Prof George Mungiria Muthaa, Egerton University's acting Vice-Chancellor. (PHOTO: Egerton University)

Egerton University Council has appointed Prof George Mungiria Muthaa as the university's acting Vice-Chancellor, following the exit of Prof Isaac Ongubo Kibwage.

Prof Kibwage retired early after serving as Vice-Chancellor for five years, since his appointment on 5 October 2021. His tenure formally ended on 4 October 2026, the Daily Nation reported on Thursday 5 November.

Prof Muthaa was the university's Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Planning before the appointment. He is a professor of educational management and social scientist, with a doctorate and a master's degree in Educational Management, a Bachelor of Education in Economics and Business Studies, and a Master of Business Administration specialising in Strategic Management.

His previous leadership roles include service at Chuka University, where he was founding Chairperson of the Department of Education, Director of the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Dean and Director of the Embu Campus, and at Turkana University College, where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Planning.

"Prof Muthaa brings extensive experience in educational management, strategic leadership and university administration to the office of Vice-Chancellor," the council's communique reads, in part.

He takes over at a time when the Njoro-based university is grappling with a debt that now stands at Sh25.5 billion. The debt has ballooned from Sh9 billion in 2021, when Prof Kibwage took over, and Sh6 billion in 2019. At one point the institution cut lecturers' and staff salaries by 40 per cent to stay afloat, before full payment was later reinstated.

Last month, the Egerton University Academic Staff Union and the student leadership opposed the extension of Prof Kibwage's tenure, accusing him of being behind the institution's financial woes.

The council has also made changes in senior management. Prof Julius Kipkemboi has been appointed Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Administration, Finance and Planning, while Prof Bernard Aduda continues as Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs.

Prof Muthaa will be expected to come up with ways to engineer a financial recovery for the institution, with the new leadership's priorities including sustaining quality teaching and learning, strengthening research and innovation, improving resource mobilisation and enhancing financial resilience.

Egerton's 50th graduation ceremony is set for Friday 27 November 2026 at the Sports Pavilion in Njoro.