Vincent Ogutu is the vice chancellor (VC) of Strathmore University.
Ogutu was appointed the new vice chancellor for Strathmore University in March 2023 to take over from John Odhiambo
He had served in different capacities before assuming his new role.
Here is Ogutu’s story as told by WoK.
Ogutu was announced as the new Strathmore University VC during the 2022 graduation ceremony on March 30, 2023.
Prior to his new role, he served as the Vice Dean for Executive Talent Development at Strathmore University Business School.
Ogutu also served as the Director of the regional academies in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.
Additionally, he also served as the deputy principal of Strathmore School.
Ogutu holds a PhD in Organisational Management from Rutgers University, Masters in Financial Economics from the University of London.
He also has a Bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Nairobi.
Additionally, he co-authored a book dubbed, Unveiling The Innovation Algorithm: The New Approach to Raising Your Capacity to Innovate.
Ogutu currently sits on the boards of Strathmore University Foundation, B Lab East Africa, Nafisika Trust and is an adviser to several start-ups in Kenya and the United States.
Nafsika Trust works with prisons to rehabilitate and transform prisoners as well as building the capacities of prison officers.
B Lab East Africa on the other hand certifies organisations for social impact.
“We typically come together during elections and national crises, and we risk our lives to do anything possible to stand up for this country and defend it,” Ogutu said.
Ogutu was born in Eastleigh but grew up in Pangani, Huruma and Kariobangi. He also lived with his grandparents in Alego, Siaya County.
“Family, for me, has had a huge impact. I was raised a Catholic and was a member of the Holy Trinity Church in Kariobangi. All these things have an influence on my life,” he said.
In an interview with Nation, the Strathmore University VC also took pride in growing up in Eastlands noting that it taught him to be creative and streetwise.
“Since your parents don’t buy toys, organizing your own games and competitions, setting the rules, deciding who the judges are and the ones to settle certain disputes,” he said.
Elsewhere, Ogutu also had a short stint in media.
In an interview with Higher Education, he recalled a job interview that he had with a former Editorial Director at Nation Media.
“…when he asked me why I wanted to become a journalist, I told him I wanted to change the world. He advised me to look for another job but I insisted I wanted to be a journalist,” he recalled.
Ogutu was offered a job but he worked for a week before resigning to join Strathmore School as a teacher.
Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become a VC.
