Prof John Okumu has been appointed Acting Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, taking over from Prof Paul Wainaina, who has completed an eight-year term.
Prof Okumu, a professor of physics, assumes the role on an interim basis as the Public Service Commission (PSC) finalises the recruitment of a substantive Vice-Chancellor (VC).
The announcement was made on Friday afternoon during a valedictory ceremony held in honour of Prof Wainaina.
University Council Chairperson, Prof Clara Momanyi, praised Prof Okumu as a scholar with the experience and leadership skills needed to maintain the legacy of the outgoing university chief.
Prior to his appointment, Prof Okumu served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at the institution, a position he held for 10 years.
In this executive role, he oversaw the university’s academic programmes, research initiatives and student affairs, ensuring the institution maintained its standing in the regional higher education landscape.
Prof Okumu's career at Kenyatta University spans over three decades, having first joined as a tutorial fellow and lecturer in 1988, shortly after completing his undergraduate studies.
He rose through the academic ranks and became a senior lecturer in 1999 and an associate professor in 2004. In 2020, he was promoted to full professor in the Department of Physics.
His appointment as acting VC marks a culmination of his institutional knowledge and leadership experience at KU.
“I am so happy to have one person I felt he can take the mantle being requested by council and supported by ministry to come and take the mantle until the process is finalised,” Prof Wainaina said.
“I hope you will be confirmed. The storm is still there when you are still acting. I know this crowd is supporting you.”
“I know you are prepared and I know the people who are here are ready for you. The new council will support you. They have seen what we have done and they want to be identified with you,” Prof Wainaina said.
During previous transitions, when Prof Wainaina clashed with the State over land ownership and use, Professor of Plant Pathology Waceke Wanjohi acted on multiple occasions.
This time, a new acting head has been appointed while the PSC finalises the recruitment of a substantive chief executive from a pool of applicants.
Prof Wainaina is set to launch a book titled Firm and Forthright: the Professor with nine lives, documenting his life as a scholar and university manager.
