The University of Nairobi (UON) has officially appointed Ayub Njoroge Gitau as the new Vice-Chancellor.
His appointment followed a special meeting by the university council held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, to deliberate on leadership changes at the institution.
In a statement by UON, the university council announced that it has approved Gitau to serve as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi after hours of deliberations
“The University of Nairobi Council, following consultations in a special sitting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026, has announced key leadership appointments ushering in a new era for the institution,” the council announced.
The university council also approved Josiah Omollo Aduda as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development.
It further paid tribute to Margaret Jesang Hutchinson for her service as Acting Vice-Chancellor during the transition period, applauding her dedication and leadership.
The appointment comes a month after the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), University of Nairobi Chapter, expressed concern over the prolonged absence of substantive leadership at the institution.
According to the union, the Vice-Chancellor and all Deputy Vice-Chancellor positions had been held in acting capacities since September 2024.
They noted that the continued reliance on acting appointments had undermined stability and weakened the university’s ability to effectively manage its affairs.
