The University of Nairobi officially installed Prof Eng. Ayub N. Gitau as its 9th Vice-Chancellor during a colourful ceremony held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Taifa Hall. The landmark occasion marked the beginning of a new era of leadership for Kenya's premier university, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, research, innovation and institutional transformation.

The ceremony was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, who was represented by Dr Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education at the Ministry of Education, as the Chief Guest. The event brought together members of the University Council, Senate, management, staff, students, alumni, government officials, development partners, industry leaders, and distinguished guests from across the higher education sector.

In her address, Dr Inyangala congratulated Prof Gitau on his installation and reaffirmed the Ministry of Education's commitment to supporting the University of Nairobi in its pursuit of quality teaching, research, innovation and community service. She noted the University's pivotal role in advancing Kenya's higher education agenda. She encouraged the new Vice-Chancellor to champion sound governance, financial sustainability, digital transformation and strategic partnerships to strengthen the institution's global competitiveness.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Gitau expressed his gratitude to the University Council for the confidence placed in him and pledged to provide visionary, inclusive and transformative leadership. He reaffirmed his commitment to restoring institutional stability, strengthening governance, enhancing financial sustainability, promoting research & innovation and improving service delivery across the University.

"Our collective responsibility is to restore the University of Nairobi to its rightful place as Africa's leading institution of higher learning. We will build a united University anchored on integrity, excellence, accountability, innovation and collaboration," he said.

He emphasised that unity among staff, students, alumni, government, industry and development partners would be central to realising the University's aspirations. Prof. Gitau also underscored the importance of leveraging technology, expanding industry collaborations, strengthening international partnerships, and nurturing innovation to ensure the University remains responsive to national, regional, and global development priorities.

The installation ceremony featured the formal investiture of the Vice-Chancellor, presentation of the instruments of office, and congratulatory messages from University leadership and guests, who described the occasion as a defining moment in the University's history.

Prof Gitau assumed office on May 14, 2026, following his appointment by the University Council as the University's 9th Vice-Chancellor. His installation officially marks the commencement of his tenure as he leads the institution into a new chapter focused on excellence, innovation, financial sustainability, and global impact.

The University community welcomed the installation with optimism, expressing confidence that under Prof Gitau's leadership, the University of Nairobi will continue to strengthen its position as a leading centre of teaching, research, innovation and service to society while contributing to Kenya's socio-economic transformation and the achievement of national development goals.