A New Era of Leadership at UoN
The University of Nairobi officially installed its 9th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau, during a colourful ceremony held at Taifa Hall on Friday, 17th July 2026. The event marked an important milestone in the University's leadership.
The installation took place 65 days after Prof. Gitau's appointment and followed the University's long-standing tradition of formally ushering in a new Vice-Chancellor.
The ceremony was attended by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, who represented the Chief Guest, Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba. Also present were the Chair of Council, Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti-Chacha; University of Nairobi Management; former Vice-Chancellors Prof. Peter Mbithi and Prof. Stephen Kiama; former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof. Henry Kaimenyi; Vice-Chancellors from other universities; members of Council; staff, students, alumni and other distinguished guests.
The installation rite was conducted by the Chair of Council, Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti-Chacha, who formally installed Prof. Gitau as the University's 9th Vice-Chancellor.
In his remarks, Prof. Chacha Nyaigoti-Chacha said:
“You are only the second engineer to hold this office, after the illustrious Prof. Francis Gichaga, and like him you are known for a calm hand, a listening ear, and a builder's patience. The bard reminds us that some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Yours, Professor, is greatness achieved brick by brick, over three decades of scholarship and service.
But an engineer knows that a structure is judged not by its inauguration but by its endurance. So receive today the Council's charge.”
After taking the oath of office, Prof. Gitau delivered his acceptance speech and said:
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the University of Nairobi Council, the Chancellor and Ministry of Education and, the Public Service Commission for the honour of this appointment and the confidence you have placed in me. I am deeply appreciative of this recognition and the opportunity to serve.”
The ceremony officially marked the beginning of Prof. Gitau's tenure as the University of Nairobi's 9th Vice-Chancellor and reaffirmed the University's commitment to academic excellence, innovation, research and service to society.
