By Dr. Nathan Gitonga | UEAB Media
Baraton, Kenya
In a significant move to bolster its executive leadership, the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB) is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished scholars to the positions of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Following a resolution by the University Council on December 19, 2025, Prof. Kenneth Otieno and Prof. Hellen Mueni Ndiku have been appointed to lead the institution’s academic and administrative divisions, effective January 1, 2026.
The appointments are part of a broader leadership reorganization for the 2025–2030 quinquennium, recently inaugurated by the UEAB Board of Trustees and the University Council.
Prof. Kenneth Otieno: DVC Academic and Student Affairs
Prof. Kenneth Otieno joins UEAB as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs. An Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Prof. Otieno transitions from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST), where he previously served as Director of the Kisumu City Campus.
- Curriculum Innovation: Playing a central role in national Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) reforms and developing university-level degree programs.
- Global Impact: Extensive consultancy work with the UNHCR and UNICEF, focusing on refugee education and peacebuilding in the Kakuma and Dadaab camps.
- Scholarship: Publishing over 25 articles in refereed journals and authoring textbooks for Oxford University Press.
His expertise in mental health, psychosocial support, and institutional management is expected to greatly enhance the student experience and academic rigor at UEAB.
Prof. Hellen Mueni Ndiku, DVC Finance, Planning and Administration
Prof. Hellen Mueni Ndiku: DVC Finance, Planning and Administration
Appointed as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Finance, Planning and Administration, Prof. Hellen Mueni Ndiku brings a rare blend of academic excellence and business training to the role. She currently serves as an Associate Professor of Public Health Nutrition and was the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at UEAB.
- Multidisciplinary Background: Holding a Doctor of Public Health alongside a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting.
- Administrative Depth: Having served as a two-time Dean, three-time Department Chairperson, and former Principal of Baraton International School.
- Financial Literacy: Practical experience as an accountant at the Central Kenya Conference.
- Research Excellence: Securing competitive grants from the Nestle and Federico Foundations for community-based nutrition projects.
Prof. Ndiku’s unique combination of financial literacy and strategic planning ability positions her to effectively oversee the University’s governance and long-term sustainability.
A New Chapter for UEAB
These appointments follow the recent naming of the Board of Trustees, chaired by Dr. Samuel Misiani, and the University Council, chaired by Dr. Samuel Makori. Additionally, the University Management Board has appointed Dr. Jackson Ong’eta Oyaro as Acting Director of Quality Assurance and Dr. Antony Otinga Oteng’o as Acting Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences to ensure continuity during this transition.
The UEAB community warmly welcomes Prof. Otieno and Prof. Ndiku as they take up their mandates to drive the university toward a future of academic excellence and institutional growth.