Professor Gitau now assumes the responsibility of leading the university through a critical period as it seeks to strengthen its financial sustainability, improve service delivery and reinforce its position as a premier institution of higher learning in Kenya and across Africa.
UON’s leadership vacuum
The leadership vacuum at the University of Nairobi followed the end of Professor Stephen Kiama’s tenure, which was terminated effective September 27, 2024, after a protracted dispute between the vice-chancellor and the university council, despite his five-year contract having been due to run until January 5, 2025.
The university was subsequently led by acting vice-chancellors as legal challenges, governance disputes, and delays in the recruitment of a substantive vice-chancellor prolonged the transition. Professor Ayub Gitau’s installation now formally ends the nearly two-year leadership uncertainty, restoring substantive leadership at Kenya’s premier public university.