Dr. Richard Rimiru has been elected as the pioneer Dean, School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT) for a two-year term.
He was elected on August 19, 2026 at the Old Boardroom, during an election race between Dr. Rimiru and Dr Kennedy Oganda, a process described by Dr. Teresia Gichungu, Deputy Registrar in charge of Admissions, as “free, fair, and professionally conducted.” Dr. Gichungu represented the Registrar, Academic Affairs.
Before the shift to Deanship, SCIT was under the directorship of Dr. Agnes Mindila, who served for three years.
During her time in office, Dr. Mindila, was known for upholding professionalism and dignity in her role, and for guiding the SCIT through a period of growth and stability.
Her leadership set a strong foundation for her successor, with members of staff within the university crediting her for keeping the standards of the school high.
The Dean brings on board a strong academic background in computing. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from JKUAT, Master of Science in Computer Science from the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, and PhD in Computer Science and Technology from Central South University (China).
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Rimiru laid out a clear vision for the school: “My priority is to build strong links between academia and industry so that our students are ready to innovate and lead in the tech space.”
He stated that the school will focus on establishing key research labs to support collaboration and postgraduate research, positioning SCIT as a major player in the country’s growing AI-driven economy.
He also spoke about preparing the school for the transition to the Competency Based Education, and pledged to defend the interests of both staff and students throughout his term.
Speaking on the transition from directorship to deanship, the Principal, College of Pure and Applied Sciences (COPAS), Prof. George Thiong’o disclosed that SCIT has been very vibrant and competitive and has always attracted many visitors across the globe keen to benchmark with the school.
He also observed that most organizations have offered employment opportunities to graduates from SCIT, adding that “This school has become a reference point for others, and that does not happen by accident. It is the result of deliberate, principled leadership, and good teaching techniques,” Prof. Thiong’o said.
While congratulating the outgoing Director and the incoming Dean, the Principal expressed confidence in the path ahead.
“The school is in good hands. Dr. Rimiru has the vision and the grounding to take SCIT to even greater heights…I look forward to strong collaboration between the departments under his leadership,” he added, urging the incoming Dean to continue leading with integrity that has always defined SCIT’s recent history.
