The appointment was announced by the University of Nairobi Council following a special sitting held on Thursday, May 14, 2026.
In a statement shared through the university’s official X account, Council Chair Chacha Nyaogotti confirmed the changes, which also included the appointment of Prof. Josiah O. Aduda as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Finance, Planning and Development.
“Prof. Ayub N. Gitau has been appointed the 9th vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi, while Prof. Josiah O. Aduda has been appointed deputy vice-chancellor (Finance, Planning & Development).
The University of Nairobi Council, following a special sitting held on May 14, 2026,” the statement read.
Prof. Gitau takes over from Stephen Kiama, who has led the institution during a period marked by prolonged leadership uncertainty and administrative disputes that placed the university under intense public scrutiny.
The transition comes after several years of internal wrangles involving governance, financial management and leadership succession at the country’s oldest and largest university.
The institution has faced repeated challenges tied to council appointments, management disputes and operational concerns that affected normal administration.
The appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor is expected to bring renewed stability and direction to the university as stakeholders seek reforms aimed at strengthening academic excellence, governance and institutional management.
Education stakeholders and university staff have welcomed the announcement, expressing optimism that the new leadership team will help restore confidence in the institution and address challenges affecting students, lecturers and administrative operations.
Prof. Gitau now assumes leadership of one of Kenya’s most influential institutions of higher learning at a time when universities across the country are grappling with financial pressures, staffing concerns and growing demands for improved infrastructure and research funding.
Observers say his administration will be closely watched, particularly on how it handles governance reforms and internal management issues that have dominated headlines in recent years.