By Dorothy Musyoka
Kenyatta University has bid a heartfelt farewell to Vice-Chancellor Prof. Paul K. Wainaina through a documentary that captures a defining era of leadership marked by ambition, resilience and purposeful transformation.
Universities do not progress quietly; they evolve in the public space through bold vision, collective effort and steadfast leadership.
Prof. Wainaina’s tenure at Kenyatta University reflects this truth, having steered the institution through periods of challenge while laying firm foundations for growth, innovation, and academic excellence.
The documentary chronicles key milestones achieved during his leadership, highlighting institutional reforms, infrastructure development, strengthened governance and an unwavering commitment to quality education and research.
It also reflects on the resilience required to navigate complex transitions and the resolve to keep the university focused on its core mandate of teaching, research and community service.
At the heart of the tribute is Prof. Wainaina’s enduring philosophy of leadership and perseverance.
“Failure is not the end it is a foundation for growth. Meet obstacles with courage, resilience, and renewed determination,” he noted.
Colleagues, students, and alumni featured in the documentary speak to his hands-on leadership style, emphasis on accountability and belief in the power of teamwork.
In her tribute, Prof. Clara Momanyi, Chairperson of the University Council, summed up Prof. Paul K. Wainaina in three unforgettable traits:
“A principled man who never wavered. Courageous ready to confront any external challenge. Decisive always choosing what was best for Kenyatta University, even when it was hard,” noted Prof. Momanyi.
Under his stewardship, Kenyatta University strengthened its institutional identity, expanded academic programmes, and reinforced its role as a leading centre of learning and innovation in the region.
During his tenure the institution achieved:
- The establishment of Kenyatta University Model School.
- The establishment of partnership with starkey hearing technologies.
99,668 students graduated at different categories.
- 1,132 Doctorates
- 8,710 Masters
- 634 Post Graduate Diplomas
- 76,908 Bachelors
- 8,943 Diplomas
- 3,339 Certificates
“No farewell could be more fitting than this interdenominational service honouring Prof. Paul Wainaina. It mirrors what Kenya truly needs: peace in the face of challenges, solutions over division, and unity over conflict just as our VC has lived and led. Grateful for this powerful reminder,”remarked Ambassador Dr. Francis K. Muthaura,University Chancellor.
As Kenyatta University turns a new page, the farewell documentary stands as both a tribute and a record of a transformative chapter in the institution’s history. It celebrates a Vice-Chancellor whose leadership reaffirmed that progress is built through resilience, purpose and the courage to confront challenges head-on.