Management University of Africa (MUA) has announced the appointment of former Education Cabinet Secretary Prof. Jacob Thuranira Kaimenyi as the university’s second Chancellor.
Prof. Kaimenyi takes over from the founding Chancellor, Dr. Architect Reuben Musyoka Mutiso, whose tenure ended on October 21, 2026.
The university’s board of trustees expressed optimism that Prof. Kaimenyi’s vast experience in governance, academia and diplomacy would contribute to the institution’s continued pursuit of excellence.
“We are delighted to congratulate Prof. Jacob Kaimenyi on his well-deserved appointment. His exemplary service in the fields of education and public service will no doubt propel the university to greater heights as we embrace this new chapter of leadership,” the university said in a press statement.
The newly appointed Chancellor has had a far-reaching career spanning dentistry, higher education, governance and international relations.
Prof. Kaimenyi was among the students admitted to the University of Nairobi’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme in 1974. He completed the course in 1978 and then specialised in periodontology.
He later completed a postgraduate diploma at the University of Mangalore in India and went on to obtain a doctorate from the University of Nairobi. He worked as a professor of periodontology and served as the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
In 2013, President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Prof. Kaimenyi as Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology. From 2015 to 2018, he also served as Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
In 2018, Prof. Kaimenyi became Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO. He also served as Kenya’s ambassador to Belgium, the European Union and Luxembourg. He was also involved in missions associated with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.
The former Cabinet Secretary has received some of Kenya’s civilian honours, including the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH). In 2022, he served as Chief Scout of Kenya.
MUA is a chartered university based in Nairobi that specialises in management studies. It offers programmes ranging from certificates to postgraduate diplomas and degree courses.
According to the information provided, MUA received a Letter of Interim Authority in 2011 and became a fully chartered university in May 2024. The institution is sponsored by the Kenya Institute of Management and provides students with professional qualifications in management.
Prof. Kaimenyi’s extensive experience in governance, education and international relations is expected to be instrumental in leading MUA into a new era of excellence in leadership and management education in Kenya and beyond.
– By John Murunga
