Featured: Mount Kigali University to formally install first Chancellor

Mount Kigali University will officially inaugurate Prof Egara Kabaji as its first Chancellor on October 10, 2025. His appointment marks a significant milestone in the university’s sustained pursuit of academic excellence and global recognition. “As a community, we are excited to inaugurate our first chancellor,” says Vice-Chancellor, Dr Martin Kimemia, adding that this marks a new chapter for the growing university. Dr Kimemia says Prof Kabaji’s appointment has given the university fresh impetus to aspire to new heights of success. “Prof Kabaji is a highly respected scholar under whose leadership the university will, undoubtedly, soar nationally and globally,” he explains. As Chancellor, Prof Kabaji will be a key ambassador and advocate for the university, not just nationally, but globally. He is expected to forge partnerships that raise the visibility and support for the university. This will enable the institution to impeccably execute its mission of teaching, learning, scholarship, and service to the nation and the world. Widely recognised for his contributions to literature, cultural studies, and academic leadership, Prof Kabaji brings a wealth of experience and vision to Mount Kigali University. His distinguished career reflects a deep commitment to education, creativity, and leadership across Africa’s higher education landscape. In his role as Chancellor, Prof Kabaji will also serve as a patron of creative writing, to foster collaboration with other institutions and organisations, towards promoting literary excellence and innovation. Mount Kigali University is on a mission to make Rwandan learners recognised on the global stage, a goal that Prof Kabaji reaffirmed during Mount Kenya University’s (MKU) 27th Graduation Ceremony on August 8. This event was also celebrated at the Mount Kigali University campus in Kicukiro District. During the event, the newly appointed Chancellor pledged to work closely with the University Governing Council and the Vice-Chancellor to advance this vision. “This will be achieved through strengthening regional engagement, fostering academic rigour, and cultivating global partnerships,” he said. In his address, Prof Kabaji reflected on Mount Kigali University’s remarkable transformation from a campus of MKU in Kenya into a fully-fledged, autonomous institution. He paid tribute to the Higher Education Council (HEC) and the Ministry of Education for their structured guidance and unwavering support throughout this journey. “Rwanda has demonstrated its capacity to host and sustain world-class institutions of higher learning,” Prof Kabaji affirmed. “Mount Kigali University is poised to live out its national calling as a university shaped by Rwanda for Rwanda and respected around the globe.” Prof Kabaji holds a PhD in Folk Media and Communication from the University of South Africa (UNISA), an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from Kenyatta University, and a Bachelor of Education in Literature and English from the same institution. His wealth of knowledge, administrative experience, and passion for scholarship make him exceptionally well-suited to lead Mount Kigali University into its next phase of growth and transformation.

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Featured: Mount Kigali University to formally install first Chancellor