Prof. Egara Kabaji Inaugurated as Chancellor of Mount Kigali University, Rwanda
Mount Kigali University (MKU Rwanda) marked a historic milestone with the installation of renowned Kenyan scholar, Professor Egara Kabaji, as its new Chancellor during a colorful ceremony held at the Kigali Paramount Hotel. The event ushered in a new era for the university —one focused on elevating its global academic standing through research, writing, and innovation.
Prof. Kabaji is a distinguished literary scholar, author, and educationist whose career spans over three decades. He has previously served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in Kenya and is celebrated for his contributions to African literature, communication, and higher education. With over 52 published books and numerous scholarly articles, he has become a leading advocate for African scholarship and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
He 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, and a Bachelor of Education (English and Literature) from Kenyatta University.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Kabaji described the moment as both historic and transformative, urging African universities to reimagine their roles in shaping the continent’s future.
“This moment is not just personal; it is historic. It signifies our collective commitment to the future of African scholarship and the advancement of knowledge rooted in our own soil,” he said.
He envisioned Mount Kigali University as more than a place of instruction a “hotspot for the generation of ideas, a laboratory of thought, and a crucible for innovation.”
Prof. Kabaji emphasized the urgent need for Africa to play a greater role in global knowledge production, noting that less than 3% of global scientific publications originate from Africa. To address this, he pledged to foster a strong research and publication culture within the university.
As an immediate step, he announced a personal donation of 22 million Rwandan francs to establish two internationally indexed academic journals — one in humanities and social sciences and another in science, technology, and innovation. The fund will also support the creation of the Mount Kigali University Press, which he described as “the intellectual engine of a university.”
Additionally, he donated copies of all his 52 books to the university library, underscoring the importance of accessible knowledge.
“Let us write. Let us research. Let us publish. Let us dream. Let us make Mount Kigali University a lighthouse of knowledge shining from the heart of Kigali to the rest of the world,” he concluded, drawing warm applause.
Dr. Innocent Mugisha, Chairman of the University Governing Body, described the installation as “a defining milestone in the evolution of Mount Kigali University.” He praised Prof. Kabaji’s exemplary record in scholarship, mentorship, and leadership, noting that it uniquely positions him to guide the university toward intellectual excellence. Dr. Mugisha reaffirmed the Governing Body’s commitment to uphold academic freedom, ensure accountability, and provide strategic oversight.
Delivering his address, Professor Simon Gicharu, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mount Kigali University and Mount Kenya University, hailed the ceremony as a turning point in MKU Rwanda’s journey.
“This is not an ordinary event,” he said. “Prof. Egara Kabaji is a renowned scholar, celebrated author, and respected academic leader. His appointment speaks volumes about his integrity, capacity, and contribution. His influence has extended beyond borders — into classrooms, leadership forums, literary circles, and academic spaces across the continent and beyond.”
Prof. Gicharu noted that Prof. Kabaji’s appointment embodies the Pan-African spirit captured in Kwame Nkrumah’s words: “We face neither East nor West. We face forward.”
He lauded the event’s theme, “Promoting Scholarly Writing for University Posterity,” as both timely and visionary, particularly as African universities seek to decolonize curricula and assert intellectual sovereignty.
“Within the context of higher education, a Chancellor is more than a leader — he is the guardian of the institution’s vision, the torchbearer of academic integrity, and the moral conscience of the university,” he said. “Prof. Kabaji’s passion for writing, publishing, and mentorship gives our university a clear compass and a mission that is second to none.”
Mount Kigali University’s Ongoing Transformation
In recent years, Mount Kigali University has undergone a remarkable transformation, powered by strategic investments, stakeholder trust, and visionary governance. Key developments include:
Eight-Floor Tuition Block: Expanding lecture spaces, laboratories, and teaching infrastructure.
New Administration Block: Enhancing service delivery through modernized operations.
Modern Student Hostels: Providing safe, clean, and student-friendly accommodation.
Kigali Paramount Hotel: A hospitality training facility integrating classroom learning with industry practice.
University Medical Centre: Offering essential healthcare and serving as a training hub for health sciences.
Royal FM: A student-led media platform promoting journalism, public discourse, and creativity.
University Gardens and Green Spaces: Encouraging wellness, environmental stewardship, and reflective learning.
Water Reservoir & Wastewater Treatment Facility: Promoting sustainability within the campus.
The university continues to align its programs with Rwanda’s national development agenda, embedding competency-based education across health sciences, business, education, and technology.
It also champions community empowerment through partnerships such as the Imbuto Foundation, initiatives in early childhood education, medical outreach, and education sponsorships for vulnerable populations.
Looking Ahead
Under Prof. Kabaji’s leadership, Mount Kigali University aims to:
Scale up Master’s and PhD programs.
Establish Centers of Excellence in entrepreneurship, climate action, and digital innovation.
Host Pan-African research conferences.
Strengthen South–South academic collaborations.
Promote a robust culture of scholarly writing and African authorship.
“With Prof. Kabaji at the helm, we see the future with greater confidence,” said Prof. Gicharu. “We do not aspire to be the biggest, but to be the most impactful. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish him success as he steers Mount Kigali University into a new chapter as a student-centric institution that attracts both local and international scholars.”
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