The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Kenyatta University, Prof Paul K. Wainaina, on Friday, 30th January, 2026 launched his autobiography, Firm and Forthright, at Safari Park Hotel, in an event that brought together university leaders, scholars, media personalities and members of the public. The book articulates Prof Wainaina’s remarkable journey from a primary school teacher to Vice-Chancellor at Kenyatta University, capturing his leadership philosophy and the defining moments of his tenure, particularly the resilience required while navigating prolonged court battles and external pressures as he safeguarded university assets. At its core, Firm and Forthright speaks to principled leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
Delivering the keynote address, guest speaker Prof Egara Kabaji challenged Kenyans to document their own journeys, noting that “no one else should write your story for you.” He cautioned that a nation becomes unsafe when truth-tellers are sidelined, and commended Prof Wainaina for choosing a local publisher—urging the audience to support homegrown publishing as a pathway to strengthening Kenya’s creative economy. Prof Wainaina’s daughter and son-in-law, Jesse Kinyanjui and Wanjiku, lauded the author for publishing expeditiously and expressed confidence that the book would inspire and transform lives.
University leaders paid tribute to Prof Wainaina’s steadfast leadership. Vice-Chancellor of Murang’a University of Technology, Prof Dickson M. Nyariki, lauded his commitment to truth, adding that the occasion offered valuable lessons on authorship and publishing. Principal of Koitaleel Samoei University College, Prof Winston Akala, reflected on being Prof Wainaina’s student, remarking that “a good tree is known by the number of stones thrown at it—and it remains standing.” Vice-Chancellor of Gretsa University, Peter Karanja, described Prof Wainaina as a firm but formative teacher and praised the courage behind documenting such a candid leadership journey.
Media personality Swaleh Mdoe of Citizen TV Kenya congratulated the author, noting that writing a book is no small feat, echoing the call for leaders to tell their own stories to preserve factual history.
In his remarks, Prof Wainaina revisited some of the most challenging moments of his tenure, including nights spent in the office as he confronted institutional threats. He encouraged Kenyans to read Firm and Forthright and draw lessons from it, emphasising humility in leadership. “Do not let titles remove humanity from you,” he said. “We are all human, and titles mean nothing before humanity.”
Also in attendance, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof John Okumu praised the publication, observing that books endure long after their authors and recalling his own experience as Prof Wainaina’s student in 1984—an enduring testament to the impact of mentorship in academia.
The launch of Firm and Forthright stands as both a celebration of Prof Wainaina’s legacy at Kenyatta University and a timely reminder of the power of principled leadership, resilience, and storytelling in shaping institutions and inspiring future generations.