Eng. Prof. Ayub N. Gitau is the current Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, having been appointed the institution’s 9^th Vice Chancellor on May 14, 2026. An accomplished Agricultural Engineer, academic and university administrator, he brings more than 35 years of experience in higher education, research, professional practice and institutional leadership to this role. He is a Consulting Engineer registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya and a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Nairobi, with expertise in agricultural mechanization, power and machinery engineering, water and irrigation infrastructure, water harvesting, renewable energy, environmental management and conservation agriculture.

Before assuming the Vice Chancellor’s office, Eng. Prof. Gitau served the University of Nairobi in several key leadership positions, including acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Acting Principal of the College of Architecture and Engineering, and Chair of the Department of Environmental and Biosystems Engineering.

Throughout his career, Eng. Prof. Gitau has demonstrated strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, quality assurance, digital transformation, research and community engagement. He has contributed to curriculum development and accreditation, supported the adoption of blended learning and digital teaching platforms, attracted and implemented collaborative research projects, and served as an examiner, consultant, journal reviewer, and resource person for universities and regulatory bodies in Kenya and abroad. He is registered as a lead expert in environmental assessment and audit by NEMA and as a Quality Management Systems lead auditor through KEBS. His professional leadership, extensive experience in engineering education, research partnerships, corporate governance, and strategic management position him to provide progressive and transformative leadership as Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi.