7th Vice-Chancellor, 10,000+ Fresh Faces: Kenyatta University Opens a New Chapter
A new era of leadership and possibility is taking shape at Kenyatta University (KU) following the installation of Prof. John Okumu as the University’s 7th Vice-Chancellor, as the institution simultaneously welcomed its newest generation of students during the 2026/2027 Matriculation Ceremony held on Friday, 28 August 2026.
The milestone brought together the University Council, management, staff and students in a defining moment for an institution seeking to strengthen academic excellence, innovation, research impact and strategic growth.
The Chancellor, Ambassador (Dr.) Francis K. Muthaura, MBS, EGH, set the tone by describing leadership as a sacred trust built on the dedication, labour and sacrifice of those who came before. He challenged the new administration to preserve what works, improve what can be better and create new possibilities for generations to come.
Dr. Muthaura further called for diversity, unity and collective responsibility, challenging the University community to think beyond conventional limits and position KU among the world’s leading universities.
His question, “Why not us?”, captured the ambition of the occasion. He emphasised that the University’s success should ultimately be measured not merely by the number of certificates it awards, but by the quality of its graduates and the real-world solutions generated through its research and innovation.
For the University Council, the leadership transition also presents an opportunity to deepen effective governance. Council Chairperson Prof. Clara S. Momanyi, Ph.D., EBS, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to providing strategic direction and oversight. She noted that clear roles, accountability, mutual respect and collective responsibility will remain critical to advancing the University’s mission and ensuring institutional sustainability.
Addressing the new students, Vice-Chancellor Prof. John Okumu pledged to lead with integrity, accountability, innovation and evidence-based decision-making. He urged first-year students to take full ownership of their university experience, uphold the Student Code of Conduct and Social Media Policy, and maintain a healthy balance between academic pursuits and social life.
The new leadership chapter comes as KU continues to expand its student community. Ag. Registrar (Academic), Prof. Perez Onono, reported that 10,717 students had successfully registered, while Ag. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Bernard Kivunge, noted that more than 12,000 government-placed students had been received by the University.
Prof. Kivunge challenged the new students to view university education as more than a pathway to graduation. He encouraged them to use their time at KU to build character, develop practical skills, strengthen resilience and discover purpose, with the ultimate goal of leaving the University equipped to make a meaningful contribution to society.
With a new Vice-Chancellor at the helm and thousands of students embarking on their university journey, Kenyatta University is stepping into its next chapter with ambition, purpose and a bold question for the future: Why not us?