Newly appointed University of Nairobi Chancellor Prof Patrick V. Verkooijen is set to make his inaugural visit to the faculties and different campuses of the institution.
Prof Verkooijen will start his four-day tour of UoN's faculties and campuses from Monday till Thursday, February 1.
"This week, Our Chancellor, Prof Patrick V. Verkooijen will be making an inaugural visit to the University of Nairobi Faculties and Campuses. Karibu Chancellor," UoN said on their social media page.
Prof Verkooijen was appointed as the new UoN Chancellor by President William Ruto on January 12 to replace Professor Amukowa Anangwe who was the Acting Chancellor.
Prof Verkooijen will serve in his new capacity for the next five years.
“It is an extraordinary honour to be appointed by the President to join the University of Nairobi as Chancellor. I am acutely aware of the burden of responsibility this seat carries with it," Prof Verkooijen said upon his appointment.
"The University is an academic powerhouse, a glittering thread in the tapestry of Kenyan society."
Anangwe while congratulating the new Chancellor said Prof Verkooijen will take the institution to the next level.
“It is great to have Professor Patrick Verkooijen as the new Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. He brings on board solid experience that should take the university to the next level in its quest to become a world-class institution," Anangwe said.
UoN Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama said he looks forward to working with the new Chancellor to make the institution globally competitive to meet the demands of the new age
"The University is privileged to have a person of his stature as the head of the institution," Prof Kiama said.
Before he was appointed Chancellor, Prof Verkooijen served as the Distinguished Chair of The Wangari Maathai Institute for Peace and Environmental Studies by the University of Nairobi.
He was appointed to this role in September 2022.
Prof Verkooijen is also the CEO of the Global Centre on Adaptation, and the Ban Ki-moon Chair on Climate Adaptation Governance at the University of Groningen.
He previously served as the World Bank Group Special Representative on Climate Change.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering, a Master of Science in Philosophy and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sustainable Development Diplomacy.
He also holds a Master of Public Affairs, International Negotiations, as well as a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa, of the University of Nairobi in recognition of his long career and achievements in championing climate action globally and shaping bold action at scale in Africa.