The University Council in its meeting of December 19, 2025, appointed the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Finance, Planning and Administration, effective January 1, 2026, as follows:

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1.0 DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Prof. Otieno Kenneth, BEd (Hons), MEd, PhD

Professor Otieno Kenneth had been serving as an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) and he brings over 20 years of progressive experience in education, research, leadership, and institutional management. Prof. Otieno is a graduate of Kenyatta University where he attained his first two degrees; Bachelor of Education Arts (hons) and Master of Education. He later earned a PhD in Conflict Resolution and Management from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

Professor Otieno Kenneth previously served as Director of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kisumu City Campus (2015–2022), where he provided strategic leadership in academic administration, staff performance management, programme development, teaching practice coordination, and institutional planning.

Professor Otieno is widely recognized for his extensive work in refugee education and peacebuilding. He has consulted for organizations such as the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Windle Trust International Kenya, leading initiatives in teacher professional development, STEM mentorship, inclusion, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and play-based learning in Kakuma and Dadaab Refugee Camps. He possesses deep expertise in Kenya’s refugee education policies and has implemented donor-funded programmes supported by UNICEF and UNHCR.

Professor Otieno has played a central role in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) through MMUST and nationally in collaboration with the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). His contributions include the development of Primary Teacher Education (PTE) and Diploma Teacher Education (DTE) curricula, alongside several university degree programmes.

An accomplished scholar, Professor Otieno has published over 25 articles in refereed journals, supervised postgraduate students at Master’s and PhD levels, examined theses across Kenyan universities, and authored Oxford University Press textbooks used nationally. His research interests include teacher burnout, leadership behaviour, emotional intelligence, mental health, conflict resolution, and peace education.

Through this appointment, UEAB gains a leader with a rare blend of academic excellence, institutional leadership, refugee education expertise, and peacebuilding practice, thus positioning the University strongly for academic advancement, student success, regional impact, and international engagement.

We congratulate Prof. Otieno Kenneth and warmly welcome him to the UEAB community as we advance our commitment to academic excellence and student success.

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2.0 DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLOR FINANCE, PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

Prof. Hellen Mueni Ndiku, BBA, BSc., MSc. MPH, DrPH

Professor Hellen Mueni Ndiku had been serving as Associate Professor of Public Health Nutrition and Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton. Prof. Ndiku holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Public Health Nutrition, a Master of Public Health, a Master of Science in Foods and Nutrition, a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics, and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. This rare combination of health sciences expertise and business training uniquely positions her to provide strategic oversight in finance, planning, and administration.

Professor Ndiku is an accomplished academic leader, educator, and public health professional with over 30 years of experience spanning teaching, administration, financial management, and community engagement across primary, secondary, and university education.

Professor Ndiku has served twice as a School Dean, three times as a Head of Department c, and previously as Principal of Baraton International School. In addition, she has practical experience in financial administration, having worked as an accountant at the Central Kenya Conference of the SDA Church. She is also a registered nutritionist with the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) and has collaborated closely with government agencies and development partners.

A committed scholar and researcher, Prof. Ndiku’s work focuses on community nutrition, maternal and child health, and malnutrition mitigation. She has published widely in reputable international journals, authored a book on family nutrition, and successfully secured competitive research grants from the Nestle Foundation and the Federico Foundation. Her leadership of community-based projects reflects strong competencies in planning, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.

In her appointment as DVC–FPA, Professor Ndiku brings a distinguished blend of academic excellence, administrative competence, financial literacy, strategic planning ability, and a deep commitment to the mission and vision of UEAB. The University is confident that her leadership will significantly contribute to institutional governance, financial sustainability, and long-term growth.

UEAB congratulates Professor Ndiku on her appointment and looks forward to her continued service and leadership in advancing the University’s mission.