The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, delivered a detailed reflection on her seven-year tenure, highlighting the transformative achievements realized across the University. Addressing the University Senate, she expressed deep appreciation for their sustained support, collaboration, and strategic guidance, emphasizing that the institution’s progress has been anchored in a shared commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and operational efficiency.
Prof. Ngumi presented a comprehensive overview during the End-of-Year Breakfast Meeting held at SAJOREC on 11 December 2025, outlining the key milestones, achievements, and strategic advancements that have shaped JKUAT’s trajectory under her leadership.
She underscored the importance of the synergy between the Senate and University Management, stressing that the collaborative spirit has been central to advancing policy decisions, strengthening governance processes, and driving institutional growth.
Since the start of her tenure in 2018, Prof. Ngumi highlighted numerous achievements that have significantly enhanced JKUAT’s academic standing, and global visibility.
Governance
The Vice Chancellor emphasized that University Management has remained committed to improving performance through initiatives such as performance contracting and the launch of the Strategic Plan (2023–2027). She highlighted that these frameworks have strengthened accountability, and positioned the University to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
Prof. Ngumi also pointed to JKUAT’s excellent performance in the 2024/2025 National Values and Principles of Governance assessment. She cited the development of 20 new policies and governance training for senior management as key strides that have reinforced compliance and strengthened institutional governance.
Academic Affairs
Under Prof. Ngumi’s robust leadership, JKUAT has maintained its position as one of the most preferred institutions of higher learning, reflected in consistently high admission numbers each year. Prof. Ngumi reported a steady increase in student admissions, from approximately 9,854 in 2018 to 11,003 in 2025, underscoring the University’s continued attractiveness and competitiveness.
She also highlighted the consistent enrolment in Self-Sponsored and Postgraduate programmes and encouraged Senate members to continue efforts to boost numbers in these key segments.
The Vice Chancellor underscored the University’s broader impact, noting that JKUAT has produced approximately 62,000 quality graduates to date. She emphasized that ongoing programme reviews, new curriculum approvals, and alignment with emerging industry needs have strengthened the University’s capacity to deliver high-quality, market-responsive education. Coupled with programme accreditations, including those under the Washington Accord, these efforts have enhanced the global competitiveness of JKUAT’s academic offerings and reinforced the institution’s commitment to internationally benchmarked standards.
Regarding preparations for the rollout of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) in 2029, Prof. Ngumi reported that staff have undergone training to ensure effective implementation, aligning teaching and assessment with industry standards and enhancing programme quality.
She also highlighted advancements in the University’s digital infrastructure, including the Learning Management System, online student application platform, and student clearance module, which have streamlined academic processes and improved service delivery for both students and staff.
Infrastructure Projects
As the University continues to grow, Prof. Ngumi emphasized the increasing need for additional lecture halls, noting that the College of Human Resource Development building has been completed while the College of Engineering and Technology building is nearing completion. Other recently completed projects include the establishment of the JHUB-Africa Innovation Hub and the extension of the Agriculture Laboratory Building among others, all designed to enhance teaching, research, and innovation capacity.
She further revealed that plans are underway to upgrade the Institute of Biotechnology Research with additional equipment, renovate the Human Anatomy Lab, establish a Robotic Laboratory, and install CCTV cameras across campus, strengthening both learning facilities and campus security.
On the student accommodation front, the Vice Chancellor informed the Senate that JKUAT had already broken ground for the construction of two new hostel blocks with a combined capacity of 1,680 students under the Affordable Housing Project, fully funded by the Government of Kenya.
Partnerships and Internationalization
Highlighting JKUAT’s commitment to expanding its global reach, Prof. Ngumi shared that the University has established collaborations with institutions across, Europe, Asia, Americas and Africa. These partnerships, she noted, were fostering academic exchange, joint research, and knowledge sharing, further enhancing the University’s international profile.
She added that such collaborations have been instrumental in upskilling staff and students, creating synergies that strengthen academic excellence and innovation. Prof. Ngumi emphasized the importance of expanding partnerships in areas that enhance research, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives.
During her tenure, efforts have also been made to expand partnerships in environmental conservation. Notably, JKUAT has collaborated with organizations including the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and Safaricom to plant over 70,000 trees under the National Tree Growing Initiative, promoting sustainability and community engagement.
In line with its commitment to local communities, the University has undertaken CSR initiatives, including donating supplies and foodstuffs to host community, supplying wheelchairs to people with disabilities, extension services in several counties and supporting needy students.
Way Forward
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged that while the University has grown in leaps and bounds, it continues to face challenges that require strategic interventions to ensure sustained progress and institutional resilience. Prof. Ngumi emphasized the importance of strengthening institutional systems, enhancing academic and research excellence, and expanding partnerships to drive long-term growth and impact.
Prof. Ngumi concluded her presentation with strong call for Senators to continue championing leadership excellence. JKUAT, she noted was well-positioned to countervail existing challenges, seize new opportunities, and continue producing the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.
