Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Nairobi, Kenya

The Board of Trustees of United States International University - Africa (USIU-Africa) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ambassador Dennis Awori as the Chancellor effective April 10, 2025 for a period of five years. This appointment marks a significant milestone in USIU-Africa’s journey, and we are honored to have Ambassador Dennis Awori take on this esteemed role as he helps to guide the university in expanding its impact in higher education in Kenya, on the African continent, and beyond.

Ambassador Dennis Awori is a distinguished leader, seasoned diplomat, and accomplished business executive, with extensive experience across multiple sectors, including mobility, healthcare, renewable energy, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, banking, and technical education. His dynamic career spans four decades, prominently across East Africa and the broader African continent, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to innovation, strategic leadership, and sustainable growth.

Ambassador Awori is currently the Chairman and Country Delegate of CFAO Mobility Kenya Limited and CFAO Kenya Limited and Executive Director of CFAO SAS (Paris), subsidiaries of Toyota Tsusho Corporation of Japan. The CFAO Group has extensive operations across all 54 African countries, in the key business domains of mobility, healthcare, consumer goods, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure. A highly respected diplomat, he served as Kenyan Ambassador to Japan 2004-2009. During his ambassadorial tenure he spearheaded the establishment of the Kenyan Embassy in Korea, building strong relationships between Kenya and both Korea and Japan.

Ambassador Awori earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Manchester, followed by Management Development Courses at Ashridge University in the United Kingdom and Emory Business College in the United States of America.

Ambassador Awori has consistently demonstrated deep engagement with educational advancement. He chaired the Governing Council of the Kenya Technical Trainers College (KTTC) as it evolved into the Kenya School of Technical, Industrial, Vocational, and Entrepreneurship Training (TIVET) and was instrumental in launching the Toyota Kenya Foundation, the Toyota Kenya Academy, and the David Wambuli Technical Training College. These institutions significantly advanced technical education and vocational training across Kenya, aligning with his commitment to empowering Africa’s youth through quality education and skills development.

A passionate advocate for community service, Ambassador Awori has held prominent roles in numerous civic organizations, including as President of the Rotary Club of Nairobi East, President of the Nairobi Club, and Chairman of both the Kenya and Uganda Rugby Unions in consecutive terms. His active engagement in these roles underscores his deep-seated belief in community impact and corporate social responsibility.

As USIU-Africa welcomes Chancellor Awori, it also wishes to appreciate and honor the outgoing Chancellor, Dr. Manu Chandaria, whose leadership, support and commitment to USIU-Africa set a standard worthy of emulation. His dedicated service, over more than two decades, includes roles as a member of the Board of Trustees, Chair - Board of Trustees and as Chancellor.

During his time as a member of the Board of Trustees, he was instrumental in endowing the Chandaria School of Business among other notable achievements. USIU-Africa is deeply indebted to Dr. Chandaria and we look forward to honoring his contributions in the very near future.

Signed
Professor Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran
Chair, Board of Trustees
USIU-Africa