New University of Nairobi Council Inaugurated to Lead Strategic Growth
The University of Nairobi marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its new Council in a ceremony held at the University of Nairobi Towers on August 5, 2025. The event was presided over by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Ogamba, in the presence of key government and university leaders.
Among those present were Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research, who also joins the Council as a member; the new Chairperson of Council, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha; and the University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, who will serve as the Secretary to the Council. Other distinguished members of the newly constituted Council include: Dr. Kenrick Ayot, representative of the Principal Secretary, National Treasury; Council Members, Dr. Jonathan Lodompui, Amb. Dr. John Kakonge, Ms. Mary Nyamongo and Mr. Samuel Njuguna Kimani.
In his keynote address, CS Ogamba congratulated the new appointees and charged them with the responsibility of steering the university into a new era of stability, innovation and academic excellence. He urged the Council to act swiftly in filling acting management positions and identifying matters to avoid leadership vacuums that could hamper the institution’s operations. “You must move quickly to fill acting positions and ensure seamless decision-making. Issues should be identified early and addressed proactively to avoid escalation,” he emphasised.
In his inaugural remarks, Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha, an accomplished playwright, educator and the first CEO of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), expressed confidence in the Council’s composition, describing it as a team that has been “tried and tested” in various capacities. He also pointed out the importance of engaging students. “This experience will be the foundation from which we begin our work,” said Prof. Chacha. “We must also acknowledge that students are not just beneficiaries but essential stakeholders in university governance,” he added. Prof. Chacha, who also chairs the Commission for University Education (CUE), reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to inclusive and strategic leadership that supports academic excellence and institutional transformation.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Margaret Hutchinson, welcomed the new Council members and pledged the university management’s full cooperation as the Council takes up its mandate.
The inauguration marks a new phase of governance for Kenya’s premier university, as it continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of higher education both locally and globally.
