Jacob Kaimenyi: Ex-Education CS Returns to University as 2nd Vice Chancellor

The Management University of Africa (MUA) has named Prof. Jacob Thuranira Kaimenyi as its second chancellor, bringing in a former Cabinet minister and longtime academic to steer the institution into what it describes as a new phase of growth.

MUA confirmed the appointment in an official statement, attributing the decision to the university's Board of Trustees.

Kaimenyi steps into the role previously held by Dr Arch. Reuben Musyoka Mutiso, who served as the founding chancellor for 14 years.

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Born on July 10, 1952, Kaimenyi trained as a dentist and holds a doctorate in periodontology from the University of Nairobi, the branch of dentistry concerned with the supporting structures of teeth and their associated diseases.

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He later added a Master of Business Administration in strategic management from the same institution in 2003.

His academic career at the University of Nairobi spanned from 1998 to 2013, during which he rose to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

Beyond teaching, he served on the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board, chaired the boards of Meru School, Mulathankari Girls and Nkabune Technical Training Institute, and held the presidency of the Commonwealth Dental Association.

He also served as a trustee of Regina Pacis University College, a constituent college of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta nominated Kaimenyi to the Cabinet following the Jubilee Party's 2013 election victory, assigning him the Education, Science and Technology docket, a portfolio he held until 2015.

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His tenure included the implementation of the Basic Education Act 2013, which introduced student council representation on school boards of management, as well as revised criteria for lecturer appointments and promotions.

He also signed the letter in December 2014 appointing Peter Mbithi as vice-chancellor of the University of Nairobi, succeeding Prof. George Magoha after a decade in the role.

Kaimenyi later served as Cabinet Secretary for Land, Housing and Urban Development before being posted as Kenya's Ambassador to Belgium. Since 2018, he has written five books covering career development, marriage, family and retirement.

MUA expressed confidence that his breadth of experience across academia, government and diplomacy would serve the institution well.

Kai Eli (Politics and current affairs editor) Eli Kai is currently working with TUKO as a politics and current affairs editor. He has six years of experience in digital journalism. Eli joined Tuko.co.ke in 2021. Email: eli.odaga@tuko.co.ke