Administrative Experience – Washington Okeyo

Vice-Chancellor (March 2019 to August 2025)

Selected Achievements as Vice-Chancellor (2019-2025)

1. Attainment of University Charter (2024)

Led MUA to successfully attain its Charter status, significantly enhancing the university’s credibility, autonomy, and brand visibility nationally and

2. Strategic Growth in Student Enrollment

Oversaw consistent student enrollment growth, including a 30% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, despite sector-wide financial constraints leading to overall growth from 2,500 in 2019 to 10,000 in 2025

3. Academic Programme Expansion

Introduced and secured CUE approval for over 30 new academic programmes, including in emerging fields like BBIT and Environmental

4. Research and Innovation Leadership

Initiated an annual Innovation Week and Climate Summit; guided the development of MUA’s first Artificial Intelligence Policy and supported faculty research publications and conference participation.

5. Digital Transformation

Championed the expansion of digital learning infrastructure, resulting in improved delivery of online and blended programmes, especially post-

6. Global Partnerships and Internationalization

Fostered strategic collaborations with institutions in India, Rwanda, Ghana, Japan, and the USA increased international image, student recruitment and exchange opportunities.

7. Enhanced Marketing and Public Relations

Launched multi-platform marketing campaigns leading to record-breaking May 2025 intake; enhanced the university’s media presence via TV, radio, and digital platforms.

8. Infrastructure Development Initiatives

Initiated the proposal and planning for a new seven-floor academic block at the South C Campus to support growth in student population and programme offerings.

9. Resource Mobilization and Grants

Secured over $100,000 grant from the Education Collaborative and other sources and initiated a grants office to support ongoing funding proposals and partnerships.

10. Staff Development and Institutional Culture

Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor `(March 2016 to 2025)`

1. Prolific Research and Publications

Authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic management, particularly emphasizing Small and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises (SMMEs) in Kenya.

2. Leadership in Academic Administration

Advanced from Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics, Research, and Extension) to Vice-Chancellor at MUA, showcasing his leadership in academic and institutional governance.

3. Establishment of the Neuro-Management Center

Spearheaded the launch of the Neuro-Management Center at Poornaprajna Management Institute in Udupi, India in May 2025, promoting interdisciplinary research in neuroscience and management.

4. International and Regional Academic Collaborations

Signed Memorandums of Understanding several international institutions including in USA – University of IOWA, Canada – University of Niagara Falls, Japan – Toyo University, Osaka Jogakuin University, Ghana – Kwame Nkurumah University of Science and Technology, University of Ghana, Ghana Communications Technology University, Ashesi University, India – Poornaprajna Institute of Management and many others to facilitate student and staff exchanges, enhancing global academic partnerships.

5. Industry-Academia Partnerships

Led the signing of several MOUs including with the Kenya Meat Commission in December 2024 to develop a beef cattle feedlot farming partnership, bridging academic research with industry needs and Poornaprajna Management Institute in Udupi, India

6. Curriculum Development and Teaching

Designed and delivered courses in leadership, statistics, Research methods, entrepreneurship and innovation, integrating practical insights to prepare students for real-world challenges.

7. Mentorship and Student Supervision

Supervised 30+ masters and 10+ PhD postgraduate research projects, guiding students in exploring topics related to innovation strategies and organizational performance.

8. Consultancy for International Organizations

Provided consultancy services to organizations such as UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, Oxfam, CHF International, and USAID among others, applying academic expertise to address global development challenges.

9. Public Engagement and Thought Leadership

Participated in media discussions, including live interviews on KBC prime time news, KTN, Citizen TV, NTV, K24, TV47 and others addressing topics on university preparedness, innovation, and entrepreneurship and other educational matters.

10. Recognition in Academic Circles

Acknowledged for his extensive research and publications in esteemed journals, contributing significantly to the fields of management and leadership.

Associate Professor `(1st January 2021 to February 2025)`

Teaching and Curriculum Development

Designing and delivering lectures, seminars, and labs. Developing course materials, updating syllabus, and employing effective teaching methodologies. Designed and taught research methods, statistics, entrepreneurship and leadership programmes up to PhD
Research and Scholarship

Conducting original research, publishing in peer- reviewed journals, presenting at conferences, and contributing to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Conducted research, presented in conferences and published over 30 journal articles in peer reviewed journals since becoming Associate Professor
Student Mentorship and Advising- Advising and mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, assisting with academic progress, and guiding students in research projects and career development. Started a student mentorship programme where students choose faculty as mentors and supervised more than 20 masters and several PhD students to completion
Grant Writing and Fundraising: Securing research funding through grant applications, working with university research offices, and collaborating on funded projects with colleagues and external institutions. For example won a number of grants from Education Collaborative, Mastercard Foundation to attend and present in conferences in Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, Switzerland
Curriculum and Program Development- Contributing to the development of new academic programs, curriculum revisions, and interdisciplinary initiatives that align with institutional goals. Participated in and developed and reviewed programmes for masters and PhD Followed up with Commission for University Education for approval of new and reviewed programmes like BED, BBIT, PhDBA,
Committee Service and Governance –Serving on departmental, faculty, and university committees, participating in governance, and contributing to the strategic planning of the institution. Member/Secretary of University Governing Council, Chairman of Senate and University Management Boards and participated in School board, Deans Committee and Board of Examiners and other committees like quality assurance, graduation, Library, finance, marketing and others. Presided over strategic planning committees
Community Engagement and Outreach– Building relationships with industry, government, or community organizations; participating in outreach programs, and representing the university in community initiatives. Established relationships with the regulator (CUE), Kenya Universities & Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Kajiado County (Government), Kwale County (Government), Kitengela Municipality and others
Peer Review and Editorial Work– Reviewing research papers, serving on editorial boards, or contributing as a peer reviewer for academic journals to maintain the quality of scholarly work in the Chief Editor of International Journal of Management and Leadership Journal (IJMLS), reviewed several research papers and journal articles
Professional Development- Staying current with developments in their field, attending conferences, workshops, and training, and contributing to the development of educational and research practices. Have attended several conferences and workshops local and internally such as CEIL Summit (Mombasa), ICPAK Board Audit Committee Training (Mombasa), Mowngozo Induction programme for Boards (Naivasha), ISO 9001:2015 Implementation Training (Nairobi), Pedagogy and Andragogy Training (Nairobi), Effective Research Supervision Training (Nairobi), Effective Customer Care training (Nairobi), Succession Planning (Mombasa)
Administrative and Leadership Roles-Managing administrative responsibilities such as coordinating academic programs, advising student organizations, or leading research centers, as well as supervising adjunct faculty and teaching assistants. In charge of all administrative and leadership functions of the University, PhD Coordinator, organising symposia, trainings for faculty, addressing faculty orientations, and other

The Management University of Africa Senior Lecturer and Ph.D. Coordinator (March 2016 to August 2017

Curriculum Development: Led the development and review of three undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes in line with Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines.
Research Output: Published 8 peer-reviewed articles in respected journals focusing on leadership, innovation, and education policy.
Postgraduate Supervision: Supervised 12 master’s theses and 2 doctoral dissertations to successful completion.
Academic Conferences: Presented papers at international and regional conferences in Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, enhancing MUA’s scholarly
Grant Writing: Co-developed a successful internal research proposal that secured KES 4,000,000 for a faculty-led study on digital pedagogy.
Faculty Mentorship: Mentored junior faculty on pedagogy, academic publishing, and professional development.
Community Outreach: Coordinated school engagement programs, including mentorship and career talks in Nairobi and surrounding counties.
Quality Assurance: Served on the MUA Quality Assurance Committee, contributing to successful departmental audits and compliance.
E-Learning Innovation: Piloted blended teaching strategies using Moodle and Google Classroom, laying groundwork for digital transition during COVID-19.
Departmental Leadership: Acted as Head of Department for Leadership and Management Studies, overseeing academic operations, staff evaluations, and
Promoted inclusive leadership, staff capacity-building, and welfare through structured professional development and support for the MUA Staff Welfare Association

The Management University of Africa Part-time Senior Lecturer (Jan 2015 to February 2016)

Responsibilities & Achievements

1. Lecturing (evening) in Entrepreneurship, Business Statistics, Quantitative analysis, and research methods – Teaching two Units:
  MML 5203 – Entrepreneurial Management and Leadership
  MML 5102 – Statistical Decision Analysis
  MBA 505 – Quantitative Techniques

1. Developing lecture materials, administering lectures, assignments, CATs and University Examinations Achievements:

1. Successfully taught and examined all assigned units Supervised and graduated 4 masters students

University of Nairobi, School of Business Part-time Lecturer (2011 – December 2014)