John Okumu appointed Kenyatta University VC

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology Council appointed Prof John Okumu as the substantive Vice-Chancellor effective July 27, 2026, succeeding Prof Paul Wainaina. Okumu, who had served as Acting VC since January 2026, emerged as the top-ranked candidate in a competitive recruitment process overseen by the Public Service Commission. The appointment ended months of uncertainty, including a legal challenge by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Waceke Wanjohi, who sought court orders blocking the appointment. The International — High court had issued temporary orders but later allowed the appointment to proceed. Okumu, a Professor of Physics with nearly four decades at the university, pledged to lead with humility and integrity.