The University of Nairobi marked a major milestone this week with the formal installation of Eng. Prof. Ayub Njoroge Gitau as its ninth Vice Chancellor, in a ceremony that combined long-standing academic tradition with a forward-looking agenda.
Held at Taifa Hall, the event drew government officials, Council members, past Vice Chancellors, faculty, students, alumni, partners and other dignitaries. Heads of several other Kenyan universities also attended, many from institutions that trace their roots back to the University of Nairobi, showing just how far the university's influence on the country's higher education sector reaches. They welcomed Prof. Gitau into the Vice Chancellors' forum, expressing confidence that his leadership would deepen collaboration across the sector and bring greater stability to the university.
The installation followed the customary academic rite marking a change in leadership: an academic procession, the robing of the new Vice Chancellor, the handover of ceremonial symbols of office, the swearing of the oath, and the signing of the deed of acceptance.
In his address, Prof. Gitau described the role as a responsibility rather than a personal honor, one built on the university's decades of legacy. His own path to the position runs through more than 20 years at the institution as a student, lecturer, researcher, Department Chair, Dean of Engineering and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. He said the university's people, its students, staff, alumni and partners, are its greatest strength, and promised to lead through listening and collaboration.
He outlined six priorities for his administration: student success and wellbeing, research and curriculum reform, digital transformation, infrastructure upgrades, staff development, and stronger alumni and partner engagement. His broader vision is for the university to develop visionary leaders and produce knowledge and innovation with impact across Kenya, Africa and the world.
Prof. Gitau also called on the university to keep pace with a fast-changing world, pointing to curriculum reform, entrepreneurship, research excellence, digital transformation and Competency-Based Education and Training as key to preparing graduates for the future.
He paid tribute to the eight Vice Chancellors who came before him, comparing leadership to a relay race passed from one generation to the next, and singled out former Acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Margaret Hutchinson for guiding the university through a difficult transition period.
Council Chairman Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha said the installation was more than ceremonial, calling it proof of the university's lasting identity. He picked up the same relay-race comparison, urging Prof. Gitau to lead with courage, integrity and fairness while building a legacy of his own. He noted that Prof. Gitau's appointment came through a transparent and competitive process and said the Council was confident in his ability to guide the university forward.
Reading remarks on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretary for Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala called the installation a defining moment for the university and the country, noting that universities must prepare graduates not just for today's jobs but for careers that don't yet exist.
The ceremony closed with a renewed focus on the values that have shaped the University of Nairobi for generations: academic excellence, principled leadership, service to society and a lasting commitment to advancing knowledge, opening a new chapter built on teaching, research, innovation and public service.
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