Literary Luminary, MMUST’s Prof. Egara Kabaji Appointed Chancellor of Mount Kigali University
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) proudly celebrates one of its own Prof. Egara Kabaji, a scholar and literary luminary, following his appointment as the First Chancellor of Mount Kigali University in Rwanda. Prof. Kabaji, a distinguished Professor of Literary Communication and former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation) at MMUST, now joins the ranks of top African scholars entrusted with steering higher learning institutions towards academic excellence and global relevance.
Mount Kigali University stands as a premier center of teaching, research, and academic excellence located in Kigali, Rwanda. Established in 2010 as a campus of Mount Kenya University. In April 2023, it evolved into an independent, fully accredited institution, recognized by the Rwanda Higher Education Council under the Ministry of Education.
The appointment of Prof. Kabaji was announced by Chairperson of Mount Kigali University Governing Council- Prof. Simon Gicharu on 14th June 2025. Widely recognized for his deep intellect, cultural insights, and eloquence in African literature, Prof. Kabaji will assume his new role as Chancellor on August 1, 2025.
Prof. Egara Kabaji earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of South Africa (UNISA), marking the pinnacle of an illustrious academic journey. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), a Master of Arts degree, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Kenyatta University.
He is uniquely distinguished as the only professor of Literary Communication in Kenya, an evidence to his trailblazing work in the field. Prof. Kabaji has made significant contributions to knowledge through his scholarly journals, books, newspapers, television, and radio talks. His voice has been extensively documented in both academic and public spheres, where he writes passionately on literature, culture, and education.
Prof. Kabaji, deeply engrossed in a literary work.
Additionally, Prof. Kabaji is one of Kenya’s most celebrated authors of children’s literature, with over 30 published literary works. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship and has continued to influence thoughts through EGARA KABAJI TV and his YouTube channel which streams academic and research-based content.
With a career spanning decades in academia, literature, and University Administration, Prof. Kabaji has devoted his life to teaching, mentoring, and promoting intellectual dialogue across the globe. At MMUST, Prof. Egara Kabaji has held several pioneering leadership roles positioning him as a trailblazer in the institution’s history. He was the founding Principal of Turkana University College, a constituent college of MMUST, where he laid the groundwork for academic and institutional development. Prof. Kabaji was the first Chairperson of the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, where he championed the growth of media and communication studies. Similarly, Prof. Kabaji also became the inaugural Director of Public Communications and Publishing where he contributed to the University’s strategic communication frameworks. Indeed, Prof. Kabaji has been instrumental in advancing research culture, nurturing talent, and shaping policy frameworks that have propelled the university forward.
A section of Prof. Kabaji’s rich literary works.
In his remarks, Prof. Kabaji described the appointment as a great honor and a responsibility that extends beyond borders. “I am honored to take on this new role as Chancellor of Mount Kigali University. It is an international appointment that carries the weight of regional responsibility and global expectation. I look forward to not only serving Mount Kigali University but also to represent East Africa in the broader academic community. I am certain that through this new assignment, I will continue to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of higher education across the borders ,” Prof. Kabaji.
MMUST celebrates Prof. Kabaji’s achievement as a proud reflection of its growing regional influence and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. May your visionary leadership continue to inspire excellence across East Africa and the global academic community.
By Linet Owuor
