Kenyatta University appoints Prof Okumu VC despite ongoing court battle

Kenyatta University Council has appointed Professor John Okumu as the institution’s substantive Vice-Chancellor, ushering in a new era of leadership at one of Kenya’s largest public universities despite an ongoing court dispute over the recruitment process.

The appointment, announced by the University Council, takes effect on July 27, 2026, with Prof Okumu succeeding Prof Paul Wainaina as the university’s seventh Vice-Chancellor.

University Council Chairperson Clara Momanyi formally presented Prof Okumu with his letter of appointment during a ceremony at the university’s main campus attended by members of the University Council and the Management Board.

The appointment comes as Kenyatta University seeks to reinforce its standing as a leading institution in higher education, research, innovation and community engagement while pursuing its long-term strategic objectives.

Speaking after receiving his appointment, Prof Okumu thanked the University Council for the confidence it had placed in him and pledged to provide inclusive and transformative leadership.

“I am deeply honoured by the confidence the University Council has placed in me. I am committed to leading with humility, integrity, and openness as we work together to strengthen Kenyatta University’s position as Kenya’s premier university and a globally competitive institution,” he said.

He also committed to championing quality education and working closely with staff, students and other stakeholders to advance the university’s academic mission.

Council Chairperson Momanyi expressed confidence that Prof Okumu’s academic credentials and leadership experience would enable him to build on the university’s achievements and steer it through its next phase of growth.

She said the new Vice-Chancellor would play a key role in strengthening Kenyatta University’s long-standing reputation in teaching, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement.

According to the University Council, the appointment underscores the institution’s commitment to strong leadership, sound governance and continuous transformation in the higher education sector.

The council said the university remains focused on consolidating its position as a centre of academic excellence while expanding its impact through research, innovation and partnerships that address societal needs.

Prof Okumu succeeds Prof Wainaina, whose tenure was marked by the expansion of academic programmes, research initiatives and institutional reforms.

Kenyatta University, one of Kenya’s leading public universities, offers programmes across a broad range of disciplines and serves thousands of students from Kenya and beyond.

In recent years, the institution has strengthened its regional and international profile through investments in research, innovation and global collaborations.

However, the appointment comes against the backdrop of an unresolved legal battle over the recruitment process for the Vice-Chancellor position.

In April this year, the High Court barred Kenyatta University from appointing a substantive Vice-Chancellor after Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs Professor Waceke Wanjohi challenged the recruitment process.

Justice Njoki Mwangi issued interim orders following an urgent application filed by Prof Wanjohi, restraining the university from filling the position pending the determination of the case.

“That the leave hereby granted shall operate as a temporary injunction barring the respondents… from filling the position of Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University, or appointing any other person than the applicant,” the judge ordered.

Prof Wanjohi instituted judicial review proceedings against the Cabinet Secretary for Education, the Public Service Commission, the Office of the Attorney General and the Kenyatta University Council, contesting the handling and outcome of interviews conducted in March 2026.

According to court documents, she argues that she emerged as the top candidate following the competitive recruitment process but alleges that the relevant authorities failed to implement the interview panel’s recommendations.

“The interviewing panel recommended the appointment of the applicant (Waceke) as Vice Chancellor, Kenyatta University, but this notwithstanding the Applicant is unaware of any steps taken by the 1st, 3rd or 4th Respondents to act upon the said recommendation,” her court filings state.

She further claimed that instead of implementing the panel’s recommendation, the university council and the Public Service Commission initiated disciplinary proceedings against her in a move she says was intended to derail her candidacy.

In her application, Prof Wanjohi sought orders compelling the Education Cabinet Secretary to implement the interview panel’s recommendations, release the interview results and candidates’ scores, and prohibit the appointment of any other candidate.

She also wanted the court to quash a decision contained in a letter dated April 16, 2026, authorising disciplinary proceedings against her.

Justice Mwangi also stayed the disciplinary process, ruling that the leave granted would operate as a stay of “any and all disciplinary proceedings” against Prof Wanjohi pending the hearing and determination of the case.

The court directed Prof Wanjohi to file and serve the substantive motion within 14 days from April 23 and scheduled the matter for mention on May 20, 2026.

In her pleadings, Prof Wanjohi argued that the actions taken against her violate her constitutional right to a fair hearing under Article 50 of the Constitution.

She maintained that unless the court intervenes, the dispute risks being overtaken by events.