Kibabii University has retained the outgoing Vice Chancellor Isaac Ipara Odeo in an acting capacity for three months as the recruitment process for a substantive Vice Chancellor gets underway.

In a statement on July 24, the University Council said Ipara Odeo’s term ends on July 25, 2026, but he will continue serving as Acting Vice Chancellor for three months or until a substantive appointment is made.

“The University Council wishes to inform all members of the University community and the general public that the term of the current Vice Chancellor comes to an end on 25th July 2026,” read part of the statement.

The council said it had submitted the names of three qualified Kibabii University professors to the Ministry of Education on April 10, 2026, as part of succession planning for the office of Vice Chancellor.

As per the memo, the Ministry of Education advised the council to retain Isaac Ipara Odeo as Acting Vice Chancellor pending the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) recruitment of a substantive office holder.

The ministry said the arrangement would ensure stability and continuity in the university’s operations.



The council also reappointed Prof. John Wanjala Makokha as Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Development for a further three months or until a substantive appointment is made.

Kibabii University Council said that it remains committed to ensuring a professional and seamless succession process and assured the university community that the recruitment would be concluded in accordance with the required procedures.



Speculations of a New Vice Chancellor

On July 15, 2026, Kibabii University dismissed reports circulating online that it had appointed a new Vice Chancellor, clarifying that Ipara Odeo remained the institution’s Vice Chancellor at the time.

Further, the university termed the claims false, saying the University Council had not made any appointment to the position as alleged on social media.

The institution urged students, staff, stakeholders, and the public to rely on official communication channels for information regarding leadership changes, stressing that any appointments would be announced through the appropriate procedures.

“The University has noted with concern information circulating on social media regarding the appointment of a new Vice Chancellor. We wish to clarify that the University Council has not appointed a new Vice Chancellor. The current substantive Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Ipara Odeo, remains in office and continues to discharge his official duties,” the statement read in part.

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Kibabii University Enters Leadership Transition as Vice Chancellor’s Term Ends
An entrance of Kibabii University. Photo/ FILE