Kenya’s Female Vice-Chancellors: Meet 7 Women Leading Public Universities In 2026
In this story
- 1. Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi – JKUAT
- 2. Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno – Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University
- 3. Prof. Joyce Jepkirui Agalo – Machakos University
- 4. Prof. Laila Uweso Abubakar – Technical University of Mombasa
- 5. Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho – Maasai Mara University
- 6. Prof. Rosebella Orangi Maranga – Multimedia University
- 7. Prof. Mary Wambui Ndung’u – Kirinyaga University
Kenya has about 36 chartered public universities, many of which have historically been led by men.
However, this trend has been changing since 2006, when Prof. Olive Mugenda became the first woman to head a Kenyan public university when she took charge of Kenyatta University.
In this article, WoK looks at seven women who are serving as vice chancellors of Kenyan public universities
1. Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi – JKUAT
Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi has served as JKUAT’s vice chancellor since August 2018, which was when she succeeded Prof. Mabel Imbuga.
She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Nairobi as well as a master’s degree in Botany from Hiroshima University in Japan.
She also holds a PhD in Plant Physiology from Clemson University in the United States.
Ngumi also holds an Executive MBA from JKUAT.
Before she was appointed as vice chancellor, she served as the founding principal of JKUAT Karen Campus in 2005 as well as the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration from 2014.
In 2021, she received the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) in recognition of her service to the country.
2. Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno – Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University
Prof. Emily Akuno became the Vice-Chancellor of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in September 2023, making history as the institution’s second vice-chancellor.
She holds a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University, a Master of Music from Northwestern State University in Louisiana, United States, as well as a PhD from Kingston University in the United Kingdom.
Since 1987, prof Akuno has held teaching and administrative roles at various universities, including Kenyatta University, Maseno University, the Technical University of Kenya, and South Africa’s University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Before her appointment, she was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Co-operative University of Kenya.
3. Prof. Joyce Jepkirui Agalo – Machakos University
Prof. Joyce Jepkirui Agalo became Machakos University Vice-Chancellor in July 2023.
Before that, she was working as the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs.
She holds a Bachelor of Education from Kenyatta University as well as a master’s degree in Media Technology from the University of Wales.
Additionally, she holds a PhD in Educational Communication and Technology from Moi University.
She has worked as the founding Director of the Institute of Open and Distance Learning at Moi University.
Prof. Agalo is also credited with introducing electronic voting for student elections at Machakos University.
4. Prof. Laila Uweso Abubakar – Technical University of Mombasa
Prof. Laila Uweso Abubakar is the VC of the esteemed Technical University of Mombasa.
Prof. Abubakar, who is an alumna of Allidina Visram High School, is a professor of Biochemistry from the University of Nairobi.
She started her career at the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute before she moved into university teaching and administration.
She is one of the professors who have repeatedly and consistently encouraged students to become innovators and create jobs rather than depending on formal employment.
During her tenure, TUM has grown to over 19,000 students across six schools and four institutes.
5. Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho – Maasai Mara University
Prof. Peninah Aloo-Obudho is the Vice-Chancellor of Maasai Mara University, which is based in Narok County. She was officially appointed as VC in 2024.
Prof. Obudho is an expert in fisheries ecology. She holds a Bachelor of Education as well as a Master of Science from the University of Nairobi.
Additionally, she holds a PhD from Kenyatta University.
She started her career at Kenyatta University in 1990, where she worked as a tutorial fellow in zoology.
From there, she became Deputy Vice-Chancellor responsible for Academic, Research and Student Affairs at Karatina University.
6. Prof. Rosebella Orangi Maranga – Multimedia University
Prof. Rosebella Orangi Maranga became the substantive Vice-Chancellor of Multimedia University of Kenya in 2024, succeeding Prof. Festus Kaberia.
Before that, she spent about 10 years as the institution’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning.
Maranga is a professor of zoology, having specialized in medical and veterinary entomology.
She holds degrees from Kenyatta University, the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, and the Management University of Africa.
In 2009, she received the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).
7. Prof. Mary Wambui Ndung’u – Kirinyaga University
Prof. Mary Wambui Ndung’u is the Vice-Chancellor of Kirinyaga University.
Ndung’u is a chemistry professor and holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science from Kenyatta University.
She also has a PhD in Chemistry and an Executive MBA from JKUAT.
Kirinyaga University was awarded its official charter in October 2016, and prof Ndung’u has helped steer the institution to the point that its academic programmes increased from 13 to more than 100.
