Prof. Stephen Kiama installed as University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor

Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama was on Friday officially installed as the eighth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, taking over from Prof. Peter Mbithi whose term ended in 2019.

During his installation at the Taifa Hall, Main Campus Prof. Kiama promised to institute reforms that will eradicate wastage of resources as well as uplift the Varsity’s financial status.

“The University of Nairobi faces tough times and we must act decisively. We need to institute reforms,” he said, in his inaugural speech. “We need to institute financial reforms, governance reforms even as we make key decisions based on data. We need a data management system. We need to re-engineer our business processes.”

“I will eradicate internal wastage, attract best students and the best minds. We shall trim our coat according to our size, even as we negotiate with the government to increase funding,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is a Professor of Veterinary Medicine, pledged to attract the best students from abroad and the best minds in academia.

He promised to grow the staff and students exchange programs with the best universities in the world to create an environment that “fosters intellectual curiosity and accommodates divergent views.”

The ceremony that was witnessed by his three predecessors: Prof. Francis Gichaga, Prof. Crispus Kiamba and Prof. Peter Mbithi.

He assumes office after what was considered a tough battle between the university council and Education CS Prof. George Magoha over his appointment.

Magoha had earlier opposed his appointment accusing the university council for engaging in corruption.