Varsity Welcomes the Newly Appointed Council
The Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, officially appointed a new University Council for the University of Nairobi, as per the University Act for a three- year term. The appointments, which were effective from the 25th July 2025, mark a strategic new chapter in the governance and advancement of the University.
Leading the Council, is Prof. Chacha Nyaigotti - Chacha, a distinguished Kenyan playwright and educationist, who takes up the role of chairperson. Prof. Chacha brings with him a wealth of experience in higher education policy and institution leadership. He is currently serving as the Chair of the Commission for University Education (CUE) and was an executive secretary of the Inter-University Council for East Africa. Prof. Chacha received a Bachelor of Education from Kenyatta University and later studied at Yale University for an MA in Anthropological Linguistics and a PhD in Swahili Language. As the first CEO of the Kenyan Higher Education Loans Board, his leadership is expected to take the University towards new levels of academic excellence and institutional transformation.
Other Members appointed to the council include:
Ambassador Dr. John O. Kakonge who is a seasoned diplomat and development expert. He is currently President of the Association of Former International Civil Servants of the United Nations (AFICS) in Kenya. He has served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva. Previously, he was UNDP/UN Resident Coordinator in a number of African countries and held other leadership roles in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Dr. John holds a PhD in African Studies, a Masters in Land Economy from University of Cambridge, an MA in Development Sociology from Howard University and a Bachelors Degree in Education from the University of Nairobi. He is recognized for his contributions to policy and environmental governance.
Mr. Samuel Njuguna Kimani, is a highly accomplished financial and Banking professional. Mr. Kimani has previously served as the CEO of Jamii Bora Bank (now Kingdom Bank) and has held senior roles at the KCB Group including Finance Director, Finance Controller and Deputy Chief Executive Officer. He has served at the Central Bank of Kenya in various capacities like Deputy Chief Banking Manager, Deputy Director Finance Markets, Principal Financial Accountant and the Chief Internal Auditor. Mr. Kimani also headed the Surveillance Division of the Deposit Protection Fund and served as a Senior Auditor at Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). He sits in various boards including the Nairobi Securities Exchange which he chaired for 4 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and an MBA in Strategic Management. He brings strong financial acumen and corporate governance experience to the Council.
Dr. Jonathan Ltipalei Lodompui, a respected scholar and public policy advisor was also appointed. He serves as a Commissioner of the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) a position he held since 2018.He was also a Director of Enabling and Macro Directorate and Infrastructure Development at the Kenya Vision. Mr. Jonathan was also the Chief Research Officer at the Teachers Service Commission (TSC). He holds a Masters in International Relations, a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration and Political Science all from the University of Nairobi. He has made significant contributions to community development and indigenous knowledge systems. His academic background and grassroots engagement make him a valuable addition to the Council’s Leadership.
Ms. Mary Amuyunzu, who is a prominent public health researcher and social scientist was also appointed as part of the Council. Ms. Mary is the Founder of the African Institute for Health and Development. She provides consultancy services for institutions such as the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the Government of Kenya. She serves on international and national committees and boards, including the Immunization and Vaccines-Related Implementation Research Advisory Committee, the Regional Programme Review Group for WHO, and the Mectizan Donation Program, and chairs the National Biosafety Authority of Kenya. She holds a PhD in Social Anthropology from Cambridge University and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Nairobi. She has worked extensively in gender health systems, and policy formulation. Her insights into community – focused development and social equity will be crucial to the university’s inclusive agenda.
The appointment of this dynamic and experienced Council is a timely development for the university as it continues to pursue its 2023-2027 strategic plan which focuses on academic excellence , global competitiveness, innovation and sustainability.
