Change of Guard: SPU Welcomes New Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs

Monday 15 th July 2024 wasn’t an ordinary day at St. Paul’s University. The addition of a seasoned Educator and Economist, Prof. Abraham Waithima infused an aura of academic pursuit among the St. Paul’s Community. Prof. Waithima joins the university in the capacity of Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs.

Prof. Waithima has a wealth of experience in Education Management spanning over two decades. He has served in senior positions for various reputable institutions. Prior to joining St. Paul’s University, Prof. Waithima served as the Director, Daystar Leadership and Professional Development Institute (DLPDI). From 2018 to 2020, he was the Vice Chancellor at the University of Kigali in Rwanda where he provided exemplary leadership that saw the growth of the institution to greater heights. As the VC, he chaired the Senate, Management Board, Finance and Human Resource Sub-Committee and he was the Secretary to the University Council. His stint at the University of Kigali saw him restructure the Finance and Human Resource functions and formulate the University’s Strategic Plan (2020-2025) that is still is use to date.

Prof. Waithima has also consulted for numerous organizations of repute such as APHRC, USAID, Stafford International University in Juba, Australian Council for Education Research (ACER), TJRC/UNDP, FHI360, MESPT, Practical Action, Child Fund International, ChildFund Korea, GIZ, Compassion International, Inter University Council of East Africa among others. Furthermore, he serves in management boards for various organizations as outlined below:

  1. Board Representative - LOLC Microfinance Kenya Limited, Fusion Capital Africa
  2. Board Member – Vision Fund Kenya
  3. Board Member – University of Kigali Governing Body
  4. Vice Chairman - Private University Research Consortium of Kenya (PURCK)
  5. Board Member – Academic and Student Life Committee of council for AIU
  6. Board Member – CITAM Christian Education and Discipleship
  7. Board Member - Council for Starford International University College in Juba

As an astute scholar, Prof. Waithima has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, books and book chapters. He has also spearheaded the development of numerous curricula; and supervised over 100 masters as well as several PhD theses. We welcome Professor to our family and look forward to fruitful engagements with him.