The Board of Trustees

The University Council

The Management Board

The University Senate

Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni present

Chancellors and Vice Chancellors from other Universities present

Family and Friends

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good Morning.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this installation ceremony of the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor. This is undoubtedly a unique event, marking a significant milestone in the United States International University-Africa’s history and demonstrating the importance of leadership transition.

I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled by the trust that you have placed in me to be the Chancellor of this great institution, a truly pan-African one that draws its strength from the diversity, talent, and ambition of students across the continent. This university is a beacon of hope and a cradle of possibility, where minds are enriched, futures are shaped, and leadership is cultivated.

Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees, the University Council, and the broader academic community for entrusting me with this solemn responsibility, which I humbly accept and pledge to uphold with integrity, dedication and vision.

I congratulate Professor Mwenda on his installation as Vice Chancellor. His vision and leadership will undoubtedly elevate this institution to greater heights. Together, he and I step into a new chapter, committed to advancing a shared mission rooted in excellence, innovation, and integrity.

I also extend my sincere appreciation to my predecessor, Dr. Manu Chandaria—a towering figure of wisdom, enterprise, and generosity. Dr. Chandaria has been involved with this university with distinction for over two decades and leaves a legacy that is an inspiration to all of us. His contribution to the development of USIU-Africa is immense and includes the Chandaria School of Business, a true center of excellence. Dr. Chandaria has mentored many students, with whom he enjoyed learning and spending time with, and has transformed the lives of many young men and women across the world through his philanthropic work. Dr. Chandaria I thank you very much for all that you have done for us as a community.

Ladies and Gentlemen

As you are aware, USIU-Africa has been going through a leadership transition for a period of 5 years and despite the journey having had its challenges, I am glad to say that we have come through it stronger and better. We are grateful to our stakeholders who have stood with us during this season and provided the much-needed support. We are also grateful to the men and women who have led us over the past couple of years. Their leadership has not only reaffirmed our commitment to our stakeholders but also cemented our standing as a leading University in the region.

Ladies and Gentlemen

USIU-Africa is moving into emerging fields, such as Sustainability and ESG. This represents a bold response to the most urgent challenges of our time—climate change, environmental degradation, ethical governance, and social equity. Our offering will not only equip our students with critical knowledge but also instill a sense of responsibility in them to lead Africa and the world towards a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future.

This milestone for our students also marks a moment of reflection and renewal for our university. As we move to implement our new strategic plan, we reaffirm our core belief: that universities must go beyond disseminating knowledge. In today’s complex, fast-changing world, our role is to nurture critical thinkers—individuals who are adaptive, ethically grounded, and equipped for lifelong learning.

Ladies and Gentlemen

I have long believed that Universities must move beyond the traditional model of simply dispensing knowledge. In a world where information is now ubiquitous and freely accessible, the true mission of a university must be to shape minds capable of independent thought, swift adaptation, and ethical leadership. In this era, learning how to learn is more important than memorizing facts.

The digital age, powered by rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence, presents both opportunity and urgency. While AI transforms how we live and work, it also reminds us of what machines cannot replicate: human judgment, emotional intelligence, ethical reasoning, and purposeful leadership. Our mission is to empower students with these enduring human values—those that will distinguish the leaders of tomorrow.

As we step into the future together, it is clear that transformational leadership must underpin everything that we do. This type of leadership requires vision, adaptability, courage and a deep commitment to the empowerment of others. It is the kind that embraces innovation, catalyzes institutional change and fosters a culture of continuous learning and service. I look forward to contributing towards developing a leadership culture that is proactive, inclusive and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our community and the world. It means leading not just by vision, but by example—inspiring students to dream boldly, embrace change, and drive innovation that uplifts communities and nations. It means fostering courage, creativity, and compassion.

And in our context—here in Kenya, and across the African continent—education must be both practical and transformative. We face real, pressing issues: youth unemployment, food insecurity, public health challenges, and environmental risks. Our graduates must not only understand these problems but be equipped to solve them, thus linking academic research with the everyday realities of our people.

We must also acknowledge the widening gap between traditional education and the modern world of work. The future demands agility. Through industry partnerships, micro-credentials, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship, we will bridge this gap, ensuring that our students do not just find jobs but create them, lead in them, and transform them.

Ladies and Gentlemen

USIU-Africa already has a strong foundation upon which we can build. Our Innovation and Incubation Center and our Flagship Design Your Future Integrated Innovation Pipeline Program are powerful platforms through which student ideas are nurtured and transformed into impactful ventures. These initiatives will be scaled further and linked more deeply with our academic programs, ensuring that innovation is not an extracurricular activity but a core feature of the USIU-Africa experience.

In our pursuit of holistic excellence, we cannot overlook the role of sports. Sports shape resilience, teamwork, discipline, and leadership. It builds character and community. As we pursue academic brilliance, let us equally nurture body and spirit-creating a vibrant, well-rounded USIU-Africa student experience.

Graduating from USIU-Africa is not the end of the student learning journey, but a powerful new beginning. I pledge to leverage my networks across Kenya and beyond to support their continued growth and success. The world is waiting for them—not just to participate in it, but to shape it.

To our Faculty, you are the heart of our academic excellence. Your knowledge and mentorship transform lives.

To our Students, you are the reason we exist. Your curiosity, creativity and aspirations inspire us every day.

To our Staff, your dedication and care ensure the University thrives.

To our Alumni and partners, your loyalty sustains our mission and your example in the high-profile roles that you hold, reminds us of the lasting impact of our work.

Let us together move forward—guided by values, inspired by purpose, and united in our commitment to education that transforms lives and societies.

Thank you.