- Prof. Mutua received a warm welcome from the varsity council and Senate members.
- “I not only have an open door but also an open mind to issues."
Image: HANDOUT
Professor Benedict Mwavu Mutua has assumed the role of Vice Chancellor at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).
He is among the 13 Vice Chancellors appointed last month by Education CS Ezekiel Machogu.
According to a statement by Tuk, Prof. Mutua officially took office on Monday, September 18, 2023.
He was welcomed by the varsity council and Senate members.
Dr. Idle Farah, the council chairman, along with acting Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul Shiundu, led the delegation in extending their support and best wishes.
In a statement by Tuk, Prof. Mutua is considered a distinguished expert in water resources, hydraulics, and environmental engineering who is set to lead Tuk for the next five years, until 2028.
Prof. Mutua served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Planning, Partnerships, Research, and Innovation) at Kibabii University.
He holds a PhD in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering from BOKU University, Austria.
Mutua succeeds outgoing Vice-Chancellor Prof. Francis Aduol, who concluded his thirteen-year tenure on May 16, having served as both principal and Vice-Chancellor.
During the installation ceremony, Dr. Farah emphasised that while TUK has achieved success, it also faces challenges, underscoring the importance of dialogue and collaboration for the new Vice Chancellor's success.
“We must come up with a new strategic plan to align the university with the new regime,” Dr. Farah reiterated.
Prof. Mutua expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and vowed to approach his role with an open mind, advocating for teamwork and honesty.
"I am overjoyed to be here at the Technical University of Kenya, and I am grateful for your warm welcome," he said.
Prof. Mutua acknowledged the existing issues in public universities, affirming his commitment to finding solutions.
“I not only have an open door but also an open mind to issues,” he observed.
He also extended gratitude to Prof. Aduol for his contributions and expressed his intention to seek advice from him given his extensive institutional knowledge.
“With your help, we will make it. Prof. Aduol you have done a lot thank you. I will be consulting you because you have the memory of this institution. We need to put the University on greater heights and build on what the former Vice-Chancellor founded,” he said.