Kenya’s public university system currently comprises 42 institutions, with KUCCPS at the center of how students access and are placed at these universities.
These include 35 chartered public universities, 5 university colleges, and 2 specialized public universities, all of which are part of the national placement system.
The institutions are headed by Vice-Chancellors, Acting Vice-Chancellors, and Principals, depending on their status.
Each category has a distinct leadership structure.
Chartered universities are headed by Vice-Chancellors (VCs), who serve as the chief executive officers responsible for academic, administrative, and financial management.
Some institutions are led by Acting Vice-Chancellors, who serve temporarily until a substantive VC has been appointed.
Public university colleges are headed by Principals, who perform functions similar to those of Vice-Chancellors but report to their parent universities until full charter status is granted.
Specialized universities are also led by heads equivalent to Vice-Chancellors, but their mandates are narrower and sector-specific.
Universities and Vice-Chancellors
Alupe University — Prof. Barasa Lwagula (VC)
Chuka University — Prof. Erastus Njoka (VC)
Co‑operative University of Kenya — Prof. Kamau Ngamau (VC)
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology — Prof. Peter Nganga Muchiri (VC)
Egerton University — Prof. Isaac Ongubo Kibwage (VC)
Garissa University — Prof. Ahmed Osman Warfa (VC)
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology — Prof. Emily Achieng Akuno (VC)
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology — Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi (VC)
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Kaimosi Friends University — Prof. Peter Mwita (VC)
Karatina University — Prof. Linus Muthuri Gitonga (VC)
Kenyatta University — Prof. John Okumu (Acting VC)
Kibabii University — Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo (VC)
Kirinyaga University — Prof. Mary Wambui Njoroge (VC)
Kisii University — Prof. Nathan Oyori Ogechi (VC)
Laikipia University — Prof. Jane Kere Imbunya (VC)
Maasai Mara University — Prof. Mary Walingo (VC)
Machakos University — Prof. Joyce Jepkirui Agali (VC)
Maseno University — Prof. Julius Nyabundi (VC)
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology — Prof. Solomon Shibairo (VC)
Meru University of Science and Technology — Prof. Romanus Odhiambo (VC)
Moi University — Prof. Kiplagat Kotut (Acting VC)
Multimedia University of Kenya — Prof. Rosebella Maranga (VC)
Murang’a University of Technology — Prof. Dickson Andala (VC)
Pwani University — Prof. James H. P. Kahindi (VC)
Rongo University — Prof. Samuel Gudu (VC)
South Eastern Kenya University — Prof. Douglas Shitanda (VC)
Taita Taveta University — Prof. Fredrick W. M. Ikua (VC)
Technical University of Kenya — Prof. Benedict Mwavu Mutua (VC)
Technical University of Mombasa — Prof. Laila Abubakar (VC)
Tharaka University — Prof. Peter K. Muriungi (VC)
Tom Mboya University — Prof. Charles Omondi (VC)
University of Eldoret — Prof. Thomas Kimeli Cheruiyot (VC)
University of Embu — Prof. Daniel Mugendi (VC)
University of Kabianga — Prof. Eric Kipyegon Koech (VC)
University of Nairobi — Prof. Eng. Ayub Njoroge Gitau (VC)
University Colleges and Principals
Bomet University College — Prof. James Kimaru (Principal)
Kabarnet University College — Prof. Mary Walingo (Principal)
Koitaleel Samoei University College — Prof. Esther Muchemi (Principal)
Makueni University College — Prof. Bernard Musembi (Principal)
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Mama Ngina University College — Prof. Zipporah Ng’ang’a (Principal)
Specialized Public Universities
National Defense University–Kenya — Lt. Gen. Jimson Mutai (VC)
Open University of Kenya — Prof. Elijah Omwenga (VC)
Appointment of Vice-Chancellors
Vice-Chancellors are appointed by University Councils through a competitive recruitment process, often conducted in consultation with the Public Service Commission.
Candidates are shortlisted based on academic qualifications, typically at the professor level, as well as leadership, management, and research experience.
Appointments are guided by the Universities Act 2012, which sets the legal framework for governance in public universities.
Vice-Chancellors serve fixed terms, usually five years, which may be renewed once.
Acting Vice-Chancellors are appointed on an interim basis when a position falls vacant, a term ends, or recruitment of a substantive head is still ongoing, ensuring continuity in university leadership and operations.
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